I DM almost entirely online and thus my players only see flat token sizes on the battle map. I feel they don't really get a feel for the size and scale of a creature they are up against because of this.
For example, when they face a frost giant, they only see it takes up a 3x3 grid, but the lack of the third dimension on VTT's really makes it feel flat.
What are some ideas or interesting ways to describe the sizes of these large/huge+ size creatures and make them appear as a threat based off this alone?
There would be some calculations about relative size. But you can do that during prep. Then, when the fight comes, you describe how they are basically looking at the giants kneecaps. Or how their attacks are cutting up its shins and ankles. Also, the giants attacks are always coming down at them, about to cave in their heads, not stabbing for the chest.
The storm giant bends slightly, bringing its hammer down upon you. You feel lightning crackle and the ground heaves under you from the impact of the collision (roll dexterity saves, please, to those within 10 feet of the targeted character). As it straightens up it wrenches the hammerhead from the ground, obliterating a peasant and his house. Thatch, wooden beams, wattle and daub, and body parts rain down on you (roll dexterity saves, please, everyone, or take d6 bludgeoning) as the giant readies another swing.
The storm giant bends slightly, bringing its hammer down upon you. You feel lightning crackle and the ground heaves under you from the impact of the collision (roll dexterity saves, please, to those within 10 feet of the targeted character). As it straightens up it wrenches the hammerhead from the ground, obliterating a peasant and his house. Thatch, wooden beams, wattle and daub, and body parts rain down on you (roll dexterity saves, please, everyone, or take d6 bludgeoning) as the giant readies another swing.
That's a creative way to end a sentence.
Honestly, I would just give size comparisons. A monster as big as a shed or a club the size of a car or something. It's simple, but it lets the players visualize the size.
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Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Using the environment to the advantage of creatures that size is worthwhile doing too. E.g. just like the carrying capacity of a large or huge creature scales, I wold be relaxed about doing the same for jumping. So the giant jumps onto ledges high up on cliff walls and similar. It doesn't give a full visual impression on a 2D VTT, but it helps in making a more dynamic situation.
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Tell me what you you are trying to achieve - we're telling this story together ....at least I thought we were - Now I am not so sure [OGL 1.1]
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I DM almost entirely online and thus my players only see flat token sizes on the battle map. I feel they don't really get a feel for the size and scale of a creature they are up against because of this.
For example, when they face a frost giant, they only see it takes up a 3x3 grid, but the lack of the third dimension on VTT's really makes it feel flat.
What are some ideas or interesting ways to describe the sizes of these large/huge+ size creatures and make them appear as a threat based off this alone?
There would be some calculations about relative size. But you can do that during prep. Then, when the fight comes, you describe how they are basically looking at the giants kneecaps. Or how their attacks are cutting up its shins and ankles. Also, the giants attacks are always coming down at them, about to cave in their heads, not stabbing for the chest.
Online is harder. In real life you can do things like bang the table when the giant first appears, saying the ground shakes as it approaches.
Online you could shout the giant's word in a deeper voice.
Be dramatic.
The storm giant bends slightly, bringing its hammer down upon you. You feel lightning crackle and the ground heaves under you from the impact of the collision (roll dexterity saves, please, to those within 10 feet of the targeted character). As it straightens up it wrenches the hammerhead from the ground, obliterating a peasant and his house. Thatch, wooden beams, wattle and daub, and body parts rain down on you (roll dexterity saves, please, everyone, or take d6 bludgeoning) as the giant readies another swing.
That's a creative way to end a sentence.
Honestly, I would just give size comparisons. A monster as big as a shed or a club the size of a car or something. It's simple, but it lets the players visualize the size.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Using the environment to the advantage of creatures that size is worthwhile doing too. E.g. just like the carrying capacity of a large or huge creature scales, I wold be relaxed about doing the same for jumping. So the giant jumps onto ledges high up on cliff walls and similar. It doesn't give a full visual impression on a 2D VTT, but it helps in making a more dynamic situation.
Tell me what you you are trying to achieve - we're telling this story together ....at least I thought we were - Now I am not so sure [OGL 1.1]