Homebrew Giant Species Details

 

Referred to in some Biblical translations as the “Anakim,” the Giants are a well-known and feared race of massive humanoids in the middle kingdoms. Giants appear in the records of all major nations at the time, although little is known about their origin. Some historians believe that the Giants mentioned in these ancient texts were simply humans of above-average height. However, the heights recorded in the Bible range from 10 to 25 feet tall, well beyond the physical limits of a human being.

The most famous of these ancient beings was, of course, the legendary champion known as Goliath of Gath. However, many other Giants appear both in the Bible as well as other ancient texts from the time. Giants almost always appear in the role of warlord or military champion, which adds to the mystery and renown of their race.

Formidable Fighters

Today I defy the ranks of Israel! I challenge a man to come and face me,

that I may give his flesh to the birds of the air.

-Goliath of Gath

Due to their great size and physical strength, the Giants of the Bible are known for one thing only: combat. Each time a Giant is mentioned, it is always in association with their ferocity in battle and thirst for blood. This does not mean that all Giants were bloodthirsty killers, of course; however, as you create your Giant character, be aware that this reputation will follow you throughout your journeys, even if the Giant you create is gentle and kind.   

Isolated and Feared

“When they saw the Giant, they fled from him and were very much afraid.”

-1 Samuel 17:24

According to the Hebrew scriptures and other ancient sources, the land of Canaan was once inhabited by entire civilizations of Giants. However, by the first century, very few of these civilizations remain. Giant tribes tend to be isolated, either living in the ruins of the Assur Wastes, or on the outskirts of desert regions. Living in these harsh conditions is difficult, and most giants find it easier embracing their stereotype as warrior and seek fortune by fighting in the Roman gladiator contests. In many ways this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that only further feeds into the general assumption that giants are violent by nature.

 On rare occasions, Giants can be found trying to make a peaceful living in a major city. However, Giants are so feared by humans that they are cast out of most societies. Thus, most giants end up becoming lone wanderers, or joining the ranks of  an adventuring party that may accept them.

Creating a Giant Character

Consider the background of you Giant character. Where are you from? Have you been accepted into a human society, or are you an outcast that has to stay on the move looking for work? Do you know any other Giants, or do you feel alone in your size and reputation?

Giants tend to be known by a given name, a clan name, and an earned name. The clan name is their only connection to their Giant ancestors, and generally refers to the region their ancestors originally called home. The earned name tends to be the name by which they are recognized by enemies on the battlefield or by crowds of cheering fans at gladiator pits. Giants tend to guard their given names from all but their trusted comrades, and will generally introduce themselves in new cities or to new people using their earned name and their clan name, for example: “The Axe of Anak” or “Skullcrusher of Edom.”

Giant Names: (Male) Gad, Gilgath, Joroch, Saph, Nob, Og; (Female) Ada, Axlith, Atarah, Hedva, Huldah, Lahmi, Vashti.

Clan Names: Anak, Anunaki, Ashdod, Edom, Gath, Gaza

Earned Names: Kingslayer, The Landslide, The Barricade, Gatesmasher, Shieldbreaker, The Tower

 

Giant Traits

Giants can vary wildly in size, shape, and personality. Your giant character has these traits.

Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution Score increases by 1.

Age. Giants learn to fend for themselves at an early age. A Giant is considered an adult by the age of 10, and their life expectancy is less than 100 years, although giants almost always die in combat before they reach old age.

Size. Giants are between 8 and 12 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the amount you can push, lift, or carry.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write in Common and one extra language of your choice. Typically this language will be that of the people you live among or commonly deal with.

Feared and Unwelcome. You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill. Because Giants are seldom integrated into society, you may be required to make Persuasion checks simply to be allowed past the gates of major cities. 

Siege Monster. You deal double damage to objects and structures.

Giant Traits

Strength Increases by 2 and Constitution increases by 1.

Formidable Fighters

Due to their great size and physical strength, the Giants of the Bible are known for one thing only: combat. Each time a Giant is mentioned, it is always in association with their ferocity in battle and thirst for blood. This does not mean that all Giants were bloodthirsty killers, of course; however, as you create your Giant character, be aware that this reputation will follow you throughout your journeys, even if the Giant you create is gentle and kind.   

Isolated and Feared

According to the Hebrew scriptures and other ancient sources, the land of Canaan was once inhabited by entire civilizations of Giants. However, by the first century, very few of these civilizations remain. Giant tribes tend to be isolated, either living in the ruins of the Assur Wastes, or on the outskirts of desert regions. Living in these harsh conditions is difficult, and most giants find it easier embracing their stereotype as warrior and seek fortune by fighting in the Roman gladiator contests. In many ways this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that only further feeds into the general assumption that giants are violent by nature.

 On rare occasions, Giants can be found trying to make a peaceful living in a major city. However, Giants are so feared by humans that they are cast out of most societies. Thus, most giants end up becoming lone wanderers, or joining the ranks of  an adventuring party that may accept them.

 

Powerful Build.

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

Feared and Unwelcome

You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill. Because Giants are seldom integrated into society, you may be required to make Persuasion checks simply to be allowed past the gates of major cities. 

 

Siege Monster

You deal double damage to objects and structures.