Giff

Don't ever call a giff a "jiff" to their face. They really don't like it!

— Cas Mudmantle

Giff are a humanoid race that looks like hippos (similar to how loxodon resemble elephants). Dark browns, blacks, purplish greys, and touches of pink characterize Giff's skin. Their eyes are usually brown, grey, black, or amber in color. Their physical appearance can range from blubbery to slightly toned. Regardless of gender, the majority of people have protruding tummies. Females are known for putting more focus on their backsides and less on their bosoms. Males have strong arms but a torso that isn't quite long enough to make them dorito-shaped. Their heads are nearly indistinguishable from hippos', and they appear to stand on their hind legs like conventional hippos.
The giff are extremely powerful beings, as evidenced by encounters with races who have maintained historical contact with them. Early giff ventured out of their typical habitats in search of giants, who are famed for their size and strength in the most literal sense. Fortunately, the giants they encountered were not wholly hostile to them. They were disappointed by the big anthropomorphic beasts that pursued them and mocked their appearance. The giff, on the other hand, exhorted the giants to challenge them in strength so that they could prove themselves. The giants agreed, and a brief wrestling match ensued. The giants were pleasantly impressed by the creatures' determination, even if the giff lost. After the giff spent a few more days with the giants, they parted on friendly terms. The giff returned to their tribes with some enormous culture, including their language.
Giff enjoys the finer things in life. They get along well with other humanoid beast races and trade with everyone. They are aggressive defenders of their homes and regard other nearby giffs as members of their extended family. They do, however, continue to take great pride in their strength and size as defining features, and participate in several contests to demonstrate their prowess. This usually signifies that the large men are involved in a lot of battles.
The local alpha is the boss, and he always has the biggest house and a claim on any girl he wants. For this reason, female giffs may choose to migrate to other areas. Giffs are recognized for their abilities as protectors, healers, and artisans. Shamans enjoy a high level of respect in their social circles. Giff are militaristic, and they establish small militias in which everyone is ranked and wears uniforms.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Giff largely have the same names as humans but there are some more unique names.
Male: Rusty, Atlas, Moto-Moto
Female: Taweret, Ammit, TuTu, Gloria

Giff Samurai

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

6-7 ft.

Average Weight

250-325 lbs.

Giff

Ability Score Increase +2 Str, +1 Con

Size Medium

Speed 30 ft. (walking), 30 ft. (swimming)

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Aquatic Stealth

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The water does well to hide you. You have advantage on Stealth checks when in water.
Bite

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Your great big mouth is a crushing weapon, used to make your unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.
Hold

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When biting down, you can hold a creature captive as well. Asa bonus action, you can make a special attack with your Bite. If the attack hits, it deals its normal damage, and the target is grappled. The target may attempt to escape the grapple on its turn, as normal. You can't use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.
Iron Lungs

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Giff are very good mammals at swimming, which requires good air capacity. You can hold your breath for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Thick Hide

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Giff have thick skin and fat. Your unarmored AC is equal to 12 + your Dexterity modifier. You may wear a shield and still gain this benefit.
Weapon Training

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Giff brute strength does not mean they are not weapon trained as well, but their training does tend to focus on the latest weapon technology. You are proficient with crossbows, martial weapons and firearms.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common Tongue and Giant.