Homebrew Desert Goliath Species Details

In the vast expanses of the desert, these Goliaths roam among their cousins, the Sand Giants. Accustomed to the climate, by working as a community they are able to sustain themselves even in the most barren lands. Though they may often be found congregating at an oasis or settlement at the borders of the desert for trade and socialization, most Desert Goliaths are happiest when traveling frequently. Some of the more inquisitive and eager Desert Goliaths may expand their nomadic lifestyle to include other climates, joining up with other adventurers or convincing their friends to explore new places.

Community-Minded

In order to survive and thrive in a place with hot days, cool nights, and limited food and water, Desert Goliaths band together, often in groups of extended family members or "neighbors," supporting one another and sharing resources. Friendly and hospitable, many travelers count themselves lucky when they come across a group of these Goliaths while passing through the desert. Desert Goliaths are known, and much appreciated, for offering food and water to those who have lost their way or run out of supplies between settlements. Though generally kind and generous, it is said that crossing a Desert Goliath will bring misfortune and ruin the next time you set foot in the desert. As nomads, they share information among other bands and will warn others if they have come across anyone who took advantage of their hospitality or wronged them in any way.

Resourceful

Accustomed to carrying only what they need, Desert Goliaths make the most of their environment wherever they go. Those who have known thirst will collect rainwater or harvest hydrating fruits and vegetables when they come across them, careful to leave enough for local fauna and for the plants to continue to grow. Many bands opt for a nocturnal travel schedule, sheltering under canopies during the day to minimize sweating. Still others take to learning about tinkering or magic to invent new tools and useful items to support their travels in harsh climates.

Names and Language

In an effort to save energy, Desert Goliaths often shorten their names and words in order to speak more quickly and efficiently. Single syllable names or names that have associated nicknames are most common among them.

Desert Goliath Traits

Goliaths share a number of traits in common with each other.

Ability Score Increase

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.

The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You’re free to follow those suggestions or to ignore them. Whichever scores you decide to increase, none of the scores can be raised above 20.

Age

Desert Goliaths have lifespans comparable to humans. They enter adulthood in their late teens and usually live less than a century.

Size

Goliaths are between 7 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 280 and 340 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Natural Survivalist

You have proficiency in the Survival skill.

Sand’s Endurance

You can focus yourself to occasionally shrug off injury. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled and reduce the damage by that total. After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Desert Born

You have resistance to fire damage. You’re also acclimated to arid climates and are more easily able to navigate or find food and water. You have advantage on [skill]Survival[skill] checks while you travel in desert climates.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.