Fun with Half Giants

[DeeL]

The Half-giants described in the Expanded Psionics Handbook clearly combine the traits of humans and the sand giants described in MMII.  There's not real reason to confine them to such ancestry, though.  Given that someone was using sorcery to combine humans with giants, other species of giants are open season.  Two examples follow -



Ocean-Scions (Half-Giant, Aquatic subtype)

+2 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity
Giants: Ocean-scions are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only.
Medium Size
Base land speed 30
Low-Light Vision: An ocean-scion can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
Cold Acclimated: Ocean-scions have a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against all cold spells and effects. Ocean-scions are accustomed to enduring the low temperatures of the deep water.
Powerful Build: As described in the Expanded Psionics Handbook, page 13.
Naturally Psionic: Ocean-scions gain 2 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class.
Psi-Like Ability: Constant - Water Born (A level 3 psionic power described on page 127 of Stormwrack.) This differs from the amphibious ability in that it is subject to augmentation as detailed in the description.
Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Aquan, Fey
Favored Class: Psychic Warrior
Level Adjustment: +1

Chakra Child (Half-Giant, Incarnum subtype)

Giants: Chakra children are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only
Medium Size
Base land speed 30
Low-Light Vision: As described above
Powerful Build: As described in the Expanded Psionics Handbook, page 13.
Essentia Pool: A chakra childs essentia pool is permanently increased by 2. If he doesn't have an essentia pool, this trait grants him one with 2 points of essentia.
Bonus Feat: A chakra child gets a bonus feat with the incarnum descriptor. For the purpose of choosing this feat, the chakra child does not need to meet the minimum constitution prerequisite.
Automatic Language: Common Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Fey, Sylvan
Favored Class: Totemist
Level Adjustment: +1


So comments?  Criticisms?

[SDragon]

not very adept at mechanics, but why not a half fire giant?

[DeeL]

Why not?  Let's see how this would work...

Cinderbairns
Giants, not humanoids
Base speed 30
Low Light Vision
Powerful Build
Fire Acclimated:  Gets a +4 to all saves against fire and heat effects.
Naturally psionic:  Get 2 bonus psionic strength points.
Psi-Like Ability:  1/day - Control Flames, manifester level equal to 1/2 hit dice.
Automatic Language:  Common.  Bonus Languages:  Giant, Ignan, Draconic, Fey
Favored Class:  Psychic Warrior
Level Adjustment:  +1

[Tybalt]

Half Giants always make me think of breeding chihuahuas with great danes...the mechanics worry me.

[DeeL]

Maybe, but in this context we aren't talking about 'breeding' in the usual sense.  There's a whole splatbook out there about ways to cross one critter with another using magic, and not one technique of the many they use actually presents physical compatibility as an issue.

I think my favorite is the one where you alchemically melt down both 'progenitor' creatures, then dump the two resulting liquids into the same pot, then let it cool and solidify into one composite critter.  But then there's something to be said for the 'overlapping shadows' technique...

[Tybalt]

I was actually kind of joking. And the alchemical idea is interesting, it's actually a classic idea for how to cross breed, change sex, etc. However, I have a question: WHY would someone do this in your opinion? Why create an aquatic giant, for instance?

[DeeL]

Oh - oh... you want me to think like an evil overlord with vast magical resources?  Hokay...  come, Mister Bigglesworth.  Let us put our hokey but ruthlessly diabolical plan into action...

From the Journal of Cryptopakolips the Unseasoned, an entry penned shortly before the seige of his tower by a torch-weilding mob

I finally have the piece I've been missing.  The decrepit ocean giant will provide me with the substance I need for my alterations to be complete.  Soon, my loyal henchmen will be a new race of aquatic warriors, able to easily withstand the watery deeps as well as contend with the vast creatures to be found there.  But shortly after my researches into immortality bear fruit, I'm going to be without henchmen again.  What to do, what to do...

Ah ha!  I know!  The local village just concluded it's celebration of pulchritude, in which the newly nubile maidens come forth to compete for most marriageable, or whatever.  The important thing is that if I can just harvest a few of them for oceanic impressment, I will be able to establish a stable population of sea soldiers!  My carp golem will have to restrain them through the process, but I'm sure that once they find that they are no longer human, nature will take its course and they will cleave to my henchmen as creatures of their own kind.  Might even be good for them - I've been wondering how to keep my idiot hirelings occupied when I didn't have something for them to conquer..

[Tybalt]

Yikes...ask for information, you get information. But that makes sense, thank you. I need to put my evil overlord thinking cap on more often.

[CYMRO]

not very adept at mechanics, but why not a half fire giant?

I think I might have to work out a Gizer for you, half Fire Giant, half Azer!
 :whoa: