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Jon Brazer Enterprises / Pathfinder RPG / Book of Beasts

Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane (PFRPG) PDF

4.80/5 (based on 6 ratings)
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The Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane details the deadly and frightening monsters that go bump in the night. More than 50 brand new monsters for your Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, these monsters will frighten players and challenge their characters in new and exciting ways. This monster book is the latest in the award-winning Book of Beasts series and is the bestiary to the Shadowfall series, premiering in 2012.

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4.80/5 (based on 6 ratings)

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Excellent, affordable bestiary with focus on creepy creatures/undead

5/5 —

The first of the supplements for the upcoming Shadowsfall-prodcuts centered on the shadow plane, the latest Book of Beasts (the predecessor made it on my top-10-2011-list) is 52 pages long, 1 page front cover, 1 page blank inside the front cover, 1 page editorial/SRD, 1 page ToC, 1 page containing suitable monsters from the core-books (nice support for the DM!), 1 page advertisement, 1 page blank inside back cover, 1 page back cover, leaving 44 pages of content, so let's check this out!

After the lists in the beginning, we are introduced to the first new beast, and glorious it is: The Black Worm (CR 18) is essentially the shadow plane-version of a purple worm, just...well...worse - add negative energy breath weapons, insane SR etc and you're in for a good example of what to expect from this book: While the beasts herein are thematically linked and shadow-plane-themed, they do feature massively different abilities from their prime material counterparts, if such exist. Also, each entry features a descriptive fluff of the beast and some text by one of the survivors or other players of the setting. The CR 7 Centaur Raav is an undead centaur with scyth-blades at the arms and bone-spikes protruding from their skeletal frames. While cool, the semi-incorporeal Clawed Kaidan (CR 9) features an aura of lethargy and feature not only a disturbing artwork, but also abilities to match and a neat weakness.

Truly disturbing and one of my favorites in this book is the (blandly named) CR 6 Darkling - Troll-like fey with an aura of silence, the ability to spray deadly snow and wicked stone axes - awesome creatures supplemented by a stellar b/w-artwork. The CR 17 Deathhands, hunters of Charon seeking to kill people who cheated death also make for a neat take on the Grim Reaper-trope. The Quake Dragons (3 sample stats) are also a neat new creature and actually a kind of dragon that does add something to the draconic family. Dread Gargoyles, essentially CR 10 more badasss gargoyles, are the first creature that somewhat fell short for me personally, in spite of its disturbing ability to form the stone of their own body. Then, there are the Dull Mites (CR 2), shadow plane versions of the mites that can steal your colors! Of course, we also get shadow elementals, rather tricky customers (6 statblocks) and while there's nothing bad about them, they fall terribly short of the...

GREAT DODO (CR 7)! Yep, you read right, there are still giant dods on the plane of shadows and they subconsciously know that your ancestors have hunted them to extinction on the prime material, thus making them even more ferocious and fueling their rage of extinction. Fast, deadly, cool and a little bit silly, the Great Dodo is a prime example of stellar monster design. For those discerning liches who are truly equal-opportunity, we get 2 stats for hunchbacked skeletons and then there are the Helblar (3 statblocks) - these undead guardians of the graveyards adhere to special ethics and woe to any who disturb their chosen fields....

On the iconic and truly disturbing side of things, we get two new kinds of Kytons -the CR 11 Dermestide (who skins foes alive and wears the straps like a mummy) and the CR 1 Noxil Kyton, who wears a spiked head mask and a heavy pendulum blade attached to it, forever suffering under its weight - very cool idea and features a unique fighting style - especially awesome for a CR 1 creature - they feel wholly distinct from any regular creatures of the same CR. Kudos!
The shadowplane is not Oz, yet there are Monkeybats (CR 1/4) as well and the filth is both a carrier for diseases and a great component for wizards. Not so great for wizards (or any other living being) is the new Nightstalker (CR 12), a lion-like Nightshade of black flames that heals via inducing fear while it leads its undead armies. The Onyx ooze (CR 8)on the other hand is a rudimentary intelligent predator that will make your PCs double-check any source of water.

The Phantasm Swarm, a conglomerate of dissolved souls forever barred from the afterlife (CR 12) seeks to wreck its vengeance on any priests and pietous characters (and comes as an undead swarm with an awesome artwork). The new Memitim Psychopomp (CR 14, I still can't get over the creature class-name - not the fault of this book, though) is a kind of reaper-angel that tries to escort powerful beings into the afterlife. When compared with this array of awesome beings, the CR 3 Shade Aurans, amphibious frog-like humanoids fall somewhat short, but this is offset a bit by two new statblocks on spectres and information on legendary spectres of the Shadowsfall.

Grognards like yours truly get a nice blast from the past/homage in the form of the Spiderbear, a CR 9 magical beast that had me remember Mishka and his dread demons. The CR 19 Starak is not even a bit cute - a class of legendary beasts, their control of the earth itself makes them for dragon-strength foes below the surface - very cool. The Unquiet Giant (CR 13) has a nice twist on the trope of the undead giant: They rhyme while squishing foes! While the idea is cool, I have some problems with this creature: a) I think it should have been a template. b) Been there, done that - x times. c) with exactly that (admittedly gorgeous) artwork - I've seen it 5 (!!!) times in different publications - we need a new undead giant artwork out there! The final creature of the pdf is the vampiric tree, an iconic CR 10 blood draining, voracious part of the flora that ensures that going to the deep dark forest is nothing to laugh about - they stun you via bark darts and then pummel you into submission to ram their blood-draining, fang-like roots into your body - ouch!

The appendices provide ample additional undead for your campaign, i.e. 5 different shadows (including a titan centipede shadow!), 6 sample skeletons, 6 sample zombies, the darkened template (CR +1), 4 sample creatures and for your convenience's sake, reprint some universal monster rules and monster feats as well as the rules for the shadow subtypes and a list of creatures by CR.

Conclusion:
Editing and formatting are top-notch, I didn't notice any glitches, which is quite a feat over so many pages. Layout adheres to a printer-friendly 2-column b/w-standard that features awesome artworks - kudos to the participating artists. The pdf is extensively bookmarked, adding to the usability of the book and the overall organization of the content is awesome. The bits and pieces of information on the settings, specific individuals/advanced creatures etc. made me anticipate more books from the line and the overall standard of the critters, their signature abilities and sheer iconic qualities has baffled me - while there were 3 creatures that felt like falling a bit short of the standard of the book, said standard is so high that this was to be anticipated. In fact, I was rather baffled that this book turned out not to be another selection of easily exchangeable undead/dark creatures, but rather contains a wealth of cool creatures and ideas. If I had to voice one gripe I have with this book, then it would be that it does not include hazards and sample NPCs like its predecessor, but I gather that's because of the other books in the line. Thus, I look forward to seeing more supplements for the plane of shadows and, taking the more than fair price into account, remain with a final verdict of 5 stars and a definite recommendation for this excellent bestiary.

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Jon Brazer Enterprises
kevin_video wrote:
I have books on the dhampir. I wasn't looking for that. It's an official Paizo race. I was looking for a template that could be added to other races.

The dhampir we're using is the same Paizo race.

Also, Paizo calls dhampirs half-vampires, according to Classic Horrors Revisited. I'm not even sure how an acquired half-vampire template would work, logically.
Grand Lodge
Cheapy wrote:
Also, Paizo calls dhampirs half-vampires, according to Classic Horrors Revisited. I'm not even sure how an acquired half-vampire template would work, logically.

WotC came up with a template in Libris Mortis. I was kind of hoping to see something along the same ideas.

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Okay, so I just read End's review and decided to pull the trigger. This has been sitting in the shopping cart for a while waiting for funds. I'm looking forward to reading over the PDF this weekend!
1 person marked this as a favorite.

I also was one of the monster editors (Thanks Dale!), but now that I have the final product in my hands, all I can say is WOW !!! Endzeitgeist's review is dead on.

All I can add to it is, the Darkened Template is *really* great. The guys in my Kingmaker campaign are in for some surprises!

-- david
Papa.DRB
Liberty's Edge

It's really great to hear people are digging this - I can't wait for the rest of the material to hit.

I think the Shadowfall setting is going to be very popular!

I decided to skip a meal and pick up this PDF because I'm weak like that. Skimming through it I'm impressed, but, expect a full review in the next several days.

The poison and thick skull abilities of the black worm are supposed to say "black worm" not "black work" in their descriptions, right?

EDIT: Darkling is really, really cool.
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Print/PDF Bundle now available on Paizo.com!

Fantastic review End!

I was probably going to be buying this anyways, but after the review by End(I only read his opening and closing comments so as not to take away from my enjoyment) I am SOLD and will be getting the print version as soon as I am able.
Liberty's Edge
Dale McCoy Jr wrote:
Print/PDF Bundle now available on Paizo.com!

As I have pre-ordered but the package as not jet shipped (it is waiting for the next AP), do you know if it is possible to upgrade to the Print/PDF Bundle?

Dark Archive
Diego Rossi wrote:
Dale McCoy Jr wrote:
Print/PDF Bundle now available on Paizo.com!
As I have pre-ordered but the package as not jet shipped (it is waiting for the next AP), do you know if it is possible to upgrade to the Print/PDF Bundle?

Just make a post in the customer service forum and they will probably change it for you.

Liberty's Edge

I have sent a mail to the costumer service. They are very helpfully so I think there will be no problem.
Dark Archive
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Reviewed and I am really looking forward to the rest of this series.

Again, Great review! I'm also looking forward to the rest of the series! :)
Dark Archive
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Thanks and yeah i am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. Hopefully we won't have to long to wait.
Jon Brazer Enterprises
Dark_Mistress wrote:
Thanks and yeah i am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. Hopefully we won't have to long to wait.

Doing the best I can. ;0

I'm currently working on the Free RPG Day adventure because that has a hard deadline that has to meet. Once that's off to editing (by The World's Greatest Girlfriend(TM)), I'll get back to the Player's Guide.

Thank you for the review DM. I am really glad you enjoyed it.
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Reviewed here and at RPGNow. Really enjoyed the collection, can't wait to see what's next.

Dark_Mistress wrote:
Reviewed ...

Great review D_M

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Nice review, KTFish7!
Liberty's Edge

I can't wait for everyone to see the rest of this setting!!!!

Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane is literally just the first part! Once people see just how expansive and cool this Shadow Plane setting is, I think it is going to be *very* popular!
Jon Brazer Enterprises
KTFish7 wrote:
Reviewed here and at RPGNow. Really enjoyed the collection, can't wait to see what's next.

Thank you for your review KTFish7. I really am glad you enjoyed it!

Jon Brazer Enterprises

I just want to say thank you to Stark Enterprises VP for giving us a 5th 5-Star review and the kind words he said! Thank you!
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Yeah! We made the store blog!
1 person marked this as a favorite.

That is one of the coolest PF-related covers yet. Great graphic!
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Thank you!
1 person marked this as a favorite.

I don't know if anyone listens to the 3.5 Private Sanctuary Podcast or Know Direction, but the ads for this book are Awesome!
Liberty's Edge
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Congrats! Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane made it into Paizo's Top Ten list last week!

I'm glad people are picking up on this bad boy!

I picked this book up and I like it very much as a focused mini-bestiary. What I need now is some guidelines on (a) frequency of encounters in the Plane of Shadow and (b) which denizens are mostly likely to be found along the borders.

I have a group that's about to spend 7-8 hours shadow walking across the Cinderlands and I have no idea what they should expect in terms of shadowy encounters during that trek. They have no reason to go deep into the Plane of Shadow, they're just stepping into it to facilitate rapid travel.
Jon Brazer Enterprises
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Random monsters by region is expected to be in the gazetteer (and if not, it will be a free pdf). While I can't say in print what would be appropriate, I can say what I would do:

Spoiler:

I'm assuming you're running CotCT, starting Skeletons of Scarwall (I think that's where the shadow walk was in our campaign, I may be wrong, its been a while). I'd put them against any of the following

From Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane:
1 Dermestitude Kyton
1 Titan Centipede Shadow
4-5 Manticore Shadows
1 Adult Quake Dragon (they are in a mountainous area afterall)
2-3 Clawed Kadians
There are other options, but these would be my first choices.

From Bestiary 1
4-5 Shadow Demons
3-4 Mohrg

From Bestiary 2
1 Athach
3-4 Bodak
1 Young Umbral Dragon
3-4 Shantak
3-4 Tenebrous Worm
1-2 Witchfire

But these are just my recommendations.

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Finally got my but in gear and wrote my review! I haven't decided if this has supplanted The Tome of Horrors as my favorite monster book. This one certainly has better flavor text than ToH.

I have decided that I will be pre-ordering the next Shadowsfall book that comes out. Kurdag's Tale clinched that for me. I'm considering talking to my FLGS about running Pathfinder on Free RPG day. Is there anything I need to tell the owner to do to get scenarios for me to run?
Dale McCoy Jr wrote:

Random monsters by region is expected to be in the gazetteer (and if not, it will be a free pdf). While I can't say in print what would be appropriate, I can say what I would do:

** spoiler omitted **

Thanks, I'll keep that list handy. No, we're closing in on the end of Rise of the Runelords. During our game yesterday the party shadow walked from the dam at Skull's crossing east and northeast along the Kazaron River to reach the Kodar Mountains -- about 375 miles.

It was the first time they'd used shadow walk, but it probably won't be the last.
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Hey Everyone,

Help us get the Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane into The Gamers: Hands of Fate movie from Zombie Orpheus Entertainment and Dead Gentlemen Productions! If we get 300 Likes and Shares on Facebook and Twitter, the book will make it in! If we get more, our book will get an even better spot! Like the image. Share it. And tell your friends to do the same. Be sure to support the Kickstarter going on right now. And remember to put "Book of Beasts" in the comments.

Thank you.

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President, Jon Brazer Enterprises

For Black Friday, this PDF will be on sale for $1.50. Be sure to grab this installment in the Award-Winning, Highly-Acclaimed monster book series this weekend for this low, LOW price.
Dark Archive
1 person marked this as a favorite.

I have been looking at this book for a while now and saw a cheap used copy on E-bay so I snagged it. This is an awesome book, loved it and now waiting to spring it on my unsuspecting players. Any eta on the gazetteer? I bought the players guide already (love that too although I have to keep retrieving it from my wife's game bag).
President, Jon Brazer Enterprises

The gazetteer has been delayed until after the mythic book (and ultimate campaign) comes out since since I want to incorporate them into the book. Things like stats for typical armies of the strongholds, mythic splinterspawn undead, etc.

Thank you for posting a review.
Dark Archive

Thanks for the update, I will gladly wait to see included materials from Mythic and campaigns.
President, Jon Brazer Enterprises

On sale now for $2. Get the print book while it lasts. Once it is gone, it is gone.
President, Jon Brazer Enterprises

This is THE highest rated bestiary, with every review being 5 stars. If you want the best monsters for your game, grab this set today for the rock bottom price of $1.

Heck, the print version is only $2. Treat yourself and get both. You cannot get a better deal than this.
President, Jon Brazer Enterprises

Planning a Halloween game? Get this 5-STAR rated monster collection of spooky creatures for only $2.
President, Jon Brazer Enterprises

Still a wonderful monster book. This quite possibly might be my favorite book I wrote.
Grand Lodge

The back of the book has an ad for the shadowsfall shadow plane gazetter. Where can I buy that?
Jon Brazer Enterprises
Skagra42 wrote:
The back of the book has an ad for the shadowsfall shadow plane gazetter. Where can I buy that?

The most complete book on Shadowsfall is the Shadowsfall: Shadow Plane Player's Companion.

Jon Brazer Enterprises

When it comes to ferrying the dead off to their afterlife, preventing them from haunting the living, I think Christmas. The Book of Beasts: Monsters of the Shadow Plane has a pair of Psychopomps in it who's job it is to ferry the dead. By the transitive property, psychopomps are Christmas monsters. Download these Christmas monsters today.
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Have the Plane of Shadows invade your game. Or worse, send your players to Shadowsfall.
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Thinking of running War for the Crown? Having a villain with a shadow monster as a pet would be most unexpected for our players.
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Would you prefer to see all our monsters converted to Pathfinder 2e all at once in a single book or in shorter, smaller monster books like this one?
Jon Brazer Enterprises

More than 50 awesome monsters perfect for a Halloween game. Download today.
Jon Brazer Enterprises

What are your favorite monsters out of this book? We want to know.
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