| Roll 1d10 | Race Species |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | Select or roll a common (C) race/species from appropriate environment |
| 5-7 | Select or roll an uncommon (UC) race/species from appropriate environment |
| 8-9 | Select or roll a rare (R) race/species from appropriate environment |
| 10 | Select or roll a very rare (VR) race/species from appropriate environment |
Legend
C = Common
UC = Uncommon
R = Rare
VR = Very Rare
L = Leader (this race is not found as a population - only as rulers).
FANTASY RACES
| Civ | Wild | Aqua | UG | Race / Species / Monster | Player Character traits | Monster stat blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | R | - | - | Brohg (4-armed desert) | - | 4E D&D Dark Sun Creature Catalog |
| R | R | - | - | Chorrim (militaristic giants) | - | 5E D&D Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica (giant); 3E D&D The Diamond Throne; |
| - | VR | - | - | Chuhaister (woody forest) | - | 5E D&D Creature Codex |
| VR | R | - | VR | Cyclopean (medium cyclops) | 5E D&D Tales of Arcana Race Guide; 3E D&D Dragon Magazine #323; B&B Core Rulebook | - |
| - | R | - | R | Cyclops (fey - magic eye) | - | 4E D&D Monster Vault; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 4E D&D Monster Manual 2 |
| - | VR | - | VR | Cyclops - great | - | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; PF2 Bestiary; 3E D&D The Diamond Throne; Cypher Strange Bestiary; SW Weird Wars Rome |
| - | R | - | VR | Cyclops (normal giant) | - | PF2 Bestiary; PF Bestiary; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual; 1E D&D Monster Manual II; Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion; FF Out of the Pit |
| - | VR | - | VR | Ettin | 5E D&D Tales of Arcana Race Guide (ogre) | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded 2; PF2 Bestiary; 13th Age Core Book; 4E D&D Monster Vault; 4E D&D Monster Manual; PF Bestiary; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual |
| - | R | - | - | Firbolg | 5E D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters; 5E D&D Explorer's Guide to Wildemount; 5E D&D House (see below); 2E D&D Complete Book of Humanoids | 4E D&D Monster Manual 2; Savage Worlds Hellfrost Bestiary (under giant) |
| - | R | - | R | Fomorian | - | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 4E D&D Monster Manual 2; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual |
| C | R | - | - | Giant - ceremonial / civilised / city | 5E D&D House (see below); 3E D&D Arcana Unearthed; | 5E D&D Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica; |
| - | UC | - | VR | Giant - hill / earth / mountain / standard | 5E D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters; Cypher Expanded Worlds | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters; D&D 5E Tome of Horrors; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded 2; PF2 Bestiary; 13th Age Core Book; 4E D&D Monster Vault; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 4E D&D Monster Manual 3; PF Bestiary; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual; AGE Fantasy Age Basic Rulebook; Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion; |
| VR | R | R | R | Giant - specific / unique | 5E D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters; 5E D&D Tales of Arcana Race Guide; 2E D&D Complete Book of Humanoids | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters; ; 5E D&D Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio 1; D&D 5E Tome of Horrors; 5E D&D Tome of Beasts; 5E D&D Pirate Campaign Compendium; 5E D&D Creature Codex; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded 2; PF2 Bestiary; 13th Age Core Book; 4E D&D Monster Vault; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 4E D&D Monster Manual 2; 4E D&D Monster Manual 3; PF Bestiary; 3E D&D Monsters of Faerun; 3E D&D Necropolis; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual; Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion; Savage Worlds Hellfrost Bestiary |
| VR | UC | - | - | Goliath | 5E D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters; 5E D&D Explorer's Guide to Wildemount; 5E D&D House (see below); 4E D&D Player's Handbook 2; 3E D&D Races of Stone; B&B Core Rulebook | 4E D&D Monster Manual 2 |
| UC | R | - | - | Half-giant (psionic desert) | 5E D&D House (see below); 3E D&D Expanded Psionics Handbook | 4E D&D Dark Sun Creature Catalog (as goliath); 3E D&D Expanded Psionics Handbook |
| - | VR | - | VR | Half-ogre (ogrillon) | 3E D&D Races of Destiny; 2E D&D Complete Book of Humanoids; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual |
| - | C | - | R | Ogre | 2E D&D Complete Book of Humanoids; B&B Core Rulebook | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes; 5E D&D Creature Codex; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded 2; PF2 Bestiary; 13th Age Core Book; 4E D&D Monster Vault; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 4E D&D Monster Manual 3; PF Bestiary; 3E D&D Monster Manual IV; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual; AGE Fantasy Age Basic Rulebook Cypher Strange Bestiary; Savage Worlds Adventure Edition; Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition; Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion; Savage Worlds Hellfrost Bestiary |
| VR | - | - | - | Ogresh | - | 5E D&D Grim Hollow Players Guide |
| VR | R | - | VR | Oni | 5E D&D Tales of Arcana Race Guide; 2E D&D Complete Book of Humanoids (as ogre mage) | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 13th Age Core Book (ogre mage); 4E D&D Monster Manual 2; 4E D&D Open Grave; 3E D&D Oriental Adventures; PF Bestiary |
| VR | R | - | - | Qunari | - | AGE Dragon Age Core Rulebook |
| - | R | R | UC | Troll | - | 5E D&D Monster Manual; 5E D&D Tome of Beasts; 5E D&D Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes; 5E D&D Tome of Horrors (swarm); 5E D&D Creature Codex (scrag & desert); 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded; 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded 2; PF2 Bestiary; 13th Age Core Book; 4E D&D Monster Vault; 4E D&D Monster Manual; 4E D&D Monster Manual 2; 3E D&D Sandstorm; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual; Cypher Gods of the Fall; Savage Worlds Adventure Edition; Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition; Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion; Savage Worlds Hellfrost Bestiary |
| - | R | - | - | Trollkin / trow | 5E D&D Midgard Heroes Handbook; 5E D&D Tales of Arcana Race Guide (troll) | 5E D&D Creature Codex; PF Southlands; PF + AGE Midgard Campaign Setting; Savage Worlds Hellfrost Bestiary |
| - | R | - | - | Verbeeg | - | 5E D&D Monster Manual Expanded 2; 4E D&D Monster Manual 3; 2E D&D Monstrous Manual |
| - | R | - | - | Wang-Liang (oni-like) | - | 3E D&D Oriental Adventures |
| VR | VR | - | - | Sci-Fi Species (select from table below) | - | - |
SCI-FI SPECIES
| Civ | Wild | Aqua | UG | Race / Species / Monster | Player Character traits | Monster stat blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VR | VR | - | - | Atoru | - | 5E D&D Esper Genesis Threats Database |
| VR | R | - | - | Shobgad | SF Alien Archive | SF Alien Archive |
| VR | VR | VR | VR | Fantasy Species (select from table above) | - | - |
INDIVIDUAL RACE FEATURES
CEREMONIAL GIANT
Game Statistics & Lore. 5e D&D House, (see below). Original appearance and lore in 3E D&D compatible Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed chapter 2, where they are just called giants.
Further Lore & Roleplaying Ideas. This entry represents a very ritualistic race of giants that can change their mindset (represented here as a subrace) and in some cases, even perform magical ceremonies to increase their size. In the the Diamond Throne setting (in Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed for 3E), these giants are known as Hu-Charad (which means 'stewards'). The listed mind sets are Wardance and Caretaker. Typically, the giants from civilised lands are in the Caretaker mindset, whilst those in the wilds would adopt the Wardance. Changes are usually generational, but an individual giant can perform a ritual to change their stance. In Kage, these giants have an important role in the land of Hazara-Thun and are known as fira.
GAME MECHANICS
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
Ceremonial Giant Traits
- Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
- Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag or lift. You are also counted as one size larger to for opposed rolls where your bulk would be beneficial, such as resisting forced movement and being swallowed whole. Furthermore, when wielding a versatile weapon, you deal the damage listed for using two-handed.
- Ritual Mindset. A ceremonial giant must choose the mindset of Caretaker or Wardancer to begin the game. (These operate the same as subraces and are presented as such below). A giant is likely to stay in one mindset for life. However, if circumstances change significantly in a giant's life they can perform a day long ritual to change mindsets. When this occurs, replace one subrace's drawbacks (and bonus proficiencies or feats gained through drawbacks) with the other. Furthermore, changing into the Wardancer mindset adds one level of exhaustion that can be removed after a long rest.
- Languages. Common and Giant.
- Size. Medium.
- Speed. Base speed is 30 feet.
CEREMONIAL GIANT SUBRACES
Although not technically subraces, a giant adopts one of these mindsets and only changes with a change in life circumstances.
CARETAKER GIANT
Caretaker Giant Traits
- Helpful Skills. You gain proficiency in one of Insight, Medicine or Persuasion.
- Protected Allies. As long as you are not restrained or unconscious, all allies within 5 feet of you gain +1 AC verses attacks that you are aware of. Your bulk tends to attract attacks and you use your size to protect those around you.
Common Caretaker Drawbacks
- Cautious (Minor) OR Loyal (Minor). Giants as caretakers consider themselves stewards and are very protective of those in their care and companions. This mindset typically makes them cautious and calm too.
- Lumbering (Minor). Your bulk means you are not as agile or flexible as other races.
Bonus Proficiencies. For each minor drawback assigned to a caretaker giant, you select one of the following: Arcana, History, Insight, Medicine, Performance, Persuasion, or any artisan's tools or one relevant language.
WARDANCER GIANT
Wardancer Giant Traits
- Giant Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.
- Warfare Skills. You gain proficiency in Athletics or one weapon of your choice. (If using our House Weapon Group proficiencies, you get proficiency in one weapon group of your choice (Simple & Martial)).
Common Wardancer Drawbacks
- Lumbering (Minor). Your bulk means you are not as agile or flexible as other races.
- Belligerent (Minor) OR Outsider (Minor). Wardancer giants tend to be more aggressive, territorial and typically dwell in areas where they fight to survive.
Bonus Proficiencies. For each minor drawback assigned to a wardancer giant, you select one of the following: Athletics, Intimidate, or any weapon groups (Simple + Martial for all groups) or one relevant language.
CEREMONIAL GIANT RACIAL FEATS
Race Feat & Source Ceremonial giant Size Large (House, D&D Racial Feats)
FIRBOLG
Game Statistics & Lore. 5e D&D Volo's Guide to Monsters chapter 2; 5E D&D Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, chapter 4.
Further Lore & Roleplaying Ideas
GAME MECHANICS
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
Typical Firbolg Drawbacks
- Lumbering (Minor) OR Shy (Minor). Your bulk means you are not as agile or flexible as other races and firbolgs are renowned for keeping to themselves.
Bonus Proficiencies. For each minor drawback assigned to a firbolg, you select one of the following: Animal Handling, Nature, Survival, or herbalism kit or one relevant language.
FIRBOLG RACIAL FEATS
Race Feat & Source Firbolg Wild Survivor (House, D&D General Feats) This is a general feat, but firbolgs can take it as a racial feat.
GOLIATH
Game Statistics & Lore. 5e D&D Volo's guide to Monsters chapter 2; 5E D&D Explorer's Guide to Wildemount chapter 4; and Elemental Evil Player's Companion.
Further Lore & Roleplaying Ideas. The competitive goliaths of the mountains appear in the 3E D&D Races of Stone, and the 4E D&D Player's handbook 2.
GAME MECHANICS
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
Typical Goliath Drawbacks
- Lumbering (Minor) or Shy (Minor). Your bulk means you are not as agile or flexible as other races and goliaths typically live in isolation and are self-reliant.
- Outsider (Minor). You are from an isolated mountain home and this applies when dealing with lowlanders. Goliaths commonly trade with dwarves, so it does not apply to them.
Bonus Proficiencies. For each minor drawback assigned to a goliath, you select one of the following: Endurance, Insight, Intimidation, Survival, or leatherworker's tools or one relevant language.
GOLIATH RACIAL FEATS
Race Feat & Source Goliath Earth Magic (House, D&D General Feats) This is a general feat, but goliaths can take it as a racial feat.
HALF-GIANT
Game Statistics & Lore. 5e D&D stats, House (see below). If you want 5E D&D stats for a size Large half-giant, see our Athas Major Races version here. 3E D&D Expanded Psionics Handbook chapter 1.
Further Lore & Roleplaying Ideas. Half-giant society is described in the 2E D&D Dark Sun setting, though these guys were 10-12 feet tall. In 3E D&D they were described in the Expanded Psionics Handbook where they are 7-8 feet tall (and that is the size used below). Being a Dark Sun creation, half-giants are portrayed as psionic. (4E D&D Dark Sun just used the goliath race).
GAME MECHANICS
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
Half-Giant Traits
- Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Constitution score increases by 1.
- Darkvision. 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 colour in darkness, only shades of grey. Your fey senses are sharp and adjusted to moonlight and dim forest conditions.
- Desert Born. You're naturally adapted to extreme heat, as described in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master's Guide. You also ignore movement penalties for sandy or rocky conditions.
- Giant Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.
- Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag or lift. You are also counted as one size larger to for opposed rolls where your bulk would be beneficial, such as resisting forced movement and being swallowed whole. Furthermore, when wielding a versatile weapon, you deal the damage listed for using two-handed.
- Size. Medium.
- Speed. Base speed is 30 feet.
- Languages. Common and Giant.
And then choose ONE of the following:
- Wild Talent. You know one random cantrip from a spell list of your choice. You do not need any components to cast this spell and Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it. All races of the Dark Sun setting typically have latent psionic ability.
- Stone's Endurance. You can focus yourself to occasionally shrug off damage. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Subtract the number rolled from the damage. You must finish a long rest before you can use this trait again.
Typical Half-Giant Drawbacks
- Clumsy (Minor) OR Dullard (Minor) OR Unwise (Minor). Although magically created, many half-giants inherit the weaker minds of their giant brethren.
- Lumbering (Minor). Your bulk means you are not as agile or nimble as other races.
- Primitive (Minor). This is typical for the half-giants of Dark Sun, where metal is very rare. Half-giants from other settings may not be assigned this drawback.
Bonus Proficiencies. For each minor drawback assigned to a half-giant, you select one of the following: Athletics, Endurance, Survival, or Clubs & Staffs (Simple + Martial) or one relevant language.
HALF-GIANT RACIAL FEATS
Race Feat & Source Half-giant Battlefield Trample (House, D&D Racial Feats) Half-giant Giant Stride (House, D&D Racial Feats) Half-giant Mighty Hurl (House, D&D Racial Feats) Half-giant Overrun (House, D&D Racial Feats) Half-giant Psionic Stomp (House, D&D Racial Feats)
GAME MECHANICS
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
