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I looked forward to this title with some anticipation. Some of my favorite past titles, like the Outer Planes Monstrous Compendium for 2e and Blood War for Planescape, feautrued this particular group. And as a longtime D&D player, I have a fondness for the nasty beasts of the Abyss and their Princes.
As with my PHB II review, I will attempt to break this title down by chapter to look at its substance. Before that, however, I will have a look at the style.
The book is very well done- like most WotC productions. The cover is nicely designed, the interior is in the standard 3.5 layout, and the art is stellar as usual. The writing is mostly error-free and clear, with excellent descriptions. The only reason I do not give this title a 5 for style is that a large part of this is due to a standard template for WotC titles. They would have to really do something new and outstanding to deserve a 5. As it is, though, this title looks nice on the shelf and is easy to read.
The first chapter covers Demonic Lore. It gives a good background on Demons and their pasts, introducing the Black Scrolls of Ahm and using the Demonicon of Iggwilv as sources. The background has a nice feel of historicity to it- the stories feel as if drawn from a long and established tradition. This chapter definitely does homage to the great Demonic sources of 1e like the Fiend Folio.
The chapter also provides ways to use demons. Roles for them to play in the game, standard tactics, and methods of operation. I found this useful, even as an experienced DM. It gives some insightful ways to introduce these baddies, even if the PCs are of lower level. Much like Lords of Madness or Libris Mortis, there is also a breakdown of anatomy presented.
The second chapter is a Monster Manual styled presentation of new Demons, and the updating of some older ones. It introduces the primal Obyriths, the first residents of the Abyss. It also brings back many classic Demons from previous editions like the Rutterkin, Chasme, Bar-lgura, and my favorite, the Molydeus. This chapter is bound to be useful to any DM just for selection purposes.
Chapter 3 is a fantastic section outlining some of the more powerful and well known Demon Lords. The chapter focuses mostly on those Demon Lords who were not well represented in the Book of Vile Darkness, and also gives statistic for their Aspects/Material Plane forms. Classics like Orcus show up again, but Dagon, Pale Night, and Pazuzu are new additions with great potential.
Chapter 4 addresses the Player. No new Prestige Classes are offered- a surprising move for a WotC production. Instead, they refer the reader to pre-existing Prestige Classes from other titles. There is a nice selection of feats and spells, all of which add great flavor to your game. More information on the Black Scrolls of Ahm, and the cult surrounding it, is also given.
Chapter 5 is a sort of Atlas of the Abyss. many new hazards and features are given, and there is an expansion/update of the information from the Manual of the Planes for the Abyss. Also, the Demon Lords have their homes detailed. This section is very strong, and while more useful for a higher-level campaign, there are some nice twists to use in a game.
The book also has some appendices, like a list of Demon Lords, layers, and demons.
This is truly an outstanding title. WotC proves that it can still turn out good Monter lore with this one. I have been more or less disappointed by some of the Player-oriented titles recently, but this one keeps up a great tradition of DM tools focused on certain monsters. Grouped with Lords of Madness or Libris Mortis, this book gives you an immense wealth of info to use for games; possibly more great options than one could ever hope to use.
The book is also good because it is usable by experienced or new DM alike, and offers somthign for players. Due to being so packed with great stuff, and so well written, I must give this title a 5. Highly recommended.
