Giants

Contrary to popular belief, giants or ogres -- the terms are used interchangeably -- are in fact a mundayne species, having neither magical ability nor any magical influence on their physiognomy. Indeed, the outlandish size of giants, which typically ranges from 8 to 11 feet, developed more as a result of their physical environment than any other force.

According to the reckoning of leading Elothninian philosophers, giants and humans are descended from a common ancestor, diverging solely in terms of dimension. This lends credence to claims of successful human-giant marriage and reproduction. The vast difference in size is believed to be due to the influence of environmental forces in the ogrish homeland: the Brovnajian Steppes. The famed Brovnajian Steppes, which lie to the north of the Erkenheld Forest, are well known for their expansive vistas and rolling grasslands.

In addition, the steppes have produced a variety of abnormally large, grazing mammals. Particularly noteworthy are the fabled Brovnajian goats, which form the basis of the ogrish lifestyle, and regularly reach a height of five feet at the withers. Giants herd these great beasts over the vast steppes, following traditional routes through the rolling hills as their goats feed on the bountiful grasses. Giants are famous for their respect for the land, and maintain a scrupulous vigilance against overgrazing and abusing their fragile ecosystem.

As a result of this semi-nomadic lifestyle, ogres tend to live in small, family-based clans, which permit the mobility necessary for sustaining their livelihoods. These bands practice a very decentralized decision-making process, preferring discussion and consensus, to the dominance of a single individual or small group. This, of course, is the basis of giants' reputation for painfully slow decision making. Giants also organize themselves on the level of broad coalitions of multiple clans in a geographic area, which meet hold yearly congresses to discuss matters pertaining to their constituents.

Due to the constraints of their environment, many young, newly-married giants leave their community upon reaching adulthood for surrounding areas, so that they may raise families without putting an undue burden on their clanish lands. Currently, there are ogrish communities living in the Erkenheld Forest, San Kesh Desert, Klevarcht Mountains and Elothnin itself. Members of the ogrish diaspora, as it is commonly referred to, are generally welcomed by their neighbors, because of their pleasant manners and stolid work ethic.