Wirey build is there to make sure that being large is a disadvantage rather than an advantage. It also allows the race to feel a bit more like the core races.
Powerful build, which is where I got the idea from, reads as follows:
SRD said:
• 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.
Wirey build is the reverse of this. Their physical stature, which is in essence large, makes them function as a medium sized creature in many ways.
Wirey build: The physcial stature of the Kri'Loroth makes them function in many ways as if they were one size category smaller.
Whenever a Kri'Loroth 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 kri'Loroth is treated as one size smaller if doing so is disadvantageous to him.
A kri'Loroth is also considered to be one size smaller when determining whether a creature’s special attacks based on size (such as improved grab or swallow whole) can affect him. A kri'Loroth must use weapons designed for a creature one size smaller, but without penalty. His space remains that of a creature his own size but his reach is treated as a character one size smaller. The penalties of this racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change the subject’s size category.
I did not post the whole thing earlier, I had thought that saying it worked as the opposite of powerful build was enough. Sorry about that!
I'll repost it on the first post.
Wirey is definately strange, but no stranger really than powerful build. Think of it as a very big creature who is very tough/dense but very limber, hence the higher physical stats. They help make up for the penalties while giving the race some extra flavor and not pulling it towards any one class.
