https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdImF_nWcemX0orSemfT_X_J6QQeLjMaSrSw4LlXR2erhn8RA/viewform?usp=sf_link
I want empirical data on what people consider to be the absolute worst creature in the 5th edition MM. This isn't pointless bashing, I want to see if there's anything to learn from the failures. Are there certain mechanics that are widely hated? Do people like the simple things or the complex ones? Is a cool aesthetic enough to make a creature beloved?
I know this is a subjective opinion, but there's certain things that I'd prefer to avoid. Being overused doesn't make a creature bad. Neither does the fact that it killed your character once. Neither of these facts can be used to inform future publications, people who want to make their own homebrew, or DMs trying to build cool encounters. Also, if you like ALL of the options, you still have to pick one. One of them has to be the weakest link, even if its still great.
I won't be including the Beast category because its so large and there really isn't that much useful information to be gained from asking about it. I've also split the Fiends category because its also massive and a) I didn't want a general preference for devils over demons or vice versa to obscure useful info about good design and b) the answers would be spread far too thin over such a large category to observe any useful trends. Some creatures will be grouped if they're just versions of the same creature, eg the Goblin and Goblin Boss will be same.
I'm not super educated on older editions and stuff but I downloaded the free pdf for Worlds Without Number and i assume i can use old dnd monsters for it
I also assume finishing the rulebook would help me make a more informed decision, but I'm going at a snail's pace here lol
Decided to reach out and find the person online, I had his name and a very old phone number but was able to find an Email address, and tossed him a message.
https://i.imgur.com/qsoiC4s.jpg <--- Screen Capture of the Email
They are currently 25% off...but they frankly seem like a very niche thing, and not worth 400+ points each...
So I have access to a digital version of the monster manual but dont have the actual book. When I want to find a stat block I can look it up on dnd beyond or on roll20. I run a game online and a game in person.
Now I like a good hardcover book so I was thinking of getting a proper monster manual but have just seen that dmsguild has a monster manual extended edition parts 1, 2 and 3. They are all pretty hefty tomes but they are expensive. Do people think I should get the standard monster manual first or just go straight for the expanded ones? Is there much in the monster manual besides the stat blocks? Like fun lore and tips for playing the monsters?
I am looking to get a book that improves on the monsters in WOTC's Monster Manual. These 2 books seem to have gotten a bit of praise.
Has anyone gotten both these books? And how do they compare?
Is there a book of different types of monsters? Perhaps with attack ideas, weaknesses, how much harm they can endure etc.
Just something to give me ideas of monsters as a keeper. Or do you keepers just do this with your imagination?
It seems like anything goes in this game, but inspiration is always fun.
EDIT: Thanks for all the fresh ideas in lieu of a book. Sounds better without one anyway.
Anyone ever assign morale scores for the monsters in MMII or Fiend Folio
I'm going through the first Monster Manual and adding in the morale scores from B/X (by way of Old School Essentials) so I have "one source of truth". Looking ahead to my Fiend Folio and Monster Manual II, I see there's a lot of creatures that don't have B/X or even BECMI versions, so I may have to refer to the 2E Monstrous Manual and later listings, but of course that'll require some conversion since it's on a 2d10 scale rather than 2d6...
