Faux Giants

Artist's impression of the tragic yet feared Homo Miserabili, based on the rambling description teased from an escapee who died shortly after giving their account

In the throes of the Schism, the increasingly desperate Deumana resorted to extreme measures in their attempts to smother the insurgency. With several Races now in rebellion, and many of their own number flocking to the Frost Giants, these demigods in decline sought to resupply their ranks with staturesque soldiers. Sensitive of spawning more recalcitrant creations, they augmented the growth of embryonic neo-sapiens; capping their mental capacity, and in their haste, producing many disfigurements. The results were mutated false giants of varied size, with twisted frames and insufficient intellect that quickly proved unable, or unwilling, to follow commands. Too preoccupied to rectify or iterate on their attempts, the pitiful creatures escaped in the fog of war, scattering throughout the Continent. Many died; those remaining proved stronger, more capable, more adaptable, and perhaps stumbled on a little luck along the way. They filled a niche as predators, successfully maintaining a small but resilient presence throughout the cycles.

The mutations demonstrated by the Faux are wild, and appear to develop in such a way as to allow the sufferer to be physically functional. While all Faux exhibit signs of gigantism, there is no standard set of ailments. These false giants can be anorexically slim, right across the spectrum to being larger in girth than they are tall. Disfigurements can include, but are not limited to tumors and cancerous growths, swollen joints, thick skin, additional inoperable limbs, asymmetrical facial configurations, severe spine and hip misalignment, disproportionate limb length, and abnormal hair growth. All tend towards oversized jaws and prolific teeth. They are extremely hostile by design, and not due to their physical or mental ability.

As the flailing demigods did not bother to record this misadventure, lacking their Slender servants to do so, the origin of the Faux is not common knowledge. On meeting a Faux in the forest, one is first stricken by their severe deformity, their sad, slouching eyes, crooked postures, and pained, swollen ligaments. Slenders theorize this is an evolutionary preferred trait, as it allows them within closer reach of their prey.

False Giants are carnivores with a predisposition for humanoid flesh. This is not cannibalism, as they are a distinct species. They substitute their diet with assorted grasses, leaves, wild fruit, nuts, and vegetables, but only as a required. They are commonly seen stumbling about intoxicated, presumably on rotten fruit or stolen kegs (see drunk parrot tree). They will often maintain a sentient victim hostage to accomplish the tasks they cannot. This unfortunate individual makes fires, cooks, cleans, mends, de-louses, and entertains the giant. A lamentable and terrifying existence, it oft not last long, as the focus of the Faux is prone to wander, and being territorial, they give up chase when their unshackled prisoner makes a well-executed break for freedom. It is best not to dwell on those who fail in their escape.

A Faux is a rarity to find, therefore Folk do not fear them as they should. These lumbering beings live and travel alone, often keep livestock, and live crudely. Palling in comparison to true Giants, they still measure an imposing 24 or more spans (three or more meters), though those who surpass 40 or so spans do not live long. Their quintessential hostility aside, it is unknown why they tend towards human flesh, considering the risks and the plentiful supply of other wildlife. The prevalent theory suggests an uncharacteristically vengeful Deumana encoded the trait.

They cannot be reasoned with even at the best of times; mistaking one for a misshappen Folk is an error not typically repeated.

A Druid couple in their waning years found an abandoned child while gathering wild fruit. The babe was perhaps five or six cycles in appearance, with an oversized head and an abnormal countenance. In a display of charity, they lured the child home with their gathered fruit, and did their best to raise the infant. Prone to violence and slow to learn, the youngster ate almost only raw meat, but they persisted. A neighbour was attacked when visiting, and left with a warning to the couple that this was no Folk infant. Patient and understanding, the couple continued to care for the youth. Months later, when the neighbour next called by - accompanied by the village smith - the house was unusually quiet. Inside was a scene from nightmare. Having grown large enough to overpower his benefactors, the child slaughtered and ate them, sprawling blood, guts and feces across the walls. There was no sign of the creature, and once the burly smith had finished vomiting, they set off as quickly as they could, and never returned.