Creatures and the Supernatural are Not the Same!

There are a vast number of creatures and supernatural beings in fantasy roleplays. Before we delve into some common examples of the two, we first must define what the difference is between these two categories (we know it seems obvious, but these terms are often used interchangeably when they’re actually completely different. Or, many people will place their characters under the incorrect category, often unintentionally).

Classifying Creatures

In roleplaying, creatures typically refer to non-human or non-humanoid entities that possess certain characteristics that ordinary humans do not have, such as fangs, tails, wings, or horns. Some are easy to categorize, especially if they resemble animals, but not all of them do. Creatures that look like humans but possess non-human characteristics are still creatures. These creatures can range from mythical beasts to even sci-fi related entities like aliens. Some common examples are Dragons, Unicorns, Werewolves, and Mermaids.  

If you’re still confused, here’s some basic criteria that classifies an entity as a creature:

1. It must be a living organism with a physical body and biological functions. In other words, the entity must have a body with cells, blood, and organs.

2. It must be tangible or physical. This means the entity must be seen, touchable, or interactable by others in the world.

3. It must possess non-human characteristics. In addition to the examples provided above, this also includes things like scales, claws, and fur.

Classifying Supernatural Beings

In roleplaying, supernatural beings are types of creatures that generally, but not always, possess human-like or humanoid characteristics, but with a twist. Unlike ordinary fantasy creatures, supernatural beings are often associated with mythology, religion, or folklore (the most common examples being Elves or Dwarves). Supernatural beings also possess extraordinary powers or abilities that are outside the realm of possibility in the real world, such as immortality or telekinesis. Some other examples of supernatural beings include Angels, Demons, and Ghosts. 

Let’s go over the criteria for this category (keep in mind that the entity only needs to possess one of these attributes in order to be supernatural):

1. It may possess extraorindary powers that aren’t limited to their biology or physical form. This includes the ability to manipulate time or regenerate fatal wounds.

2. It may exist outside the laws of physics. In other words, the entity may exist in different realms or dimensions.

3. It may be immaterial. This means the entity may not be seen, touched, or interacted with by in the world.

A Quick Summary

Generally, creatures possess abilities and characteristics that are within the bounds of what is considered natural or possible for their species. Alternatively, supernatural beings possess abilities or characteristics that go beyond what is considered normal or realistic. Unfortunately, there are a lot of disparities between the aforementioned classifications, so we’ve developed an FAQ that most likely represents some of your lingering questions. If you have any more, don’t hesitate to reach out to our author!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: If a creature possesses magical powers, does that make it a supernatural entity?
A: Yes! If a creature possesses magical powers, it is often considered a supernatural entity. "Supernatural" refers to phenomena or beings that are beyond the scope of what is considered natural or explainable by the laws of the physical world. Magical powers are often attributed to supernatural entities because they involve abilities that defy the usual rules of nature.

Q: Can an entity be both a creature and a supernatural being?
A: Yes! Entities like faeries are have a rich mythological presence, but are also physical/interactable creatures that possess non-human characteristics (i.e. wings, miniscule bodies, etc). They might also possess a range of extraordinary abilities as well, such as the ability to warp reality or transport to different dimensions. If so, they’d fall under both umbrellas. Of course, this can vary depending on the type of faerie and how they're depicted, but they’re typically considered both.

Q: If creatures and supernatural beings are different, why are they used interchangeably?
A: The boundary between creatures and supernatural entities isn’t very clear. Some creatures, like dragons or unicorns, may possess extraordinary abilities that could classify them as supernatural. Likewise, you could have supernatural beings like demons with physical bodies that could also classify them as creatures. These classifications will vary from person-to-person, as there is no official standard that defines and separates the two categories. The two terms could also be used interchangeably if players are designing their own creative entities with their own individualized powers. 

Q: So, why is it important to make the distinction between the two categories?
A: It’s really not all that important. This is just to help readers understand their differences, especially if they want their roleplay to be more authentic and believable. Roleplayers who intend to store their lore or describe the characters in their stories may find these classifications helpful. If your roleplay is more relaxed, and you’re not concerned with the nitty-gritty of character classification, you can completely disregard this matter altogether.