UngeheuerLich
Legend
Of you can just use lower CR enemies to threaten PCs (because they really deliver on damage), the effective HP of your enemies will be lower. That was something I noticed using the newer 4e essential monster books.
D&D (2024) D&D Monster Manual (2025)
- Thread starter Morrus
- Start date
dave2008
Legend
I mean I still think the 2014 MM and all the books since work fine. It is only month until the new book comes out, so I would wait personally.
While I do think A5e and TotV (and Flee Mortals) have some more interesting monster designs than older WotC designs (i.e. the MM), I don't think the are substantially better. It probably comes down to what monster you are looking at. I definitely think A5e dragons are better than TotV dragons, but I haven't compared and contrasted the two books a lot.
Remathilis
Legend
Hmm. Seems like template monsters are gone. shadow dragons are a real dragon type and the half-dragon a unique creature.
Micah Sweet
Level Up & OSR Enthusiast
Another point in A5e's favor. I love templates, and they use 'em.
Remathilis
Legend
I'll split the difference. I do like templates but it bugged me to no end shadow dragons weren't a true dragon type.
Micah Sweet
Level Up & OSR Enthusiast
They fixed that in A5e too.
Levistus's_Leviathan
5e Freelancer
The opposite bugs me. When Fizban’s came out, I was annoyed that the Moonstone Dragon wasn’t a template. Also, “Moonstone” is a terrible name for fey dragons.
RoughCoronet0
Dragon Lover
So it sounds like Dragons do in fact have legendary actions in the book.
Remathilis
Legend
Kobolds are smol dragons. Add that to the fey goblins and friend gnolls.
