Giants
Giants
Once the great stewards of the world, Giants are the largest of the humanoid races and among the oldest. In ancient times, they roamed the land freely as its guardians and seers. Now, driven to the margins of the world, most Giants dwell in the high mountains, far from the reach of the corporeal races.
While they were long believed to be most populous on Reianmye, the discovery of the Mystic continents has revealed large populations elsewhere.
Appearance
Giants are towering humanoids with broad shoulders, thick limbs, and deep-set features. Their bodies are heavily muscled, with strong arms and wide legs adapted for rough terrain. They have large feet to prevent sinking into soft earth, and their centers of mass sit low in the torso, giving them a slightly stooped posture.
Hair covers much of their bodies—men and women alike—with thick manes, hairy limbs, and beards that often reach their chests. Their faces are heavy and sturdy, with prominent brows and wide noses. Clothing is practical and regionally dependent, typically consisting of animal hides, often taken from the herds they tend. In many regions, this includes mountain goats or giant bovines. Notably, Giants were the first to domesticate elephants and mammoths, with several modern breeds tracing their lineage back to giant herds. Wargs, too, are raised by Giants—treated like loyal hounds and protectors of their livestock.
Lifestyle and Habits
Giants live in small, family-based nomadic groups, usually consisting of parents, their children, and sometimes grandchildren. They are herders and roam the mountains following seasonal grazing patterns. Camps are moved every few weeks, and while they are generally peaceful, they are highly territorial when it comes to their herds.
Due to their massive size and appetite, they require a constant supply of food. A single slaughtered cow might last a day at most. As a result, Giants are not just herders, but also hunters and expert foragers. Nothing is wasted—whether it’s wild game or the remains of would-be attackers, such as orc raiders.
Combat and Physicality
Despite their calm, even shy demeanor, Giants are formidable in combat. When provoked, they move with astonishing speed and force. Their strength is overwhelming; a single blow from one of their massive war hammers or clubs can crush stone or snap trees in half. Giants do not craft swords, preferring blunt weapons that better suit their size and power.
Conflict with orcs is common, especially over territory or livestock. In such cases, multiple giant families may band together and retaliate with unified force.
In addition to their strength, Giants are powerful runners and leapers, able to outpace all corporeal and most mystic races even across uneven terrain.
Magic
As one of the mystic races, Giants possess innate magical abilities. However, they do not use magic in battle—they have no need. Their magic centers on perception and foresight. Giants can glimpse into the near future and sense the intentions of others. Their eyes can scan the horizon with clarity no telescope could match, and they can commune over vast distances with other Giants, sharing thoughts and visions.
This magic of sight and mind makes them valuable sages, though they are rarely seen by corporeals.
The Moot
Every few centuries, the Giants call a Moot: a great gathering where tribes from across the world convene to share knowledge, resolve disputes, and affirm ancient traditions. These meetings typically take place on Reianmye. Although they do not build ships, Giants are powerful swimmers and are fully capable of crossing great distances when called. It is assumed that similar gatherings occur in other regions, such as Armir and the Mystic continents.
Purpose
The Giants were originally meant to serve as the world’s watchers—its guardians and overseers. But while their strength and insight are immense, they were never able to stand alone against the great existential threat of the Ynue. With their numbers diminished and their purpose fragmented, the Giants endure in isolation—watching, remembering, and waiting.
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