Half-Giants (D&D 5e)

 Half-Giants

---

Half-Giants, much like Half-Orcs, are a hybrid mix between Giants and another humanoid race. Contrary to popular belief, Gaints aren’t inherently large in the same sense that big humanoids are. Giants, or 'Jotunbrud' in their own tongue, are natural size shifters, with the ability to warp and manipulate powerful size and perspective-based illusions. This gives them the ability to appear as any size above medium. This trait is inherited in a reduced form by their Half-Giant offspring. Almost any race can mate with a giant; giant blood, much like Orc blood, tends to be the predominant deciding factor in both inherited appearance and abilities.

---

Ordning Social Hierarchy
Unlike Orcs, Giants often invite their mixed offspring to be part of Giant society. However, most Gaint-based societies are stratocratic and caste-based. Meaning if you are born into a noble household, you must beat a Giant of a higher social rank in combat to progress up the social ladder. Each giant is assigned a rank so that none are equal to one another, only inferior or superior. Because of the reduced potency of the Half-Giants' abilities, very few progress far into Giant-led societies. Most Half-Giants prefer to make a name for themselves in other races’ social orders before returning home to claim a title or rank.

Giant-kin
The potency of Giant blood varies from species to species, with most taking on typical Half-Giant traits. However, many other, more unique offshoots of Giant have evolved through the mixing of blood between different species. Firbolg are considered to be Giant adjacent with many years of mixed breeding between Giant and Fey. Ogres and Cyclops tend to occur between Orcs and Giants. Most Giant-like-kin tend to occur from multiple generations of mixed-species breeding, causing unusual mutations between the genes.

Half-Giant Names
Half-Giants follow typical Giant naming schemes, though often taking input and inspiration from their mixed half as well. Giants are given titles once they achieve great deeds. Often, the longer and more impressive your title, the higher you stand in the social order.

Giant Males: Glern, Thoom, Grommash, Brundar, Haldor, Skaldur, Argorn, Thrain, Ulfar, Ragnar, Grimgar, Baldrak, Durgan, Thrainor, Hrokur, Vorstag, Gunnar, Feldrek, Bjalnir.
Giant Females: Freyja, Hulda, Gilda, Astrid, Thora, Eirika, Helga, Sif, Brynhild, Valdis, Jorunn, Runa, Hilda, Bruna, Gwendolyn, Sigrid, Ylva, Ingrid, Gerda, Hekla.

Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2.

Age
Half-giants, unlike full giants, have a shortened lifespan, often matching that of their hybrid parent with an added century or two. Reaching maturity at around 20-25. Most half-giants live to around 350 years old.

Size
Half-giants are typically larger and bulkier than humans, and they range from 7 to well over 8 feet tall. Your base size is Medium.

Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Size Shifters
Once per long rest, you can enlarge yourself to double your size. Your weight is multiplied by eight, and you change from a medium creature to a large creature. The effect lasts for up to an hour or until dismissed, and you have advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. Choose an equipped weapon, and it also grows to match its new size. While the weapon is enlarged, attacks dealt with it deal an additional 1d4 damage. Your clothes, armour, and shields also scale to match your new size; however, other items and gear are not affected by this change.

Giant Blood Fortitude
You can cast the spell Stoneskin at will once per short rest.

Natural Illusionist
You have proficiency in both Deception skill and Performance skills.

Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Giantish. Giantish is a slow and Nordic-like language that shares many of its roots with Common. Its script is written in Dwarvish.

Subraces

Storm Giant
Ability Score Increase
Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Cloudstep
You are immune to fall damage.

You know the Cantrip Thunderclap.

Your Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Fire Giants
Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Molten Body
You are resistant to fire damage.
You know the Cantrip Fire Bolt.

Your Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Stone Giants
Ability Score Increase
Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Hard Skin
You are resistant to slashing damage.

You know the spell Absorb Elements; you can cast it without a spell slot once per short rest. Your Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Mixed Giants
Ability Score Increase
Increases an ability score of your choice by 1.

Gifted Magic
Learn a cantrip of your choice.

Ancient Knowledge
You have proficiency in two skills of your choice.