Storm Giants: Rulers of the Ordning

Giants are a classic adversary in Dungeons and Dragons, and they continue to be featured prominently in Fifth Edition.  Whether it is the thundering roar of a hungry hill giant, the Olympian-esque hurl of a boulder from a disturbed stone giant, or the sharp *crack* of a streaking bolt of lightning from a towering storm giant, these creatures are a powerful force to be reckoned with. Despite their place of honor in D&D lore (one of the first officially published adventures in 5e revolved around the giants) there is a pitiful lack of variety in these deadly, but mechanically bland, foes. 

Over the next few weeks we are going to examine each of the “true giant” types and create a few varieties to pair with the traditional, base examples given in the Monster Manual. In each article, we will:

• Discuss the key features and tendencies of that giant type.

• Identify what possible roles/functions are missing. 

• Create several new statblocks for variant giants of that type. 

Giants adhere to a strict social structure called the ordning. Essentially, each giant type occupies a social position in relation to each other type. Then within each type, status is broken down further by considering the strength, size, and role of each giant. Despite the cookiecutter statblock in the MM, no two giants are equal in the ordning. Those distinctions are what we want to capture in this series.

Next up: Storm Giants.

Storm Giants, Basically

Storm giants are massive, temperamental giants that reside at the top of the ordning. They are amongst the most physically imposing monsters in the game; they stand over 25 feet tall with a Strength of 29. Their place within the ordning is determined through the appearance and interpretations of various omens. The number and significance of these natural signs determine the rank of any given storm giant. They typically reside alone, far away from others of their kind. But, on the rare occasions they do meet with other storm giants, these signs and omens accompany them- making it clear who ranks where. 

While giants nearer the top of the ordning hold more power and influence, the storm giants lack a true leader. Their solitary nature combined with a lack of evidence from their cosmic omens has prevented the rise of a true king or emperor over all giantkind. Without this centralized leadership, storm giants are typically inclined to leave the world alone and watch for omens that signal a need for change. However, while storm giants are typically good-aligned, they have a fearsome temper like the worst storms. Anyone who would try to attack or subvert a storm giant would be shown no mercy. 

These giants live deep in the untamed wildernesses of the world, making their lairs and castles where the weather and terrain is most severe. THey are well adapted to many geographical locations, some live at the bottom of the ocean, others atop high mountains, and some deep in the arctic. They are particularly drawn to places that serve as planar crossings to the Elemental Planes of Air and Water. Here, they can easily use these crossings for their own travel while the whirlpools, tornadoes and hurricanes that manifest protect their homes from would be intruders. While it is uncommon for multiple storm giants to live together, they sometimes entertain long term guests in their lairs. An ocean dwelling giant may have companions from the Elemental Plane of Water or live near a band of merfolk, while a giants atop a mountain may keep rocs and griffins in an aviary. 

What is Missing?

A typical adventuring party is most likely to encounter a storm giant by seeking out a skilled interpreter of cosmic omens or a being of similar knowledge. It would make sense if there were some storm giants that specialize in this field. While in traditional Fifth Edition lore there is not a single ruler of the storm giants, the arrival of one would certainly signal heavy change in your game world and could make for a fun adventure. 

Variant Statblocks

Storm Giant Interpreter (CR 13)

Storm giants determine their ranks, plans, and lives by reading the omens and signs given to them by their gods and the natural world. Some giants are particularly adept at seeing and interpreting these signs, making them extremely important individuals. 

Tactics. The interpreter will attempt to avoid conflict, unless they have received a sign that it is necessary or inevitable. Before beginning their daily meditations, the interpreter casts foresight upon themselves; unless they are caught off guard in the night these abilities should be active.

Storm Giant King/Queen (CR 19)

If ever a champion were to be born that was destined to retake their place atop the ordning, they would be far more powerful than a typical storm giant. In addition to being more deadly in melee combat, this storm giant monarch also has access to more powerful magic from to their planar connections.  

Tactics. The storm giant king/queen is comfortable in melee combat, but typically prefers to cow their opponents into submission by opening with one of its best spells, such as storm of vengeance. They will avoid killing their enemies unless forced to, they would rather establish their own dominance and gain the service of the defeated party. 

Next week, we’ll be making easy to use statblocks for NPCs, starting with Paladins.