Cyclops Cyclopes were evil , one - eyed giant s that originally came from the Feywild . Description . Cyclopes were one of the smallest types of giants , standing only twelve feet ( four meters ) and weighing 1 , 200 pounds ( 540 kilograms ) , but they were as strong as the average stone giant . Both males and females were bald and had spiked heads instead of hair . Cyclopes had earthy skin tones that blended with their surroundings . Some cyclops were depicted as having hair . The most peculiar and distinguishing thing about cyclopes was the fact that they only had one large eye in the middle of their foreheads . It tended to be the same as the color of their skin . This eye was rumored to cause fear in any who looked at it . Their single eye gave them poor depth perception , however , and therefore they couldn ' t use missile weapons very well . Abilities . Cyclopes could throw boulders like all giant - kin , but with less accuracy than normal because of their single eye . They had great strength and make excellent warriors , but they were also very intelligent and made good wizards and clerics . Cyclopes that lived in the Underdark could move rather stealthily and were accustomed to the darkness of the underworld . They were also amazing blacksmiths and crafted powerful items for their masters . History . While cyclopes stated they descended from the line of Annam , most giants thought these brutes came from one of Othea ' s trysts . Society . Psychology . Cyclopes were taught that they should listen unfailingly to their masters but always to take command of those weaker then themselves . They admired physical and mental fitness and would act as loyal servitors to those who could bend their will . The one - eyes brutally beat any slave that did not follow their commands . They hated most other races and were unwilling to work with goodly ones . They trusted only themselves and their masters , forging alliances that they knew they had the upper hand in . Culture . Cyclops society was based on servitude , but not necessarily slavery . They did not have any kingdoms of their own but helped create the beautiful cities that their masters lived in . From an early age , they were taught that they were a great race and only worthy creatures ( those that were stronger than them ) could become their masters . The one - eyes were arrogant and ambitious but did not overstep their boundaries . Cyclopes would stab their superiors in the back and crush their inferiors without a thought . They were rude , cruel , and mean to all but themselves and their masters . Religion . Cyclopes worshiped Grolantor because they admired his power and might over giant - kin . His cyclopian clergy were obsessed with pleasing him and his clerics were constantly preaching his words . Cyclops that had masters of different races worshiped different deities , such as Lolth , Gruumsh , Thrym , Bane , or Shar . These cyclopes were not as devoted as they were to Grolantor but worshiped them nonetheless because that was what their master desired . Craft . Cyclopes made many different and powerful magical and non - magical items . They forged mithral armor and adamantine blades with ease . Their most proficient blacksmiths could forge rings of great magical power and swords with blades of lightning . The one - eyes also made magical clothing such as gloves , cloaks , boots , belts , and robes . Cyclopians also brewed deadly poisons that could kill with a single drop . Activities . They usually served as bodyguards , blacksmiths , and soldiers for more powerful masters . Relationships with other races . Cyclopes hated most races but like all giant - kin they hated the dwarves most of all . They generally kept orcs , goblins , ogres , and bugbears as slaves . Common cyclopian allies ( masters ) were drow and fomorian s . Homelands . Cyclopes did not have their own cities but lived in their masters cities , including : When not living in cities , many cyclopes lived in caves , ruins , or forests : Notable cyclopes . In the Year of the Prince , 1357 DR , the mage Chancil Crystalheart of Memnon summoned a cyclops to beat Conner to death but eventually relented and dispelled the summons . Appendix . Notes . In the 2nd - edition " Monstrous Manual " and the 3rd - edition " Shining South " , the plural version of cyclops is spelled " cyclopes " . In the 4th - edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide , this was changed to " cyclopses " . The original spelling " cyclopes " was restored in the 5th - edition " Monster Manual " .