WotC revamps the monster book for DD5e

[bayonetbrant]

http://www.polygon.com/features/2016/10/19/13321200/dungeons-and-dragons-volos-guide-to-monsters-monster-manual-beholder-mind-flayer

They're redoing the "monster manual" as more of a travelogue / first-person 'field guide' to the monsters

Sounds interesting


There've been "Volo's Guide to..." for years, so it's not like this is a 'new' character.
http://rpggeek.com/rpgseries/2028/volos-guides

(not sure whether the Volo book was released first, or the original Poor Wizard's Almanac, but they're very similar in feel)

[Bison]

I'm looking forward to it and have a pre-order at the FLGS.  My real concern is that after the first read or two that 2/3 of the book becomes essentially useless beyond possible backstory.  And there are less than 100 new monsters, which is a bit disappointing given the price.

[Martok]

That...actually looks pretty interesting. 

[bbmike]

Reminds me of Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials.

[Double Deuce]

Looks interesting. I really miss the 'fluff' that was in the older version monster manuals.

[Bison]

Well the new book goes on sale tomorrow, but I have to make a decision first.  The FLGS only orders the hobby shop exclusive cover, so if I want it tomorrow I'll need to get that one otherwise they'll order me the regular cover.  They let me peruse the book today and the alternative are is pretty cool, but it would stand out from all of the others.  I like order on my RPG bookshelf.

Hobby Shop Exclusive:


Normal Cover:

[Martok]

Odd as this sounds, I actually like the normal cover more.  Still, the other one is quite distinctive. 

[Bison]

Well I picked up the collector copy.  Its a nice book, but if I happen to see the normal cover used I'd consider picking it up.

Anyway.  I think WotC may have a nice concept here going forward.  I think the new player races are quite interesting in particular the Tabaxi, which is a cat race.  The monster selection is fine enough, but nothing really revolutionary.  Although I do like the froghemoth and the fact that they made a stat block for cows is...well...odd and funny.  Oh and the Ki-rin is a sweet creature.

[bayonetbrant]

in particular the Tabaxi, which is a cat race

how different are they from the Rakasta?

[Bison]

in particular the Tabaxi, which is a cat race

how different are they from the Rakasta?

Not really sure.  I don't own any books with Rakasta stats.  I think that Rakasta are more warrior-like, while the Tabaxi are portrayed as wandering rogues and minstrels.

[bayonetbrant]

http://pandius.com/rakhevol.html

[Bison]

4e homebrew rules?

[Nefaro]

Large "Monster Manuals" are essential for any RPG, IMO.  When I'm considering picking up a new one, I always check & see if there is a wide variety of targets available for Hobo Murder inspiration.  Bestest in huge hardback form!   O0

[Bison]

Well there are only about 100 "new" monsters, but the really interesting part is they've given you tools to create fleshed out named monster boss NPCs.  I'm pretty stoked to use the beholder, mind flayer, hobgoblin, and orc stuff.

[bayonetbrant]

4e homebrew rules?

that's the 'official' repository of all the Mystara stuff