I have a few requests for the MM4 which is due out in July. I don't have any delusions of influencing the designers to do things my way, (and I imagine that the product has long since been completed and sent to print), but I would hope for the following in the MM4:
Please, Please put out statistics for many of the 1st edition creatures that have not been updated, with several exceptions.
Please, Please do NOT provide me with another vast array of Abberations, Constructs, Vermin, or Outsiders, who look like one of these three. I say this because I am interested in a "fantasy" role playing game with monster types of a similar flavor (remember the good old days in the 80's, anyone). Although I recognize that the designers will want to include at least a token few of each type of monster, I think that they have been well represented in past monster books (particularly abberations) and are due for a break in favor of more 'traditional fantasy' creatures. I know others will argue that 'fantasy' can easily include monsters that look like they're straight out of a Sci-fi novel or HP Lovecraft's works. For example, what is the purpose of Nerra, Inevitables, War Forged, and Rilmani in a 'fantasy' game? I'm sure the designers worked very hard to come up with them, but do they honestly belong in a fantasy game where you go stomping through a dungeon with a sword? What do Formians and Kaorti (sorry, Far Realm fans) do to enhance the traditional fantasy flavor of the game?
Since I don't imagine I can influence WoTC, I'll just see what the rest of you think, and enjoy your scorn and disdain for my ramblings.
No scorn here, though the term "traditional fantasy" is pretty loaded. A lot of the Fritz Leiber and Robert Howard stuff does cross the line I think you're setting. I for one though do somewhat agree with you that the idea that every Alignment needs its Plane and every Plane needs it's alignment-based natives is sort of silly. How incredibly boring is that?
GGG
You are correct sir.
if that book isn't already finished and ready to go, the editors are likely to be in big trouble. ;) best to put in requests like this for MMV...
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if that book isn't already finished and ready to go, the editors are likely to be in big trouble. ;) best to put in requests like this for MMV...
Or better yet, put in a request for the next Creature Catalog.
Though to be honest I don't think they'll ever do away with the "non-fantasy" monsters. A lot of people (including myself) like those crazy beasts.
D&D's about choice. They give us lots of options and you can chose the ones you want.
I don't see what the problem is. There are more than enough fantasy monsters, and the same for "non-fantasy". So many that I'm not sure if you could ever use them all. Some people, like me, like not traditional monsters. I use a mix (at least I think I do, I've never thought of them as non- fantasy before. If you don't like them, don't use them. It's not set in stone. And even I have to admit some are rather silly **cough** rilimani **cough**
And I haven't noticed two many like them in other than Feind Folio and Lords of Madness (I don't have monster manual 3 so I don't know about that)
And even I have to admit some are rather silly **cough** rilimani **cough**
Watch your tongue or there will be a hex upon you! :P
Or better yet, put in a request for the next Creature Catalog.
ah, now that's a good idea. :)
before i sent in my query for the Creature Catalog feature (submissions meeting - any day now!), i actually set up a poll on ENWorld to see what conversions people would have liked me to submit.
i even got a few well-known folks around here to cast their votes. ;)
if that book isn't already finished and ready to go...
It already is, a Wizo e-mail me several weeks ago in response to a question I sent him/her.