I wrote this up after being dissatisfied with the Half-Giant. I visualize them as very Norse. They do have a Cha penalty though.
I've never been happy with the Half-Giant as presented. It only has a +2 Strength and that just doesn't feel like a Half-GIANT to me. Here is a tweak I'm thinking of using. Do you think it is balanced as a +1 LA race? I thought of adding in a +1 attack and damage bonus for spears as a cultural theme, but it might be too much.
* +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Intelligence, -2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma: Half-giants are tough and strong, but not too bright, nimble or socially adept.
* Giant: Half-giants are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person.
* Medium: As Medium creatures, half-giants have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
* Half-giant base land speed is 30 feet.
* Low-Light Vision: A half-giant can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
* Half-Giants may use their Strength bonus in place of their Charisma bonus for the use of the Intimidate skill.
* Powerful Build: The physical stature of half-giants lets them function in many ways as if they were one size category larger.
Whenever a half-giant is subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for an opposed check (such as during grapple checks, bull rush attempts, and trip attempts), the half-giant is treated as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to him.
A half-giant is also considered to be one size larger when determining whether a creature’s special attacks based on size (such as improved grab or swallow whole) can affect him. A half-giant can use weapons designed for a creature one size larger without penalty. However, his space and reach remain those of a creature of his actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change the subject’s size category.
* Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Goblin, Orc.
* Favored Class: Barbarian.
* Level Adjustment: +1.
