This is the Monster & Treasure Assortment from 1980, a 32-page collection and revision of three smaller booklets published from ’77 to ’78. Essentially, it’s a book of lists of stats of monsters and treasure for DMs to use in populating their dungeons. Back in the early days, when the love affair for randomness and simulation was at its height in the RPG scene, there were lots of these sorts of publications, which were seen by publishers as an essential DM aid (and easy moneymaker). I don’t think they’re all that useful, and their disappearance makes me think I am not alone.

There’s two kinds of encounters, right? The ones you throw in for the grind, to make your players feel powerful, and the ones you create to really challenge their abilities. The latter, to me, should always be carefully handmade. The former…I feel like I barely need stats, let alone unique ones for each hobgoblin warrior. That’s what the generic stat block in the Monster Manual is for, right? Cannon fodder.

You tell me, though – would you find a book like this useful? Or are you like me and more inclined to just wing the stats of your minor encounters?

Stats aside, there’s some lovely art in here from the heavy hitters of the early era. I am particularly fond of that manticore by Trampier, even if it does have wings.