All-New "Monster for Every Season" - Spring 2!

[The Giant]

I told you guys I was gonna do another year. I told you.

Hey, look, it's the fifth volume of A Monster for Every Season, a comprehensive set of print-and-play miniatures covering a wide variety of monsters and adventurers for your D&D game. It's basically a PDF file with pages upon pages of new OOTS-style monster art that you can print, cut, fold, and tape before dropping them into your game. Each page looks like this:



And then when you're done assembling them, they look like this:



Also, every monster is included in both full color and toner-saving line art, so you can change the colors yourself:



The sets are loosely themed around the four seasons, and this is the fifth set we're putting out, Spring 2.

This set includes the following categories:

• 21 Animals
• 26 Bandits
• 43 Bards
• 25 Catfolk
• 8 Dragons
• 49 Faerie Court
• 29 Frogfolk
• 17 Giants
• 34 Guardian Beasts
• 10 Hydrae
• 47 Lycanthropes
• 10 Monsters
• 9 Plants
• 50 Serpentine
• 4 Trolls

For a full list of all the monsters, here's a helpful Content List to download. And for more information, you can check out the product page, or you can read the FAQ that is coming up. Or just head over to Gumroad and check it out for yourself.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Purchasing

I can't figure out how to buy them!
You can get to the purchase page by clicking here, or on the big cover pictures above, or you can get to the Giant in the Playground profile page at Gumroad (which lists all the products we have on one page) by clicking here.

How do I get my PDFs?
You'll get an email with a download link a few minutes after ordering. Keep an eye on your spam folder, just in case.

I paid for the product but I didn't get an email to download it! What do I do?
The first thing to try is to go to your Library on Gumroad, at this link: https://gumroad.com/library You should be able to see everything you've bought from them, and you can just manually download the file. That only works if you have an account there, but if you bought it without one, you can just make a new account using the same email you used to buy it and it should show up in your Library retroactively. If that doesn't work, then you need to contact [email protected]. I don't have much control over Gumroad's technical side, since I don't own them or run their service, so your best bet is to talk to them directly.

What does the watermark look like?
It's on the first page (the cover), and it's a small grey ribbon-shape with the Gumroad "G" logo, next to which it says "Sold to" and then the email address that you gave when you purchased the book. So don't buy using your top secret email.

Why does it say there are two files?
Your purchase includes a full color version of every monster, and also a separate black-and-white line art version. These two sets are in separate files, so you'll get one file that has everything in color and one file that has everything in line art.

Why are you using Gumroad instead of (insert name of other company)?
Because they charge the lowest commission, which means I could lower the price more. Plus, most other companies that offer a watermark service add it to every single page, which seemed like overkill to me. One page is enough.

Contents

Does this set have every monster I would need to play? Does it have the entire contents of the Monster Manual?
No. Rather than sample every type of monster shallowly, each set attempts to be comprehensive for a limited set of categories. For example, this set includes 8 rakshasas but no demons (which you can find in the Autumn issue, which came out back in 2017). The goal is that by the time the project is over, the collected set will include pretty much every monster that has ever been released for the game, or at least an exhaustive selection thereof.

Is this useful for players, rather than just DMs?
Yes! Each set includes a few pages dedicated to two or more character classes, showcasing a variety of player-ready characters in all of the most common player races. This Spring 2 set includes 43 bards, and a wide variety of shifters and elf-like faeries that can easily represent your latest character. There are plenty of miniatures that would be useful even if you never ran an adventure yourself.

What are "guardian beasts" and "faerie court"?
Any of several groups of Celestials with animal-like or elven qualities, respectively. You may know them by group names that we can't use so you should definitely check out the list of contents for an idea of what they might be like. If you're interested in planar stuff, you may also want to check out the colorful Limbo Toads. Wink, wink.

Release Schedule

Are there other sets besides this one yet?
Yes. The first four seasons are already out; you can buy them here: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.

Will there be any more sets after this one?
Yes, there will be at least three more sets (Summer 2, Autumn 2, and Winter 2) coming out. There's no set schedule for their release however. Certainly, it's highly unlikely that they will be released all within their respective seasons this year, as each set takes a while to draw.

Why did you waste your time drawing 381 monsters instead of doing more comics?!?
For previous sets, this is where I would say that I had already done the work for the Kickstarter backers so this wasn't really that much extra. But this time, I hadn't, and it was. So two reasons:

One, because I legitimately enjoy drawing them, and it's something that I can do a little bit of at a time between other work that doesn't have the pressure of writing attached to it. Some days, especially recently, I just don't have comedy writing in me, and if there aren't any scripts already completed and waiting to be drawn then it's nice to be able to open up my list of monsters and draw five or ten. It's good to have a project that doesn't need me to be funny (or try to be funny, at any rate, for those of you who think I don't succeed very often).

And two, because they sell well and this is how I support myself and my family. While the main comic is obviously very important, financial concerns demand that I release commercial products several times a year irrespective of the release schedule of the comic. This has only become more true given the loss of the Project Wonderful revenue last year that had paid a significant portion of the server costs for the website for many years. Work like this is why I'm able to afford to keep putting out the comic for free in the vast gulfs between when it's ready to be collected for the compilation books.

Is there going to be a comic today?
Yes. Probably like five minutes from now.

Kickstarter Questions

Will Kickstarter backers be getting this set for free?
No. This set is purely a paid product. As nice as it would be to give it away for free to everyone who supported the pledge drive, I unfortunately can only justify spending the time on this at all due to its potential to earn revenue. The first four sets I created for Kickstarter backers contained more than double the number of miniatures that I originally promised, so I feel as I have finished that particular obligation (even as I acknowledge that I still have others left to fill). I hope that those of you who supported me then understand.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or technical difficulties, feel free to post them here. You can also check out the thread for the Spring set or the Summer set, where your question might have been answered.

Please don't clog this thread by asking any of the above questions again or derailing it with other topics. As always, the moderation staff may ask posters who are unable to stay on topic to stop posting in this thread.

[The Aboleth]

Yes, Bards! Very excited for this set.

Rich, do you have a recommendation for a good cardstock to print these on? I've been using regular paper up until now, and while that's been mostly ok there have been some minor issues with the minis not staying upright during combat. I walked into a Staples the other day and there seemed to be 3,000 different types of paper. Is there a specific brand/type you use when setting up the minis for your example photos?

[Lord Torath]

I told you guys I was gonna do another year. I told you.

Yes. Yes you did.

Woo Hoo! More OotS Minis!

Thanks, Rich! I love these!

[The Giant]

Yes, Bards! Very excited for this set.

Rich, do you have a recommendation for a good cardstock to print these on? I've been using regular paper up until now, and while that's been mostly ok there have been some minor issues with the minis not staying upright during combat. I walked into a Staples the other day and there seemed to be 3,000 different types of paper. Is there a specific brand/type you use when setting up the minis for your example photos?

Not really, the example ones are just regular printer paper. The thing is, I don't actually use them in a game before taking the photo so there's no wear and tear on them.

My wife (who is the one who cuts them out for me) suggests that maybe using a utility knife (like an X-acto) and a straight edge might make them less flimsy because you wouldn't be putting any wrinkles or bends in the paper while you cut.

Or maybe use two pennies in the base instead of one? That might make it heavier so it doesn't fall over.

[The Aboleth]

Not really, the example ones are just regular printer paper. The thing is, I don't actually use them in a game before taking the photo so there's no wear and tear on them.

My wife (who is the one who cuts them out for me) suggests that maybe using a utility knife (like an X-acto) and a straight edge might make them less flimsy because you wouldn't be putting any wrinkles or bends in the paper while you cut.

Or maybe use two pennies in the base instead of one? That might make it heavier so it doesn't fall over.

I'll try these ideas out, thank you! The X-acto knife will especially help because my straight lines are...well, not.

[Lord Torath]

I'd say get the thinnest cardstock sold as cardstock. It should be suitable for everything, even the Colossal Red Dragon.

The Grippli Bard looked vaguely familiar!

[Reboot]

Which set are the Chaos Giraffes in?

[Grey Watcher]

Which set are the Chaos Giraffes in?

I believe we already have giraffes, no? Line drawing version + fun with markers and/or your drawing software of choice should do the trick, no?

EDIT: Wait a minute, do we have giraffes? You'd think on a forum this obsessed with documenting things, I'd be able to find an index of Monster for Every Season minis.....

Also, Rich, I'm pretty sure Things That Eat Psychics is the optimal category name.

[Grey Watcher]

Making the catfolk sorcerer a hairless cat is a nice touch.

Love the grippli bard.

EDIT: Well, dang if there isn't an art upgraded version of a character from the comic in there!

[BrotherHanson]

I love these so much! I got the other sets for my DM, but it turns out he has a lifetime of figures and pawns for just about everything.

So I started my own game! I'm not saying it was *only* so I could use them - it's something I've been wanting to do for nearly 40 years - but the library of minis did provide kind of the final push. So, really, just huge thanks!

jt

[Rogar Demonblud]

Awesome! Thanks Rich.

Still looking forward to the Squiggly Psionic Creatures.

[some guy]

I love that there's a whole 3 pages of bandits, I used rogues up until now. Also, can't wait for the upcoming pirates. Will Fall have some spooky humanoid cultists?
The new animals are also very cool.

Rich, do you have a recommendation for a good cardstock to print these on? I've been using regular paper up until now, and while that's been mostly ok there have been some minor issues with the minis not staying upright during combat. I walked into a Staples the other day and there seemed to be 3,000 different types of paper. Is there a specific brand/type you use when setting up the minis for your example photos?

I use regular paper, which I then laminate. Helps with the durability, and I never had any issues with the minis falling over. It's a bit more fiddly, but not too much work. You can also use whiteboard markers on them and just wipe the markings away, which is a bonus.

They end up looking like this. (sure, sure, I only added the picture because I wanted to show off my modded minis)

Love the grippli bard.

EDIT: Well, dang if there isn't an art upgraded version of a character from the comic in there!

I was shocked when I saw that upgraded version!
Also, Squirrel Girl's in the mix.

[JustinKase]

I'd say get the thinnest cardstock sold as cardstock. It should be suitable for everything, even the Colossal Red Dragon.

The Grippli Bard looked vaguely familiar!

It isn't easy being green :)

That one was my favorite of this batch so far ;)

He looks to be a follower of Banjo...


I am a little shocked the the Procyal Guardian Beast didn't have an entling on his shoulder ;)

[Lord Torath]

I believe we already have giraffes, no? Line drawing version + fun with markers and/or your drawing software of choice should do the trick, no?

EDIT: Wait a minute, do we have giraffes? You'd think on a forum this obsessed with documenting things, I'd be able to find an index of Monster for Every Season minis.....

We do not have giraffes. Well, the new set contains sort-of a prehistoric giraffe, the Baluchitherium. And there is an index for the original four sets here: AMFES unofficial Index. I take no credit for this awesome index, but I'm fairly certain someone on this board could.

[GooeyChewie]

I couldn’t justify $6 for these... so I paid more! The dwarven drum Bard is my favorite so far.

[JustinKase]

... EDIT: Well, dang if there isn't an art upgraded version of a character from the comic in there!

? Who? One of the bandits?

[some guy]

? Who? One of the bandits?

Spoiler: spoiler for anyone who isn't up to date with comic...

Show

The serpentfolk vampire at pg. 43 is Malack

[Vulsutyr]

Thank you so much Rich, I love this! Bards are my favorite class, I'm happy to have musical figures now. The copper dragon patina is a really touch. Also the tarrasque is jacked.

[Stadge]

Yes, Bards! Very excited for this set.

Rich, do you have a recommendation for a good cardstock to print these on? I've been using regular paper up until now, and while that's been mostly ok there have been some minor issues with the minis not staying upright during combat. I walked into a Staples the other day and there seemed to be 3,000 different types of paper. Is there a specific brand/type you use when setting up the minis for your example photos?

Obviously i'm not Rich, but I've dabbled with different papers with these. Normal copy/printer paper does work, and some of the first I printed were this, but I find them a little flimsy/they don't stand up great. Small coins could help this, but I'd have to go out of my way to get pennies here so...

Otherwise I've been using 180gsm and I think 220gsm- and they get sellotaped on the bases. Personally I like the higher gsm, but 180 is cheaper and is working fine.

Also, I'm so enthused that there are Firenewts and Giant Striders! I manually recoloured Lizardfolk and did a weird re-coloured mashup of Ostriches with one of the dinosaur heads to make mine a few months ago. If Firenewts come up again I'll definitely use these new ones and mine will become 'ellites' or something.

And Grippli! I can add them to my legion of Goblin/Toad mashups that I've been using for Grungs!

Another wonderful set, thanks again Rich!

[Glockenspiel]

I love these, but I was wondering if they're allowed to be used in Roll20 games - say with renders made of them - if I only use them for my personal use as a DM. If not, I understand! I figured I'd ask since I'm derpy on legalistics and don't want to step on toes.

[Sniccups]

I was really looking forward to how you depict the Tarrasque... and you did not disappoint. It's just so cool and off-putting - it just looks so monstrous. Great job.

[JustinKase]

Thank you @Some Guy

I saw that, but didn't realize it was actually that character!

[Rogar Demonblud]

Oh, hey, I found that bariaur with the pink hair Thor was talking about. Does that mean free drinks?

[Algeh]

Is the capybara drawn/posed in such a way that it would work as a mount? I didn't know I needed a character with a capybara mount until just now, but it turns out I kinda do...

[some guy]

Is the capybara drawn/posed in such a way that it would work as a mount? I didn't know I needed a character with a capybara mount until just now, but it turns out I kinda do...

It doesn't have the standard mount intendation, but you could cut that yourself. I'd wager a small sized creature could fit it on it. It's very cute!

[Vulsutyr]

Does anyone know who the Faerie Court characters are? I know they the sidhe are eladrin, but what are the more unique ones with auras?

[some guy]

Does anyone know who the Faerie Court characters are? I know they the sidhe are eladrin, but what are the more unique ones with auras?

Bralani and Ghaele are eladrin from (at least) the 3.5 mm, Coure, Firre, Shiradi, Tulani are eladrin from 3.5's Book of exalted deeds. I'd guess a lot of the others are eldarin as well.

[zimmerwald1915]

What is this monster? It's not a centaur, it has cloven feet, wool, and horns. But it's not a faun or a satyr either, it has four legs.

[Jasdoif]

What is this monster? It's not a centaur, it has cloven feet, wool, and horns. But it's not a faun or a satyr either, it has four legs.

Based on the image's filename, I assume it's a bariaur; it does fit the description in Book of Exalted Deeds.

[The Giant]

So what I'm learning is that none of you played 2e Planescape and/or I am old.