What do you look for in a monster book?

[blackshirt5]

Good to know(that was actually the original plan anyway).

 

[Psion]

I look for creatures with good plot possibilities, a possible role in the campaign, has an interesting concept, and/or that serves a sensible purpose.

I find that creatures that fill the same niche save on or two special abilities are a waste of my time.

Good example creatures:
Crown Naga (CCII)
Tempus Twin (CCII)
Bloodless (CCII)
Elemental Wierd (MMII)
Iron Lich (Monsternomicon)

These creatures are conceptually rich and memorable, sure to make an impression on your players.

So far, I think I'm gonna go the route of the Monsternomicon, going for quality of monsters and descriptions, rather than quantity, with plenty of details, hooks, and background on each monster.

Monsternomicon's approach is good, but I'd put Monsternomicon behind books like CCII and ToH if you aren't running IK or a similar steampunk setting. The creatures seem to be mostly either very specific to the setting, or are rehashes of existing creatures from the MM with an IK spin to them.

 

[DragonLancer]

With the exception of a handful of monsters (only 3 come to mind at the moment), the contents of the Monsternomicon are suitable for any world with very little modification (except history wise).

Also, one thing I don't like (in any RPG sourcebooks) is IC writting. Thats fine for letters and such that you want to show but leave everything else to OOC.

 

[Psion]

With the exception of a handful of monsters (only 3 come to mind at the moment)

There are way more than 3.

And while there are many creatures that aren't IK/stempunk specific, I think it is fair to say that most of the intriguing entries are the steampunk specific ones. Many of the remaining entries are just rehashes of existing creatures.

 

[DragonLancer]

There are way more than 3.

And while there are many creatures that aren't IK/stempunk specific, I think it is fair to say that most of the intriguing entries are the steampunk specific ones. Many of the remaining entries are just rehashes of existing creatures.

Yes, there are more than 3 but not many more. There are a few that at first glance look stuck in a steampunk setting but are not so dissimilar to other D&D fare. You are also correct that the Monsternomicon has a good few beasties that are just another fishman/troll/bug thing...etc, but after 3 years of third edition I have stopped seeing fresh and original monster designs.

 

[BOZ]

and of course in the 3e DMG...

d'oh! i think i've looked at those maybe twice, but yeah they sure do exist.