Famous for their gentle natures and massive frames, these distant relatives of giants are perfectly at home in the wilds and many consider them natural Druids. The firbolg race was first published in (VGtM), and an updated version was more recently published in (MotM). This is a separate version and does not overwrite the original, it just presents a different way of playing a firbolg using more current design conventions.
A druidic people
Firbolg are imposing at first glance, standing between seven and eight feet tall with muscled frames to match, one might be surprised when they gently hold a small bird in the palm of their meaty hand. These gentle giantkin have an innate connection to nature from birth, able to communicate with the animals they share their forest homes with in ways that many other races could only dream of.
This connection to nature is not only shown in their magic, but their lifestyle as well with firbolg choosing to live off the land, taking only what they need. This philosophy extends to how they view possessions in life as a whole, they place little value on gems or other valuables and consider greed, taking more than needed, to be the greatest fault one could have. In deep forests, they establish communities based around hidden strongholds, their gentle nature concealing their strength. Whenever something threatens their community, or the forest they shepherd, they respond with surprising force using both their druidic magic and weapons in tandem.
Gentle giants: Playing a Firbolg
Playing a firbolg gives you the following traits:
Ability Scores – Wis +2 Str +1
Size – Medium
Creature Type – Humanoid
Speed – 30 ft.
Age – Firbolgs live up to 500 years but reach maturity at 30 years old.
Firbolg Magic – You can cast Detect Magic and a special version of Disguise Self once per short or long rest each. This version of Disguise Self allows you to reduce the appearance of your height by up to 3 feet, rather than the 1 foot that is normal. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Hidden Step – You can use a bonus action to magically turn invisible until the start of your next turn. You become visible earlier if you make an attack, force a creature to make a saving throw, or if you make a damage roll. You can use this ability once per short or long rest.
Powerful Build – You are one size larger when determining how much you can carry and push, drag, or lift.
Speech of Beast and Leaf – You have advantage on Charisma checks to influence beasts and plants, which you can communicate in a really basic way with. They are able to understand what your words mean, but you cannot understand them in return.
Languages – You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and Giant.
One with nature: Playing an MPMM Firbolg
Playing a firbolg from MPMM gives you the following traits:
Ability Scores – You can increase one ability score by 2 and a different score by 1, alternatively you can increase three different ability scores by 1.
Size – Medium
Creature Type – Humanoid
Speed – 30 ft.
Age – Firbolgs live up to 500 years but reach maturity at 30 years old.
Firbolg Magic – You can cast Detect Magic and a special version of Disguise Self once per long rest each, you can also cast them using any spell slots you may have. This version of Disguise Self allows you to reduce the appearance of your height by up to 3 feet, rather than the 1 foot that is normal. When you choose this race you choose either Int, Wis, or Cha for your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Hidden Step – You can use a bonus action to magically turn invisible until the start of your next turn. You become visible earlier if you make an attack, force a creature to make a saving throw, or if you make a damage roll. You can do this a number of uses per long rest equal to your proficiency bonus.
Powerful Build – You are one size larger when determining how much you can carry and push, drag, or lift.
Speech of Beast and Leaf – You have advantage on Charisma checks to influence beasts and plants, which you can communicate in a really basic way with. They are able to understand what your words mean, but you cannot understand them in return.
Languages – You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed your time frolicking amongst nature as the tallest of the Disney princesses. Have you played a firbolg? Are you planning to? If you want to learn more about other race options, check out our DnD 5E races section, or if you want to understand the world’s greatest roleplaying game better, then check out our how to play DnD 5E section. Good luck out there adventurers and until next time, remember to duck when going through doors!
What are Firbolgs in DnD 5E?
Firbolgs are a race of nature-inclined giant folk in Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) 5th edition. They are known for their strength, natural magic, and their connection to nature.
What classes are best for Firbolgs in DnD 5E?
How do Firbolgs fit into the world of DnD 5E?
Firbolgs are often portrayed as reclusive and mystical beings in the world of DnD 5E, and are known for their love of nature and their mastery of magic. They are well-suited for adventures that require cunning and stealth, or that take place in rural/wild settings.
