Info from the 2006 May to August WotC Catalog

[Knight Otu]

It works for monsters just as well. About the only thing missing (other than ecology information) is the hit die type.

And the Armor Type breakup (natural, Dex, etc). Quite important. And potentially Treasure, the detailed alignment line (with always, usually, often), the advancement line and the level adjustment line. The Ecology Information is also good to have in the stat block as a quick reference.

As said earlier, that stat block is (very) good for NPCs. But bad for monsters, despite superficial similarities.

As for the added material in the MM IV - sample encounters. Monte Cook's Legacy of the Dragons used something like that, and I suspect the writeups for the races in Magic of Incarnum are a sign on how they may look in the MM IV. Pregenerated treasure hordes - I believe the Draconomicon had some of those? I haven't used those, but they can be useful.

 

[Sammael]

And the Armor Type breakup (natural, Dex, etc). Quite important.

I disagree. The detailed AC breakup is more important for NPCs than for monsters. In fact, it's redundant for 99% of monsters, which don't wear armor or protective items.

And potentially Treasure, the detailed alignment line (with always, usually, often), the advancement line and the level adjustment line. The Ecology Information is also good to have in the stat block as a quick reference.

Treasure and alignment tendencies go under the Ecology part, IMO.

As said earlier, that stat block is (very) good for NPCs. But bad for monsters, despite superficial similarities.

I'd argue that it's better for monsters than the current stat block (presuming an added Ecology section), but there is certainly room for improvement.

 

[Knight Otu]

but there is certainly room for improvement.

There always is.

 

[thalmin]

Hi,

This is a fairly decent line up of books -- I'm looking forward to the Fiendish Codex, the Moonsea book and Secrets of Xen'drik in particular.

Could someone please point me in the direction of the thread for January to April's stuff?

Cheers



Richard

Here you go
January through April Releases

 

[buzz]

Who wants to bet that the trade paperback Player's Handbook in the starter set has dramatically less spell content (maybe levels 1-4 or something?) and trimmed equipment to account for the 160 pp. page count?

I was assuming that, if the page count is correct, it'll cover the four "basic" classes (fighter, rogue, cleric, sorcerer), and maybe trim the spell lists a bit.

Still, I think the Kit is a nifty concept; the "stepping stone" product poeple have been whining for on fora for years now.

 

[buzz]

d20 Spectaculars New rules for running a d20 Modern campaign in a super-heroic setting.
This new supplement for d20 Modern provides a campaign setting where player characters become the first super heroes. Characters begin with only a few tricks, but as they increase in level they gain fantastic powers. d20 Spectaculars provides everything players and Gamemasters need toi participate in super-heroic adventures, including rules for super powers, power trees, new classes, and equipment. A full campaign setting with material and adventure seeds suitable for all levels of play is included.
by Mike Mearls, Bill Slavicsek, Owen K.C. Stephens; 160 pages, $29.95

Hm. Kinda disappointed in the name, but the campiagn conept seems to gel nicely with the level-based approach of d20M. And, hey, Mearls!

 

[buzz]

IF this new stat block format is the one from DMG II, then I'll pass.

Count me as another vote for loving the new format here.

 

[buzz]

How many DM's actually need five or six monster books?

Arguably more than have need for yet another book with new rules, classes, feats, and other crunchy bits. I mean, every D&D campaign involves monsters.

 

[MerricB]

Thalmin, is there a new edition of the D&D Basic Game listed in the catalogue? We've had a couple of markers on randomhouse and amazon for it.

Cheers!

 

[Aaron L]

The trademark on the word superhero is like a trademark on the word ketchup.


I really look forward to the book of nine rings (er... swords), PHB2, and fiendish codex (must have.) Dragons of Faerun looks interesting, as does xen'drik.

As for spectaculars, I just dont like the concept of level based superheroes. After thinking about it, I guess I could see a game set up like the x-men going through school, and you could look at the entire run of the comic as a campaign. I really dont like the way it sounds like it will be presented, with powers developing and such.

"wow, I learned to fly!"

"neato! I learned to shoot lasers out of my eyes!"