Jötnar

**Jötnar** (singular **jötunn**), sometimes known simply as *Giants*, are a near-extinct species of gigantids that were once the predominant species in Wyldcrown, before the ultimate decline of their numbers and collapse of their various societies. They are large and powerful creatures, notoriously adept in a form of primordial elemental magic that they combine with their brute strength and raw power to vicious effect.

## Description

Jötnar are generally humanoid in shape, but can grow up to four or five times the size of an average human. Their bodies are broad and thick with muscle, built akin to the mountains from which they claim origin. They are proportionally strong and durable for their size. Most sport a pair of upward curling tusks on each side of their face that vary in shape, sprouting out of the edges of the jawline. For females, these tusks are generally smaller and more vestigial, while for males they grow long and ridged and are a symbol of strength. The general proportions and appearance of a jötunn can vary depending on their subrace, but all have these traits in common.

## Culture & Society

Ruins of ancient jötunn society can be found scattered throughout much of Wyldcrown: from the lofty peaks of the Mogul Caí and the Celcaras to the icy plains and tundras of northern Wyldcrown. Though it is largely unknown what caused the collapse of these societies, it is generally believed that the decline was caused by a mixture of changing climates, natural disasters, internal strife, and other species taking advantage and progressively pushing them out of their territories, such as in the dwarven kingdoms of Dûrandur and Baradôr.

Archaeological evidence suggests that at the height of jötunn civilisation, Skadvarnir and Eldvarnir were the two most widespread and technologically advanced groups, having a fierce rivalry that resulted in several long term wars which in turn possibly led to the overall collapse of their respective societies, or at the very least caused a general decline in their civilisation. Large clusters of rune totems have been found in various battle sites across Wyldcrown, alongside the bones and remains of their carriers, and translations of what remains of these totems have given insights into the state of jötunn society at the time.

What few jötnar remain can be found scattered in small groups throughout Wyldcrown, and many often live and wander alone, preferring to live nomadic solitary lifestyles. That being said, they are often proud and territorial folk, guarding what little they still have fiercely and fighting, sometimes to the death, for every inch of ground they lay claim to.

Many jötnar carry with them massive carved pillars of stone, called rune totems, which they use as blunt weapons, as a channel for their runic magic, and as a way to record the events of their long lives. The runes and patterns inscribed into these totems often also extend to the skin of their carriers, serving to enhance the casting of their particular brand of magic and imbue the jötunn in question with arcane power.

## Subraces

### Skadvarnir

Skadvarnir, known colloquially as *Ice Giants*, originated from the far icy reaches of northwestern Wyldcrown. Their skin tones vary from icy to deeper blues, with hair that's generally white or in various shades of grey. They are notoriously cunning fighters, quick on their feet despite being often less physically broad than other jötnar. They are adept in runic ice magic that partly inspired and influenced the arcane practice adapted of the Nievalski Rus.

### Eldvarnir

Eldvarnir , known colloquially as *Fire Giants*, originated from the northeastern mountains of Wyldcrown, that would later become swallowed by glaciers following a great flood. Their skin tones vary from darker greys to charcoal black, with hair that's generally flaming orange or red. They are often larger and broader than other jötnar, relying on fiery runes and raw physical power to overcome their opponents.

### Jordvarnir

Jordvarnir , known colloquially as *Stone Giants*, originated from the southern edges of Wyldcrown, in the foothills of the Mogul Caí. Their skin tones are often a dull stone grey or greyish-brown, with hair that's black or silver in colour. They are physically the smallest of the jötunn races, and are typically leaner and shorter than other jötnar. Though they seemed to traditionally shun magical abilities, they are expert builders and craftsmen and have been most successful at peaceful coexistence with other races.

### Tovarnir

Tovarnir, known colloquially as *Storm Giants*, originated from the far eastern ranges of the Celcaras, the highest peaks of these icy mountains near the sea. Their skin tones vary from pale violets to stormy blues and greens, with hair that's vivid silver or dark blue. They are often far taller than other jötnar, but less broad and more typically lanky in shape. They have an innate intimacy with storms, and are said to be able to summon and control them, though their extreme rarity makes this difficult to verify.