| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 03:07:29
We have our first glimpse at the new format for monsters that was mentioned in the previews of the Monster Manual IV in this link on the WOTC site:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20060601b&page=2
So what do you all think of it? The first thing that I thought was that they seem to be moving back toward the spirit of the 2nd edition monster entries, where a little bit more context for the monster, its society, and environments would be given.
|
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 16 Jun 2006 : 23:13:55
quote:
Originally posted by Arivia
I'm divided on it. While the support material itself is very nice, there's a lot of important information hung on the old stat block that's difficult to gather from it.
I agree. I am bit divided myself... one minor flaw catches my eye, though: the new stat block format is missing the hit die type and con bonuses - I dislike the simple "30 hp (4 HD)". If I am in a hurry, and wish to roll for hp myself, this will take some extra effort and time on my part. |
| Mazrim_Taim |
Posted - 16 Jun 2006 : 02:40:04
I like what I see so long as it's all good quality. |
| Eremite |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 05:20:56
I like the idea of extra information for monsters, a la 2E, but I hope more effort is spent on getting the stat blocks right rather than just simply making them look better. I actually don't like the new stat block format because it takes up far too much room.
I also hope the extended format is not used by a bunch of poor writers to make vague motherhood statements solely to pad out the word count (for examples of this, see most of the base class articles on the WotC website or a lot of the prose that accompanies the new PrC and base class formats in the latest books). |
| Vainelus |
Posted - 03 Jun 2006 : 14:09:53
I agree that the ecology information is nice to have back. The new stat block is better for using the monsters as printed, but it does make advancing them at bit more difficult. |
| Mr. Wilson |
Posted - 03 Jun 2006 : 08:24:59
Agrees with the majority. I'm happy the Ecology has been brought back, and I like these stat blocks better than what we had to work with before.
Perhaps they are listening to the public on these matters. |
| Snotlord |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 17:53:19
Well, yes, I agree with Elrond, but all the changes so far have been for the better so I can't really complain. The new statblock and magic item formats are soooo much better than the old, so I'm happy. |
| Elrond Half Elven |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 17:31:46
I quite like these stat blocks, nice and easy to read, great for use in a game. It nice to see additional information included especially the ecology section; this was something that has been missing for a long time.
One problem I can see is style continuity; the composition and layout changes quite allot over the various books since 3E, personally I feel that detracts from the whole feel of the books. Additionally I also feel having each entry on a new page makes for much better reading, presents the information clearly and makes searching quick and easy.
Just my thoughts
Hanx
Elrond |
| Mace Hammerhand |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 13:20:34
Now THAT is an improvement... or back to the roots approach... or back to the 2nd roots... be that as it may if they dedicate a 1-page entry per monster again, we will get much more info on the critters, never liked the cram-it-all-in-as-little-space-as-possible-approach.
On th other hand we'll get more MMs now if they revert to the 1-mob-per-page thingy...
Nonetheless, we need to seed the page layout also, but I like it. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 11:18:54
Sweet! A return to having real info for monsters! 
As other have mentioned, that was a great thing about monsters in 2E -- they had the ecology and society sections. You knew what a monster did when you weren't fighting it, and what you could do with its body once you had killed it. Sometimes there was enough info right there to come up with new hooks or ideas for adventures. The current 3E monster entries, though, make them seem like they sit around and wait for adventurers to come along and attack them. Getting away from that kind of monster entry will be a great thing. |
| Dhomal |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 06:31:49
Hello-
Well, I noticed that there is a single, short entry for the monster in Faerun. I Definately like this aspect. From what I gather - some will have Faurun, some Eberron, maybe even both in some cases.
As far as the stat-block issues - I'm just starting to get my feet wet w/ GMing 3.5 - so I'm not sure. I do know already though that i like the CR right at the top. Not sure why it was Ever hidden in the middle!
Dhomal |
| Arivia |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 03:30:11
I'm divided on it. While the support material itself is very nice, there's a lot of important information hung on the old stat block that's difficult to gather from it. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 03:29:23
I agree with the opinions expressed above...
It's nice to see a return to the older style monster entries. If presents them as something more than just a collection of stats with a fancy illustration.
|
| Kuje |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 03:16:44
I like it, it seems very 2Eish. :) Which I liked better. |
| scererar |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 03:15:39
I like it. if it keeps to form, as in the preview, I believe it will be an improvement. I especially like the CR being right up front next to the name of the monster/ creature. along with alignment. overall Good format |
