Was looking at Duergar racial powers the other day when inspiration struck, and I came up with what I think is a really original (and yes, rather oddball) character idea. This will take a bit of explanation, but I believe it could really work and fits feasibly within the setting.

I'm interested in playing a pygmy Giant. Forgotten Realms is full of examples of beings that vary far from their "normal" size, so if a Giant Spider is possible, why not a midget half-giant? A creature roughly man-sized, with no special capabilities or major rules alterations. He would wield only normal-sized weapons and appear about average in character model, not big enough to dramatically outsize other players or outscale level environments.

The effects of Giant dwarfism would be severe and crippling, reducing a Giant from Large to Medium size and imposing substantial physical penalties that would practically eliminate any racial Ability bonuses. I think Duergar is actually a good template here, both because of its huge Charisma penalty (such a creature would inevitably be very ugly) and the racial Enlarge spell it receives. A dwarf with Enlarge cast effectively looks like a man with deformed proportions--an oversized head and shortened limbs--exactly the look I was going for.

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I've also read up on Giant lore and I think I can come up with an interesting character angle to roleplay with this character (Garrul). Giants have a social structure in place called the Ordning, which ranks individuals and clans in their racial hierarchy. They are tribal creatures, so the birth of a pygmy runt would bring great dishonor. Garrul would be exiled, a blight on the Ordning, irreparably shamed.

Yet struggling with his own interpretation of this code, he would come to realize that the only way he might redeem himself is as the guardian of others. That by keeping a watchful vigil or taking an arrow for his allies--as a protector and bodyguard--he might ensure they could safely achieve their destinies and take their proper station (according to the Ordning). He could have no honor of his own, and would instead pledge himself to bringing honor to his comrades...

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I realize this is a lot to digest. I put a lot of thought into the logistics of how this character would work: since Duergar Enlarge has a specially doubled duration, the length of the buff won't overtly interrupt Roleplay (I can easily duck into a private area and recast every hour). I've toyed with height and girth ratios and different outfits at the tailor to make such a character look unique and fitting, instead of just some oversized dwarf. And I'm confident I could make it work without bending the rules too much.

I've been a very active roleplayer on Haven for a few months now, and I've tried to get involved and give feedback whenever I can. If this concept were approved, I would do my very best to make a serious, interesting, and unique roleplaying opportunity out of it!

Thanks for considering my request!