MM IV Details

[BOZ]

"durr, i can't figure out what situations to use this monster in."

 

[Knight Otu]

Thanks for the "heads up". I still don't like it. And what the heck is the "hooks" line?

It's a 'quote' from the NPC. That is the NPC statblock as used, at least, in Magic of Incarnum.

 

[Shade]

And that is an improved method of presenting monsters?

I'm surprised round-by-round tactics aren't presented near the top.

 

[Knight Otu]

Presumably, monsters won't get hooks.









At least I hope so.








Unless they're hooked horrors.

 

[Einan]

I don't really see what the fuss is all about. It's just a statblock. Are we really wedded to one method or another to the point where it's causing people to hate it or love it? Why does this stoke such a visceral response?

Einan

 

[Knight Otu]

Well, the new monster stat block is at least better than the d20 Modern monster stat block.

 

[Shade]

For me, it evokes such a response for several reasons:

1.) I dislike change solely for the sake of change.
2.) I'm very familiar with the old format and frequently submit monsters for publication in various sources. This new format will severely slow me down when putting these submissions together.
3.) I like consistency within my collection. I like the fact that when I pick up the MMII (3E) and MMIII (3.5), they are quite similar in presentation, with a few additions between the editions. The new stat block is a radical departure. I would have wholheartedly welcomed another slight revision on the exisiting format.
4.) I've heard it stated that these changes are being made to make it easier for new DMs and players to more easily locate information. This is rather late in the game for 3E/3.5 to try to make things easier for newer players (when the existing 100 or so books use the old format and they'll have to learn it anyway). Instead, this just confuses veterans like myself. The time to make things "newbie-friendly" is during the launch of a new edition, not in its waning years, IMHO.

 

[Einan]

The time to make things "newbie-friendly" is during the launch of a new edition, not in its waning years, IMHO.

I can understand the other reasons, but this statement I disagree with. I think it's admirable that WOTC is trying to make THIS edition accessible to new players, instead of just parading out a new edition. Anything that raises sales, gets new players and/or enocurages more people to the hobby is a win in my book. I've got quite a collection of 3.x stuff and I'd hate to watch it become obsolete overnight.

Einan

 

[BOZ]

For me, it evokes such a response for several reasons:

couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Shade]

I can understand the other reasons, but this statement I disagree with. I think it's admirable that WOTC is trying to make THIS edition accessible to new players, instead of just parading out a new edition. Anything that raises sales, gets new players and/or enocurages more people to the hobby is a win in my book. I've got quite a collection of 3.x stuff and I'd hate to watch it become obsolete overnight.

Einan

I wasn't suggesting that it was time for a new edition, just that making the later books newbie-friendly doesn't really make the overall game any easier or more appealing for them. The three core books are still in the old formats for monsters, spells, prestige classes, etc. All that 3.x stuff you currently have won't match the MMIV. That's my complaint.