MM4 Table of Contents up

[Razz]

Wow, I just freaking knew it. My "spoon-feeding" theory continues to go undebated against.

"Hey guys let's come up with Monster Manual IV, books that have always provided new and/or converted monsters for everyone's campaign. Big enough to always have a variety of new creatures from all creature types!" [This was the old way]

"Nah, let's spruce things up. I believe many will find it useful to have 50 versions of the Monster Manual 3.5 creatures such as the orcs, ogres, yuan-ti, and drow. Because DMs are either too lazy, have no time, or just plain dumb." [The new way]

Yeah, I've seen some here state "it's useful". Surrre...let's destroy "quality" and "quantity" for "convenience." I am sorry, but if you've been DMing 3E for some time, and you still don't have, by now, typed up, written, or even have sticky notes of different versions of your own drow elves, ogres, orcs, goblins whatever, you're a pretty sad DM.

I can't wait for Monster Manual 5: "Goblin Flamethrower, Goblin Commoner, Goblin Slave, Goblin Jerker, Goblin Spanker, Goblin Nudist, Goblin Surprise, Goblin Chef......" Seriously, is this what folks were asking for? WHERE IS WOTC GETTING THEIR FEEDBACK?!

Each month these books are getting worse and worse...it started with Races of Destiny!

Monster Manual 4 also does have a surprisingly LOW number of new monsters...should it even be called a Monster Manual? Sandstorm has nearly as much monsters as MMIV!

This is two books in 2 months I am skipping out on...and I've been pretty loyal about purchasing new releases every month. First was Mysteries of the Moonsea, now this...

 

[Razz]

Don't overlook this book, and don't judge it by a perceived lack of content.

Sorry, but, content has been decreasing vastly with each new D&D book of late, along with page count. And the prices aren't getting any lower.

I am starting think on the side of the 4E Soothsayers on these boards...I think they're slowly paving the way for 4E.

"Dungeons&Dragons 4th Edition---Where ALL the work is done for YOU!"

 

[gizmo33]

Next I guess they'll start naming red dragons, giving them backgrounds and treasure, and sticking those in the MM V.

It's not that I'm trying to be inconsiderate to those folks who want statted up monsters of various templates and classes. It's just that I think the "Monster Manual" name is being used to sell something that doesn't fit the theme. Plus it's a hybrid, some new, some templated monsters. You can't buy one without getting the other, and they must know that. I guess they just need some revenue. WotC should just start a telethon and save me the trip to my FLGS.

I've really been disappointed by WotC hardbacks lately, just doesn't seem like they're putting any effort into them. Oh well, I made it through 2E, I can weather this too.

 

[gizmo33]

Goblin Chef......" Seriously, is this what folks were asking for? WHERE IS WOTC GETTING THEIR FEEDBACK?!

Word (ie. QFT)

My game's been in Limbo for months now because I can't find a good write-up for a Goblin Chef. Although the irony is that a write-up on different goblin meals might be somewhat interesting, but the "Goblin Chef" entry in the MM V would be an entire page of a completely predictable stat-block like "Weapon Focus (Bohemian Ear Spoon), Profession (Cooking) +30, Spatula Use +25, Salting to Taste +10, etc. along with piercing insight like "Goblin Chefs are comfortable in the kitchen, or even cooking while on campaign..."

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I am sorry, but if you've been DMing 3E for some time, and you still don't have, by now, typed up, written, or even have sticky notes of different versions of your own drow elves, ogres, orcs, goblins whatever, you're a pretty sad DM.

Does it somehow boost your ego to needlessly - and anonymously - insult people over something as trifling as a game? Do you really expect to engage in a real discussion that way? Why should anyone listen to you or give your argument any credit whatsoever after being insulted? Do you really believe your viewpoint on the matter is the only valid one? I could just as easily surmise that your life is so bereft of meaning that all you have to do is stat up monsters all day. How would you feel about that?

 

[Razz]

Does it somehow boost your ego to needlessly - and anonymously - insult people over something as trifling as a game? Do you really expect to engage in a real discussion that way? Why should anyone listen to you or give your argument any credit whatsoever after being insulted? Do you really believe your viewpoint on the matter is the only valid one? I could just as easily surmise that your life is so bereft of meaning that all you have to do is stat up monsters all day. How would you feel about that?

Did I specify anyone? Not really. Did I specify anyone here? Nope. Meaning, my statement was very generalized and very broad meaning I have insulted someone and no one at the same time. I think the rules are you don't flame someone or insult someone on the boards, and I don't think that statement has, so far. If someone feels insulted by someone elses opinions, maybe these boards aren't the place for them. Just cause I come on a little strongly doesn't make me egotistical.

 

[Kunimatyu]

"Nah, let's spruce things up. I believe many will find it useful to have 50 versions of the Monster Manual 3.5 creatures such as the orcs, ogres, yuan-ti, and drow. Because DMs are either too lazy, have no time, or just plain dumb."

What if these new versions of old monsters are statted up in a creative way that also takes into account how they play at the table? An Ogre Fighter2 is very easy to make; a Half-Fiend Gnoll Warlock is not something everybody's got in their NPC roster, I'll wager.

Anybody can stat up a monster, but if the MMIV does it and does it well, consider me interested.

 

[d20Dwarf]

Does it somehow boost your ego to needlessly - and anonymously - insult people over something as trifling as a game? Do you really expect to engage in a real discussion that way? Why should anyone listen to you or give your argument any credit whatsoever after being insulted? Do you really believe your viewpoint on the matter is the only valid one? I could just as easily surmise that your life is so bereft of meaning that all you have to do is stat up monsters all day. How would you feel about that?

He's already lost all credibility on the official boards, so he's working overtime here now.

It's certainly easy to see why WotC would have the impetus to remain safe and boring, though, because they certainly take a reaming every time they try something new. I personally appreciate their efforts to make a better game, and I'm glad I'm getting to work on projects that show a little interest in experimenting with new formulas. Pioneers always face opposition from traditionalists and those that prefer comfortable sameness.

(I'm not saying everything they do is right, far from it, I think a lot of their experiments have fallen very flat...but some of their new directions are working out very nicely in my opinion. I think I've gotten more vocal because very little that's come out in the past couple of years has interested me, but some of this year's products...like MotM and MMIV...are heading in directions I like very much.)

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Did I specify anyone? Not really. Did I specify anyone here? Nope. Meaning, my statement was very generalized and very broad meaning I have insulted someone and no one at the same time. I think the rules are you don't flame someone or insult someone on the boards, and I don't think that statement has, so far. If someone feels insulted by someone elses opinions, maybe these boards aren't the place for them. Just cause I come on a little strongly doesn't make me egotistical.

I think you're being very disingenuous. Strong opinions are good. Standing behind them and not breaking the spirit of the rules of the community even if they are not broken technically is even better.

Those with really strong opinions who don't mind having others tell them exactly what they think in return might like Circus Maximus.

 

[d20Dwarf]

Just cause I come on a little strongly doesn't make me egotistical.

True, but if someone (I'm not being specific here) was to post the same rant over and over and over again, it might make them boring.