Bold, Brash, and Battle-Ready: Discover the Giffs, the Mighty Hippo Warriors from Space
The Giff are a race of humanoid people with hippo features found in the D&D universe. They are a militaristic race known for their discipline and respect for the chain of command. While they tend to shun art, they do see an artistic beauty in the art of war. They even destroyed their own planet in an act that they consider, ultimate beauty.
With the arrival of Spelljammer: Adventures in Space, the Giff have become a playable race in D&D 5e. Now with no home planet, they are most. commonly found crewing spelljamming vessels across wildspace in search of their next chance to prove themselves in battle.
At a glance
Dungeons and Dragons lets you take a flexible approach to building a character, but if you’re going to stick to typical culture and the best-optimised build for a Giff you might consider the following:
Choose a Giff if you like…
- A combat focussed character hungry for a fight
- Being strong!
- Using firearms
A Giff might not be for you if…
- You want a character with more utility outside combat
- You prefer spellcasting over weapons
- You advocate for gun control
If you think a Giff isn’t for you, not to worry, there are dozens of playable races for you to pick from. Simply check out our races guide to find out about all of them.
Giff racial traits
| Ability Scores | +2 to 1 ability score, and +1 to another or +1 to 3 different ability scores |
| Creature Type | Humanoid |
| Size | Medium |
| Speed | 30ft walking and swimming |
| Languages | Common and 1 other language |
| Traits | Astral Spark, Firearms Mastery, Hippo Build |
| Proficiencies | None |
| Resistances | None |
| Darkvision | No |
| Innate Spellcasting | None |
| Book found in | Spelljammer: Adventures in Space |
Tactics
Optimise your weapon choices: Given your proficiency and the ability to ignore the loading property/long-range disadvantage, firearms should be your primary weapon (if they’re allowed at your table). Firearms are the most powerful ranged weapons available but don’t stack well with extra attacks because of the loading property… Unless you’re a Giff of course! Go for a pistol and shield combo for extra protection, 2 pistols if you want to use your bonus action for offhand ranged attacks or a musket for the highest damage per attack.
Weapons master: Astral spark is bonus damage a few times a day, but only from weapon attacks. As such, you’ll be most effective when not relying on spells for damage. The great thing here is you only use it if you hit (so no wasted uses from misses). It also does force damage which is extremely rarely resisted.
Sharpshooter: You can shoot further without getting disadvantage. This means you can get yourself out of harms way more easily and stay out of the way of danger. Just be aware that longbows and heavy crossbows will still shoot further than you will.
What classes are best for Giff?
Giff strengths lend well towards combat-focused classes, particularly with a focus on ranged combat.
Below I’ve put together a score for how well each class works with a Giff based on how well the racial traits work with each class:
Artificer⭐⭐
Barbarian ⭐⭐
Bard ⭐⭐⭐
Cleric ⭐⭐
Druid ⭐
Fighter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monk ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paladin ⭐⭐⭐
Ranger ⭐⭐⭐
Rogue ⭐⭐⭐
Sorcerer ⭐
Warlock ⭐
Wizard ⭐
*Star ratings scored out of 5
Best classes for a Giff
Giff are at their best when shooting firearms and using extra attacks to maximise on their lack of loading for maximum damage. Melee builds still work well though, especially when pairing strength and athletics proficiency with shove to knock enemies prone and then bash them with more attacks.
Fighter: With that in mind, fighters fit the bill well. With lots of extra attacks and capabilities at range or in melee, fighters work really well for the Giff.
If you have the luxury of taking a ranged build, go with he archery fighting style for even more damage. The sharpshooter feat is also an option though with the drop in attack bonus, it’s best left for later levels.
For a more melee build, you can go with a shove specialist. Take athletics proficiency, go big on strength then shove your enemy to knock them prone then strike with advantage with your other attacks (and let your allies do the same). Grab a gun for any ranged attacks you need to make.
Monk: The monk isn’t quite as straightforward an option as a fighter. They tend to be less inclined to ranged attacks (though forearms proficiency makes this viable when you can’t get into melee) and aren’t strength based. However, with plenty of attacks, you can grab proficiency in athletics and between this and advantage on strength checks, a shove then flurry of blows approach can work really well.
You’ll want to use weapons for the extra damage from astral spark though. Just be aware that at higher levels, your unarmed strike does become more powerful than weapon attacks made without astral spark.
Ranger: Rangers benefit in similar ways to fighters, building a ranged-based combatant by taking the Archery fighting style will make those important ranged attacks hit more often.
Advantage on strength saving throws could be useful if you choose a melee build instead, making you far more likely to grapple or shove a foe successfully and get advantage on attacks.
Worst classes for Giff
Giff are at their best when making weapon attacks. This essentially rules out Spellcasters that want to make attacks with cantrips and other spells. Wizards, warlocks and sorcerers stand out as particularly bad options. None of these classes should be making weapon attacks much or making strength checks.
to a lesser extent, clerics and druids make poor options for similar reasons. Artificers and barbarians feel like they should make good options, but between an artificer’s firearms proficiency, infusions and intelligence based combat and a barbarians rage and melee focus, they actually replicate or lose a lot of the benefits a Giff has to offer.
About Giff
Appearance
Giff are a distinctive race in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, characterised by their humanoid hippo appearance. They have large, broad snouts, small rounded ears, and thick, leathery skin typically in shades of grey or blue. Standing well over six feet tall, Giff are known for their muscular build, giving them an imposing presence. Their attire often reflects their martial culture, commonly featuring military-style uniforms or armour.
Personality
Giff are known for their martial discipline and strong sense of duty. Despite their tough exterior, Giff can also exhibit a sense of camaraderie and honour, showing deep respect for their allies and those who prove themselves in combat. They often possess a straightforward, no-nonsense attitude, but this can be tempered with a surprising sense of humour and a love for storytelling, especially tales of heroic deeds.
Roleplaying a Giff
Embrace Martial Discipline: Giff come from a culture that highly values military order and discipline. Reflect this in your character’s demeanour and actions.
For example, when the party is making camp, your Giff character insists on setting up a perimeter and standing watch in strict shifts. They might also perform military-style drills or maintain their equipment meticulously.
Love of Firearms and Combat: Giff have a fascination with firearms and a love for combat. Reflect this in your character’s interests and combat style.
For example, your Giff character could collect various firearms and be constantly tinkering with them, always eager to try out new weapons or techniques in battle. They might also tell stories of great battles they’ve been a part of, emphasizing their favourite firearm’s role.
Respect for Hierarchy and Order: Giff respect hierarchy and often seek to understand the chain of command in any situation.
For example, when joining a new group, your Giff character might quickly identify the leader and show them deference, addressing them formally and following their orders without question. They might also try to establish a clear chain of command within the party.
Camaraderie and Honor: Despite their tough exterior, Giff can be warm and respectful towards those they consider comrades, often valuing honor highly.
For instance, your Giff character could have a tradition of sharing a drink or meal with comrades after a battle, toasting their bravery and recounting each other’s deeds with respect and admiration.
Straightforward Attitude: Giff tends to be straightforward and no-nonsense, but can also appreciate humour and storytelling.
For example, when negotiating or discussing plans, your Giff character speaks plainly and directly, avoiding euphemisms or beating around the bush.
