As a GM, which monster do you find the most difficult to role-play?

[Imagine That TTRPG]

I know the 24 rules added more colours/emotions. So, maybe that will help in future?

Ah! Are you referring to the 24 dyadic emotions (from the Plutchik model)? If so, that’s brilliant! Using color-coded emotional blends to enrich a Flumph’s expression makes it way more than a floating "LOL" good guy. You're giving it depth, nuance, and alien intensity. I love that approach. If you weren’t referring to that... I still kinda want to steal it.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Currently Giants. They do not think like humans, they have the Ordning and a society which dictates much of their decision making, they are incredibly large, live long and aren't a species with great numbers. So you have to dig deep as to how these creatures would behave psychologically in a way that is both alien and makes sense for the players.

 

[Imagine That TTRPG]

Currently Giants. They do not think like humans, they have the Ordning...

That’s a great pick. Giants can easily fall into the big ol' brute with tribal ranks trap, if we’re not careful, but when you lean into the Ordning and their long lifespans, it opens up a whole different psychological space. They’re not just larg humans. They’re part of a rigid, cosmic caste system shaped by legacy and divine order. That kind of slow, reverent thinking can be hard to portray at the table without making them seem passive. Do you find yourself treating different giant types like separate cultures entirely? Or do you build a unifying worldview and let each caste express it differently?

 

[overgeeked]

When I was running D&D 3.5e, it was the Medusas for me. What do they want? What are their motives? I don't know. I just couldn't connect. I had to recreate them as Gorgons, my own version. Many other DMs say Illithids or dragons. This doesn't have to be specific to D&D. Which monsters do you find the most difficult to role-play? Why? Let's discuss.

I don't tend to have difficulty with any of them. But I think that's because I cheat. I give everyone and everything a goal. I don't need to understand it, just RP them trying to achieve their goal.

Animals and beasts want animal things, food or safety or shelter. Intelligent creatures want more complicated things, gold or resources or power. Super intellects want random things for reasons we can't possibly comprehend, that guy's leg.

Everyone uses whatever resources they have available to achieve their goal. Simple. It's not deep or insightful, but it works.

 

[AnotherGuy]

That’s a great pick. Giants can easily fall into the big ol' brute with tribal ranks trap, if we’re not careful, but when you lean into the Ordning and their long lifespans, it opens up a whole different psychological space. They’re not just large humans. They’re part of a rigid, cosmic caste system shaped by legacy and divine order. That kind of slow, reverent thinking can be hard to portray at the table without making them seem passive. Do you find yourself treating different giant types like separate cultures entirely? Or do you build a unifying worldview and let each caste express it differently?

I believe the second - each caste express it differently.

So one of the stories we are running con-currently with other is SKT (if you are familiar with it).
The PCs have rescued King Hekaton and they're off to the desert to acquire the sceptre from the dragon Iymrith to rescue his daughter who is imprisoned on the throne HOWEVER their table's secondary players played through the Adventure League SKT which saw the return of Hartkiller (Annam's runt child).
The PCs want the Storm King to unite the giants so they can assist against Tiamat (as we are running ToD as well), however the giants are somewhat divided because many have decided to recognise Hartkiller as the head of the Ordning in King Hekaton's absence. Hartkiller is less empathetic to the threat of Tiamat and working with the small folk. He is focussed on restoring Ostoria and it should be the smallfolk who assist him defeating Tiamat not the other way around. Nevermind there are several other opportunistic giants leaders who have yet to align to either Hekaton or Hartkiller during this time of disturbance who continue to seek their own elevation in the Ordning. Others yet have decided not to involve themselves at all lest they pick the wrong side and offend Annam (who is still mysteriously quiet).

King Hekaton has also made it very clear to the PCs that they are not to interfere in giant politics. The business lies between Hekaton and Hartkiller and that he will not tolerate any more giant blood to be shed by the small folk. He is still very much unaware how many giants the party killed in an effort to obtain a conch.

But the PC's time is running out, a Clock is ticking and the giant problem seems far from being resolved...will the PCs intervene or make do with the allies they have already secured?

 

[Imagine That TTRPG]

I don't tend to have difficulty with any of them. But I think that's because I cheat...

Honestly? That’s not cheating, that’s good ol' fundamentals. Goals drive behavior, and even unrelatable monsters become easier to roleplay once they’re pursuing something, no matter how alien the reason. I love that example: “super intellect wants that guy’s leg.” Or brains, right? JS. It’s perfect. You don’t need to explain the why, you just make it clear that the leg is non-negotiable. That’s often all it takes to get players leaning in. I love that approach

 

[Older Beholder]

Ah! Are you referring to the 24 dyadic emotions (from the Plutchik model)? If so, that’s brilliant! Using color-coded emotional blends to enrich a Flumph’s expression makes it way more than a floating "LOL" good guy. You're giving it depth, nuance, and alien intensity. I love that approach. If you weren’t referring to that... I still kinda want to steal it.

Ok my mind’s a bit mushy right now, so I might have to google ‘dyadic emotions’ later.
But for now, this is what I was talking about…

Previously in 5E14 they only had 4 or 5 emotions, I think.
I really like that Magenta is kind of a mystery.

 

[Imagine That TTRPG]

I believe the second - each caste express it differently...

That’s fantastic. You’ve turned the Ordning from a static divine hierarchy into a living political ecosystem. That exactly the kind of weight you’d expect from beings with millennia of legacy behind them. I love how Hartkiller’s stance reframes the Tiamat conflict as a question of giant sovereignty. “We will fight her, but on our terms” is such a compelling angle. And the fact that Hekaton bars smallfolk from interfering in giant politics? That adds real tension that makes every party decision in that space feel heavy. Real, even. It’s inspiring stuff. That's the kind of care I see as kindred. I bet you guys are having a blast!

 

[Imagine That TTRPG]

Ok my mind’s a bit mushy right now, so I might have to google ‘dyadic emotions’ later.
But for now, this is what I was talking about…

View attachment 413035

Previously in 5E14 they only had 4 or 5 emotions, I think.
I really like that Magenta is kind of a mystery.

I see. My time with them was from the Fiend Folio of AD&D 1e. I started D&D with Dragonlance adventures. These new versions are much more interesting! When you said rule 24, I thought you might have been incorporating your own take on an old monster that never got a lot of notice, utilizing the 24 dyadic emotions to give them even more complexity. I overthought the crap out of that, sorry. I've never played 5e, though I bought all three core books. I was afraid to fall in love with a new system after 3.5e came and went. My mistake. Sorry for the confusion. It does make me want to check out 5e now, though. Thanks!

 

[Imagine That TTRPG]

I really like that Magenta is kind of a mystery.

You really coulddo a lot with that mysteriously "unknown" magenta! Anyway, I must be the one whose brain is mush at this hour. Thanks for engaging with the Old Kid. I'll respond to any new replies after I wake up.