Monster Manual Two Review

So, as i mentioned earlier, i managed to get my hands on the Wizards of the Coast production of Monster Manual 2, the second of the two releases. Eventually i'll get around to reviewing the whole 4E system, but for now, let's just stick to concepts and such fun things.

So, for those of you who aren't in the know, Monster Manual 2, affectionately abbreviated MM2, is the latest in the line of fourth edition books released for the Dungeons and Dragons system. Featuring the scary as hell Demagorgon on the front cover, it promises to contain "Hordes of monsters to unleash upon your campaign world and it's greatest heroes."

My opinion? It certainly delivers. 215 pages of nasties just ready to slaughter PCs who don't know any better. Ranging from the weakest monsters, such as the Fell Taints and the Bullywug Mucker, all the way up to Demogorgon and his not so little advisor Dagon, there is a lot of monsters and monsters variations to be found. One thing i've gotta say is that at first look they really seem to have expanded upon the levels that seemed to be lacking in monsters from the MM1, especially in the mid to high level range. There is also a good set of nasties in the base lowest levels, and the nice variations really lets you get a good spread for starting characters.

A lot of old favorites make an appearance, including the Barghests, Behirs, Bone Iron and Clay Golems, the Cocktrice,the Couatl, Marut, and many more. They even bring back the good old Metallic Dragons who without the alignment system of "Must be good" are actually viable opposition. They all have lovingly rendered pictures that really do a good job of getting the feel of each monster across. They also have added more variations to the monsters in the MM1. This gives us DMs a even larger bank of monsters to work with.

Beware though, some of the oldies have had serious power upgrades, and some have been mildly nerfed. A good example of a nerfed one (And in my opinion? Thank god, they where way to deadly for their level before) Cockatrice will turn you to stone after 3 turns instead of immediately, and you can make a poultice to save one person from their feathers. Something a bit different? The assassins Vine. Remember that thing? Corny picture of a 1/2 CR vine trying to curl around the throat of a farmer? Yeeeeah not so much now. Now their a Level 16 elite who will rip and rend anything in their path who can make multiples of themselves to make tons of lashing attackers. Don't go just off the names, or you'll regret it.

Then there are the new guys, and there are way too many of them to go over here, but boy are they sweet! I mean, we have the Adamantine Dragon, master of tactics, we have tons of new elementals (I mean a Geod Elemental? That's just kinda kick ass.)To the totally sweet and totally insane one eyed Nothics. And you know what i appreciate? Finally a low level far realm denizen (Fell Taint) that can be sicced on low level PCs to start to rough them up for the big stuff later on.

But, as with all reviewers, I got my bones to pick.

First off, why, oh why oh why oh why, did the half elves get the absolute worst picture in the entire book? Seriously, I can flip open a page at random and see an epic picture, a totally cool illustration of battle, heck, even the few recycled pics (I’ve only found 2 so far, not to bad honestly) are perfect for what their trying to potray. Half elves? Standing there. Looking slightly Asian. And pathetic. And totally lame. Really? COME ON!

Second, there’s this race of people called the Firbolg’s (I have NO clue how to pronounce that.) Now, their picture? Total kickass barbarians. Says in their descriptions that their masters of the hunt, and the killer of oath breakers. It says that if you know the ritual, you can summon them to hunt down people who break promises.

It also says they worship three goddesses, the Maiden (Sehanine), The Mother (Melora) and the Crone (Raven Queen).
….
Their wiccans. Their wiccan barbarians. Wiccan barbarians who are masters of the hunt.
….
I’m very, profoundly, unsure as to whether it’s awesome or mildly disturbing.
Finally, my last gripe is just that only 3 new races are available in the back, the Kenku, The Bullywugs, and the Druergar. There are SO many cool races, the above mentioned Firblog’s included, and they only give race stats to these 3? I mean come on! Centaurs, Barghests, Djinn, Maruts,Pohoelarchs and Phoera, the aforementioned Firblog, and NONE of them are statted, which is just annoying. Oh well, one can only hope for dragon articles and future releases I suppose.

Overall, This book is good and darn useful for any DM. A few mildly annoying bits aren’t much of a detriment, so I’d say if you don’t feel like making all your own monsters and want an entire horde of them, this is a must buy. Just expect to be making your own stats for races.

The Geek Guardian Angel,
Matthias777