D&D 5E 2024 Monster Manual has better lore than 2014 Monster Manual

[dave2008]

I want to say, the book is printed and not changing i get that. Much like the direction the game is headed. I am just voicing my opinion that it is bad for the game.

One of the constants with D&D is change, so it really a question of if it will (it will), but when it will change.

 

[kayakingpoodle]

One of the constants with D&D is change, so it really a question of if it will (it will), but when it will change.

Sure it's going to change, that is not being questioned. How it is changing is the topic at hand.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I know that someone on DMsGuild a while back created their own Expanded Monster Manuals for 5e. What's WoTC's excuse?

And they're all great.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Costs. Those books do very well for the author, but the sales are a tiny fraction of the sales WotC gets and would not justify the cost to make the book (much higher overhead). Now, I would guess WotC could get much greater sales.

Personally, I am all for a generic monster book with less lore then we have in 5e24 MM. However, I would want many more monster books that give extensive lore and options for settings and groups of monsters (like demons, devils, dragons, etc.).

That's a lot of cash outlay for someone who just wants to know what these creatures are all about and why they're cool.

 

[dave2008]

Mine too, and in my DDB account, but a new player only has the stripped down multiverse option.

Yes i know physical copies are outthere but I don't think it's fair to include them as one can't just pick a copy up at stocking retailers.

On DDB that is true and I think unfortunate. But we must remember those books (and most 5e books) had a much longer run than most books outside the core books of previous editions. There area a lot out in the wild. Heck I can still get both on Amazon!

I admit that my do it yourself mentality that was virtually required a few decades ago (and I am not just talking D&D here) seems to be out of favor.

It is the new players that will suffer the most.

Maybe, maybe not. I think have the barest of lore can provide space for the imagination to grow. That is by no means universal, but it kinda of the luxury of the new or ignorant.

 

[dave2008]

That's a lot of cash outlay for someone who just wants to know what these creatures are all about and why they're cool.

Potentially; however it can also save cash for those who just want a bunch of monsters.

Also, I see lore as a luxury item that I don't need or use. So if I want lore, then I see no issue with paying a lore tax.

Finally, I said what I personally want. I don't expect any publisher to provide explicitly what I personally want. If I did - I would never play RPGs!

EDIT: I should clarify that as a designer I love large in-depth lore and monster entries (like A5e); however, as a DM I find them a distraction and unhelpful. I can't get one book to satisfy my needs - that is why I want 2+!

 

[DragonLancer]

I know that someone on DMsGuild a while back created their own Expanded Monster Manuals for 5e. What's WoTC's excuse?

Do you have a link or remember the name of the book? Thanks

 

[Azzy]

Do you have a link or remember the name of the book? Thanks

I think it's in reference to this and its sequels.

Edit: Hopefully fixed the link.

 

[dave2008]

Do you have a link or remember the name of the book? Thanks

It is the Monster Manual Expand series: Monster Manual Expanded

 

[Jensaarai]

I think it's in reference to this and its sequels.

Your link is borked, unfortunately.