Monsterfriendly

Monsterfriendly is a term used in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and fantasy settings to describe a community or environment where monsters are treated with tolerance, understanding, or even friendship rather than fear or hostility. This concept challenges traditional portrayals of monsters as inherently evil or dangerous, instead emphasizing coexistence, mutual respect, and the complexity of non-human beings.

The idea gained prominence through works like *Monster of the Week*, a 2016 tabletop role-playing game supplement for *Dungeons & Dragons* (D&D), which encouraged players to explore relationships between humans and monsters. It was later expanded into *Monster of the Week: Monsterfriendly*, a standalone supplement that provided guidelines for creating and managing monster-friendly societies. The concept has since been adopted in various TTRPGs, including *Pathfinder* and *Call of Cthulhu*, as well as in fiction, such as the *Monsterfriendly* podcast and the *Monsterfriendly* campaign setting for *D&D*.

A monsterfriendly society typically includes policies that protect monsters from discrimination, violence, or exploitation. This might involve legal protections, cultural acceptance, or even active advocacy for monster rights. Some settings depict monsters as integral members of human communities, contributing to society in roles like laborers, artists, or leaders. The philosophy also encourages players to explore the motivations and struggles of monsters, fostering empathy and nuanced storytelling.

Critics argue that monsterfriendly settings may downplay the inherent dangers or moral ambiguities of monsters, while supporters contend that it promotes inclusivity and challenges harmful stereotypes. The concept remains a point of discussion in gaming communities, reflecting broader debates about representation, ethics, and worldbuilding in fantasy media.