Giants

Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: Powerful Solitary Fae Entity
Sentience: Yes

Physical Description

Giants are massive fae beings who tower over mortals, standing anywhere from 12 to 20 feet tall or even larger. Their appearance varies, but they typically have a humanoid form with features that reflect their mountainous home. Their skin may have a stone-like quality, appearing weathered and durable like the mountains themselves. Their build is powerful and imposing, with broad shoulders and limbs that speak to immense strength.

Some giants may have features that blend with their environment—hair that resembles stone or moss, eyes that glint like mountain gems, or voices that echo with the rumble of avalanches. Their presence is often accompanied by a sense of the mountain itself—the weight of stone, the power of earth, and the harsh beauty of high-altitude wilderness.

Personality

Giants are fully sentient beings with their own cultural values and morality that differ significantly from mortal understanding. They are solitary by nature, preferring to dwell alone in their mountain domains rather than in communities. This solitude shapes their worldview, making them independent, self-reliant, and deeply connected to their personal territory.

Their morality operates on principles that mortals may find difficult to understand. Giants value strength, endurance, and respect for territory above all else. They do not think in terms of good or evil as mortals understand them—instead, they judge actions based on whether they show respect for the mountain, respect for boundaries, and respect for the natural order.

Giants are fiercely territorial, viewing their mountain domains as extensions of themselves. They do not tolerate trespassers lightly, and those who enter their territory without permission or respect may face swift and harsh consequences. However, those who show proper respect, make offerings, or prove themselves worthy may find giants to be powerful allies and protectors.

Their isolation and mountain dwelling give them a perspective that is both ancient and removed from the concerns of lowland civilizations. Giants measure time differently, think in terms of geological eras rather than human lifespans, and value the enduring stability of stone over the fleeting concerns of mortal politics.

Language: Giants speak a dialect of Dwarvish, reflecting their connection to the mountains and their relationship with the dwarven peoples who also call the mountains home. This shared language, while distinct, allows for communication between giants and dwarves, and is also the language that goliaths learn, as they are the only sentient race that giants allow into their territories.

Location

Giants live high in the mountains, establishing their territories in remote peaks, deep mountain valleys, and inaccessible high-altitude regions. Each giant claims a specific mountain range, peak, or high-altitude area as their domain, and they rarely leave these territories.

They may be encountered: - At mountain peaks where few mortals dare to venture - In deep mountain valleys protected by treacherous terrain - Near mountain passes where they serve as guardians or obstacles - At sacred mountain sites where fae energy is particularly strong - During mountain storms when their power over weather is most evident

Giants are most likely to interact with druids who venture into their territories, especially those who show respect for the mountain and its natural forces. They may test such visitors, requiring them to prove their worthiness before offering their aid.

Bond Tiers and Rewards

As a Druid's bond with a Giant strengthens, they gain cumulative abilities and spells. Giants grant powers of earth, mountain, and territorial protection.

Tier 1: Initial Bond (Minimum Level 15)

Special Ability: Stone Skin Your skin hardens like stone. You gain +1 to AC and resistance to non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.

Granted Spells: Mold Earth, Earth Tremor

Tier 2: Growing Bond

Special Ability: Earth Tremor Once per short rest, as an action, you can strike the ground causing a tremor in a 20-foot radius. Creatures must make a STR save (DC = 8 + proficiency + WIS) or be knocked prone.

Granted Spells: Earthbind, Spike Growth

Tier 3: Strong Bond

Special Ability: Mountain's Might Your size increases by one category (Medium to Large). Your Strength score increases by 2, to a maximum of 22. You have advantage on Strength checks.

Granted Spells: Erupting Earth, Meld into Stone

Tier 4: Deep Bond

Special Ability: Earthquake Once per day, you can cast Earthquake without expending a spell slot. Additionally, you are immune to being knocked prone and have advantage on saves against being moved against your will.

Granted Spells: Stoneskin, Wall of Stone

Spell Slot Bonuses

In addition to granted spells and special abilities, your Giant patron grants bonus spell slots based on bond strength:

Tier 1: No bonus (baseline)
Tier 2: +1 spell slot at highest available level
Tier 3: +2 spell slots distributed across levels
Tier 4: +3 spell slots distributed across levels