MM2 Rant

[Grazzt]

Can never have too many critters or too many spells, rehash or no.

I agree. There's always room for monsters.

 

[EarthsShadow]

This is from a voice that has only played D&D 3E, all I can say is that the more monsters, the better. Who cares if they are rehashed or not...if you don't like it, don't use it, if you like it, use it, and they can always be changed to fit your own personal style.

On a personal level, I like MM1 more than MM2, but I do like the new templates in MM2. As for quality, the Monsternomicon from Privateer Press is a much better book for monsters, better artwork and each monster has a adventure hook or two. It also has new feats for PC's, prestige classes, templates, and very good rules on using Knowledge skills for knowledge about monsters. Both are 30.00, buy Monsternomicon if you want a good book, buy both if you want lots of monsters.

 

[Dragongirl]

This is from a voice that has only played D&D 3E, all I can say is that the more monsters, the better. Who cares if they are rehashed or not...if you don't like it, don't use it, if you like it, use it, and they can always be changed to fit your own personal style.

On a personal level, I like MM1 more than MM2, but I do like the new templates in MM2. As for quality, the Monsternomicon from Privateer Press is a much better book for monsters, better artwork and each monster has a adventure hook or two. It also has new feats for PC's, prestige classes, templates, and very good rules on using Knowledge skills for knowledge about monsters. Both are 30.00, buy Monsternomicon if you want a good book, buy both if you want lots of monsters.

Or wait and buy Tome of Horrors for about the same price. Afterall, if it is not good we can all pick on Grazzt.

 

[jasamcarl]

I wish i could get some specifics on what the faults the MMII actually possesses. Whenever someone mentions the vague concept of 'idea content' i begin to roll my eyes. Point to mechanical and balance issues and i might begin paying attention.

 

[rounser]

Whenever someone mentions the vague concept of 'idea content' i begin to roll my eyes.

Even when a product is praised on such a basis? I've only seen the names and pictures of MM2, but think I can tell from that alone that the new content in the book is looking a lot more to my liking than the new content in MM1 was, idea content wise.

 

[Grazzt]

I wish i could get some specifics on what the faults the MMII actually possesses. Whenever someone mentions the vague concept of 'idea content' i begin to roll my eyes. Point to mechanical and balance issues and i might begin paying attention.

Perhaps all faults (as some perceive them) are not mechanical in nature. Everyone likes something different. I like most of MM2. There are some other monster books I like; some I don't. And the reasons are not mechanical or balance related. Some of the stuff I have seen just doesn't appeal to me. Period.

If the monsters in a book don't appeal to someone because the idea or concept doesn't appeal to them, that's their opinion; just like it is your opinion (and option) not to listen to anyone say something bad about MM2 unless it is mechanics or balance related.

 

[Grazzt]

Or wait and buy Tome of Horrors for about the same price. Afterall, if it is not good we can all pick on Grazzt.

Yeppers, pick on me all ya want. But, there is something in the book for everyone: conversions (1e and 2e, but mostly 1e; over 200 total), new monsters (about 150), etc. If ya don't like the book, then I just can't help ya...sorry.

 

[Psion]

I thought the swamp ox with the deathray was sort've dorky.

I've thought so since 1e. One aspect of 1e we need to bring back less than the "instant death trap" is the "wandering wilderness instant death trap."

 

[Psion]

You have??? Any chance (beg, plead, grovel) that you could put these up on the boards?

Well, it's scrawled in a notebook right now, but once I get it all 'lectronic, I'm sure I could.

 

[Psion]

I've noticed this a lot in this thread. And I don't want this to seem like I'm picking on Grazzt with this, he just happened to make me think of it. Many people seem to give this book higher props just becasue they redo creatures that came out 20 years ago.

Well, I wanted to see many creatures updated, but alas, with a few exceptions (like the aforementioned death knight), I think that they updated a lot of creatures I could really care less about and didn't like the first time around. Take Myconids. Could really care less about the buggers -- seem too much like something you'd see in one of those muppetized fantasy movies.