The cyclopes are a primordial species of giants descended from godlike beings. Their ancient ancestors were great soldiers, smiths, and builders. Today, most cyclopes are only a pale reflection of their ancestors. They can vary in size, in intellect, and in the number of arms or fingers that they have, but one feature is always the same. They all have a single great eye under their brow, instead of two.

Descended from Gods#

Cyclopes have the blood of gods in their veins. Empyreans are their most common progenitors, though some cyclopes can claim to be the children of a lesser god that visited the mortal world in the distant past.

Lost Purpose#

The cyclopes used to have a greater purpose—to forge weapons to be used by the gods; to guard great treasure vaults filled with doomsday weapons; or to build massive fortresses, towers, and other wondrous architecture. These great tasks have long since been abandoned or forgotten.

Infatuation#

Cyclopes often become infatuated with members of the fey species. This infatuation is doomed to end in tragedy, for the fey look upon cyclopes as ugly brutes. The best that a cyclops can hope for is to become a servant, to be used and manipulated.

Arms and Armor#

Most cyclopes wear ill-fitted clothing and barbaric weapons, but others are more lucky. These giants wear finely-crafted weapons and armor that have been provided by a powerful patron.

Jancan Cyclopes#

Occasionally a cyclops will give birth to a child that possesses ten fingers per hand and ten toes per foot. These cyclopes are called jancan, and they are treated with great reverence, because they have remarkable innate talents that allow them to become legendary smiths.

Foul Tempers#

The jancan are known to have foul tempers and an evil disposition. Although they might faithfully serve other cyclopes, they will often play evil tricks on their own kin. They resent the long years they spend crafting fine weapons for stupid brutes.

Legendary Smiths#

Jancan are capable of building wondrous weapons due to the nimbleness of their many-fingered hands. They can only forge these items for Huge creatures. These items are bonded to the soul of a single owner and they lose their magical properties when the owner dies.