D&D (2024) What Monster Should Have Made the Cut?

[Remathilis]

I'd have liked a few more of the NPCs from MotM to have made it; master thief, warlocks, specialty wizards, archdruid, etc.

 

[Zaukrie]

Derro. I use them all the time.

That said, I'll likely use some variation of 13th Age derro....

 

[Epic Meepo]

Including the nilbog from MotM could have helped justify and play up the Fey-ness of goblins.

It would also provide an opportunity to fix the biggest problem with the 5e nilbog: The mechanics are designed under the assumption that all goblins in the world are monsters. An unkillable trickster spirit that can make unlimited attempts to possess your goblin PC is outright hostile to the concept of goblins as a playable species. A 2025 update to the nilbog could clarify that nilbog spirits can possess monstrous Fey goblins, but they aren't able to possess playable Humanoid goblins.

 

[the Jester]

I'm gonna say orcs too, but I'll add- also dwarves (and duergar), elves (and Drow), gnomes, halflings, humans. All of them are 'monsters' in the classic DnD sense of the word. Include them all instead of arbitrarily leaving out those intended as pc races. There can be unique stat blocks for each that really emphasize their racial/species identity and make good adversaries or allies. I always found their entries useful in past editions.

EDIT: Let me add that I think we can have these in addition to generic Humanoid stat blocks that can be used for any of them. I'm honestly not trying to rehash that argument here- I have been disappointed by the lack of a "Human" entry in the MM since the 2014 MM dropped.

 

[Kobold Stew]

I would have liked a default Lizardfolk (what the new MM would call a Lizardfolk warrior), but what I really miss, I think, is the blurring with PCs:

• a sidebar on PCs as Lycanthropes
• a few templates (possibly the half-dragon again; or an ogrillon template given its new lore)
• something corresponding to "Creating a Monster" from the 2014 DMG (273-83) -- either here or in the DMG. [poor man's version: just a table like the one on DMG 2014 282, transferring the core elements (adjusted as needed) of the MotM playable species.]

I'm fine with the decision not to include any of the PHB species as monsters.

 

[Reynard]

I actually think that draconians should have appeared. they are a cool enemy with interesting abilities, covering a range of CRs and adding some much needed "stock troops" to the dragon type.

 

[Upper_Krust]

I would have cut the Metallic Dragons and added: a new Demon Prince (Abaddon etc.), a Primordial, Dispater, Ssendam, Anthraxus (done right, not that MMotM waste of space) the General of Gehenna and a Demigod (maybe Zagyg). Plus the Uvuudaum.

This way you fill out the CR 20-30 epic ranks and let players know there is more to epic level play than some big monsters.

 

[Stormonu]

Otherwise, I'll get back to you when I see a copy of the new MM and know what is missing...

You can go to Beyond now and if you go to the monster section, filter on the 2024 MM entries. May not be able to see the details, but you'll see the names.

 

[Chaltab]

I'd have brought over the Drow Matron Mother and Arachnomancer as well as the Duergar Mind Master and Despot.

To fit the new paradigm, the Matron Mother and Arachnomancer could both be fiends due to being empowered by Lolth, while the Despot could have the infernal quills from the deal with Asmodeus that was prominent in 4E lore and have become a fiend.. and the Mind Master would definitely be an aberration.

 

[Zaukrie]

I'd have brought over the Drow Matron Mother and Arachnomancer as well as the Duergar Mind Master and Despot.

To fit the new paradigm, the Matron Mother and Arachnomancer could both be fiends due to being empowered by Lolth, while the Despot could have the infernal quills from the deal with Asmodeus that was prominent in 4E lore and have become a fiend.. and the Mind Master would definitely be an aberration.

Good suggestions!