Mike Mearls' Monster Makeover Suggestions HERE

[Shade]

My suggestion is to avoid approaching monster makeovers as if anything that can't be used in a single combat is expendable.

Ditto that. Especially if it drains away several editions' worth of flavor in the process.

 

[painandgreed]

My suggestion is to avoid approaching monster makeovers as if anything that can't be used in a single combat is expendable.

Which means getting somebody besides Mike to do them. While I usually agree with his reasoning for doing the makeover, I typically hate everything he comes up with as a solution. A social vrs combat idea would be neat, but would also require the XP system to detail social situations and how XP would be handled, and expand the game more into RP rather than minature combat.

 

[Vuron]

It's pointless. There are no mechanical differences between Humanoids and Giants except for low-light vision and weapon proficiencies, neither of which should be automatic for all Giants (IMO). Oh, and "person" type spells don't work on them, which actually goes against their flavor of easily manipulated brutes.

IMC, I just turned Giants into a subtype of Humanoid. I also got rid of Monstrous Humanoids (too arbitrary, IMO).

Doesn't this end up potentially opening up problems with alter self as suddenly Ogre (Giant) or Centaur(Monstrous Humanoid) is an acceptable form to take.

While there are definitely some builds that take advantage of more potent monsters to alter self into this would seem to be a pretty significant benefit.

 

[Fishbone]

I don't see why everyone is so down on his makeovers. The Beholder is a step in the right direction and the Ogre Mage by far and away is better than its CR 8 counterpart.
The Rust Monster did suck, but come on. He can't be on his game every time. Considering how this was a side project and all the heat he took from I think he did a good job.
I'd love to see him tear apart Mind Flayers.

 

[Retreater]

Let's tinker with the duergar. Their abilities seem a little out of step with their environment.

Why would a subterranean-dwelling dwarf want to use Enlarge Person on himself? To be able to bump his head on a stalagtite? Maybe to crowd a tight passageway?

How does the lawful duergar society remain lawful if every duergar can turn himself invisible? What good is invisibility when you combat creatures like umberhulks with blindsense?

Retreater

 

[BOZ]

Ditto that. Especially if it drains away several editions' worth of flavor in the process.

alas, such is how it is preferred it seems.

 

[Fishbone]

Yrthak is just another lousy, funky, and underpowered creature that needs a kick in giblets. Has anybody ever used this thing?