Scarred Lands Creature Collection

[candidus_cogitens]

I understand that it is now out of print. I might be able to get a copy from Ebay, but I started thinking that there might be a REASON that it is out of print. Are Scarred Lands DMs using another source these days? Could one use another monster manual and still have a true Scarred Lands game? Was the Creature Collection a decent book?

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

I understand that it is now out of print. I might be able to get a copy from Ebay, but I started thinking that there might be a REASON that it is out of print. Are Scarred Lands DMs using another source these days? Could one use another monster manual and still have a true Scarred Lands game? Was the Creature Collection a decent book?

Yes, it has been revised for 3.5! Creature Collection REVISED ! Darker Grey cover than the original. Essential for SL Campaigns, but otherwise there are many available monster books that are "better" ( IMO - Like Monsternomicon !)

Don't buy an old one unless you are planning on never playing 3.5

Here is a link to the new one at the ENWorld RPG shop:

http://enworld.rpgshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=32885&

BFG

 

[Douane]

Disclaimer: I'm no SL player/DM and don't possess the the CC.

I think the reason why the original CC went out of print is that they were releasing a revised version of it (It was the first monster book out, so there are some gaffes.). IIRC it had been pushed back somewhat to be readied for 3.5, but I don't know whether it is out yet. Sorry!

Folkert

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I understand that it is now out of print. I might be able to get a copy from Ebay, but I started thinking that there might be a REASON that it is out of print. Are Scarred Lands DMs using another source these days? Could one use another monster manual and still have a true Scarred Lands game? Was the Creature Collection a decent book?

There is now a Creature Collection (Revised) which is the same book, but revised for 3.5. The original printing of the book had lots of errors in it which have been corrected in the revised edition, as well as updating all the monsters.
http://www.rpgshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=32885&

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1588461114/qid%3D1065142847/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-3039747-7202346

 

[Duncan Haldane]

It has been stated by S&S that the original CC sold out. They had to decide whether to do a print run as is, or with revisions. Then 3.5 was announced, so they decided to kill two birds with one stone - a revised, 3.5 compatible version of it.

HTH

Duncan

 

[Trickstergod]

The Creature Collection Revised was, to my recollection, actually being written before the revised 3rd edition announcement was made. It was just delayed and re-written again for revised 3rd edition once Sword and Sorcery was given notice of the up-coming revision. Minor point, but, there you have it.

As for the original Creature Collection, eh...realize it came out about a week before the Monster Manual hit the shelves. It has a number of problems with it. Even if you're not going to play revised 3rd edition D&D, you would probably still have an easier time of editing the Creature Collection Revised for yourself than you would the original Creature Collection. The Revised one, at least, has a better grasp of mechanics, balance (the original Creature Collection had a few way off-base Challenge Ratings), and the like.

For that matter, unless you're going to play in the Scarred Lands, due to those errors in the book, the first Creature Collection really isn't such a hot buy. You'd be better off with the Tome of Horrors or possibly the Monsternomicon (though I'm inclined to say that as generic fantasy monster books go...it's, well, pretty terrible. Not because the ideas and the balance are bad, just because a lot of it isn't what I would drop into just any D&D campaign).

All in all, I'd say go with the Creature Collection Revised and if you're going to play in a normal 3rd edition game, just alter the material from that book, instead of using the original Creature Collection.

 

[Grazzt]

The Creature Collection Revised was, to my recollection, actually being written before the revised 3rd edition announcement was made. It was just delayed and re-written again for revised 3rd edition once Sword and Sorcery was given notice of the up-coming revision. Minor point, but, there you have it.

True true. I did ALL the revisions and turned in the 'script before we knew about 3.5. When 3.5 was announced, SSS decided to go ahead and update the book for 3.5 as well, so that's why it was slightly delayed. (I didnt do the 3.5 updates on it, just the ones prior to that.)

 

[candidus_cogitens]

I'm glad I asked about this.

Anyone know if the revised collection has color illustrations?

 

[Estlor]

No, and with the exception of a handful of creatures, all the illustrations are the same.

The first edition of this book was rife with Challenge Rating errors, among other things. I'm sure the Revised book is much better on this (especially knowing who did the first round of revisions), but for someone like me that bought the first book and only liked a few of the monsters, it's not worth replacing.

Now, if you're playing in the Scarred Lands it's definitely a must.

 

[Grazzt]

No, and with the exception of a handful of creatures, all the illustrations are the same.

The first edition of this book was rife with Challenge Rating errors, among other things. I'm sure the Revised book is much better on this (especially knowing who did the first round of revisions), but for someone like me that bought the first book and only liked a few of the monsters, it's not worth replacing.

Now, if you're playing in the Scarred Lands it's definitely a must.

Its also a must if you use the book a lot. I know several guys that dont run in the Scarred Lands per se, but they use the CC 1 like it was going out of style.

But yeah- the Revised book is much better than the original....trust me.

(and thanks for the nod there Estlor with the "esp knowing who did the first round of revisions")