[XRP] Just what is in A Magical Society: Beast Builder anyway?
- Thread starter jgbrowning
- Start date
I'd say something, but I can't get a copy until Friday. 
TheAuldGrump
First Post
Well, this book forced the XRP books into their own binder. They had been sitting happily in my World Building binder, but there are now too many books to fit, so they had to be relocated.
The Monster Geographicas do not exist in print form at all for my game - I copy and paste from the PDF to my scenarios. If I printed them up as well then I wouldn't be able to fit all my XRP stuff in a single binder.
Fotunately for my back the World Creation notebook(s) do not travel with me, but reside in one of three places depending on circumstances. Near the computer, where they are supposed to be, next to my bed, or by the bathtub. When I am heading to a restaurant they jump into my bookbag, and other stuff jumps out.
The Auld Grump, took a while to print, even at Draft quality...
The Monster Geographicas do not exist in print form at all for my game - I copy and paste from the PDF to my scenarios. If I printed them up as well then I wouldn't be able to fit all my XRP stuff in a single binder.
Fotunately for my back the World Creation notebook(s) do not travel with me, but reside in one of three places depending on circumstances. Near the computer, where they are supposed to be, next to my bed, or by the bathtub. When I am heading to a restaurant they jump into my bookbag, and other stuff jumps out.
The Auld Grump, took a while to print, even at Draft quality...
I had it printed and bound yesterday and have been reading it today. It is awesome and I have no doubt it will outsell MMS:WE and MS:E&C in time. I hope to see addendums from time to time for sale.
There is only one thing that bugs me. In the intro it mentions how it is the first book on customizing monsters. Uh, no. FFG's Monster's Handbook came out in 2002 and stretching the parameters of customizing a bit, Silverthorne's Book of Templates (Deluxe Edition) came out in 2003 (it has very good sections on using templates and some on customizing them). BB is much better than MH and is more flexable than BoT(DE), but it came later.
It is like the intro to IKCG where they stated that a setting without dwarves and elves isn't worth it's salt. Broad statements like that just annoy the hell out of me. This isn't a put down, just an observation.
There is only one thing that bugs me. In the intro it mentions how it is the first book on customizing monsters. Uh, no. FFG's Monster's Handbook came out in 2002 and stretching the parameters of customizing a bit, Silverthorne's Book of Templates (Deluxe Edition) came out in 2003 (it has very good sections on using templates and some on customizing them). BB is much better than MH and is more flexable than BoT(DE), but it came later.
It is like the intro to IKCG where they stated that a setting without dwarves and elves isn't worth it's salt. Broad statements like that just annoy the hell out of me. This isn't a put down, just an observation.
jgbrowning
Hero
DMH said:
Sorry to annoy you.
Although I like both of the products you mention I don't think they were entirely dedicated to helping a GM make monsters. Monsters was, to me at least, more about adding new stuff to your game, not about properly making your own monsters while Book of Templates just focused on the template aspect. Both of these did well with their individual focuses (BoT in particular-very good book), but I don't think they were entirely dedicated to making good, exciting, and fun monsters. I might have engaged in a bit of hyperbole, but I really do think that BB is the first book solely dedicated to helping GMs make up their own stuff- a book that tries to help you come up with your own ideas instead of providing the ideas to you.Edit: I probably should have been clearer in the introduction that I don't think BB is the first book on customizing monsters-just the first book solely dedicated to helping GMs make their own monsters according to the d20 rules. It's not about new feats, new monsters, new abilities- it's about using what you already have to make the best monsters you can make both conceptually and mechanically. Like the other MS books, it breaks down a complex process into understandable sections allowing you to make better monsters.
joe b.
Last edited:
You may want to look over chapters one and two in the MH.
Anyways, BB has already formed several creature ideas for me. The ideas of animal pollination (which does happen in aquatic groups like coral), non-magical summoners and domestication by low INT predators are very interesting. When I get some firm ideas, I will post them in my new species via templates thread. So what if they don't fit prefectly- they are new species.
Anyways, BB has already formed several creature ideas for me. The ideas of animal pollination (which does happen in aquatic groups like coral), non-magical summoners and domestication by low INT predators are very interesting. When I get some firm ideas, I will post them in my new species via templates thread. So what if they don't fit prefectly- they are new species.
Just got it. Had a look at the TOC and found a few things that'll be a great help in world design. I have more to read (once I have a print-out) but at the moment I recommend it highly.
jgbrowning
Hero
DMH said:
Nessian Warhounds are in the Hellhound section. They're SRD.
You're right. It should read [(1+6)/2]+6=9.5 The troll does +6 not +9. Typo—which I'll add to the list.
joe b.
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