Homebrew Ettin Species Details
"You want to know about Ettins? All I can tell you is that their name is Giant means "Ugly Giant" so don't expect too much from them." -Famous last words of a dead adventurer
Ettins are not, as many assume them to be, a two headed ogre or some other kind of giant. It is unclear where their race originated from, but the going theory is that a tribe of orcs discovered a temple dedicated to the Demogorgon. The temple cursed these orcs with the visage of the Demogorgon, that is to say with two heads, and those orcs apparently were the first ettin. Regardless of the truth of this origin, orcs treat ettin as though they were distant cousins and often attempt to coax them into service. Ettin do not share this affection with orcs, but are easy enough to convince with offerings of food and treasure.
Ettins possess two heads, and each of those heads has a personality that is independent of its second head. This results in Ettins constantly arguing with their other head and usually forming a relationship of animosity. When an ettin enters combat, each head controls one arm independently.
Ettin Traits
Your Ettin character has certain traits deriving from your giant ancestry.Ability Score Increase
You have incredible strength and endurance owing to your giant heritage. Your Strength and Constitution increases by 2.
Age
Much like orcs, Ettin reach physical maturity around age 12 and rarely live longer than 50 years.
Alignment
Ettins are usually sought out by groups aligned with Chaotic Evil, which tends to shift an Ettins alignment towards the same.
Size
Ettin are slightly taller than ogres, with a more muscular frame. They usually stand between 10-15 feet tall and weigh well over 1000 pounds.
Speed
You have a base walking speed of 30 feet.
Darkvision
Ettins possess a fairly strong Darkvision owing to their giant ancestry. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Two is Better than One
Having a second head does more than just make more dandruff, it also gives an Ettin unique advantages during combat. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks as long as both heads are awake or conscious. Additionally, you have advantage on saving throws made against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned or knocked unconscious. You also have advantage against being surprised, and when one of your heads is naturally asleep the other head keeps watch.
Powerful Build
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Sibling Combat
When an Ettin fights, it usually wields a weapon in both hands, one being controlled by each head. Because of this, you can dual-wield melee weapons that have the Heavy property. However it is difficult for you to use any weapons that require two hands, as your heads are unlikely to be in sync enough to do so.
Once on each of your turns, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack using whatever weapon is in your off-hand. This attack uses your Strength modifier for the attack and damage.
Languages
You are fluent in Common and Giant.
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