Killing monsters and taking their stuff

[Arnwyn]

as a bunch of combats with a plot that gave a reason for the combats to happen.

To be honest, I think this is probably the most important part.

Otherwise, one can simply do a Knights of the Dinner Table, and just go through the Monster Manual in alphabetical order...

 

[Romnipotent]

or for those insane enough, Reverse order!
or by CR 1 - X or X to 1.... its a race to get your CON to 0

 

[MerricB]

I make quite a bit of use of the Random Dungeon tables in the DMG - I rather hope they get revised in the DMG2 to add monsters from MM2, MM3 and FF - as well as having other fun Dungeon encounters to throw at the players.

I'm constantly grateful for the 3e treasure tables - they allow a good progression of reward throughout the levels rather than the 1st level vorpal sword which was a possibility of earlier editions.

Cheers!