Yo-Tone-Moe-Der
Language: Old Norse
General Information
Known as the Giants of Rage, it is believed there race comes from the anger in their souls at the volcanos they bend to there wills. Though in truth that makes no real sense as the Jotun-Modr worshipped the volcanos and were known to be extremely respectful to the environment. It is known that in battle when dealing with dragons and others they would scream out to threaten and strike fear into their enemies before, during and after combat. One account states that a Jotun-Modr lay dying on the field for hours while the battle continued around him. And yet he never stopped screaming until the attacking ruler took his head and still for many moments after.
Cities
Here we will show the maps of the kingdoms, duchies and lands throughout each of the ages.
Note
There are over forty mountain cities within the fire giant lands. Thus many will be left out and instead we will focus on the four largest. Each of these mountains hold roughly over a thousand Jotun-Modr.
Alicarl (Alee-Carl)
The city known as “Fatso” in common but more likely meant “fat churl” as it is noted to have had the most Jotun-Modr of them all and was where Sunna Grunaga called home. The city numbered around five thousand males and roughly eight thousand women on average though the years it was documented. It is at the southernmost tip of the mountain range off to the left of the great opening. And it is said to have run deep into the under dark as the mountain had multiple cores within. Also adding yet another theory to why the city was called “Fatso”.
Hraezla (Her-A-zla)
Also known as the “City of Dread”, at the northern most tip of the lands. This stronghold was considered the warriors chance of redemption. Those who would not become traders, would head to Hraezla to serve in the war against the king of the dragons that was constantly going on. The two sides would raid and fight monthly, though the Hraezla warriors would barely come out victorious every time. It was noted, that never was a dragon found on the field where these battles took place.
The city itself is far darker however, made of dark iron walls and focusing and crafts of war over any form of daily improvements to life. The citizens of this city are considered the best weapon and armor smiths in the world. At least, those who survive long enough to show there goods.
Gildr (Gil-der)
On the opposite spectrum to Hraezla, Gildr is the city at the great opening off to the right. A stronghold who focuses on the arts with their statues, jewelry, magical staff and wand creation. The city is considered the city of fine goods by those who trade with them actively. And is the only fire giant city to have a court wizard serving at all times to help educate the Virda in rune smithing specifically. This city can be seen from far and wide with its bright lights, loud music, and artistic architecture. Gildr is envied even by the dragons themselves, and thus many attempts have been made to steal the city away. Causing the large towers of Sunna to have been crafted with magical crystals infused with barrier spells and hexes to keep strong opponents away.
Fyrstr (Fear-st-er)
Known as the First city, we know it to be half way between Gildr and Hraezla. The stronghold is said to have numbered around ten thousand strong and have the oldest Jotun-Modr serving within its walls. It is believed that Sunna first landed there and built this stronghold with his own hands for his people. And would only leave it once the discovery of Alicarl was made aware to all. Thus the city has much of the fire giant history deep within its walls and is said to be the only nation actively trading with the The Collective Pyrus State.
Technology periods
Here we shall discuss the main technological discoveries by this race.
Iron Age
It is worth noting that the majority of the items crafted in the First Age including god items and god killing items were made by Jotun-Modr. Thus we deem it appropriate to declare the first to ever reach the iron age and in some cases the industrial age are the Jotun-Modr. Recognizing their crafts as some of the strongest in history as well.
Steam Age
It is noted that the Jotun-Modr would manage to create both an internal plumbing system, but also ways to create contraptions that purely ran on steam. With their pipe lines they are also deemed to have created the first material, though unknown to the world, that can pull magic and liquid diamond from the core of a volcano.
Hierarchy
Here we shall discuss how the overall ladder of power is designed in this races territories.
Oeztr (Oo-ss-ter)
The current ruler of the mountain stronghold and his family. Though the Jotun-Modr had only one “king” they followed. Each mountain had its own leader who made decisions for his mountain and his mountain only. Thus like a feudal contract, each Oeztr owed only what they chose to give to the one they recognized as Oeztr of Oeztr. However, it should be noted that this title was passed down to the eldest which included women. But the Oeztr could also be challenged every one hundred years by any Rynstr to a Jotun-Smidor (Common translation: Giant Smithing) in which they can steal the title if their artifact is deemed better at the end of the competition.
Rynstr (Ren-ster)
Specifically the term Rynstr actually translates in modern day as Rune Smith Master, however in the early days of civilization the concept of common was quite limited.
This title was given only to those who had managed to craft a creation from oventium that was deemed worthy by the eldest Rynstr and the Oeztr of that hold. Thus not only was the trial a rare occurrence, but even fewer managed to pass as the generations would go on. However it is believed that a Rynstr could craft spells, turn metal to liquid and forge items to slay the gods themselves. They were considered the best craftsman in the known world even by the dragon standards. Thus causing them to be a constant target during wars and skirmishes for kidnapping.
Virda (Ver-da)
Known more commonly as the appraise class as they are young Jotun-Modr who have yet to become Rynstr. Just as the Rynstr had a chance every one hundred years to elevate their ranks, so did the Virda. Thus many who are deemed as appraisers or watchers, train to an extreme over those one hundred years. Believing that if their pieces they submit prior are good enough they may finally have a chance to craft with the legendary material of oventium as well as prove themselves worthy in front of the entirety of the nation. However, it is worth noting that every Fire Giant is a Virda upon turning a thousand years old.
Farmadr (Farm-ad-er)
Also known as the merchant or trading class, these are the Jotun-Modr who as Virda were deemed unworthy to serve. Usually through poor showing of crafting capabilities. Thus those who did not wish to dishonor their family took up the lowest role amongst the Jotun-Modr. And would spend there days traveling far away from the volcano they called home. Selling goods to the other races and dying faster as an almost self imposed exile drives there bodies to cool over time.
Prott-Lauss (Prott-Lau-ss)
Also known as those without strength to embrace the heart. This is a term used for all others who are not a giant or recognized as a giant. Though many believe this to be an insult, it was more considered a general term as many species had yet to place themselves on the political board at the time.
Nobility
Here we shall discuss notable noble houses through the time periods.
Note
While each stronghold had its own Oeztr, we would like to focus on the four below as the major powers at the height of the Jotun-Modr power during the later period of the first age.
Sunna Grunaga
Those who are called legends amongst men rarely live up to the retellings of their story. Sunna was not one of those men, for he would drive himself to continuously succeed at all tasks he needed to complete. When his brother needed arms for the war to come, he abandoned his home and found a city that could build grander forges in. When the war with the dragons beckoned him to fight, he would do so, even losing an arm in the process and his children.
Sunna stood at fifteen feet in truth, with an average weight. What the founding doesn't tell you is how Sunna was gifted with mana capabilities beyond any giant before him. Sunna would show this as his body would have strange molton lines all throughout his skin. These strange lines would grant him the ability to use a rare material only found deep within the mountains. Red Lyrium, which normally was said to drive most mad, however Sunna kept his head and would be granted with the ability to craft beyond anything the world will ever know.
Longubak Gildr
Known as “Old Fishbelly” Longubak was a fat fire giant who specialized in magic enchantment and telekinetic smithing. Or as many Virda would call it “The I’m to fat to get out of my chair and hold a hammer” magic. Few have seen Longubak leave his leather chair since its crafting in his youth when he proved his position by crafting the chair itself. Noted as a national treasure, the artifact he sits upon is said to grant him visions of the perfect crafts every thousand years. Thus his two items crafted in that time have both been considered exalted amongst the artifact vault.
Longubak himself is less impressive, as he stands at 2,700 years old, his long fiery beard now slowly dimming to a deep red. Many believe him to be the heaviest fire giant to have existed, sitting strong at ten thousand and one pounds of pure capabilities. His head is shaved as he believes it grants his psionic abilities more power. Thus at any time you would come across his personal chambers, he may be floating in his chair or have his hammer flying about the room.
Blom “The Pretty” of Hraezla
Known as “The Pretty” for her crafting of golden items that seem to grow stronger with age. Blom is a young fifteen hundred year old female fire giant who has defeated every craftsman in her fortress and managed to almost unseat Nagrindr before she left for Hraezla and defeated their Oeztr with her “Necklace of the Dualing Mage”. An item that allowed the attuned to suddenly learn how to use dual-school spells. As well as granting a few wizard and sorcerer spells that only dragons were thought to be able to learn.
Blom is young, and stands only twelve feet tall, with pale red skin, her eyes glow fierce and she herself has a fiery personality. Though it should be noted that Blom while small in frame is noted to sport the third thickest arms in the entirety of the fire giant nation at the end of the first age.
Nagrindr “The Old” of Fyrstr
Also known as “The old man of pity”, as many believed him to have only been granted this title of Oeztr because Sunna left it to him. Nagrindr has never been challenged as many Jotun-Modr believe to do so would be to challenge Sunna himself. Thus Nagrindr at 3,498 years of age, stands undefeated and never challenged.
Nagrindr stands eighteen feet tall as a mountain of an old man, with a small white beard that has slowly retreated back to his face as the years have gone by. And possess an extreme inferiority complex as none of his crafts have been looked upon favorably by the nation. Sporting the title of “Worst Oeztr” in history for his crafts are continuously so poorly made, many wonder how he hasn’t exiled himself. Though it should be noted that he would bark at the chance to prove himself, even in his old age and was considered easy to trick.
Military
Sunna Grunaga
Noted as having an army of around 10,000 Vikingrs, around 10,000 citizen militia, and 8,000 slaves that can be mobilized
Wars
Here we shall discuss the notable wars for each period and who they were against.
The Helgrind War (Hell-grin-d)
Also known as the great dragon wars in which the storm giants first started fighting the dragons actively. While this war will be discussed in the storm giant portion (note page here). What we do know is that this war continued and technically only ended during “The Splitting”.
Spara Vid (Spara-Vid)
Known as the great brothers war between Sunna and Uthem. The two would continue to fight both over land and sea. Constantly invading Chaivcia’s territory only to completely ignore the dragon and instead slaughter each other. The two giants would fight in the under dark for resources and even fight over trading with the collective pyrus state. As fire giant boats would be sunk and destroyed out of pure spite from the frost giants.
What started this war to this day is unknown. Many believe it was a grudge between brothers like any other. However, many note that the two would also fight each other over survival in enemy lands. Thus driving many to believe there was more to the grudge then is known.
War of the Storm
Further details can be found in the founding of each of the giant nations. However what should be noted is Sunna’s disapproval of this war. As he fully stood by the belief that all giants and mortals could live in peace. It should also be noted that while he produced many weapons for Faltharnns warriors. Sunna made sure that each was enchanted with the inability to take a life, as Sunna thought the dragon would begin their attack the moment they found out about the civil war. And he was correct, as the Jotun-Modr would face the worse of the dragon wars during this time period.
During the first big battle between the two forces in the sky. It is noted that both Chaivcia and Cysormx would attack the stronghold of Alicarl. Sunna would be forced to watch as his last son would be cut down by Chaivcia in the midst of the battle. Thus driving Sunna into a rage that is said to have killed him but in sacrificing himself and pushing his body beyond its limits. Chaivcia would be slain after an hour of the two dueling and Sunna taking the majority of the damage. It would only be with the help of the reinforcements of Nagrindr, Cysormx would also be cut down after a brutal battle that would end with Nagrindr throwing himself onto the dragons back and tearing the wings off the beast with his hands. Allowing for Cysormx to be grounded and the remaining forces to kill the great beast.
Events/Holidays
We shall begin to discuss notable holidays and events in this culture. Explaining further on where they come from and what goes on during them.
Jotun-Smidor (Yo-tone-Smid-dor)
A contest held every one hundred years in which the grand showing is held at the end of a year long contest. In which all the Virda compete over that year to produce the finest item of whatever category the eldest Rynstr has chosen.
As the Virda compete over the full year, giving all a chance to present to the Rynstr and Oeztr. The Rynstr also get there chance to compete as during this time any can challenge the ruling Oeztr, however be forewarned, if you fail many have been executed or thrown to the heart of the volcano. As the Oeztr’s rule is law, and should they be vindictive, many promising Rynstr have found themselves as the sacrifice offered at the final day of the great competition.
For as the last day would come, the final presentation of crafted goods presented at the heart of the volcano where the grandest smithies are kept for just this occasion. And the sacrifices are thrown to the center of the volcano to feed the heart through the souls of those who volunteered or had been captured during war times.
Religious beliefs
Here we shall discuss the different religious beliefs in this races history throughout the periods.
Note
Giants on one of the few mortal species who have no pantheon they worship, although the five sons of Ogeron Grunaga are considered to be the closest thing to religious icons in the giant world. But even then, giants saw the gods themselves as nothing other than powerful enemies like the dragons they fought against time and again. Instead they worshipped at a trade of sorts, creating living sentient gods from items or the environment itself.
Mesomusa
The great volcano in which the Jotun-Modr lived would be said to come to life in the very end. That at night it would whisper to its two children, ones who lived within and those who lived above. Asking for them to get along and like a sad father, Mesomusa was always saddened as they refused. And like a sad father, his sadness would turn to rage and eventually cause a mass eruption or so the legends say.
Known diseases
Here we shall discuss known diseases to be active and/or discovered or cured during the different time periods of these races
Nagrindr’s Curse
Known as the weakening of ones body. This happens as the fire giant males show it best in the changing of their beards similar to the sun. First they glow a bright orange, slowly turning a deep red until finally retreating back into an ever receding white colored flame. Until finally the beard vanishes and the fire giant falls cold.
Also cruelly given this name after a Rynstr made a joke about Nagrindr being a disease to the fire giant people. Thus making his reputation even worse in the process.
Economy
Here we shall discuss the unique economics of different nations as needed.
Coins
Here we shall find how the coins look, what materials they are made of, and what the value of the coins are on the overall market.
Diamond Crowns
The first coin that replaced the common platinum that the dragons used for its shininess. Giants though, are not dragons, thus the more common material of liquid diamonds would be harvested from the cores of the volcanoes in the heart of the magma as it was believed. This material would be farmed to make coins and other magical items.
Ruby Volcanos
Believed to be equivalent to the gold piece commonly used by the lesser nations including dragons. Thus the Jotun-Modr pioneered the coin in the shape of their homeland to be used by those sworn to them. These simple coins are individually 5cm by 5cm like the other coins, however it is clear and seems to sparkle from its craftsmanship only possible by the Jotun-Modr who individually made each coin.
Sapphire Hills
Sapphire hills were thinner coins due to there higher rarity, though most giants valued sapphires less then rubies and only slightly more then emeralds. Thus most recognized this simple hill drawn with sheep grazing into the individual sapphires as a silver coin.
Emerald Plains
Lastly and most common in the Jotun-Modr volcanos were emeralds. As the material was farmed simply from their individual Rok-heap herds. Thus simple grass would be carved into the coins as apprentices practiced there arts on the coins.
Trade Goods
Here you shall find the trade goods this race has on offer in the nations they inhabit.
Metals
In general, Jotun-Modr traded purely in metals and gemstones. Thus causing them to become the main supplier to the nations. The only ore that was never found amongst the Jotun-Modr seemed to be oventium.
Oventium
Considered to be a godly metal that only the highest ranked masters amongst the craftsman were allowed to even see the material. Each piece of equipment made from this material was considered a national treasure.
Anatomy
Here we shall both provide a design as well as an explanation of the anatomy of the race in question.
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Ability score increase
The Jotun-Modr quick temper but natural affinity to magic gives it a +2 to wisdom but a -1 to charisma.
Age
The average fire giant lives for around 3,500 years due to the temper and heated areas they tend to live in. Meaning that extreme heat will eventually lead to them burning away but at a much slower rate.
Phenotypes
Most Jotun-Modr have a red grey color skin tone, along with fiery red eye color. Their hair also tends to spike and turn black due to being somewhat charred.
Height and Weight
Jotun-Modr are actually the shortest of the giants at 12ft to 18ft on average due to their short temper some say.
Weight tends to be around 5,500lbs due to being wide and angry.
Alignment
The typical fire giant seems to range between neutral evil to the chaotic background.
Speed
At a simple 30ft walking distance and not being able to swim whatsoever.
Founding
Here we shall explain when the race came to be, how it came to be, and whom it is credited to and where.
The Jotun-Modr are said to originate from the great warrior Sunna Grunaga third son to Ogeron Grunaga the great storm giant king. Sunna Grunaga was known to be a wrathful and strong king. He would found his people inside the great mountains hot lakes of fire below the snowy peaks that his brother claimed. And Sunna like his brother Endriks children, would create a great forge that allowed him to harness the power of the mountains fire. This would lead to the creation of what we know today as Suna Ore or the more common term Sun Ore.
Sunna would build a grand mining city within the mountain with the idea of harvesting and supplementing his brother Faltharn with arms. For Sunna knew his father best, as the one who fought beside him, trained with him, and was considered the next heir should Ogeron Grunaga decide. Sunna however, had no interest in leading the storm giants, or at least not with how they were as of current. Sunna had realized that the frost giants were cold hearted and isolated, the storm giants proud and vengeful. And he wanted his people to live each day in both passion and strength like the great mountain they dwelled inside.
During the war of the storm, Sunna would decide to support his brother Faltharn even after being offered the throne by his father. Sunna would outright refuse and prefer that the mortals be treated well and believed Faltharn to be the better heir for the shared beliefs. Thus the Jotun-Modr would go to war, and supply arms of great power for Faltharn and The Protectors. Sunna would even manage to defeat the great Uthem in single combat. Wounding him and taking two fingers with a brutal slash from his broadsword. The blood of Uthem was said to be so cold that it froze part of Sunna’s blade and even caused it to be able to create a slight blizzard when wielded.
The hatred between the Frost and Jotun-Modr would grow over time, with both Sunna and Uthem constantly at war even during the age before the chaos. And this would not end til a great catastrophe when the newly crowned High King would cause the mountain to erupt and crumble into the sea. This would cause both the frost giants to burn and the Jotun-Modr to drown beneath the rubble. Both races would be wiped out and the chance of a giant uprising quelled forever after.
Other Characters of note:
Chief Smokey McMagma “Melter of Chains”
Chief Smokey McMagma was born into a proud family of Jotun-Modr who lived in the heart of a volcanic mountain range. From a young age, he was trained in the art of crafting and metallurgy, learning to forge weapons and armor from the molten rock and metal that surrounded him. He quickly became a skilled craftsman, creating some of the most intricate and powerful weapons and armor ever seen.
However, Chief Smokey's life took a dark turn when he was captured by the Ashen Legion, a group of Red dragons feared for their ability to breathe a cloud of ash and smoke that chokes and blinds their enemies. They were drawn to his powerful lineage and skills as a craftsman, and they saw him as a valuable asset to their hoard. They enslaved him and forced him to work in their mines and forges, using his skills to create weapons and armor for their army.
For years, Chief Smokey toiled away in the dragon's lair, enduring constant abuse and mistreatment. But he never lost hope of escaping and reclaiming his freedom. One day, he stumbled upon an ancient text that described a powerful artifact called the Dragon Mask. Legend had it that the mask could grant its wearer incredible powers, including immunity to fire.
Determined to free himself from the Ashen Legion's grasp, Chief Smokey set about creating the mask. It took him years of tireless work and experimentation, but eventually, he succeeded. When he donned the mask, he felt an incredible surge of power, and he knew he had found the key to his escape.
With the dragon mask giving him the power to heal from fire instead of taking damage, Chief Smokey was able to fight his way out of the dragon's lair. He emerged into the daylight, battered and scarred, but alive and free. He knew that he could never return to his old life, and so he set out on a new path, determined to make a name for himself and become a powerful warlord.
Chief Smokey McMagma quickly made a name for himself as a fierce warrior and cunning strategist. He traveled the land, gathering a loyal following of slaves and adventurers to his cause. His reputation grew with each victory, and soon, he was leading armies of his own, conquering a kingdom for himself.
Throughout his journey, Chief Smokey never forgot the lessons he learned in the Ashen Legion's lair. He remained a skilled craftsman, using his knowledge of metallurgy to create weapons and armor that were unmatched in their quality and power. And he always wore the dragon mask, a symbol of his triumph over adversity and his unyielding determination to achieve greatness.
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