Desert Giant Warrior | Free 5e and PF2e Monster

Written by Zac Chaney

Among all the climes of the world, there are few harsher and less forgiving than the desert. Oft hot with glaring bright sun day after day, it’s not exactly the type of place you want to find yourself. Of course, it’s just another typical day for those who live there.

Naturally, one would have to ask: What types of creatures live in the desert? Well, the most notable inhabitants—or at least, the most notable who aren’t frequently discussed—are the giants of the desert. A hearty people with a natural survival instinct and all the tools needed to make it, the desert giants are shamanistic people, with many taking on religious roles centered around controlling the desert.

A Simpler Life. Warriors are a step up from their average kin but still relegated to a status below the shamans. They wield gigantic greatswords, far too massive for a human to pick up, let alone swing, and have trained themselves to use sand to blind their enemies for a brief moment. Despite what some might claim about a “fair fight” these warriors know that fighting fair only means giving their enemies an advantage.

Versions for both 5e and Pathfinder 2e are included.

If you're looking for more monsters like this or other 5e and PF2e resources, check out our entire collection of Lair Magazine issues. This particular monster came from the Lair Magazine September 2022 issue, Deserts & Desserts, where you can find even more desert-dwelling creatures!

Desert Giant Warrior - 5e

Huge giant, neutral evil

Armor Class 16 (sand defense)

Hit Points 115 (10d12 + 50)

Speed 30 ft. 

Saving Throws Str +9, Con +9

Skills Athletics +12, Perception +4, Survival +4

Damage Immunity fire

Senses passive Perception 14

Languages Common, Giant

Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3

Desert Dweller. The desert giant is well acclimated to life in the desert. They need to drink half as much water as a creature usually needs. Additionally, the desert giant always knows the direction to the nearest water source, regardless of how far away it is.

Sand Defense. The desert giant has a layer of sand over its entire body, allowing it to add its constitution modifier to its armor class when it is not wearing any armor. The giant gains no benefit from this trait if there is no sand within 100 feet of it.

Actions

Multiattack. The desert giant warrior makes 2 greatsword attacks.

Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (4d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Bonus Actions

Sand Attack (Recharge 6). The desert giant warrior kicks sand in a 30-foot cone. All creatures that are not desert giants in the cone must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or they become blinded for 1d4 rounds. 

Desert Giant Warrior - Pathfinder 2

Creature 7, NE, Huge, Giant

Perception +16

Languages Common, Giant

Skills Athletics +20, Survival +13

Str +7, Dex +2, Con +6, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +2

Item +1 greatsword (bulk 8)

—

AC 24 (26 with sand defense); Fort +18, Ref +10, Will +12

HP 140; Immunity Fire

Desert Dweller The desert giant is well-acclimated to life in the desert. They need to drink half as much water as a creature usually needs. Additionally, the desert giant always knows the direction to the nearest water source, regardless of how far away it is.

Shield Block [reaction]

—

Speed 25 feet

Melee [one action] greatsword +18 (reach 10 feet), Damage 1d12+14 slashing

Ranged [one action] rock throw +16 (brutal, range increment 120 feet), Damage 2d6+10 bludgeoning

Sand Attack [one action] The desert giant warrior kicks sand in a 30-foot cone. All creatures that are not desert giants in the cone must make a DC 22 Fortitude save or they are blinded for 1d4 rounds.

Sand Defense [two actions] The desert giant coats its entire body in sand. This sand acts as a shield that is always raised (Hardness 3, HP 12, BT 5).

Get More 5e and PF2e Resources!

If you're a busy game master looking to reduce your prep time--but still run amazing games your players will love--Lair Magazine has you covered. Every month my team and I create a new issue packed with GM resources such as adventures, puzzles, traps, encounters, maps, and more. What's more, it comes for both 5e and Pathfinder 2e.

For instance, Deserts & Desserts, contains new desert-dwelling monsters, drag-and-drop shops, encounters, and a three-level adventure arc.

Of course, with Lair Magazine Bundle: Issues 31-33, you'll get Deserts & Desserts and two other issues: Mirth & Muck and Mortals & Mechanisms. That's nearly 200 pages of 5e and PF2e GM resources!

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