Homebrew Varl Species Details

The Varl are a race of powerful, horned and bearded giants, having twice the height and girth of humans. They are warlike but also have a fondness for mead and brawling. Only male, Varl are unable to reproduce and increase their numbers themselves, and instead must be created by the Gods.

The Varl dwell in the far north, in the hills and snowy mountains. They keep to themselves and live quietly when they can, but fight fiercely when thy have to. They are fierce and intimidating warriors, not to be challenged lightly. Their honor and tradition is valued dearly, a stretches back to the creation of the first Varl.  Any that meet them realize quickly that these stoic giants are not to be trifled with.

Honor-bound Warriors

A Varl's reputation relies nearly entirely on the valor they show in battle. The stronger, the braver, the more experienced a Varl warrior is, the more respect he will garner from his peers. Despite this not all Varl pursue a life of a warrior, just as humans may be whatever they want, however their size and demeanor may limit their options. All Varl can fight if needs be; a Varl that can't swing an axe is no Varl at all.

Reclusive Existence

The Varl usually live in small communities, spaced from each other, or alone. For this reason, they are prone to develop a restlessness when living in proximity of other varl or other races. However, they are known to gather in large cities or in armies, especially during times of War.

Fear of Fire

Varl are inherently afraid of fire, supposedly because fire was involved in their 'making' process, which was apparently very unpleasant.

Varl Names

The Varl each have a single, unique name that identifies them from any other. They follow a very nordic theme.

Names:  Einar, Arnfinnr, Skrymir, Throstr, Jorundr, Iver, Yngar, Griss, Krumr, Ubin, Mogr, Fasolt

 

Varl Traits

Varl are all crafted the same way and differ only slightly from individual to individual

Intimidating Build

You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Cold at Heart

Their life in the cold north have made them resistant to the cold

Natural Warrior

You have known how to swing a great-axe from almost the moment you were born. Gain the Great Weapons Master feat.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

The Varl may live for many centuries if not cut short in battle. The oldest can reach nearly 500 years old.

Alignment

Most Varl follow the laws of their tradition to the letter, which is inherently lawful. Varl tend to keep to themselves and try to avoid getting caught up in any larger morality, preferring to take a more neutral stance.

Size

Varl are twice the height and width of an average human. Their size is large.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Powerful Build

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

Languages

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