A Magical Society: Beast Builder

[eris404]

I apologize if there is another thread on this, but I got too excited about the Beast Builder book to look too far. I just bought it and man, it is really, really good. The Expeditious Retreat people are very good at what they do. Not only is it a comprehensive look at building monsters keeping in mind things like food chains and environment as well as d20 mechanics, but it also has a great list of monster bits with cost and use. Also, the artwork is very good and inspirational - I already want to make monsters based on several of the images. Building monsters is something I've always wanted to do, but I felt too intimidated by the mechanics to try it. I can't wait to use this!

 

[BOZ]

it really does break down monster building rather well. i didn't work on the book, but i'm sure a lot of my input went into it indirectly.

 

[DMH]

It is so much better than FFG's Monster's Handbook and takes the best bits from MS: Ecology and Culture. When I write a review, it gets 5 stars.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

*Sigh* This book forced the Expeditious Retreat books into their own binder, leaving their happy home in the one labeled World Building to venture forth on their own...

In the words of Edna Mode "My God, you've gotten fat!"

The Auld Grump, very, very good... just so many pages of XP stuff... all excellent... *Sigh*

 

[jgbrowning]

I apologize if there is another thread on this, but I got too excited about the Beast Builder book to look too far. I just bought it and man, it is really, really good. The Expeditious Retreat people are very good at what they do. Not only is it a comprehensive look at building monsters keeping in mind things like food chains and environment as well as d20 mechanics, but it also has a great list of monster bits with cost and use. Also, the artwork is very good and inspirational - I already want to make monsters based on several of the images. Building monsters is something I've always wanted to do, but I felt too intimidated by the mechanics to try it. I can't wait to use this!

I forwarded your message to both the main artists. They were glad you found their work inspirational.

joe b.

 

[MaxKaladin]

This looks interesting. I'll have to remember to order a copy.

Speaking of X-Press though, is there going to be a Magical Medieval Society book for ancient Rome? I suppose it would be called Magical Roman Society or something like that.

 

[kigmatzomat]

I think a lot of the roman material would be subsumed by the WE stuff (populations, income sources, construction, professions, etc). MMS:City States would be a good one though. Lots of different political structures, ideologies, and interstate commerce. Maybe a section on warfare and tactics.

 

[Crothian]

I've been bugging Joe and Suzi to do more historical oriented books for years now.

 

[jgbrowning]

Right now Suzi's starting A Magical Society: Silk Road. I'm starting reading for A Magical Society: India. We've also just started a Super Secret Project (TM).

We're 'a cookin' up somthin'!

joe b.

 

[eris404]

Wow, those sound great! Can't wait to hear what the SSP is.

Also, I second the motion for a book on ancient Rome. I'm nutty for anything Roman.