Giff are an exceptionally strong creature based on the hippo, but despite that strength they are best known for their tendency to use
firearms and their claim that their people came from another plane in the very distant past.
Like others of the "large animal" background, they are known for their size and power, and are often employed for that, but many do not see that as their defining characteristic. Rather, they see themselves as proud and well-organized people who operate for the greater good of their clans. They see themselves as a spiritual people, and hold their shaman members in high regard. They also revere the firearms that the smallest children know how to use.
Of course, anyone who takes giff honor, pride and a spiritual side as weakness do so at their peril. Even a commoner giff can beat, wrestle or hurl someone who gives offense, and in groups they are truly dangerous.
| Detail |
Description |
| Size |
Medium |
| Speed |
30' walk, 30' swimming |
| Attributes |
+2 Strength, +1 Dex (Alt +2/+1 in any stats) |
| Ability: Astral Spark |
You channel your connection to the spirit realm to add your proficiency score to your damage die when attacking with a simple or martial weapon. You can do this a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus for each long rest, but no more than once per turn. |
| Ability: Firearm Mastery |
You have the Firearm Specialist feat, and so ignore the loading penalty of the firearm, and attacking at long range does not incur a disadvantage. |
| Ability: Hippo Build |
You get advantage on strength checks and strength saving throws, and count as one size larger for carrying capacity, and what you can push, drag or lift. |
| Ability: Languages |
Common and one other language |
Class Considerations
The default bonuses, and special abilities make Giff natural martial classes either at range or close-up. However, some really lean into their connection to other planes, applying their attribute bonus to intelligence, wisdom or charisma, and therefore also make excellent casters who maintain a strong physical presence when necessary, for anyone silly enough to try to close with them.
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