Giak

The Giak, sometimes referred to as goblins or hobgoblins, are a species of humanoids whose origins are unknown. They first appeared and are documented as appearing in the Darklands in MS 3262. They were utilized as slave labor in the construction of Helgedad and later used as fodder in the Darklord armies.

Since then, Giak have travelled with the armies of the Darklords and can be found in most lands. But, they are not accepted in many civilized areas and are seen as dangerous and evil. They often make their living as bandits or predators. They are accepted and accorded equality in the areas of Vassagonia and the former member nations of the Shadakine Empire.
There are three primary subspecies of Giaks, though only the Szalls are dramatically different in physical constitution. The three types of Giaks are Mountain Giaks, Forest Giaks, and Szalls. 

• The most numerous of Giaks are the taller and more imposing Mountain Giaks.  They are the favored minions of the Darklords and compose the bulk of Darklord armies.
• The Forest Giaks are more common in far flung areas of Magnamund.  They represent and earlier species of Giak that were discarded by the Darklords in earlier pre-history and made their own way.
• Szall, Giak subrace  are found only in the Wildlands.  They are the earliest iteration of Giak and considered abject failures by the Darklords.   The Szalls were hunted down for execution before they were able to escape the Darklands.

The largest number of Giaks live in the Darklands.

Hero System Statistics [2 points]

Statistic	Starting Adjustment	Point Cost
Body	+2	4 pts
Constitution	+2	4 pts

Statistic	Maxima Adjustment	Point Cost
Body	+3	2 pts
Constitution	+3	2 pts

Description	Point Cost
Infrared Perception	5 pts
Armor (1PD / 1ED)	3 pts
25% Physical Dmg Reduction, only v/s Poison and Disease	10 pts
Distinctive Feature, Giak (green mottled skin, tusks)	-10 pts
Reputation, servant of Darklords	-15 pts

Basic Information

Anatomy

Giaks range in height, averaging 5'6" for Forest Giaks and 6' for Mountain Giaks.  The average weight of a Giak tends to be 10-15% more than human as they are more heavily muscled.


They have thick mottled skin that is green in color, varying from light green to a pine or dark green in color. The ability to grow facial and body hair varies from individual to individual Giak.

Genetics and Reproduction

Giak reproduction is a mystery, even to many of them. Mountain Giaks are "born" in Giak spawning vats in the Darklands. The Darklords and Nadziranim control the vats and see to the creation of Giaks for use as labor, soldiers and in times of desperation, food. Mountain Giaks that have left the Darklands are exclusively male and seem confused as to the question of reproduction.

But, for Forest Giaks that live outside Darklord control, Giaks reproduce sexually with pregnancy lasting 24 weeks.

Growth Rate & Stages

Giak age quickly and are considered mature adults at the age of 8. In the Darklands, children are abused and embittered at an early age.
Once they reach adulthood, their physical appearance changes slowly as Humans do. Their average lifespan tends toward 30 years, though due to the hardships experienced by most Giaks, they rarely live to see their 20th year.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Giak are omnivores, and have no cultural taboo against cannibalism

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Giak vision is capable of detecting variations of heat, both emanated and reflected off of surfaces. This enables them to see, even in pitch darkness.