D&D (2024) I have a Monster Manual. AMA!

[Reynard]

How many stat blocks are in the 2014 MM?

This number comes from my Fantasy Grounds version of the 2014 MM so add salt:
465, including all variants, age categories, sizes, etc.

 

[dave2008]

This number comes from my Fantasy Grounds version of the 2014 MM so add salt:
465, including all variants, age categories, sizes, etc.

I thought about doing the same thing in beyond, then I remembered Beyond includes variant stat blocks (summoning fiends, etc.) that are not in the book.

 

[Reynard]

I thought about doing the same thing in beyond, then I remembered Beyond includes variant stat blocks (summoning fiends, etc.) that are not in the book.

FG let's you specify a source so I think it is accurate. But to be clear I did not check it against the physical book.

 

[dave2008]

FG let's you specify a source so I think it is accurate. But to be clear I did not check it against the physical book.

So does Beyond, it is just that it includes alternate stat blocks that are only notes in the book and not full stat blocks. For example: each devil has a standard stat block and one with the devil summoning variant.

 

[Scribe]

Actually I wonder if maybe they focused on orcs because they were an easy way to replace half-orcs in the PHB.

I dont think so. I think they focused on Orcs because of Twitter nonsense.

 

[Umbran]

I dont think so. I think they focused on Orcs because of Twitter nonsense.

Mod Note:
This reads suspiciously like bundling up a bunch of folks with concerns, giving them a label, and dismissing them without actually addressing the issues they raise.

That's weak rhetoric, and on topics of inclusivity, against the rules of the site.

So, maybe stop trying to dismiss arguments for having been loud on twitter, please and thanks.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

If you account for the fact that toughs don't have multiattack, you are correct.

This comment was based on Fritz's comment that the tough is exactly like the thug before. Which we both corrected later.

Yeah, orcs were strong. I still think 32 hp is a bit too much for CR 1/2 creatures. 25 or so would already be very tough, surpassing the HP of some CR 1 creatures.

Yeah, I'd rather a Tough had less HP and did more damage. Maybe not as much less HP and not as much more damage as a 2014 Orc, though - something in the middle. Like you say, 25 HP and at least give 'em a d8 weapon, if not also a +3 stat to work with.

 

[Garmel]

I know you guys haven't had your Monster Manuals long but have you noticed much in the way of anything needing errata yet?

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yeah, I'd rather a Tough had less HP and did more damage. Maybe not as much less HP and not as much more damage as a 2014 Orc, though - something in the middle. Like you say, 25 HP and at least give 'em a d8 weapon, if not also a +3 stat to work with.

I like the +2 stats. I even like the +1 stat of hobgoblins. If they did not feel compelled to give them 2d10+1 damage in melee.

I also think goblin minions should only have +1 in their stats and better weapons than daggers. 1d4+2 damage is nothing to sneeze at. Especially if you allow them to use the light property and attack 2 handed.

 

[billd91]

I mean, you can wrap yourself in knots to justify it, but its comical on its face.

A Goblin is no different than an Orc or Drow, at all. This is honestly some of the most weaselly behavior I've seen from Wizards.

This is no different than "orcs are a force of destruction" from Volos. Laughable.

As I pointed out in a related thread about ogres and ogrillons, when one hand taketh (orcs from being killable on sight for being inherently destructive) another hand giveth (gnolls in 2014, now ogres, ogrillons, and goblins).

But in another sense, the 5e.2024 goblins are kind of being Pathfinderized (PF1) while, perhaps ironically, the Pathfinder 2 goblins are being humanized.