[RPG]: Monster Manual III, reviewed by Jannica Thales (4/4)

[Dan Davenport]

Nice review, Jannica! I usually err on the side of giving too much info, so I'd have probably listed the monsters anyway, but you gave a solid overview of the contents nonetheless.

Only being vaguely familiar with Eberron, I take it that the new dinosaurs are a nod to the fact that (as I understand it) dinosaurs are fully integrated into that setting?

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11562.phtml

Jannica Thales's Summary:

The Monster Manual 3 (MM3) is a d20/D&D monster supplement for a fantasy campaign. The back of the book suggests that a DM needs the DMG as well as the PH to use the MM3. But while the MM3 could technically stand by itself, I wouldn’t use it without the 3.5 Monster Manual. The Monster Manual is centered around story needs for fantasy gaming, while the MM3 is more of a meta-gaming book.

Go to the full review for more information.

The Monster Manual is centered around story needs for fantasy gaming, while the MM3 is more of a meta-gaming book.

I'm not sure the MM is about "story needs." It's your starter kit, so to speak. The monters in the MM3, to my view, show the same philosophy, and differ only somewhat in the proportion of various types of monster. As the review notes, the MM3 takes pains to cover uncovered territory. That's definitely a feature, though. One thing D&D does not need is more redundant monsters. While there are some trivial inclusions, for the most part, the MM3 focuses on fairly original beasties rather than old standbys (like the MM) or quirky surprises and obligatory throwbacks (MM2 and the Fiend Folio). If you really want more demons, devils, and dragons, take a look at the Draconomicon and the Fiend Folio.

In some ways the MM3 foreshadows the plethora of beasties of various types and characteristics to be found in Frostburn, Sandstorm, and so forth. And it avoids obligating Realms or Eberron fans to purchase the MM3 for completeness.

The MM3: a supplement that actually supplements, rather than obsolesces or supercedes.

Indeed. It's a really, really nifty book.

[crimfan]

Originally Posted by tetsujin28

Indeed. It's a really, really nifty book.

I tend to seek out new stuff because most of my players have GMed at some point in the past and they can get pretty blase' about the old stuff. I've gotten a fair amount of use out of it in my campaign, but there are a fair number of clunkers in it. I suppose it's always going to be the case that a lot of monsters simply won't appeal to everyone. There are some odd design choices at points, too, with some monsters missing powers you'd think they would have. <shrug>

Jay