Chandler has developed the (now free) horror RPG Spite: The Second Book of Pandemonim, from which a number of these creatures have been derived for use in Chandler's own old school fantasy campaign. These monsters are not your father's (or big brother's) old school monsters. Over one hundred monsters from Chandler's game and imaginings fill the Teratic Tome.
The illustrations in this volume are amazing and straddle the line between an old school and newer schools of thought. Honestly, I think that the art in this book is going to set a high bar for future supplements of this type.
As for the creatures themselves... If you would imagine, for a moment, if H.P. Lovecraft and Clive Barker collaborated on an AD&D monster manual, you would have the Teratic Tome. Honestly, I don't know if I need any more to this review than that one sentence. Seriously, but this buy already. These are definitely monsters with a horror influence to them, but for me that is what makes them cool. There is definitely a Lovecraft meets Barker meets Moorcock meets Warhammer 1e vibe to these creatures that makes me want to use them immediately in a game. There are definitely creatures in this book that are not for the faint of heart, or for those with children in their games, but that is a good thing. There need to be more gaming material produced for a variety of ages and maturity levels, particularly by writers who are as good at this as Rafael Chandler. From the creatures in this book, this man must have some doozies of nightmares, but for those of us who like a dose of the strange and disturbing in our role-playing games, I have to say that I am glad that he does.
All of these creatures have engaging, detailed and provocative write-ups and descriptions that make you want to use them. There are so many hints and suggestions about the worlds that these creatures inhabit that will add new depth and variety to your old school games.
Go here to pick up a copy of this excellent resource for your old school fantasy games. There's an affiliate code attached that helps to support this blog (and getting games to review). If you want an actual print copy through Lulu,com, click here.