D&D 5E Why does no one play Goliath?

[The Crimson Binome]

First of all it is not daily but per short rest so it increases your hp by a lot.

That's fine from a game-mechanic perspective, but what in-game reality is this supposed to be modeling? How is the ability to sometimes-not-take-damage-because-you're-very-tough narratively different from you-can-take-more-hits-without-dropping-as-represented-by-a-high-Con-score?

 

[Zardnaar]

That's fine from a game-mechanic perspective, but what in-game reality is this supposed to be modeling? How is the ability to sometimes-not-take-damage-because-you're-very-tough narratively different from you-can-take-more-hits-without-dropping-as-represented-by-a-high-Con-score?

A thick bone structure perhaps or Goliaths are just harder to kill than say humans.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

A thick bone structure perhaps or Goliaths are just harder to kill than say humans.

But there's already a game mechanic which represents being harder to kill: either a bonus to Con, or a direct bonus to Hit Points (such as Dwarves have).

It's good that there's some mechanical representation for them being tough. It's hard to justify this specific mechanic for reflecting that toughness.

Of course, the same could be said of half-orcs.

 

[Shiroiken]

I could see some campaign issues. I don't allow Dragonborn or Tiefling in my Greyhawk game, and Half-Orcs have issues (they are social outcasts, often attacked as monsters). Not all races have a place in every campaign setting, and Goliath didn't seem to fit either. When a player wanted to play one in my game, I allowed him to play a half-giant using the Goliath mechanics because it fit the theme of the campaign much better.

 

[Horwath]

1st, there is no cool lore about them.

If you want to play a really big guy just be human or halforc that is really high. You can add that your greatgreatgreatgrandfather was hill giant, so you're 7ft tall.

2nd, in mechanics they are too similar to half-orc and no darkvision.

 

[Bardbarian]

My buddy plays one and he made an awesome barbarian. I generally don't play non humans very often and when I do, its based upon the concept. I havent played a Goliath since early 4th edition because big mountain person hasn't been a concept I felt recently. I generally do overlook them in 5e because they are in a DM option book and I don't remember them. Same with the other campaign book races.

 

[Queer Venger]

They are popular in my games. Also one of the players in Critical Role plays a Goliath Barbarian, (Grog). For players who gravitate to themes, they are a great race to play in any setting, particularly Forgotten Realms, where they come from. For players who like to min/max no so much. Luckily I don't have the latter at my table.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

It is the ability to sometimes completely ignore pain. The ability to take a crushing blow and not be affected by it. It uses the same mechanic as the monk's deflect arrows.
Mechanically it is maybe sinilar to 10 more hp per short rest but the flavour is kinda different and the ability really strong especially in a group with few healers.

 

[hejtmane]

I have one he is playing a Goliath Barbarian because it fits perfect into his character concept a big strong dude that uses weapons, chairs, tables, rocks, other creatures (yes he took Tavern Brawler) to bash people with. Also the strength factor to lifting heavy items he will at one point be able to lift over 2000lbs at level 20 if I remember correctly so this fit his theme. His goal since he has his second totem and took Bear for the strength bonus effect +his20 strength + his Goliath factor he can lift like 1K now and he wants to pick up a big boulder and drop it on some one and he has the strength to do that now. Like I said it is all about concept for him.

 

[TwoSix]

But there's already a game mechanic which represents being harder to kill: either a bonus to Con, or a direct bonus to Hit Points (such as Dwarves have).

Because simply adding Hit Points has knock-off effects which may not be desired in the fiction. Why should a Goliath's physical attributes make them less susceptible to a sleep spell?