Creature Collection

This collection does not replace my regular monster manual, but is the first thing I reach for when I need to throw something interesting at my players. I do that because, most of my players and I have been gamers for over a decade, playing 3rd ed. the first weekend we were able to get a set of books, learning the rules as we played. Hence, we are so used to the creatures in the Monster Manual that we have ways of fighting them without thinking about it. Out of game knowledge becomes in game knowledge without anyone barking orders, everyone just knows what to do. The creature collection provides the diversity a new diversity of beings to take on that offer their own challenges. My only complaint is that the challenge ratings for the creatures come across as a point of two lower than they should be, especially when you start reaching challenge ratings above 5.

First of all I think that the book overall rates 4 and a half stars. Why five then you may ask. The main reason is a start to all things. I think that the open license will open up Dungeons and Dragons back up to the populace that went to White Wolf (even if white wolf owns SSS) and other products. I also think that this shows all of those critics aho have bashed WoTC for purchasing TSR and realistically saving it. And their Open License could make D & D bigger then it was when WoTC purchased TSR. If you play D & D and you want 200 more monsters that are creative and extensive then get this. Nobody should be disappointed with this product. I look forward to additional products and the scarred lands world setting. This book has good artwork in it who cares if its not in colors. I like to see quality work not pretty work. And a good bonus to things is the included (Wrack) dragons. Like Dragons are not nasty enough in 3rd Edition already.

This book is great, it gives a DM over 200 more creatures to use in D & D 3rd edition, or any fantasy game that uses the D20 system. The creatures themselves are well thought out and would make a welcome addition to any DM's collection of monsters. The artwork is a little primitive sometimes, so if you are a person who considers this aspect of a rule book very important, this might not be for you. But, if you value the quality of the content of a rule book, and want a few hundred more creatures to throw at your PC's....you need this book!

Sword & Sorcery Studios; www.swordsorcery.com ; has made the most impressive start as a company and use of the d20 Open Gaming Liscense to-date with their Creature Collection. This sourcebook, for the yet to be released 'Scarred Lands' setting, is an excellent resource for any creative DM wishing to spice up his own world, or any world his game is set in.Interesting twists to known races, as well as the addition of several others.The Slitheren, Ratmen spawned from the flesh and ichor of slain Titans; the beings who ruled Scarn some century and a half ago, slain by their children - the Gods; who hide, sneak, and walk as two legged, sentient vermin - Brown Gorgers, Foamers, the Diseased, and Red Witches are names to be feared by your players.Wrack Dragons, rare and dangerous creations of the fallen Titans.New Golems, including the Mithral Golem, grace the book with ingenious and interesting twists to their nature.Overall if this is an inkling of what Sword & Sorcery Studios, as well as Necromancer Games; www.necromancergames.com ; can do, then it's all good on the horizon.

These guys at Sword And Sorcery beat out the Monstrous Manual easily, its got more likely encountered monsters, better layout, and even some plants and diseases. Ever hear of a Hornsaw Unicorn, or a Spider-eyed Goblin, well they are waiting for you here, in this book.