So which Desert of Desolation Monster isn't in the Monster Manual I?

[Masquerade]

Given that, I'm guessing that the Shadar Kai do not appear in the first MM.

I think Shadar-kai fit too well into the new cosmology to write them out. Assuming the elemental isn't considered, I would guess the naga.

edit - Shadar-kai were apparently mentioned in a recent playtest , also.

 

[Zamkaizer]

My guess is that many of the names for the miniatures are not considered part of the base monster name, so while you might not see "Feral Troll" or "Umber Hulk Delver" in the MM, you will find the Troll and Umber Hulk.

Given that, I'm guessing that the Shadar Kai do not appear in the first MM.

I recall them stating in an old Design & Development how the Shadar-Kai were the monster from the Fiend Folio they wanted to gain traction. I believe then that they will be in the Monster Manual, but if they're not, it's not for lack of designer support.

If the horde of zombie variants is any indication, many monsters - especially iconic ones - will come in a variety of flavors. I think that many of these specialist monsters will make an appearance in the manual, but I also think there's an assumption that you can use their figurines for other members of their species.

 

[Kwalish Kid]

#1 possibility: Angel of Vengeance. The whole "why waste page space with something the PC's aren't supposed to FIGHT!" angle

According to the Monster podcast, some of the "angels" are fallen angels that are servants of Dispater and perhaps other devils.

 

[Echohawk]

I vaguely recall that information about Desert of Desolation went from "all but one of the monsters in this set is in 4th edition" to the slightly more precise "all but one of the monsters is in the 4th edition Monster Manual".

That makes me think the odd one out will now be appearing in a slightly later release than the Monster Manual, such as perhaps the Manual of the Planes rumored to be released in November or December.

So I'm also guessing the Astral Stalker. Which I think we'll see again in the Manual of the Planes.

 

[Voadam]

I was going to guess osyluth as not fitting in with the new devil as winged humanoid fallen angel tempter/deceiver type, but they also have spined devils in there.

Maybe Osyluth become demons under the new archetype system?

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

I was going to guess osyluth as not fitting in with the new devil as winged humanoid fallen angel tempter/deceiver type, but they also have spined devils in there.

Maybe Osyluth become demons under the new archetype system?

Osyluths were specifically called out as being the exception to that, IIRC. Something about them being indigenous inhabitants of the plane that became the Hells?

 

[Glyfair]

My guess is that many of the names for the miniatures are not considered part of the base monster name, so while you might not see "Feral Troll" or "Umber Hulk Delver" in the MM, you will find the Troll and Umber Hulk.

Given we know there will be some variations on monsters based on role, I decided to keep the names (for example, we know there is a Boneshard Skeleton). However, clearly if an Umber Hulk is in the MM then it counts as having the Umber Hulk Delver.

 

[CleverNickName]

I think the Animated Statue will be the one to get cut...possibly to be replaced with the new, "now we can make them weaker" stone golems.

 

[Voadam]

Osyluths were specifically called out as being the exception to that, IIRC. Something about them being indigenous inhabitants of the plane that became the Hells?

I thought that was the insect gelugons who are yugoloth mercenaries in a long term contract for the hells.

Anybody have a reference on the osyluths?

I think the spined devil is the 3.5/4e stat comparison example we've been shown.

 

[Doug McCrae]

And can I say for the record that I'm sick and friggin' tired of the NOUN-NOUNs? Macetail? Visejaw? Thundertusk? Ugh.

It's either that or wholly invented words like in Denizens of Avadnu.

Qeh'thral. Ranzeptera. Ngakoi. Sulwynarii.

I haven't the faintest idea what any of those are.