Homebrew Brobdin Species Details

I'd seen sketches and heard tales, but meeting a Brobdin was indeed stranger than fiction. Attacked by a vicious Dire Wolf during my travels, a Brobdin came to our aid. I watched as the lesser-giant hefted the remains of a tree like a mighty greatclub and with only one hand gave a mighty swing that sent the foul creature flying. the wolf quickly turned tail and went fleeing back to the woods. Yet, after the battle finished, the Brobdin seemed more agitated rather than concerned about our wellbeing. They spoke to us with curt, harsh words, quickly informing us that our survival skills were lacking and that our need for a guide was obvious. They offered to guide us, quite generously, and their knowledge of the land seemed vast. Yet when we reached the end of the woods and the Brobdin seemed disgruntled. When we gave our farewells, it was clear they would not miss our company, sulking off into the woods like a hunter tossing out spoiled bait.

- Xal'theris, Traveling Hedgemage

The Brobdingnagian, or Brobdin for short, are a rare race most Ancient and Strong. Some believe them to be children of Giant and Man, while others say they were once the cousins of Dwarves. Whatever the story, it finds itself lost to the annals of time.

People of Legend

References to the Brobdingnagian are few and far between in early history, though some of the first anotations date back as early as The First Sundering, placing them around the islands known now as Norheim among the Moonshae Isles. Brobdin rarely travel far from their home and seem more secretive than is comfortable for most. This tends to keep accounts of them rare. However, when they reach what is considered adulthood among their people, the Brobdin leave home to prove themselves. For most it is simple, often seeking out large creatures to hunt, gathering large stores of food to bring home. In some rarer circumstances, they may traveling to the lands of smaller folk; learning of new skills or gathering knowledge among them. This has left the Brobdin firmly rooted in legend and heresay as wandering heroes defeating against the threat of vile beasts from the forest, or interesting as traders bargaining gems, rare goods, or skills in exchange for tales, knowledge, or teachings. There are some from time to time stories that arise of Brobdin acting like thieves or murderers, of some who simply walk into lands and take what they want from people ill fit to defend themselves. Though they do not outright raze or destroying everything in sight, but rather just take what they want and leave their victims confused, scared, and sometimes hurt without as much as a second thought.

Pragmatic To a Fault

For those who have had the distinct pleasure of meeting a Brobdingnagian, they often discover that they are very level headed people, heavily favoring practical means. This can prove to be one of their greatest features, or biggest downfalls. Very often they will choose the option that would make things easier for them: lying if it means things will be easier that way, or telling the blunt, hard truth even if it would offend current company. This also means that they very often lack a lot of the expected social graces in places such as the courts of foreign races, coloring most peoples perception of them as brutes, however untrue that may be. Almost everything among the Brobdingnagian has a use, their culture lacking in art such as portrait paintings or garish statues, but instead favoring engravings lovingly worked on weapon pommels and shields, carefully woven historical tapestries, or simple runic carvings.

More Human Than Giant

While the Brobdingnagian share much in common physically with Giants, they tend act more like Humans. With the Brobdin being rather practical, this has led them to be quite adaptable to most situations and environments, though most seem to prefer the forests and mountains. While no one living can claim to have seen it, the Elder Brobdin themselves may tell you of the times when they lived in the cities of the smaller folk. While the Brobdin may lack the ambitions of Humans, they certainly do not lack the variety that can be found among them.

Brobdin Names

A Brobdingnagian's name is one passed down to them by their Mothers, often naming them after an honored Ancestor. These names are worn with pride, as they are seen as legacies to each Brobdin. They also take a second name, this one the name of their parent as well as an Epithet bestowed to them by the family Elder.

Brobdin Male Name

Afraig, Beathag, Bjórn, Caitríona, Dearbháil, Ealusaid, Einarr, Grímr, Helgi, Iosbail, Ketill, Mairghread, Marsaili, Mór, Muirgheal, Raghnailt, Ragnarr, Sitheag, Thorbjörn, Thorgeirr, Thórir, Thorkell, Thorsteinn, Thórthr

Brobdin Female Name

Agnes, Annabell, Cristiane, Guthrún, Elizabeth, Ellen, Helga, Isabel, Jonet, Jórunn, Katherine, Laufey, Margaret, Morgan, Marion, Thóra, Thorbjörg, Thórdís, Thorgerthr, Thórunn, Thuríthr, Valgerthr, Vigdís, Yngvildr

Epithet

The Wise, The Strong, Stormbringer, Iron Bark, Fire Drinker, Wavebreaker

Brobdingnagian Name Example

Thorgeirr-Helga Iron Bark, Morgan-Laufey The Wise, Jorunn-Einarr Shield Breaker, Ragnar-Thorbjorn The Bloodied

Tales of The Brobdin

Much of the Brobdin history is oral or told through carvings and tapestries, though some tablets and manuscripts exist. Most their writing are in the simple runic form of Giants. But, due to oral retelling being the most common form, many stories never share the exact same ending. This makes reliable sources hard to come by.  

The Tale of Morgan-Laufey the Wise

While no one is exactly sure where the Brobdin come from, there are a few scholars obsessed with the secluded people. Looking into as much of their history and tales as they can, gathered from the Brobdin's skalds, or the Elders who seek to entertain the smaller folk to try and extrapolate just where they arose. One of the most persistent stories tells of a Great Elder, Morgan-Laufey The Wise. As the story goes, Morgan-Laufey had allied herself with Elves and Fae, or in some tellings perhaps even considered part fae herself. Until one day both her allies abandoned her tribe in their hour of need; Frost Giants marched on Storhiem, her tribe's home, seeking a tree that grew in the centre of their sanctum. In some stories, Morgan pushed back the Frost Giants using her ancient powers, locking away Storhiem so none could threathen or destroy their treasure. Other tellings state her allies the Fae returned just in time and they destroyed the Giants together, while yet more tales simply state she failed, the Brobdin broken, and the Tree of Storhiem lost to the Frost Giants. Whatever the ending, Morgan-Laufey was presented as a strong, diplomatic leader who used her Wisdom to ensure that her people stayed safe on Norhiem, hidden away from the eyes of any who would threaten their home.

Brobdin Traits

Ability Score Increase

Age

Alignment

Size

Speed

Power of Giants

You have the Strength and Knowledge of Giants, allowing your Strength and Wisdom Score the ability to surpass other creatures to a maximum of 22. 

(Unfortunately DnDBeyond lacks the tools, or I lack the knowledge, to set this up automatically in the character sheet when this race is selected to allow Ability scores to move past the score of 20) 

Heft of Giants

Practical Skills

Languages