Monster's Handbook! Attn: CGreathouse!

Katerek · Nov 21, 2002

This sounds teribly interesting. I wonder if it would be possible for the Dragon Generator guys to include some of the options out of this book in their generator?

I love that thing, I would really love to see it continually updated.

Aaron2 · Nov 21, 2002

I've been enhancing and modifiying my mosters for a year and a half now. What's in this book that isn't in the normal monster type write-ups in Dragon or MM2?

Is it just lists of sample powers and abilities?

Aaron

Psion · Nov 21, 2002

Katerek said:
This sounds teribly interesting. I wonder if it would be possible for the Dragon Generator guys to include some of the options out of this book in their generator?

I love that thing, I would really love to see it continually updated.

If Charles could add this to his dragon generator, that would be incredibly keen. Are you listening Charles?

Psion · Nov 21, 2002

Aaron2 said:
I've been enhancing and modifiying my mosters for a year and a half now. What's in this book that isn't in the normal monster type write-ups in Dragon or MM2?

This book is really nothing like any other monster book like the MM2. It does have a few sample monsters, but they are really just examples of how to apply the system in the rest of the book.

The book is split up into chapters corresponding to the various monster types (abberation, dragons, etc.) in addition to a leading chapter that has a system for enhancing creatures in a balanced manner including CR tweaks. There are abilities you can add in the inagural chapter as well as special abilities, prestige classes, templates, and feats appropriate to specific creature types. For example, you can make a doppleganger that has the ability to split off parts of itself or a dragon that can breathe in a continuous stream.

For an example what a chapter looks like, check out the magical beasts chapter, which is online:

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/pdf/llmhpreview.pdf

Aaron2 · Nov 21, 2002

Psion said:
For an example what a chapter looks like, check out the magical beasts chapter, which is online:

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/pdf/llmhpreview.pdf

Thanks. That's what I wanted.

Aaron

mearls · Nov 21, 2002

Aaron2 said:
I've been enhancing and modifiying my mosters for a year and a half now. What's in this book that isn't in the normal monster type write-ups in Dragon or MM2?

There's a system for taking any spell in the game and transforming it into a special attack or quality, with rules for determining how the change alters a creature's CR.

For instance, you could use Melf's acid arrow as the basis for a cone of acid breath weapon you want to give to a troll. In your game, the attack may take the form of a spew of acidic stomach juices the troll projects on its enemies.

I'm really happy with how the book came out, and am glad that people are enjoying it.

BigFreekinGoblinoid · Nov 21, 2002

Wow, I was tearing through this book last night! I had to stop reading after a while cuz I already had too many ideas I wanted to develop.

Hello Old, Red, 2 Headed Planar Dragon with Energy Radiance and Fiery Innards! Maybe I'll add the "Debilitating Breath Weapon" feat just to re-earn my "Mean GM" rep. I haven't been this excited about dragons in years!

Consider that I'm a founding member of OSA ( over sourcebooked anonymous ) when I say the following, but the "Monster's Handbook" will get more use than most of what I'm buying. I haven't been as pleased with the possibilities from a book since I got "Book of the Righteous".

And that's really saying a LOT, as I have really enjoyed reading other recent purchases such as BoVD, TOH, Requiem for a God, and the "Path" books...

Nightfall · Nov 21, 2002

I saw this book. While I didn't flip through all of it, I have to say, the dragon section alone is VERY worth while.

CRGreathouse · Nov 21, 2002

Psion said:
If Charles could add this to his dragon generator, that would be incredibly keen. Are you listening Charles?

I wasn't until you edited the thread title.

Subtlety is overrated, anyway; this got my attention.

Katerek said:
This sounds teribly interesting. I wonder if it would be possible for the Dragon Generator guys to include some of the options out of this book in their generator?

I love that thing, I would really love to see it continually updated.

First of all, there are no guys -- it's just me. I actually update it more than you might think, though most of my recent work has been behind the scenes, preparing for the ELH, making the code more expandable and efficient, and so forth.

I don't have Draconic Lore yet; I hope to pick it up soon. Once I do, I'll have to see how the mechanics work and how easy it is to add it to my code.

Psion: Before I add any 3rd-party material to my generators, I always email the publisher to ask for permission/blessing to use the material. I've never been turned down, and have generally been treated quite well -- Ambient gave me permission to use their PI, even!

I don't actually know anyone at FFG, though. Could you (would you, actually) give me a name and email address?