D&D 5E Critical-Hits reviews 5E Monster Manual

[Quickleaf]

For a slightly more in-depth review of the individual monsters in the book, you might want to check out Rob Donoghue's series of posts going alphabetically through his GenCon copy of the Monster Manual over on his blog - there's been a ton of great scoops so far!

http://walkingmind.evilhat.com/

Nice, some interesting tidbits there. Overall, it looks good.

Looks like there has been a couple minor monster lore tweaks? Rakshasa are from the Nine Hells (instead of having ambiguous origin or being from Acheron). Kraken are ancient war machines of some sea god.

While I'm looking forward to this MM, the previews have led me to the conclusion that one thing it is lacking is in society & ecology information. Basically, all the stuff that answers the question: "what is the monster doing when not terrorizing human lands or fighting adventurers?"

For example, the rakshasa preview (which covered the entire 1 page devoted to the monster in the MM) has no mention of castes, clan hierarchy, or the decadence that typifies rakshasa. Other monsters we've been spoiled so far also have scant society & ecology info. It's a somewhat disappointing trend.