Difference between Monster Vault and Threats of Nentir vale?

[Rechan]

I noticed there's a separate book out called "Monster Vault: Threats of the Nentir Vale". The cover is different than the normal old Monster Vault.

Is there a difference in the content?

 

[Salabak]

It is all different monsters. Think monster manual 1 and 2.

 

[Saagael]

Threats of Nentir Vale is the "MM2" to Monster Vault's "MM1". Its got more monsters specific to Nentir Vale and the PoL setting.

 

[Dice4Hire]

As above, but be aware both are very heavily heroic level, especially Nentir Vale, which has nothing for epic at all (as I recall)

Otherwise, both are great books with a lot of original monsters in them.

 

[teachamath]

Not only do they have new monsters but they also have factions of humanoids that are threats throughout the vale that you can write campaigns around. The ones that are around the Harkenwold can add so much flavor and potential if you are running Reavers. If the party needs some extra xp to get caught up, throw one of the families at them or the drow faction in Harken Forest.

 

[Rechan]

Is there a Table of Contents/list of monsters anywhere?

Thanks guys.

 

[Riastlin]

Is there a Table of Contents/list of monsters anywhere?

Thanks guys.

If you have a DDi account the compendium can sort by book. If not, I'm not sure there is an online toc. Even the stores won't help since they come sealed due to the tokens.

At any rate, MV1 is a little more broad in scope (though still primarily heroic tier) but Nentir Vale has a little more fluff (if I recall) and does have some very nice monsters in it.

 

[UnknownAtThisTime]

If you are prioritizing a purchase, IMO you should definitely get the original MV first. It is much more extensive, much more broadly applicable to all tiers, and has some extra goodies (map/short adventure.)

I think I am the exception, but I was under whelmd by MV:Threats to NV. Although 'fun', it just didn't wow me like the first MV. I thought the first was a truly great product.

 

[MrMyth]

Is there a Table of Contents/list of monsters anywhere?

You should be able to search the Compendium, even without a DDI account - just have it list all creatures with Source: Monster Vault - Threats to the Nentir Vale, and it will bring up everything in it. (Not having a subscription just means you can't open up the individual entries.)

You might also check the product page for it, and click on the 'Related Articles' tab, which will bring up all of the excerpts and previews from it.

 

[MrMyth]

If you are prioritizing a purchase, IMO you should definitely get the original MV first. It is much more extensive, much more broadly applicable to all tiers, and has some extra goodies (map/short adventure.)

It's a tough choice. Nentir Vale has, in my opinion, some of the best designed and most thematically awesome monsters seen in 4E. However, it does have fewer monsters over all, is tied heavily to the heroic tier (and the Nentir Vale background), and less in the way of 'standard' D&D monsters. Which book is better will probably depend strongly on what sort of game you are planning to run, I imagine.