How much do you really need a monster book (let alone 2) for a system that allows one to design creatures with a simple Monster Rating. Quick refresh: MR is a creature's CON / HP. It determines the combat dice, and half the MR is the creature's Combat Adds. Pretty simple and flexible system.
So, why the Monstrum Codex? Because simplicity can be bland. The monster descriptions add flavor, which is always helpful. Special Damage and Special Abilities add depth and surprises that will keep the party off their toes. The Special Damage is dependent on the numbers of "6's" rolled... roll enough "6's" and the Special Damage "procs" (yep, that's an MMORPG term).
Personally, I like the idea of "procing" damage in a RPG... it keeps the Special Damage special, and out of direct control of the GM.
The book is spiral bound, just like the rulebook and the monster book... which is either a selling point, or not, depending on your point of view.
Procs? Huh? You're really tempting me to dig out my old T&T books... or even try and track down this lovely new edition (as if I didn't have enough unplayed RPGs as it is!)
ReplyDeleteAh, but T&T doesnt have to be unplayed, as it has solos... come on, you know you want to ;)
ReplyDeleteHear that? That's sound of my wallet sobbing ;)
ReplyDeleteThe T&T Free adventures link to the upper left should keep you going for a while. You can use the Free Abridged Rules (derived from 5/5e - also can DL from above). No Procing Damage in those rules.
ReplyDeleteI think the 7.5e rules are $15 in PDF from RPGNow, or you can find the boxed set for around 25 new on EBay. I got the 7e tin for $15 plus shipping on Eay, but I think the boxed 7.5e is a better value and has a better explanation of the rules.