Choosing Any Monster In D&D: A Player's Guide

Imagine the thrill: Your Dungeon Master (DM) turns to you and says those magical words, "You can pick any monster you like." It's a moment of boundless possibility, but also one that can be surprisingly daunting. Where do you even begin? What are the best choices? How do you ensure your monstrous PC fits into the campaign without breaking the game? Fear not, fellow adventurer! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of selecting the perfect monster, balancing power with story, and making the most of this unique opportunity.

Understanding the DM's Offer

Before you dive headfirst into the Monster Manual, take a moment to understand the context of the offer. Why is your DM letting you play a monster? Is it a one-shot adventure, a side quest, or a permanent character option? The answer to this question will significantly influence your choice. If it's a one-shot, you might feel freer to go wild with a powerful, unconventional creature. For a longer campaign, you'll want a monster that can grow and develop alongside the party, and that meshes well with the overall story.

It's crucial to have an open conversation with your DM about their expectations and any limitations they might have in mind. Are there specific monster types they'd prefer you avoid? Are there any power-level concerns? Clarifying these points upfront will save you from disappointment later and ensure that your monstrous character is a welcome addition to the game. Think about the campaign setting. A mind flayer might be a fascinating choice, but perhaps not in a low-magic, gritty setting where such creatures are unheard of. Consider the existing party composition too. A solo monstrous character might feel isolated, while a party of monsters could create a unique and compelling dynamic.

Remember, playing a monster isn't just about raw power; it's about roleplaying a creature with a different perspective and motivations. A gelatinous cube might be a hilarious one-shot character, but how would you roleplay its thoughts and feelings over a longer campaign? A cunning devil or a sorrowful ghost, on the other hand, offers rich potential for character development and dramatic storytelling.

Top Monster Choices and How to Play Them

Now for the fun part: exploring some of the most compelling monster options! This section will delve into various creatures, offering insights into their strengths, weaknesses, roleplaying potential, and how to integrate them into a D&D party.

1. The Aasimar (Monster Manual & Volo's Guide to Monsters)

While technically a celestial-touched humanoid rather than a "monster" in the traditional sense, the Aasimar offers a fantastic blend of familiar and exotic. Aasimar possess inherent magical abilities, radiant damage resistances, and the potential for dramatic celestial transformations. This makes them a mechanically strong choice with excellent roleplaying hooks. Aasimar can come in three subraces: Protector, Scourge, and Fallen.

• Roleplaying an Aasimar: Aasimar are often driven by a sense of divine purpose, whether it's protecting the innocent, punishing the wicked, or seeking redemption. Consider the source of your Aasimar's celestial power. Are they guided by a specific deity, an angelic order, or an inner light? This backstory will shape your character's motivations and interactions with the world. You can play an Aasimar that is conflicted with the expectations of their celestial guide. Do they question the rigid rules of their higher power, or do they try to seek their own path of good?
• Integrating an Aasimar: Aasimar fit easily into most campaigns, especially those with themes of good versus evil or divine intervention. Their celestial nature can provide a natural connection to holy quests or conflicts with fiendish forces. The radiant damage resistance makes them valuable in combats that involve undead or other creatures vulnerable to radiant energy.

2. The Yuan-ti Pureblood (Monster Manual & Volo's Guide to Monsters)

The Yuan-ti Pureblood is a serpentine humanoid with inherent magical resistances, spellcasting abilities, and a fascinatingly alien mindset. Their immunity to poison and magical resistance make them incredibly durable, while their innate spellcasting provides utility both in and out of combat.

• Roleplaying a Yuan-ti Pureblood: Yuan-ti Purebloods are known for their cold logic, cunning intelligence, and lack of empathy. They view emotions as weaknesses and prioritize power and self-preservation. Roleplaying a Yuan-ti Pureblood involves embracing this alien perspective, focusing on strategic thinking and carefully calculating your actions. A Yuan-ti could become fascinated with emotions after spending time with humanoids.
• Integrating a Yuan-ti Pureblood: Integrating a Yuan-ti Pureblood into a party requires careful consideration. Their natural inclination toward manipulation and self-interest can create conflict, but it also offers unique roleplaying opportunities. Consider playing a Yuan-ti who is trying to learn about emotions, or one who genuinely believes that their cold logic is the best way to protect the party. They are a great option for campaigns dealing with cults, hidden agendas, or explorations of morality.

3. The Goblin (Monster Manual & Volo's Guide to Monsters)

Goblins are often seen as weak and cowardly monsters, but this belies their potential for cunning, resourcefulness, and surprisingly effective tactics. Playing a Goblin can be a refreshing change of pace, offering a unique perspective on the world and combat.

• Roleplaying a Goblin: Goblins are driven by self-preservation, greed, and a love of mischief. They are opportunistic creatures, quick to flee from danger but equally quick to exploit weakness. Roleplaying a Goblin involves embracing this chaotic energy, finding creative solutions to problems, and reveling in the small victories. Do they have an interesting quirk, like a fascination with fire, or do they have a collection of bottle caps they carry around?
• Integrating a Goblin: A Goblin PC can add a comedic element to a party, but they can also be surprisingly effective in combat. Their Nimble Escape ability allows them to disengage or hide as a bonus action, making them difficult to pin down. They are a solid pick for more lighthearted campaigns, or groups that appreciate unconventional tactics. They fit into campaigns dealing with wilderness exploration, tribal conflicts, or underdog stories.

4. The Kenku (Monster Manual & Volo's Guide to Monsters)

The Kenku are avian humanoids cursed with the inability to create their own voices. They communicate through mimicry, perfectly replicating sounds they have heard. This unique limitation presents both challenges and opportunities for roleplaying.

• Roleplaying a Kenku: Roleplaying a Kenku requires creativity and a keen ear. Your character will communicate by mimicking sounds they have heard, piecing together phrases and noises to express themselves. This can lead to hilarious misunderstandings and moments of unexpected insight. A Kenku trying to apologize might mimic the sound of a crying baby, while one attempting to intimidate an enemy might screech like a hawk. Consider keeping a list of sounds your Kenku has learned, and use them in unexpected combinations. What was the last sound the kenku heard, and how does it affect their current roleplaying?
• Integrating a Kenku: Kenku are natural infiltrators and spies, making them a good fit for campaigns involving intrigue, heists, or urban exploration. Their mimicry ability can be used to gather information, confuse enemies, or even impersonate important figures. Their lack of original voice can also create compelling roleplaying dynamics within the party, forcing other players to listen carefully and interpret their intentions. A Kenku is a strong pick for campaigns dealing with urban mysteries, criminal underworlds, or stories about communication and understanding.

5. The Dhampir (Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft)

Dhampirs are born from the union of a vampire and a mortal, inheriting some of the vampire's traits but not their full weaknesses. They are creatures of both worlds, capable of great power but also burdened by a constant thirst.

• Roleplaying a Dhampir: Roleplaying a Dhampir involves exploring the duality of their nature. They are caught between their mortal and vampiric sides, struggling with their thirst for blood while trying to maintain their humanity. Consider the source of your Dhampir's lineage. Was their mortal parent aware of the vampire? How does their vampiric nature manifest? This internal conflict can lead to compelling character arcs and dramatic choices. The most important aspect to consider is what the dhampir is willing to do to subsist.
• Integrating a Dhampir: Dhampirs are a natural fit for gothic horror campaigns or any story that explores themes of identity, temptation, and the struggle against darkness. Their vampiric abilities, such as spider climbing and enhanced senses, make them valuable assets in combat and exploration. They can also add a layer of moral complexity to the party, as they must constantly grapple with their thirst and the potential for corruption. Dhampirs are a thematic match for gothic horror settings, campaigns against undead, or stories about moral ambiguity and personal struggle.

Balancing Power and Party Dynamics

Choosing a monster is only the first step. You also need to consider how your character will interact with the party and the overall game balance. Here are some key considerations:

• Level Adjustment: Some monsters are inherently more powerful than standard player races. Your DM might need to adjust your starting level or impose other limitations to ensure fairness. Be open to these adjustments and work with your DM to find a solution that works for everyone.
• Abilities and Party Roles: Think about how your monster's abilities complement the party's strengths and weaknesses. A monstrous tank can protect squishier characters, while a spellcasting monster can add magical firepower. Avoid overlapping roles too heavily, as this can lead to one player overshadowing another. For example, two characters with similar stealth capabilities may cause the redundant character to feel less useful.
• Social Interactions: Monsters often have unique social challenges. A monstrous appearance might provoke fear or hostility, while alien motivations can lead to misunderstandings. Work with your DM and fellow players to find creative ways to navigate these challenges. Perhaps your monster wears a disguise, or maybe they rely on a specific party member to act as their advocate. Maybe there is an item that helps them socialize more easily.
• Long-Term Growth: Consider how your monster will grow and develop over the course of the campaign. Do they have access to standard character classes? Are there monster-specific abilities or transformations they can unlock? Planning for the future will ensure that your character remains engaging and relevant as the story progresses.

The Importance of Story and Roleplaying

Ultimately, the best monster choice is one that enhances the story and provides opportunities for compelling roleplaying. Don't just focus on raw power; think about the character's motivations, their relationships with the other party members, and their place in the world. Here are some questions to consider:

• What are your monster's goals? Are they seeking revenge, redemption, knowledge, or simply survival? Having clear goals will drive your character's actions and give you a framework for making decisions.
• How does your monster feel about the other party members? Do they view them as allies, tools, or potential threats? Developing meaningful relationships with the other characters will enrich the gameplay experience for everyone.
• What are your monster's flaws and weaknesses? Flaws make characters more relatable and interesting. A monster with a crippling fear of fire or a tendency to make rash decisions will be more memorable than a flawless powerhouse.

By focusing on story and roleplaying, you can create a monstrous character that is both unique and engaging, adding a new dimension to your D&D campaign.

Conclusion

Being given the green light to play any monster you desire in D&D is an exciting opportunity. By carefully considering the DM's intentions, exploring different monster options, and prioritizing story and roleplaying, you can create a truly memorable character. Remember to balance power with party dynamics, embrace the challenges of playing a monster, and most importantly, have fun! Playing a monster can offer a fresh perspective on the game and open up new avenues for storytelling and character development. So, go forth, embrace your inner monster, and create a character that will leave a lasting impression on your D&D world.

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