If you are looking for a powerful and versatile race in Dungeons and Dragons (DND), then look no further than the Goliath.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore the stats, mechanics, and history of Goliaths in DND.
Here is what you need to know about the Goliath DND race.
What Is the Goliath DND Race?
Goliaths are a race of humanoid giants who live in the mountains and hills of the DND world.
They are known for their incredible strength and resilience, as well as their close connection to the earth and nature.
Goliaths are fiercely independent and value personal achievement above all else.
They are also deeply loyal to their clans and will do anything to protect their own.
Goliath DND Stat Block
Here is a quick overview of the Goliath DND stat block:
| Stat | Value |
| Ability Score Increase | Strength +2, Constitution +1 |
| Age | Goliaths become adults at around 16 years old and can live up to 90 years. |
| Alignment | Lawful neutral. They tend to value their freedom above all else. |
| Size | Goliaths are very tall, ranging from 7 to 8 feet in height, and they weigh between 280 and 340 pounds. |
| Speed | Goliaths have a base walking speed of 30 feet. |
| Natural Athlete | Goliaths are really good at physical activities. |
| Stone’s Endurance | Goliaths can decrease the damage they receive by rolling a 12-sided die plus their Constitution modifier. They can only do this once per short rest. |
| Powerful Build | Goliaths are stronger than most other races and can carry more weight than their size would suggest. |
| Mountain Born | Cold damage resistence. Goliaths are used to being high up, even at heights above 20,000 feet. |
| Language | Goliaths can speak two languages: Common and Giant. |
Description (Physical)
Goliaths are imposing figures with chiseled features and a muscular build.
They have skin that ranges in color from light gray to deep brown, and they often have patches of rough, stony skin on their elbows, knees, and feet.
Goliaths have piercing eyes that are usually a bright blue or green.
Goliaths usually have black or dark brown hair. They tend to dress in simple, practical clothing and often wear animal pelts or furs to keep warm in cold mountain environments.
Goliath Traits
Goliaths have many unique traits that set them apart from other races in DND.
Here is a list of 20 Goliath DND traits (official and homebrew):
- Giant Build. Goliaths are as strong as if they were one size larger, which allows them to carry heavier things, push heavier objects, and lift more weight.
- Super Endurance. Once per short rest, Goliaths can reduce damage taken by 1d12 + their Constitution modifier.
- Natural Athlete. Goliaths are proficient in Athletics.
- Elevation Acclimation. Goliaths are used to living in high places, even above 20,000 feet.
- Cold Resistance. Goliaths are able to resist cold damage.
- Stonecunning. Goliaths have advantage on Intelligence (History) checks related to stonework.
- Giant Language. Goliaths can speak, read, and write Giant.
- Great Weapon Fighting Style. Goliaths can choose the Great Weapon Fighting Style, which allows them to reroll damage dice when using heavy weapons.
- Favored Enemy (Optional). Goliaths can choose a favored enemy type, gaining advantage on checks to track, hunt, and interact with that enemy.
- Brave. Goliaths are better at resisting being scared and have an advantage when they need to save themselves from it.
- Stone Shape (Optional). Goliaths can cast the Stone Shape spell once per day.
- Survival Instincts: Goliaths have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks related to tracking or foraging.
- Thunderous Charge. Goliaths can move up to 30 feet using their action. They can move in a straight line and then make a melee attack, dealing extra damage.
- Endurance. Goliaths have advantage on Constitution checks to resist fatigue or exhaustion.
- Improved Critical. Goliaths’ critical hits score on a roll of 19 or 20.
- Natural Armor. Goliaths have a natural armor bonus of +1.
- Elemental Affinity (Optional). Goliaths can choose an elemental type (fire, cold, thunder, or lightning) and gain resistance to that type of damage.
- Fury of the Storm. As a reaction, Goliaths can attack with lightning damage that hits an enemy creature with a melee attack.
- Mountaineer. Goliaths have advantage on checks to climb or descend steep slopes or cliffs.
- Stone Sight (Optional). Goliaths can see clearly in dim light within 60 feet, as if it were bright light. They can also see pretty well in complete darkness, as if it were dim light.
These traits represent a range of abilities and powers that are unique to Goliaths, making them a powerful and versatile race in DND.
Here is a good video about the Goliath DND race:
History
Goliaths have a long and rich history in DND.
They are believed to have originated in the mountainous regions of the world and have lived there for centuries.
Goliaths are deeply connected to the earth and nature and have a spiritual connection to the elements.
They value personal freedom and independence above all else and are known for their strength and resilience.
Types of Goliaths in DND
There are several different types of Goliaths in DND, each with their own unique traits and characteristics.
Here are a few examples:
Stone Speaker
Stone Speakers are Goliaths who have a deep connection with the earth and the stones.
They have the ability to communicate with rocks and boulders, and they use this ability to gain insight into the world around them.
Stone Speakers are often seen as wise and respected members of their clans.
They are known for their ability to provide guidance and advice.
Skywatcher
Skywatchers are Goliaths who have a deep connection with the sky and the winds.
They have an innate sense of direction and can navigate through the mountains and hills with ease.
Skywatchers are often employed as scouts and guides by other Goliaths, and they are respected for their knowledge of the world above.
Thunderbeast
Thunderbeasts are Goliaths who are known for their incredible strength and resilience.
They are often employed as warriors and bodyguards, using their massive size and strength to protect their clans and allies.
Thunderbeasts are feared by their enemies and respected by their friends.
They are known to be some of the toughest fighters in the DND world.
Where Can You Find Goliaths on DND?
Goliaths can be found in various parts of the DND world, but they are most commonly found in mountainous regions.
They are often associated with clans and tribes that live in secluded areas, away from civilization.
Goliaths are also known to be mercenaries and adventurers, traveling far and wide in search of personal achievement and glory.
You can find more information about the Goliath DND race in these DND materials:
- Player’s Handbook. In this resource, players can find the Goliath race and other exotic races.
- Elemental Evil Player’s Companion. This is the main book for Goliath information in the D&D literary universe. The volume contains detailed information regarding Goliath’s background, culture, habitat, ability score bonuses, and other racial abilities, providing a complete guide to Goliath characters.
- The Races of Stone supplement for the Player’s Handbook 3rd edition. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of classic Gnome and Dwarf races, as well as the introduction of the new Goliath race.
- Volo’s Guide to Monsters. In this resource, the Goliath is included as a playable race in the second part of the book, which is dedicated to rare and exotic races. While the first part of the book covers monsters, the second part provides additional options for players who want to explore unique race choices.
Goliath DND Combat Tactics
Goliaths are formidable opponents in combat, thanks to their strength and resilience.
They are often employed as frontline fighters or tanks, using their powerful builds to soak up damage and protect their allies.
Goliaths also have a natural affinity for Athletics.
And this makes them skilled at grappling and shoving opponents.
Goliath DND Names
If you are creating a Goliath character for your DND campaign, here are a few name suggestions:
- Thorgar
- Grond
- Hrogath
- Korgoth
- Skarr
- Drog
- Brondar
- Uthgar
- Vorin
- Balthor
- Lokar
- Oskar
- Drakar
- Gruumsh
- Brawn
- Stonefist
- Frostbeard
- Fireheart
- Thunderfoot
- Ironhide
- Boulderbreaker
- Steelwall
- Bloodaxe
- Stormcaller
- Bearkiller
- Mountainclaw
- Windrider
- Frostfang
- Redbeard
- Swiftstrike
- Nightblade
- Thunderstrike
- Stonehammer
- Boulderfist
Goliath DND Ideas
Here are 20 Goliath DND ideas with explanations:
- Goliath Tribe Conflict. Create a campaign where the players must navigate a conflict between two rival Goliath tribes. The players could be hired by one tribe to help them gain an advantage in the conflict, or they could try to broker a peace deal between the two tribes.
- Goliath Mining Town. Create a campaign that revolves around a mining town run by Goliaths. The players could be hired to investigate a mine that has gone dark, or to protect the town from raiders or other threats.
- Goliath Diplomacy. Create a campaign where the players must navigate a complex web of Goliath diplomacy. The players could be tasked with negotiating a peace treaty between multiple Goliath clans, or mediating a dispute between two powerful Goliath leaders.
- Goliath Gladiator Games. Set up an arena-style combat encounter where the players must face off against powerful Goliath warriors in front of a cheering crowd. The Goliaths could be either opponents or allies, depending on the players’ choices.
- Goliath Mercenaries. Introduce a group of Goliath mercenaries who are available for hire by the players. The mercenaries could be hired to protect a caravan or to escort the players on a dangerous mission.
- Goliath Bodyguards. Create a campaign where the players must protect a Goliath leader from assassins or other threats. The Goliath leader could be an important political figure or a powerful warrior.
- Goliath Treasure Hunt. Design a campaign where the players must track down a lost Goliath artifact or treasure. The players could be racing against other treasure hunters, or they could be facing off against dangerous creatures that guard the treasure.
- Goliath Pilgrimage. Create a campaign where the players must accompany a group of Goliaths on a sacred pilgrimage to a holy site. The pilgrimage could be fraught with danger, and the players must protect the Goliaths from any threats that they encounter along the way.
- Goliath Hunting Party. Create a campaign where the players must join a Goliath hunting party on a dangerous hunt for a powerful creature. The hunt could take the players through treacherous terrain, and they must use all of their skills to track and kill the creature.
- Goliath Clan Heist. Design a campaign where the players must steal a valuable object from a Goliath clan’s stronghold. The players must infiltrate the stronghold and avoid detection from the Goliath guards.
- Goliath Artisan Guild. Create a campaign where the players must help a group of Goliath artisans protect their guild from a powerful rival guild. The artisans could be blacksmiths, stonemasons, or woodworkers, and they rely on the players to help them defend their craft.
- Goliath Elemental Crisis. Create a campaign where the players must stop a powerful elemental force that threatens to destroy the world. The players could ally with powerful Goliath elementalists who have a deep connection to the elements.
- Goliath Artifact Auction. Design a campaign where the players must attend an auction for a powerful Goliath artifact. The players could be competing against other bidders, or they could be trying to prevent a villain from acquiring the artifact.
- Goliath Climb. Create a campaign where the players must navigate a treacherous mountain climb with a group of Goliaths. The climb could be fraught with danger, including avalanches, blizzards, and dangerous creatures.
- Goliath Nomads. Introduce a group of Goliath nomads who are constantly on the move. The players could encounter the nomads during their travels, and they may need the players’ help to solve a problem or complete a mission.
- Goliath Siege. Design a campaign where the players must defend a Goliath stronghold from a massive siege. The players could be tasked with defending the walls, sabotaging the enemy siege weapons, or sneaking into the enemy camp to steal valuable information.
- Goliath Diplomatic Incident. Create a campaign where the players must navigate a delicate diplomatic situation involving Goliaths and another race. The players could be tasked with mediating a dispute, negotiating a trade agreement, or preventing a war from breaking out.
- Goliath Rescue Mission. Design a campaign where the players must rescue a group of Goliath prisoners from a dangerous enemy stronghold. The players could face a variety of obstacles and challenges as they navigate the stronghold and free the prisoners.
- Goliath Trials. Create a campaign where the players must compete in a series of Goliath trials to prove their worthiness. The trials could include physical challenges, puzzles, and tests of skill and knowledge.
- Goliath Rebellion. Design a campaign where the players must help a group of Goliaths rebel against their oppressive leaders. The players could be tasked with sabotaging the leaders’ plans, freeing prisoners, and rallying the oppressed Goliaths to rise up against their oppressors.
How To Introduce a Goliath in a DND Campaign
Feel free to use the following example as an introduction in your next adventure:
You’re wandering through the crowded market when a hulking figure catches your eye. It’s a Goliath, standing nearly eight feet tall with rippling muscles that bulge beneath his leather armor. His skin is a deep shade of gray, and his bald head gleams in the sunlight.
As he moves through the crowd, people instinctively give him a wide berth, intimidated by his massive size and stoic demeanor.
Despite his formidable appearance, the Goliath moves with surprising grace and agility, his every step sure and steady. He carries a massive greatsword on his back, its blade glinting menacingly in the light.
You notice a necklace of animal teeth and bones around his neck, evidence of his connection to nature and the primal world.
As he approaches, you can see the intensity in his eyes, a fierce determination that speaks of his unbreakable will and ironclad resolve. His face bears a few scars, the remnants of battles long fought and won, and a sense of quiet confidence radiates from him.
As the Goliath passes by, you feel a sense of awe and respect wash over you, impressed by the sheer power and resilience of this formidable warrior.
You can’t help but wonder what kind of battles he has faced and what kind of adventures he has experienced. Perhaps he could be a valuable ally in your own quest, or an intimidating adversary to be reckoned with.
With a nod of his head, the Goliath disappears into the bustling market, leaving you with the memory of his formidable presence and the undeniable feeling that there is much more to him than meets the eye.
DND Goliath FAQs
In this section, I’ll answer some of the most common qeuestions about the Goliath DND race.
Q: Can Goliaths Use Weapons and Armor?
A: Yes, Goliaths can use any weapon or armor that is available in the game.
However, due to their large size, they may require custom-fitted equipment or suffer certain penalties when using standard equipment.
Q: Are Goliaths Immune to High Altitude Sickness?
A: No, Goliaths are not immune to high altitude sickness.
However, their Mountain Born ability does make them more acclimated to high altitudes and less susceptible to its effects.
Q: Can Goliaths Be Wizards or Spellcasters?
A: Yes, Goliaths can be wizards or spellcasters, just like any other race in the game.
However, due to their emphasis on physical strength and resilience, Goliaths may be less inclined to pursue magical abilities.
Q: Can Goliaths Have Other Racial Traits or Abilities?
A: Yes, Goliaths can have other racial traits or abilities, depending on the rules of the campaign.
Keep in mind that any additional traits or abilities should be balanced and agreed upon by the DM and the player.
Final Thoughts: Goliath DND
I highly recommend adding a Goliath character (player or NPC) to your campaign.
They always add a bit of excitement and fun around my table.
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