This is not so much a review of the 4E Monster Manual 2 (MM2) as it is a few random comments about one of the newest books in my 4E library. I order this one earlier this week from Amazon, which means the MM2 only set me back $23.07 (no taxes; free second day shipping via Prime service) instead of the suggested retail price of $34.95.
I do not have the time or inclination to research older versions of the various Monster Manual releases to see which of the approximately 170 monsters spanning 223 pages of the MM2 are new to Dungeons & Dragons. Suffice it to say that there are obviously many repeats, but that is too be expected.
The MM2 is fairly standard fare; presented in the same format as the first Monster Manual. Each monster entry has a brief description and ample statistical game information. Most also include some background information on tactics, lore, and encounter groups. For what is presented, it is fairly down to earth, but I wish that more time were spent on ecology type information. In 4E ecology information is sparse, but perhaps it is better served in other accessories, Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons being a perfect example. It is worth noting that there is a special call out section on the Rust Monster (“A Guide to Using Rust Monsters”); more of these types of call outs would have been appreciated.
Speaking of dragons, the MM2 introduces several Metallic dragons: Adamantine, Copper, Gold, Iron, and Silver. Each entry includes statistical game information for Young, Adult, Elder, and Ancient forms. If you like dragons, the MM2 gives you 14 pages of dragon goodness.
For some longtime Dungeons & Dragons fans, the appearance of Demogorgon (L34) may be a selling point. Dagon (L32) also makes an appearance, but I do not remember this Demon Lord from my younger playing days.
As you can see from the chart below, the MM2 contains a fairly diverse range of monsters, but I could not help myself for wanting to see more lower level creatures, especially humanoids. I guess there is always the Monster Manual 3. I have already alluded to two of the three 30+ level monsters. The third is the Ancient Gold Dragon (L30).
Rounding out the MM2 is a 4 page glossary. If you are picking up the MM2 you probably do not need a 4 page glossary. While it is helpful to newer 4E players such as myself, it is really throw away material. There is a single page covering the Racial Traits for possible playable races: Bullywug, Duergar, and Kenku. While this section is interesting, I would rather see more details or have it removed all together to a future Dungeon Master’s Guide. Finally the MM2 wraps things up with 3 pages of Monsters by Level. This section is certainly helpful, but I wish there were also encounter tables – by level, terrain, etc. I really miss those from my AD&D days (before there edition designations).
MM2 is certainly a quality book that will give Dungeon Master’s a new set of tools to play with, but future versions could be improved by expanding ecology information, and this old gamer believes that encounter tables are a must. I will probably rate the MM2 on Amazon as 4 (out of 5) stars.
