Giant

All species · Backgrounds · Origin feats

Bible5e custom species. Its special traits and setting lore are retained.

Referred to in some Biblical translations as the "Anakim," the Giants are a well-known and feared race of massive humanoids in the middle kingdoms. Giants appear in the records of all major nations at the time, although little is known about their origin.

Some historians believe that the Giants mentioned in these ancient texts were simply humans of above-average height. However, the heights recorded in the Bible range from 10 to 25 feet tall, well beyond the physical limits of a human being.

Formidable Fighters

Due to their great size and physical strength, the Giants of the Bible are known for one thing only: combat. Each time a Giant is mentioned, it is always in association with their ferocity in battle and thirst for blood. This does not mean that all Giants were bloodthirsty killers, of course. As you create your Giant character, be aware that this reputation will follow you throughout your journeys.

Isolated and Feared

According to the Hebrew scriptures and other ancient sources, the land of Canaan was once inhabited by entire civilizations of Giants. By the first century, very few of these civilizations remain. Giant tribes tend to be isolated, either living in the ruins of the Assur Wastes, or on the outskirts of desert regions.

Living in these harsh conditions is difficult, and most giants find it easier to embrace their stereotype as warrior and seek fortune by fighting in the Roman gladiator contests. In many ways this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that only further feeds the general assumption that giants are violent by nature.

Creating a Giant Character

Consider the background of your Giant character. Where are you from? Have you been accepted into a human society, or are you an outcast that has to stay on the move looking for work? Do you know any other Giants, or do you feel alone in your size and reputation?

Giants tend to be known by a given name, a clan name, and an earned name. The clan name is their only connection to their Giant ancestors, and generally refers to the region their ancestors originally called home. The earned name tends to be the name by which they are recognized by enemies on the battlefield or by crowds of cheering fans at gladiator pits.

Giant Names: (Male) Gad, Gilgath, Joroch, Saph, Nob, Og; (Female) Ada, Axlith, Atarah, Hedva, Huldah, Lahmir, Vashit.

Clan Names: Anak, Anunaki, Ashdod, Edom, Gath, Gaza.

Earned Names: Kingslayer, The Landslide, The Barricade, Gatesmasher, Shieldbreaker, The Tower.

Giant Traits

Your Giant character has these traits.

Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.

Ability Scores. Your background provides your ability-score increases; this species grants no additional increases.

Age. Giants learn to fend for themselves at an early age. A Giant is considered an adult by the age of 10, and their life expectancy is less than 100 years.

Size. Giants are between 8 and 12 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the amount you can push, lift, or carry.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Languages. You know Common and two other languages, chosen using the character-creation language rules.

Feared and Unwelcome. You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill. Because Giants are seldom integrated into society, you may be required to make Persuasion checks to be allowed past the gates of major cities.

Siege Monster. You deal double damage to objects and structures.