AD&D 2e Monster Manual versus FF, MMI, and MM2

[jdrakeh]

Do the original AD&D Monster Manual, Monster Manual II, and Fiend Folio offer anything in terms of raw mechanical content that isn't also present in the AD&D 2e Monster Manual (black cover, revised printing)? That is, does the AD&D 2e book cover a similar amount of ground as the original three books, mechanically speaking? Also, AFAIK, monster manuals from both editions of the game are 99% compatible with OSRIC. That is correct, right?

 

[Nikosandros]

Yes, it is similar, but there are creatures from the 3 manuals that are not included in the 2e manual. Also, some creatures like dragons and giants are much more powerful in 2nd edition.

As for the OSRIC question, yes. The rules are fully compatible.

 

[JeffB]

I think the Monstrous Manual is def a great value- and nice to have SOOO much in one book-in addition, it has lots of extra fluff/ecology text- which you may or may not like- I personally like it, but I'd rather have something a bit more in the middle ground between 1E/2E- I think 3E/4E are more my taste in that respect, but I digress.

But one thing that bugged me to no end about the Monstrous Manual is the near total LACK of demons and devils- most of the demons/devils was rolled into the planescape monster compendiums.

Of course you have to suffer through alot of "lame" in the FF and MM2 as well

I thought most of the 2E Monstrous Manual art was pretty bad - YMMV.

 

[jdrakeh]

Yes, it is similar, but there are creatures from the 3 manuals that are not included in the 2e manual. Also, some creatures like dragons and giants are much more powerful in 2nd edition.

As for the OSRIC question, yes. The rules are fully compatible.

I figured that there were some monsters from the 1e manuals not present in the 2e manual, but hadn't thought about a power disparity. The reason I ask about content overlap is that I'm kind of strapped for cash and am trying to make my $$$ go as far as I can. If I can snag one book as opposed to three and still have a good selection of iconic monsters to play with, I'm good.

 

[Nikosandros]

I figured that there were some monsters from the 1e manuals not present in the 2e manual, but hadn't thought about a power disparity. The reason I ask about content overlap is that I'm kind of strapped for cash and am trying to make my $$$ go as far as I can. If I can snag one book as opposed to three and still have a good selection of iconic monsters to play with, I'm good.

If you're strapped for cash, I'd definitely get the 2e version, as you'll get a lot of bang for your bucks...

 

[Nikosandros]

But one thing that bugged me to no end about the Monstrous Manual is the near total LACK of demons and devils- most of the demons/devils was rolled into the planescape monster compendiums.

That's true. Also, MM and MMII have a lot of devil and demon lords.

 

[Wik]

the 2e Monstrous Manual is one of the best monster books out there. There is a lot of flavour text, the art is above and beyond what was typical of the time, and the monster selection is pretty damn good. The complaints made are valid, though I find the more powerful giants and dragons a good thing (and, for what it's worth, we've had completely legit characters made only using the 2e PHB take on 2e hill giants and win at 1st level).

 

[Nikosandros]

the 2e Monstrous Manual is one of the best monster books out there. There is a lot of flavour text, the art is above and beyond what was typical of the time, and the monster selection is pretty damn good. The complaints made are valid, though I find the more powerful giants and dragons a good thing

Well, I wasn't complaining about them... just pointing out the difference.

 

[Wik]

Well, I wasn't complaining about them... just pointing out the difference.

Fair enough. I just figured "Complaint" was the best word at the time. "Criticisms" would probably be a better word.

 

[jdrakeh]

I don't particularly need a slew of mechanically unique demons and devils. Indeed, supposedly "real" demons and devils as cataloged by medieval scholars and Victorian cultists are all rather one-dimensional. I think I can make due with my copy of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage and a little creative re-skinning of the few demons and devils that are in the 2e MM.