 Goto [ Index ] |
 |
||
|
|
||
 |
Disclaimer
I: I have seen in reviews that the content had "spoiler"
ascribed to it. I feel that if you are reading a review, you invite
that upon yourself. If you don't want "spoilers," why would
you read a review of a product you do not own? I will not use the phrase
of "Contains Spoilers" in my reviews, if you want a non-biased
review that doesn't reveal content-look elsewhere.
Disclaimer II: The majority of this review is opinion; your actual enjoyment of this product should vary accordingly. |
|
|
|
||
|
"…
Demons and half-demons, dragons and dragonkin, animated corspes and
restless spirits, weilders of magic and eaters of magic: these are the
creatures of Faerûn, the monsters of the Forgotten Realms campaign
setting…" (from the Introduction, p. 3)
|
||
|
|
||
|
WARNING SHOT: Say "Forgotten Realms" to a D&D player and get mixed results. Say "monster book" to a D&D player, they'll probably at least look it over. This book is set squarely at the D&D customer more so then the FR customer. While I'm not big on the Realms myself, I am big on monster books. So let's see what this thin little 3e book in retro 2e styling has to offer. |
 |
|
|
|
||
|
The subtitle calls it a "Monster Compendium" which for those that slept through the whole Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition product lifespan, is what people then called a monster supplement for their monster D-ring binders. (Yes, I realise it was a "monstrous" compendium in title then, but we'll cut those who are fresh-faced to 3e a break.) Basically, this is Wizards chance to get more folks invested in the FR setting, without shilling out too much setting details. It also doubles as a Monster Manual supplement, hence its Monster Manual-styled cover, as opposed to the then-in-development FR setting look. What this book gives us is more monsters with the same layout as the Monster Manual, not bad, but not great either. What this book gives us that the first red-covered tome didn't is the "In the Realms" section, which neatly gives that monster a better grasp on the FR setting (which referees may change-up for their personal settings). It showcases the creature and its use in the world, but some creatures only received one or two sentences. Gamers not wanting to visit the Realms in their games will find that this collection is very useful and some of the monsters presented will only strengthen their game sessions. Those gamers that want to sojourn in the Realms will find this book gives them a neat window to explore the world without buying the Realms hardback. Those wanting to set all their games in the Realms may find this book a little light on getting the most out of the setting. How does this book stack against the other creature books on the shelf? With Monsters of Faerûn, we start seeing more setting details filter into the creature descriptions and how each monster plays itself out in the world around it. While this book isn't the best in getting the idea of setting across to those desiring lots of details, it does offer a small window into how the Realms works, making it useful in that respect. Personal thoughts: In creating a monster book, setting plays an important role that monsters and characters interact with. A monster book should have ways of making itself useful to those who want the monsters without the setting, but also the book should not baulk at showcasing the setting. Monsters of Faerûn makes itself a better example then the Monster Manual, but isn't quite the example that should be followed. |
||
