The Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual 2025 is set to be released on February 18th - here's everything you need to knowTech10:40, 15 Jan 2025Updated 10:41, 15 Jan 2025Dungeons and Dragons fans are in for a treat as the game undergoes a major revamp, that kicked off with the release of the Players Handbook in September 2024. The Dungeon Master's Guide followed suit in November 2024, but the collection is still awaiting its final piece - the Monster Manual, set to hit shelves on 18 February 2025.With the release date just around the corner, Wizards of the Coast have teased what gamers can expect from the new Monster Manual. Responding to the question - "What's exciting about the new Monster Manual? ", they revealed it's their largest yet, boasting over 500 monsters.Among these are more than 85 brand new creatures, including fresh variants of fan-favourites that include the Primeval Owlbear, and Vampire Nightbringer. They've also addressed previous gaps in high-level play, ensuring challenges across the board.The Monster Manual Cover features a very angry looking beholder(Image: Wizards of the Coast)The alt cover contains a nod to BG3, with a mind flayer and parasite on the cover(Image: Wizards of the Coast)Each creature has been revisited to maximise its potential for challenging and fun gameplay for both players and DM.S. The book itself spans over 300 pages and is divided into four sections - an introduction on how to use a monster, an A-Z list of all the monsters, and two Appendices - Appendix A, featuring animals, and Appendix B, categorising monsters by factors such as type, habitat, family, group, etc.Appendix A: Animals is a comprehensive list that includes not only common creatures such as cats and crocodiles, but also supernatural beings like giant apes. These are entities that may not necessarily be categorised as "monsters", yet they could potentially cross paths with your players - whether in the wilderness or within urban settings, reports the Mirror.The accompanying artwork depicts these creatures in their natural behaviours, engaging in activities such as hunting, prowling, or battling. This approach aims to ignite the Dungeon Master's imagination and provide players with a more realistic understanding of the creature's nature.Each creature now comes with a brief descriptor under their names. For instance, the Gelatinous Cube is labelled as a "Dungeon-Scouring Block of Ooze".The Brass Dragon is seen doing what it does best - burning mummies.(Image: Wizards of the Coast)The book further provides information on their habitats, potential treasures they might possess and drop, along with a narrative section detailing the creature's characteristics.Beneath all that and above the stat block, there's a fresh table packed with narrative enhancements and variations. You can roll a dice to randomise the creature, or use the table as inspiration - maybe the Gelatinous Cube is holding a tablet with peculiar writing, or perhaps a gargoyle appears naturally formed rather than carved by human hands.These tables not only offer the potential to add variation between each encounter and breathe life into individual creatures, but they also hold the promise of an entire adventure in themselves.Everything is now listed alphabetically, as Wizards of the Coast have opted for a scheme that caters to the majority of Dungeon Masters (DMs). Sorting it by type or Challenge Rating (CR) requires you to know what type or CR a creature is when you're searching for it, which might not be the easiest for novice DM.S. However, Appendix B supplements this by allowing users to browse monsters listed by specific characteristics.A host of older monsters have been revived, along with elements of existing ones that have been reworked. High CR dragons now have the ability to cast spells, and a lot of their non-damaging abilities are no longer on a recharge.This gives the new monsters the ability to surprise even the most seasoned players, especially given the variation among all the different types of monsters.Dragons, once universally feared, have evolved in their roles - Gold Dragons, for instance, now banish players rather than instilling fear. Each dragon species has its unique way of controlling the battlefield, a philosophy that seems to be applied across all creatures in the new Monster Manual.Lair Actions have been slightly modified, primarily to simplify gameplay for Dungeon Masters (DMs). These actions are now included within the stat block itself, eliminating the need to search elsewhere.The Elemental Cataclysm is a manifestation of sheer elemental force(Image: Wizards of the Coast)Some abilities can still be used outside a creature's lair, albeit with reduced power or fewer daily charges. Legendary Actions have also been streamlined - instead of having a "cost", each monster is allotted a certain number of legendary actions from which the DM can choose.While some can only be used once per round, the selection process is now quicker and easier for DM.S. The book's design revealed a lack of high-level "apex threats" among many creature types. The new Monster Manual addresses this by introducing a plethora of new high-level creatures for each type.Elementals now possess the Elemental Cataclysm, a power that can trigger elemental disasters during combat. Oozes, on the other hand, have been given a Blob of Annihilation - an ooze containing the skull of a deceased god.This ooze continues to absorb anything it touches, but instead of trapping them inside, it shifts them to another plane. If you manage to defeat the Blob of Annihilation while your friends are inside, they'll be stuck in the Astral Sea forever.This artwork shows two Azers, including the new Azer Pyromancer in the background(Image: Wizards of the Coast)Merfolk are just one archetype that's received a new entry - the Wavebender(Image: Wizards of the Coast)The Undead category now includes a Haunting Revenant, essentially a haunted house possessed by a Revenant. While they typically inhabit corpses, the new Monster Manual introduces a fresh perspective - Revenants may now possess objects!Animal Lords, CR20 manifestations of demi-gods, come with a table to inspire or generate potential animal lords.They fall into three categories with unique abilities - Sage, Hunters, and Foragers. Azers exemplify a common trend in this book - taking a 2014 creature and introducing some new variants. In the 2025 Monster Manual for example, there are now two Azers, including the new Azer Pyromancer.The Tarrasque still remains the book's apex predator however with the highest CR, and it's now the most terrifying version in the game's history. It even has ranged attacks.Tarrasques level whole cities, and are still the highest CR creature in the whole book(Image: Wizards of the Coast)Fan favourites are getting a makeover with a slew of new variants. Cultists are now more diverse than ever, with Aberrant and Elemental Cultists joining the fray, while Pirate numbers have swelled enough to man an entire armada across various CRs and tiers.The adorable "Bullete Pup" is making hearts melt, and Merfolk enthusiasts can revel in the addition of a Merfolk Wavebender.In the wake of BG3, it's impossible to overlook the mind flayers, which now boast a Mind Flayer Arcanist. Previously just a sidebar variant, this formidable foe now has its own full-fledged stat block a trend you'll notice throughout the new book, with the poltergeist being another example.The Mind Flayer artwork features a Nautiloid, as well as an ArcanistAnimal Lords are demi-gods in the form of an animal - will they help or hinder?(Image: Wizards of the Coast)Alignments have seen a fundamental change too - Gone are the days of the 2014 Monster Manual's tentative "Typically" before each alignment.The new edition cuts straight to the chase, simply stating the alignment but clarifying in the introduction that these are mere suggestions, leaving Dungeon Masters free to choose what fits best.For humanoid creatures, there's a notable shift towards "Neutral" a term that once implied indifference but now serves as a blank canvas for DMs, as highlighted in the 2025 Monster Manual. Wizards of the Coast have fully embraced this concept, encouraging DMs to steer their characters' moral compasses as they see fit.Article continues belowThis is a flumph. You should always trust a flumph.(Image: Wizards of the Coast)The Monster Manual will also feature Day 1 integration with D&D Beyond - which, incidentally, has seen a whopping 3.6 million characters created using the 2024 core ruleset. If you're a Master or Hero Tier member, you can get early access to it (4 February 2025 for Master Tier, 11 February 2025 for Hero Tier).For those who prefer a physical copy, they'll be available globally from 18 February 2025.RECOMMENDED

Things could have gone very differently back in 2021 (Microsoft)Xboxs buyout of Activision Blizzard was a last ditch effort to keep Microsofts gaming division afloat, according to a new report, but things could have gone very differently.Between low sales of the Xbox Series X/S and the pivot towards multiplatform releases, its clear Microsoft is on the backfoot in the current console generation.The string of multi-billion dollar acquisitions over recent years is another sign, with the $75.6 billion deal for Activision Blizzard single-handedly keeping Xboxs profits up, at a time when console sales continue to plummet.A new report has reinforced how this strategy seemingly came from a place of desperation, where the only alternative was to shut down Xbox altogether.According to a report on The Information, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella faced a choice regarding Xboxs future in 2021, which was one year after the launch of the Xbox Series X/S.The company could either acquire major game studios to drive more subscriptions to its nascent Game Pass subscription service, the report reads. Or it could wind down its games business entirely, Nadella told two people at the time.As we know, Microsoft took the first option, buying Bethesda for $7 billion in 2021, before the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.Before the latter purchase, Microsoft reportedly targeted having over 100 million Game Pass subscribers by 2030. For context, as of February 2024, the service has 34 million subscribers, so if it still stands, it would have to triple its current user base over the next five years which currently seems impossible.If the report is accurate, this would explain a lot about Microsofts current marketing strategy, which highlights how you dont need an Xbox console to access Xbox Game Pass on mobile, PC and other devices.If Xbox was on the brink back in 2021, this puts further pressure on its confirmed plans for the next console generation. Xbox has repeatedly said its next hardware will see the largest technical leap ever in a generation, although its still unclear how thats possible, or how its connected to Microsofts plans for a handheld device.More TrendingWhile it might be sometime before we hear about Microsofts next gen plans, the company is set to showcase its upcoming games line-up in a Developer Direct on Thursday, January 23. Call Of Duty appears to be keeping Xbox above water (Activision)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Chengdu Jiaozi Pedestrian Bridge / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research InstituteSave this picture! Holi Landscape PhotographyPedestrian BridgeCheng Du, ChinaArchitects: China Southwest Architectural Design and Research InstituteAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:12000 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Holi Landscape Photography Lead Architects: Liu Yi More SpecsLess SpecsText description provided by the architects. The Jiaozi Pedestrian Bridge is located in the core of the Jiaozi Financial Headquarters Business District in Chengdu. As a modern financial and business center in Chengdu, the area is positioned for development as a world-class park city business district model.Save this picture!A floating park - How should this pedestrian bridge in Chengdu Jiaozi Park Financial and Business District cross the Jinjiang River? Should it be positioned as a bridge or a park? In the process of design, such questions were continuously put forward. Based on the city's urban structure, the Jinjiang River runs from north to south, dividing the financial and business district into two elongated blocks, one on the eastern side and one on the western side. The 2.5-kilometer east-west green belt is split into two parts by the Jinjiang River, becoming two parks facing each other across the river. The intersection of the Jinjiang River and the green belt on the central axis is a natural breakpoint in the urban space and needs to be bridged. Building a pedestrian bridge can not only connect the blocks on both banks, enabling a smooth walkway system but also link the two parts of the green belt, thereby achieving the integration of the river and green belt.Save this picture!The green belt is about 150 meters wide. As a part of the green belt crossing the river, the bridge deck should not be too narrow, otherwise it will be difficult to form a continuous green axis. However, if a wide deck is adopted, it will inevitably cover the river channel, leading to a large shaded area. Thus, a "multihole" bridge was designed, allowing sunlight to go through the openings in the deck and illuminate the water below.Save this picture!Save this picture!The combination of additional elements and the reduction of openings finally resulted in a bridge featuring several "lotus leaves". The lotus leaf-inspired cantilevered elements provide ample coverage width, while the gaps between the discs allow sunlight, wind, rain, and views to pass through. The artificial bridge and the natural river coexist harmoniously, breathing at the same rhythm. The nine discs of varying sizes are isomorphic and heterogeneous, with areas ranging from 300 to 1,600 square meters. Planted with arbors on the deck and connected with the riverbank green belts, the bridge transforms into a floating park on the Jinjiang River. Walking in it feels like stepping from one "lotus leaf" to the next. The bridge features flexible curves and a blend of the virtual and the real. The deck and the inverted reflection in water form a delightful contrast. Each cantilevered arc balcony serves as a platform for people to communicate with the river.Save this picture!Diverse scenarios - The structure is a combination of bridges and a park, with a total length of 498 meters. It encompasses the approach bridges crossing the municipal roads on both banks, the main bridge over the 120-meter wide river, and the original north-south waterfront greenway that vertically overlaps with it. To ensure seamless connectivity and unobstructed passage for pedestrians, the footpath system is organized into three elevation levels: the upper level, which crosses the river and municipal roads; the middle level, which is aligned with municipal roads; and the lower level, which connects with greenways along the riverbanks. Each layer is connected to the elevators through ramps and stairs. The three-dimensional transportation and layered greenery are reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. As a tribute to ancient construction pioneers, the pedestrian bridge reproduces the dreamlike vision of "people traveling in the air".Save this picture!Save this picture!Chengdu, known for its inclusive and laid-back lifestyle, welcomes tourists at any time. The nine discs not only form a complete whole but also offer nine relatively independent activity scenes. The water bar beneath the lotus-leaf pavilion offers a setting to enjoy the scenery while sipping a glass of wine, creating an impressive experience. The 24-hour unmanned library provides a space for reading for nearby residents. The circular theater, constructed according to the varying heights of the river banks, is a venue dedicated to outdoor performances. The fantastic water show features fountains and colorful glass displays, creating a colorful fairyland for children to play. In the water garden, children can participate in a variety of activities centered around the water, enjoying diverse visual, auditory, and tactile experiences. The middle section of the bridge deck is hollowed out into a ring, creating an ideal spot to overlook the river from within the opening. The water curtain is designed around the ring, where a light show is held at night, making it a hot spot for citizens to take photos.Save this picture!Construction details - The structure of the bridge is inspired by the stem from which lotus leaves grow and adopts an irregular two-way rigid frame system. The varying sizes of openings between the lotus leaves ensure stability while reducing the overall weight of the structure. The bridge deck is paved with ER colorful expanded clay aggregate to enhance the pavement's integrity and avoid ground cracking caused by thermal expansion and cold contraction of the bridge's steel structure.Save this picture!Save this picture!The bridge deck is planted with 46 arbors, which are arranged according to the stress requirements of the cantilevered structure. The expansive canopies of these trees maintain a continuous green landscape and the connection of the green belts across the river. Colorful native tree species such as Texas live oak, Japanese maple, Liquidambar formosana, Chinese tallow, and Chinese pistache enrich the seasonal landscape of the park on the bridge. The greenery is exuberant in spring and summer while colorful in autumn.Save this picture!Save this picture!The rainbow, a blend of science and aesthetics, is regarded as a bridge between natural phenomena and human emotion. Is it possible to recreate the natural rainbow scenery on the bridge? By analyzing the angle of sunlight and simulating the conditions necessary for the formation of rainbows, a water curtain was designed using mist spray, which can refract sunlight at a specific time to create an artificial rainbow with a width of 30 meters. "Meeting the Rainbow" serves as a focal point that resonates with shared emotions, adding new dimensions to the enduring significance of bridges.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Cheng Du, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialsMaterials and TagsPublished on January 15, 2025Cite: "Chengdu Jiaozi Pedestrian Bridge / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute" 15 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025638/chengdu-jiaozi-pedestrian-bridge-china-southwest-architectural-design-and-research-institute-corp-ltd&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save? / You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more We all know someone who brags a little too much about having a Costco membership and all of the cool things they findgiant bags of snacks, delicious baked goods, and even Korean skincare. But now its your turn to brag because you can become a Costco Gold Star Member for less than them. Well, technically.The regular membership cost is $65 per year, and we cant get you a discount on that. However, we can give you a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card as a bonus when you sign up for your first yearat least until we run out, as we only have 50 available. This offer is only available to new members or those with cards that have been expired for over 18 months.Each Gold Star Membership includes a free Household Card for another adult individual living at your address. This means two people can share one membership.How to get your $20 Digital Costco Shop CardDont feel intimidated by having to buy your Costco membership onlinewe on the Stack Commerce Deals team think its quicker than signing up in person. Heres all you have to do:Complete your purchase here.Youll receive a confirmation email with a unique code and a link to an online form.When you redeem your code on Costcos website, provide a valid email address.Head to your local Costco to pick up your membership card (you need a valid ID).Youll receive your $20 Digital Shop Card to the email you provided at sign-up within two weeks.Its time to find some brag-worthy buys of your own. Join Costco as a Gold Star Member ($65 annually) and receive a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card. No coupon is needed to get this deal.StackSocial prices subject to change.Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + $20 Digital Costco Shop Card $65See Deal

Nature, Published online: 15 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00044-zA pair of spacecraft developed by private firms blast off on a single rocket on the risky voyage to the lunar surface.

Scientists identified the tiny species of cat from a fossilized jawbone, which could date back as far as 300,000 years ago.

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Argentum Studio's Hair Cinematic Tool simplifies access to hidden groom rendering settings in @UnrealEngine 5, allowing for more control and the production of higher-quality renders.Get it for free: https://80.lv/articles/get-this-free-hair-cinematic-tool-for-unreal-engine-5/#ue5 #unrealengine5 #3drendering #cinematic

A new report may contain fresh clues about the apparent partnership between Ubisoft and Tencent, Ubisoft's fortunes continue to slide and the company looks for a way forward.Bloomberg reported that Ubisoft and Tencent are considering, among other options, "creating a new venture" that could include "certain Ubisoft assets." The overall aim is to improve the company's value, sources said. The two companies are now "evaluating which assets to include in a new entity and their valuation," the report said, citing anonymous sources.Should a deal come together, Tencent could "gain more control over" some of Ubisoft's franchises, the report said, adding that Tencent would also benefit from improving its own business results outside of China.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Resident Evil series is known for its catalog of terrifying monsters and iconic villains. The Tyrant was one of the first to be both. This towering hyper-intelligent bioweapon appears in a great deal of Resident Evil games, as well as movies and other related fiction in the expansive RE universe, and it is also one of the strongest, smartest, and most grotesque enemies in the games.