Gigandodare
"The Gigandodare are the shield that protects us, the sword that defends us. Their bravery knows no bounds."The Gigandodare is an age old dwarven honor bestowed upon those who vanquish a giant or ettin. These warriors are revered for their ability to overcome insurmountable challenges and emerge victorious. They are cherished by the people and celebrated as heroes, even though many do not survive these perilous encounters. Those who do live on are remembered for their bravery and valor, but many choose to forgo fame and glory, as each retelling of their story serves as a poignant reminder of the comrades they lost in the fierce battle.
Qualifications
Any dwarf or resident of a dwarven settlement has the potential to become a Gigandodare. While individuals of any species can attain this title, non-dwarves are uncommon, as they typically lack strong ties to the city and often leave at the first sign of trouble.
Requirements
The sole requirement to attain this title is the slaying of a giant or ettin. Concrete evidence of the creature's demise or destruction, as well as multiple trustworthy witnesses, are necessary.
Appointment
Whether for better or worse, a grand feast or celebration frequently follows the slaying of a giant or ettin. It is customary for community leaders to formally bestow the title of Gigandodare upon the slayer at the commencement of the festivity, with much pomp and circumstance. A stirring speech is delivered, often accompanied by deeply traditional music and songs recounting heroic deeds. The recipient is summoned forward, embraced by the leaders, and presented with a special token symbolizing their gratitude and the newly bestowed title.
Duties
The Gigandodare are duty bound to remain vigilant for any Giant threats (including ettins and ogres) to the dwarves and neighboring peoples. In the event of imminent danger, they are to promptly advise city leaders and ready the population for potential threats. Moreover, they are obligated to stay and combat any and all massive humanoids that launch attacks.
Responsibilities
The Gigandodare are tasked with assessing the defensive and offensive capabilities of settlements, informing the authorities of any strengths and weaknesses discovered. Subsequently, they are required to fortify these weaknesses and formulate multiple strategies for potential encounters with giants, ettins, or ogres.
Benefits
While there are no formal benefits associated with receiving this honor, those bestowed with the title are instantly welcomed into and integrated into the Gigan Dovrah. This exclusive organization comprises only giant slayers, where all members are considered equals. They gain access to the organization's vast libraries, armories, and the invaluable knowledge of its members. Members also hold authority over all matters related to giants, ettins, or ogres and are the first to be consulted for advice when these massive humanoids are in the vicinity.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The recipient is presented with a magnificent pin bearing the symbol of the Gigandodare. They are free to wear it wherever they choose, but it is typically worn above the heart, in the center of the upper chest, so that all may see it. The symbol is also prominently embroidered or sewn onto the cloaks of the slayers, serving as a bold declaration of their identity. It is believed that when people see these symbols, they are filled with hope, and that hope ultimately leads to victory.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The title is bestowed upon those who successfully slay a giant or ettin, an achievement that can never be revoked. Once earned, the title is permanent, regardless of the slayer's subsequent actions. The only circumstance in which the title would be removed is if it were discovered later that the purportedly slain giant or ettin had, in fact, survived.
History
Receiving this title is an exceedingly rare occurrence, as there are very few who can boast of surviving a battle with a giant or ettin, let alone defeating one. These remarkable warriors were far more prevalent in centuries past, during the era when giants waged war in the northern mountains. However, as these fearsome giants disappeared from the mountains, so too did the Gigandodare slowly fade away, their tales and songs sadly slipping from people's memories. With giants and ettins being exceedingly rare today, there are few remaining giant slayers, and sadly, few new tales of inspiration are being told.
Cultural Significance
Those who recognize the symbol of the Gigandodare understand that a remarkable achievement has been accomplished and hold deep gratitude and respect for those who bear it. They view them as reincarnated ancient heroes, in spirit if not in body. This recognition bolsters their confidence, fostering a belief that despite overwhelming odds and circumstances, anything is achievable.
Great songs are sung and fantastic tales are passed down from parent to child about the heroics of the Gigandodare, planting the seeds of hope so that future generations my harvest its promise when needed.
Those who do not know of the Gigandodare quickly learn, often to their detriment. Onlookers are quickly made believers after a short battle and enemies never get a chance to tell the tales of their misfortune.
Type
Civic, Military, Generic
Status
This is an ancient dwarven title that is still periodically used.
Equates to
Only when it comes to matters involving giants, ettins, and ogres does this title become equivalent to that of a general.
Source of Authority
The Dwarven Kingdoms
Length of Term
This title remains with the holder for their entire life.
Notable Holders:
Burist Heartstone: A Ruball Dwarf, Burist was a legendary warrior who slew the great Frost Giant Thragnor during the Long Winter, saving his clan from certain doom. He lived approximately 1500 years ago and is remembered for his unwavering courage and leadership. Torim Goldfist: An Aurum Dwarf, Torim is known for his epic battle against the Fire Giant Warlord, Kragmor the Destroyer, who had laid waste to several dwarven settlements. Torim’s victory ended Kragmor's reign of terror and secured peace for the region. He lived approximately 800 years ago and is revered for his strategic prowess and bravery. Delrinor Stormrunner: As an elf, Delrinor was a rare nondwarf Gigandodare known for his defeat of the Hill Giant chieftain, Grunthack Skullcrusher, who had been terrorizing the elven forests and mountain areas. Delrinor’s cunning tactics and mastery of magic turned the tide of the battle. He lived around 500 years ago and is remembered for his quick thinking and resourcefulness. Karax “Dervish” Brightaxe: A Sharbon Dwarf, Karax was a fierce warrior who single-handedly defeated a marauding band of ettins that threatened her homeland. She lived around 300 years ago and is celebrated for her skill with the axe and her determination to protect her people. Grimp Stonecracker: A Sharbon Dwarf, Grimp was a rare dwarven warrior/Lithomancer who earned fame as a Gigandodare, having slain a giant in single combat. However, his glory was short-lived, as he later turned to Hand Magic in a desperate bid to reclaim his lost youth. The price he paid was his hand, which slowly blackened and withered, a grim reminder of his folly. Morinar Firelight: A Ruball Dwarf, Morinar is a more recent Gigandodare, known for his daring raid on the Frost Giant stronghold of Icefang Peak. His successful assault rescued several captured dwarves and dealt a significant blow to the giants' power in the region. Morinar is still alive, though elderly, and is hailed as a living legend among his people."A Gigandodare's tale is not just a story, it's a legacy, passed down through generations as a beacon of hope and inspiration."
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