Pitkaken - Giantfolk

Like great walking spires, the Pitkaken, or Giantfolk in commonspeak, are a race of tall, noble folk that live in the mountains in and around the Northern Plains of Kakon. There are numerous kinds of Pitkaken, including Goliaths and Firbolgs, but their reclusive nature means there could be more species of Giantfolk in the world that are unknown to the Empire. They are a content folk by all accounts, shunning industry and growth in favour of their simple nomadic lives in their small tribes among the mountain peaks or foothill forests. Although species and tribe of the Giantfolk is unique, common among them is a general benevolence or ambivalence for other sentience species. Most have no enemies, and are quick to befriend those they meet, so long as they abide by their morals.

Origins

The Giantfolk are among a rare type, according to The Dying Birth, as they did not have an Astral Realm Being create them. Instead, it is generally believed they were formed from the shattering of the planes caused by the flooding of Udista. In that early time when the waters of the Haavaiatus Sea were receding back to their place, and the Shattered Planes were being set in their place, some of the great water of the Sea pooled in the mountains and foothills of the physical worlds, swirling with pure elemental power. When this water eventually seeped into the soil and stone, it quickened the material so that it was alive and made great, tall creatures called the first Giants. These Giants were the first inhabitants of the Shattered Planes, along with the Dragons, and travelled between the Planes with ease. After their wanderings, many settled in Nedia, where there was a great and peaceful balance of all the Elemental powers. These Giants, after a time, would dwindle and disappear into myth.

The children of these Giants would go onto become the Pitkaken, the Giantfolk, who emerged sometime around when the first of those born of Astral Realm Beings were awakening. It is said by some, especially those with a particular affinity for the Pitkaken, that they welcomed the Astralborn into the world and taught them survival in their early days.

Subspecies

Goliath

Goliaths are colloquially called Ridge Wanderers by those that live near their lands for that his what they do. Being mountain-folk, their societies are not well known; the what is known is sourced from second-hand tellings and brave academics of the Royal Academy who have been lucky enough to find one of their encampments.

What can be said with certainty is that they are, like all Pitkaken, nomadic, living in small tribes or clans no larger than 100 individuals. Their culture varies from tribe to tribe, each with its own unique interpretation of Goliath beliefs and competitive clan-hierarchy. Those Goliath beliefs are believed to be unlike most in the Empire. It is understood that they do not worship any gods, but rather nature itself, believing in spirits that protect or work through the environment around them.

Firbolg

On the contrary, more is known of the Firbolg, as they prefer to live in stable communities in the woods rather than wander the difficult terrain of the mountains. The are kind and helpful creatures, placing huge value in charity and nature. They place little value in material possessions, instead finding great joy in the peace of the woods or in helping a stranger (or, indeed, pranking him). That being said, they remain reclusive, and prefer to stay away from the goings-on of other sentient species unless those goings-on involve their homelands.

Like all Pitkaken, they live in small tribes, which are often situated in a settlement in their home wood. These small villages are always protected by magic and illusion, keeping intruders away. They do this with use of an innate arcane ability. This, coupled with their love of nature and the woods, has led many scholars to believe the Firbolg are actually a kind of Fey. Whatever the case, the Firbolg would prefer you wouldn't approach them to ask.