Classical notions of abiogenesis, now more precisely known as spontaneous generation, held that complex, living organisms are generated by decaying organic substances, e.g. that mice spontaneously appear in stored grain or maggots spontaneously appear in meat.

According to Aristotle it was a readily observable truth that aphids arise from the dew which falls on plants, fleas from putrid matter, mice from dirty hay, and so forth.

—Wikipedia: Abiogenesis: Spontaneous_Generation

Also see the Megadungeon mapping thread at DF.

So, humanoids & other monsters can be simply monsters lurking in the darkness.

As The Shaman puts it: “Goblins as elemental forces, born from stone and damp and darkness. Excellent.”

last updated 1 year ago #