Homebrew Half-Goliath Species Details

Half-Goliaths are a rare breed, they are often proud and tenacious. Always willing to lend a hand, but skeptical of those that offer help to them. Closer to the size of orcs, they tend to take on the pale color of their Goliath parents with ear or eye features that reveal their mixed heritage. 

Accepted Outsiders

Half-Goliaths almost always end up being on the outside of the society they live in. If they are raised in the Goliath society Goliaths of the same generation may not intentionally shun them, but because of their competitive nature may often push half-Goliaths to the fringe. Half-Goliaths raised in a town or city of their non-Goliath parent are readily accepted by children their own age. However, near adolescents the obvious difference in size and parentage often causes Half-Goliaths to be marginalized, teased, or even shunned by the other "normal" teens. These Half-Goliaths often find approval from adults who appreciate their size and ability to perform difficult tasks easier than most others of "normal" size. Regardless of where the Half-Goliath is raised, they find a way to fit into society but never feel fully accepted. Because of this, when Half-Goliaths come of age, normally 16 or 17 by Goliath standards, they will set off on their own to find their fortunes among mercenaries, and adventurers. 

Innovative Competitors

Most Half-Goliaths end up being raised in a Goliath tribe. The culture of friendly competition and drive to always be better can either make or break a half-Goliath. The normal strategies of the Goliath competition do not work for Half-Goliath. To compete successfully Half-Goliaths hone skills and strategies that most Goliaths would never consider or think of. They may end up quicker and more agile, or more intelligent and resourceful than the standard Goliath population to survive and even earn a place of honor amongst the tribe. This trait often pays off in spades when a half-Goliath chooses a life of adventuring. Half-Goliaths retain the sense of honor and fair play that their Goliath compatriots exhibit, despite the need to succeed to survive in a Goliath tribe most Half-Goliaths don't resort to cheating or other questionable tactics to stay ahead. They learn from every encounter and plan ways to be better.

Half-Goliath Names

Because Goliath's cultural norms are so strong most Half-Goliaths are named with Goliath naming conventions. Though the Goliath parent will often allow the first name to come from the culture of the non-goliath mate. The Goliath parent will give their child a nickname if they are not being raised around their tribe. Last names are chosen based on where they are raised. If raised among a Goliath tribe they will take on the tribal name. If raised away from the tribe they may eschew the tribal name to blend into their society. 

 

Half-Goliath Traits

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

Skill Versatility

You gain proficiency in two skills.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1.

Age

Half-Goliaths enter adulthood in their late teens and can live just over a century depending on their parentage. Half-Goliaths with half-elf parents will live over a century while Half-Goliaths with a human parent may only live into their late 70s or early 80s.

Size

Half-Goliaths are between 6 and 7 feet tall and weigh between 200 and 280 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Stone’s Endurance

You can focus yourself to occasionally shrug off injury. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d8. 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.

Honor or Death

Your sense of honor gives you advantage on persuasion and insight checks.

Languages

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