Which Races Have Powerful Build?
The Powerful Build trait in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) provides a significant advantage to characters by allowing them to function as if they were one size larger when determining their carrying capacity and the weight they can push, drag, or lift. This is particularly useful for characters who want to carry more gear, grapple larger creatures, or generally be a physical force to be reckoned with. The races that possess this trait offer unique opportunities for players seeking a character who excels in strength-based activities.
Currently, the primary races that have the Powerful Build trait in official 5e materials are the Goliath and the Orc. However, keep in mind that custom lineages and DM homebrew may alter or add to this list. Furthermore, subraces, racial feats, or multiclassing can indirectly grant similar benefits, even if they don’t explicitly state “Powerful Build.”
Goliath: Children of Stone and Sky
Description of the Goliath Race
Goliaths are a people of towering stature and immense strength, dwelling in the high peaks and harsh terrains. Their culture is one of survival and physical prowess, constantly testing themselves against the elements and each other. This hardy lifestyle has molded them into powerful individuals, capable of enduring incredible hardships and carrying burdens that would cripple lesser beings.
Powerful Build and Goliath Culture
For Goliaths, Powerful Build isn’t just a racial trait; it’s a reflection of their way of life. They need to be able to carry the tools and equipment necessary to survive in their unforgiving environment. They’re able to haul supplies across treacherous mountain passes or grapple massive beasts that threaten their clans. This inherent strength and carrying capacity is integral to their identity.
Goliath Builds and Strategies
Playing a Goliath with Powerful Build unlocks several strategic advantages. Consider builds focused on grappling, utilizing heavy armor without being encumbered, or playing a powerful melee combatant who can wield massive weapons effectively. Barbarians and Fighters are natural fits, but any class can benefit from the ability to carry more and exert greater physical force.
Orc: Ferocious Warriors
Description of the Orc Race
Orcs are known for their physical prowess, aggression, and tribal societies. While their history is often steeped in conflict, they are also fiercely loyal to their tribes and capable of great resilience. Their robust builds and innate strength make them formidable warriors, capable of overwhelming their enemies.
Powerful Build and Orcish Heritage
For Orcs, Powerful Build is representative of their imposing physique and battle-ready nature. Their heritage has made them one of the most formidable races on the battlefield. They’re capable of engaging in extended combat with heavier weapons and more armor. They’re also capable of hauling their fallen comrades to safety.
Orc Builds and Strategies
Playing an Orc with Powerful Build focuses on aggressive combat tactics. Barbarians, Fighters, and Paladins are prime choices. Orcs excel at hitting hard and fast, taking advantage of their increased carrying capacity to wield larger weapons and wear heavier armor without penalty. The added strength allows for effective grappling and pushing enemies around the battlefield.
Considerations Beyond the Core Races
Lineages and Customization
While Goliaths and Orcs are the primary races with Powerful Build, the rise of custom lineages allows players to create characters with similar traits regardless of their chosen race. This customization option opens the door for nearly any race to possess a variation of Powerful Build, if the player and DM agree.
Homebrew and DM Discretion
Ultimately, the Dungeon Master has the final say on which races possess which traits in their campaign setting. Homebrew races with Powerful Build are not uncommon, and DMs may be willing to grant the trait to other races or subraces for flavor or balance reasons.
Alternatives and Similar Abilities
It’s also important to remember that there are other ways to achieve similar effects as Powerful Build. Spells like Enlarge/Reduce can temporarily increase a character’s size and carrying capacity. Certain class features or feats can also grant advantages in grappling, lifting, and carrying.
Conclusion
The Powerful Build trait is a valuable asset for characters seeking to excel in strength-based activities. While currently primarily associated with Goliaths and Orcs, the evolving nature of D&D allows for customization and flexibility in character creation. By understanding the benefits and applications of Powerful Build, players can create memorable and effective characters who are true forces to be reckoned with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does the Powerful Build trait do?
Powerful Build allows a character to be treated as one size larger when determining carrying capacity and the weight they can push, drag, or lift. This effectively doubles their carrying capacity compared to a character of the same size without the trait.
2. Does Powerful Build make a character physically larger?
No. Powerful Build only affects carrying capacity and the ability to push, drag, or lift. The character’s actual size remains the same for all other purposes, such as squeezing through tight spaces or being targeted by size-dependent spells.
3. Does Powerful Build affect my damage dice or reach?
No. Powerful Build does not affect your damage dice or weapon reach. Those factors are determined by weapon size and specific racial or class features.
4. Can I stack Powerful Build with other effects that increase my size or carrying capacity?
Generally, yes. Powerful Build stacks additively with other effects that increase carrying capacity. For instance, the Enlarge/Reduce spell would further increase a character’s carrying capacity beyond what Powerful Build provides.
5. If I have Powerful Build and multiclass into a class that grants increased carrying capacity, do they stack?
Yes, most features that increase carrying capacity stack with Powerful Build. Always refer to the specific wording of the features to confirm.
6. Is Powerful Build useful for all classes?
While strength-based classes like Barbarian, Fighter, and Paladin benefit the most from Powerful Build, it can be useful for any class. Carrying more gear, grappling enemies, and moving heavy objects are situations that can arise regardless of your class.
7. Does Powerful Build make me better at grappling?
While Powerful Build doesn’t directly grant a bonus to grapple checks, the increased carrying capacity allows a character to wield weapons and wear armor without being encumbered, indirectly improving their combat effectiveness during a grapple. Also, the ability to move a grappled creature more easily is significantly enhanced.
8. Can I use Powerful Build to wield weapons that are normally too heavy for my character?
Powerful Build doesn’t change the mechanics of wielding weapons that require two hands. However, it allows you to carry such weapons without becoming encumbered, making them more accessible.
9. Are there any feats that grant Powerful Build?
There are currently no official feats that directly grant the Powerful Build trait. However, a DM might allow a feat that provides a similar benefit as a house rule.
10. Can I use Powerful Build to carry another character?
Yes, but the other character still needs to be within your carrying capacity. Powerful Build allows you to carry a heavier character than you could otherwise.
11. How does Powerful Build interact with the rules for encumbrance?
Powerful Build essentially raises the threshold for when a character becomes encumbered. This allows them to carry more items and equipment without suffering penalties to their movement speed or other abilities.
12. Does Powerful Build affect the weight I can lift over my head?
Yes. Powerful Build increases the weight you can lift, including lifting over your head. However, the weight you can lift over your head is typically less than the weight you can carry. Consult the Player’s Handbook for specific weight limits.
13. Can a Small character with Powerful Build carry more than a Medium character without it?
Yes, it is entirely possible. A small character with Powerful Build is treated as Medium for carrying capacity, while a Medium character is treated as Medium. This means the Small character with Powerful Build would be able to carry more.
14. Does Powerful Build affect how much I can carry in a Bag of Holding or similar extradimensional space?
No. Powerful Build only affects your physical carrying capacity. The weight limits for extradimensional spaces, like a Bag of Holding, are separate and unaffected by Powerful Build.
15. If a race other than Goliath or Orc has a similar trait, is it considered Powerful Build?
Not necessarily. The specific wording of the trait determines its effects. If it states that the character is treated as one size larger for carrying capacity, pushing, dragging, or lifting, then it functions similarly to Powerful Build, even if it has a different name.