Question about TOH 2

[Upper_Krust]

Hi all!

I was just wondering if I could ask a question about the Tome of Horrors 2 (I didn't see a specific thread about it, so I thought I would just create one). Looking forward to getting the book soon.

However, I must say I am curious about the high level monsters in the book...it is me after all.

I was wondering can someone post a list of monsters with CRs of 17 or more.

Thanks.

 

[Knight Otu]

The Ferrous Giant - Huge Giant, CR 17
The Slorath - Gargantuan Magical Beast, CR 18; Serpent-like beast of cold with a paralysis gaze
Demoriel - Medium Outsider, CR 19; Ambitious and loyal Devil want-to-be bride of Lucifer.
Duke Vepar - Large Outsider, CR 21; Not so loyal underling of Dagon
Stygian Leviathan - Colossal Magical Beast, CR 21; Whale-like beast swimming through the Styx.
Caasimolar, Former President of Hell - Medium Outsider; Loyal spymaster of Lucifer.
Xaphan, Duke of Infernus - Large Outsider; CR 26; Also known as the Burning Duke, another loyal servant of the outcast Lucifer.

 

[EldonG]

*sigh*...not so many...and most of those uniques. Are there many of 12+?

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi guys!

Thanks for the info Knight Otu mate!

I am slightly disappointed by only 7, or indeed only 4 CR 20+. That must be only 2-3%, making it officially one of the lowest powered monster books ever.

Though that said perhaps Scott wanted to balance it against the first Tome of Horrors which was probably one of the highest powered monster books ever.

Nevertheless I am looking forward to seeing it.

I do wonder what Monster Manual 3 will be like in terms of high level critters though? Hopefully as good as Monster Manual 2 and the Fiend Folio which both had about 13% or more.

 

[Knight Otu]

Hey, all!

EldonG, I'll post them when I get home. In case it is not clear (due to my use of "The"), the ferrous giant and the slorath are not unique.

UK, I'm not sure about that. A post by Andy Collins on the WotC boards said:

While the book doesn't quite hit those extremes, it does run the gamut from CR 1/2 to CR 20.

Most critters fall into the "sweet spot" of CR 4 to 12, making them useful in a wide range of games.

There are plenty in the mid- to high teens, though, so it shouldn't be tough to challenge even level 20+ PCs with this book (whether the monsters are in groups, with templates, or with class levels).

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi Knight Otu mate!

Thanks for the link. I just replied therein.

While I am sure it will still be a good book I do feel somewhat lukewarm about it now. I'll probably still pick it up, but I won't hurry to do so.

 

[EldonG]

Knight Otu...

Yeah, I caught that. I was hoping for more high CR beasties, obviously...
I'm in the midst of an epic level writing project...and...you'd be amazed at how many people yell and scream, 'just use a bunch of templates', but the creatures really don't compare with the ones in the epic level handbook...no matter what you do.

 

[Knight Otu]

Here's the 12 to 16 CR monsters:

Giant Bog Turtle - Huge Magical Beast, CR 12; Big turtle, as it says on the tin.
Giant Sea Slug - Gargantuan Vermin, CR 12
Mastodon - Huge Animal, CR 12
Shrroth - Huge Outsider, CR 12 - "Tauric" octopus demons, warriors of Dagon.
Time Flayer - Medium Outsider, CR 12 - Enigmatic Entity Encountered Eternally
Empyreal - Large Outsider, CR 13 - Angelic radiant warrior
Gallows Tree - Huge Plant, CR 13 - Its fruits are its victims and ripen into warriors.
Monstrous Sea Wasp, Colossal - Colossal Vermin, CR 13
Furnace Golem - Huge Construct, CR 14; Warning, hot!
Mallor - Large Outsider, CR 14; The little demon brothers of the marilith. But don't tell 'em I said so, or they'll send snakes after me. Or foul all water.
Volcano Giant - Huge Giant, CR 14
Proscriber - Medium Outsider, CR 15; Divine messengers and punishers
Caizel - Medium Outsider, CR 16; Former concubine of a demon lord, ow seductress with a vendetta against Beluiri.
Jade Colossus - Colossal Construct, CR 16; Powerful guardian construct, no relation to the ELH colossi.

 

[Knight Otu]

I'm in the midst of an epic level writing project...and...you'd be amazed at how many people yell and scream, 'just use a bunch of templates', but the creatures really don't compare with the ones in the epic level handbook...no matter what you do.

Yeah, part of most would be the missing Hit Dice. You've gathered a few from these boards, such as my Umbral Splinter swarm (yes, I'm Ashardalon). Maybe the dragon currently created in the Creature by Poll threads might be for you, as much as Krishnath dislikes it.

 

[Gez]

Gallows Tree? I've the feeling I had already seen this name. Or maybe I'm confusing with the Gallows Vine from CC2.