Homebrew Cyclops Species Details

In wide open plains, or perhaps deep in the woods at the feet of mountains, lives a race of monstrous creatures. Known for their immense size and strength, skill in smithcraft, and their low intelligence, Cyclopes (pronounced psych-low-peas) are a force to be reckoned with. Legends tell of Cyclopes that tear 1,000-year-old trees from the ground, toss boulders the size of mountains, and fight the largest of creatures. However, crude though their descriptions may be, the Cyclops is typically a peaceful creature. With a love of farming, many Cyclopes have herds of giant sheep they tend to and care for; they are typically neutral good to chaotic good. Though they have a vengeful spirit, when angered or wronged they never forget and with a code of justice they may seek out the wrongdoer and punish them.

Made for the Forge

Cyclopes are natural blacksmiths. Being naturally immune to heat and fire, and with endurance like the roots of mountains, they are completely at home in (sometimes literally) the forge. They can reach into the flames and hammer the metals with their bare hands. Taught by the dwarves, the Cyclopes have taken smithing to the next level, making the best swords, armour, weapons, and tools there are! However, their large size and brutish features means sadly that many fear the Cyclops and stay away, meaning very few know of their skill.

 

Sense of Justice

Be careful when dealing with the Cyclopes. They can be harsh and quick to anger, and when they feel they've been slighted, they will hunt down the transgressor and deal with them in what manner of justice they see fit. While Cyclopes tend towards the good alignment, this may change quickly to neutral or even evil. This usually only happens when the person who slighted them dies and they cannot enact their justice, and as such they are left to stew over their anger and resentment. One example of this is Polyphemus, who's eye was burned out by Odysseus and was unable to take his revenge.

Appearance

Cyclopes strike fear into the hearts of almost any who look upon them. Averaging 9 feet tall and 500 lbs, with muscular arms and legs and a single eye in the midst of their heads, the Cyclops is a sight to behold. They have brutish features; rough, grey skin; long, uncut fingernails and calloused hands the size of manhole covers. They often wear ragged clothes and have tools hanging from leather belts about their waist. Most often, this is all they carry, but when on a quest of revenge, they will carry a great sword proportionate to their size or perhaps a hammer or axe. Being children of Poseidon, the Cyclopes are at home both on land and in the sea, with the ability to hold their breath for long periods of time and swim quickly.

 

Cyclops Traits

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

Great Weapon Fighting

You have proficiency with great weapons and any large weapon regardless of class.

Made for the Forge

You are immune to fire damage.

Darkvision

You can see in the dark 60 ft.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 3, and your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age

Cyclopes have lifespans comparable to elves. They enter adulthood in their late 30s and usually live around a millennium.

Size

Cyclopes are between 8 and 9 feet tall and weigh between 380 and 500 pounds. Your size is Large.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Natural Athlete

You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.

Stone’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.

Born of the Sea

You have resistance to cold damage. You’re also acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.

Smart as a Rock

You have a debuff in Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, giant and Aquan.

Natural Craftsman

You have advantage when building something and can learn Artificer spells regardless of class or background.