Homebrew Giff Species Details

Giff are tall, broad-shouldered folk with hippo-like features. Some have smooth skin, while others have short bristles on their faces and the tops of their heads. As beings of impressive size and unforgettable appearance, giff are noticed wherever they go.

Storytelling is a rich tradition among giff, and it’s not uncommon to see a giff recounting their past exploits to an enraptured crowd. Having a friendly giff nearby when a tavern brawl erupts can also be useful, for a giff can usually more than hold their own when pleasant revelry devolves into fisticuffs.

The giff are split into two camps concerning how their name is pronounced. Half of them say it with a hard g, half with a soft g. Disagreements over the correct pronunciation often blossom into hard feelings, loud arguments, and headbutting contests, but rarely escalate beyond that.

Giff Traits

You have the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and increase a different score by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.

Age

Giff have lifespans comparable to humans. They enter adulthood in their late teens and usually live less than a century.

Size

Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.

Damage Dealer

Like a hippopotamus in a crystalware shop, you are naturally adept at damaging things. When you roll a 1 on a damage die for a melee attack, you can reroll the die and use the new roll. You can do so no more than once per turn.

Hippo Build

You have advantage on Strength-based ability checks and Strength saving throws. In addition, 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 one language of your choice.