Ettin
Basic Information
Anatomy
Ettins are known for their unique physical features. These two-headed creatures stand at an impressive height of about 13 feet (4 meters) and possess broad shoulders and long arms that add to their intimidating appearance. Interestingly, ettins are slightly lopsided, with the right side being more muscular and well-developed than the left.
Contrary to popular belief, ettins cannot regrow their lost heads like hydras. It is also unclear whether an ettin could survive with a head missing as this has never been observed. If an ettin were to lose one of its heads, the dominant head would take full control, while the remaining head would flail around wildly and clumsily until the ettin learns to regain control. This process takes about two months, and a one-headed ettin would be considered deformed and looked down upon by others. Although it's worth noting that ettins generally do not care about each other's opinions.
Contrary to popular belief, ettins cannot regrow their lost heads like hydras. It is also unclear whether an ettin could survive with a head missing as this has never been observed. If an ettin were to lose one of its heads, the dominant head would take full control, while the remaining head would flail around wildly and clumsily until the ettin learns to regain control. This process takes about two months, and a one-headed ettin would be considered deformed and looked down upon by others. Although it's worth noting that ettins generally do not care about each other's opinions.
Biological Traits
Ettins, a race of two-headed giants, exhibit sexual dimorphism in their physical appearance. Male ettins are typically characterized by their towering height and heavy build, while females tend to be more curvaceous and have longer hair. In contrast to their female counterparts, male ettins have a more wiry and gaunt physique. Interestingly, the heads of an ettin always share the same gender, a fact that is not surprising given that they share the same lower body. This gender dichotomy in ettins is believed to be a result of their distinct evolutionary adaptations, which have allowed them to survive and thrive in their harsh, mountainous habitats.
Genetics and Reproduction
Female ettins carry their offspring for about 6-7 months. During this period, the female has to consume more food and may need to rest more often, as it can be quite taxing on her body. Once the child is born, the male that impregnated the female is free to leave, which is not uncommon. However, despite the low level of tolerance for each other, the males typically stay around until the child becomes self-sufficient. During this time, the males help the female in providing food and protection for the child.
Growth Rate & Stages
Ettin offspring, born at a height of around 5 ft (1.5 m), are generally provided basic combat training by their parents. The training helps them to develop their defensive abilities, and the young ones become somewhat capable of defending themselves by the time they reach the age of six months. Over the next few months, the training is intensified, and they learn how to hunt for themselves. The period between eight months to a year marks their maturity, post which they are considered to be young adults.
At this point, the young ettin has two options- either to leave the den and fend for itself or join a group of ettins. In the case of the latter, they are considered as another member of the group, and their role is determined based on various factors such as their combat skills, hunting abilities, and overall physical strength. Ettins are known to be social creatures, and the young adults are considered a valuable addition to the group. They are provided further training to hone their combat and hunting skills, and they gradually assume more significant responsibilities within the group.
At this point, the young ettin has two options- either to leave the den and fend for itself or join a group of ettins. In the case of the latter, they are considered as another member of the group, and their role is determined based on various factors such as their combat skills, hunting abilities, and overall physical strength. Ettins are known to be social creatures, and the young adults are considered a valuable addition to the group. They are provided further training to hone their combat and hunting skills, and they gradually assume more significant responsibilities within the group.
Ecology and Habitats
Ettins are a species that prefer to live in remote regions, far from civilization. They have a penchant for rocky, untamed borderlands, as well as forested mountains, hillsides, and valleys. Due to their preference for living underground, they tend to dwell in caverns or abandoned mines. Ettins tend to favor colder climates, with a range of subarctic to temperate temperatures.
Ettin lairs are usually quite filthy and infested with vermin and parasitic diseases. This is due to their tendency to accumulate personal belongings and clothing, which provide an ideal home for these pests when they go unwashed.
Ettin lairs are usually quite filthy and infested with vermin and parasitic diseases. This is due to their tendency to accumulate personal belongings and clothing, which provide an ideal home for these pests when they go unwashed.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Generic ettins are known for their primarily carnivorous diet which includes a wide range of raw flesh. They are known to tenderize or smash their food to a pulp against rocks before consumption. These giants are known to be opportunistic eaters, consuming any living thing they can catch, including bones. Ettins have two heads, each with a voracious appetite, which is why they require four times as much food as humans. As a result of their voracious appetite, they are known to hunt even other ettins if they are vulnerable. However, it is important to note that they only resort to cannibalism if they are starving or badly wounded with no other food supply nearby. Despite being primarily carnivorous, they are known to consume some plant-based food when their main food source is scarce. This means that they are not entirely dependent on animal flesh, making them adaptable to different environments.
Behaviour
Ettins may appear to be simple creatures, but they are actually quite complex. Their aggressive and ferocious behavior is well-known, but there is much more to these creatures than meets the eye. Although they love and admire power, they can also be curious, imaginative, humorous, and even kind. Interestingly, it seems that ettins with comfortable lives and ample food supplies are more likely to exhibit friendly behavior.
What sets ettins apart from other creatures is that each head is a distinct individual with its own identity, personality, memories, preferences, and quirks. It's almost as if two different creatures are sharing the same body! This duality can make dealing with an ettin a challenge, as you never quite know which head you are dealing with at any given moment.
Ettins are ambush hunters who prefer to jump weak victims rather than engage in a straightforward fight. They are known to be capable of short bursts of great strength, making them a formidable opponent. Additionally, they tend to hunt at night to take advantage of their superior senses.
Despite their reputation for ruthlessness, ettins can be defeated if confronted properly. A competent band of warriors with decent armaments can lay them low with relative simplicity. It's important to remember, however, that ettins are not mindless beasts - they can be cunning and strategic when they need to be. So, it's always best to approach an ettin with caution and respect.
What sets ettins apart from other creatures is that each head is a distinct individual with its own identity, personality, memories, preferences, and quirks. It's almost as if two different creatures are sharing the same body! This duality can make dealing with an ettin a challenge, as you never quite know which head you are dealing with at any given moment.
Ettins are ambush hunters who prefer to jump weak victims rather than engage in a straightforward fight. They are known to be capable of short bursts of great strength, making them a formidable opponent. Additionally, they tend to hunt at night to take advantage of their superior senses.
Despite their reputation for ruthlessness, ettins can be defeated if confronted properly. A competent band of warriors with decent armaments can lay them low with relative simplicity. It's important to remember, however, that ettins are not mindless beasts - they can be cunning and strategic when they need to be. So, it's always best to approach an ettin with caution and respect.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
An ettin is a two-headed creature, and if it is forced into a body with only one head, the creature's minds are not equally efficient in controlling such a form. The single-headed ettin would be inexperienced in controlling the body and this would render them only half as efficient. Interestingly, individuals with average intelligence are more likely to take control of an ettin's body than one of the original heads, as they possess greater intelligence. In contrast, if two individuals are controlling an ettin's body, it can be effectively controlled as long as there is verbal communication between the two. Moreover, if someone is polymorphed into an ettin, there is a chance that over time they will develop a split personality as different aspects of their being are split in two. This is because the ettin's two heads have different personalities and ways of thinking, which can affect the person who has been polymorphed and cause them to develop a split personality.
Facial characteristics
Ettins, being creatures of the wild, have a carefree attitude towards hygiene and grooming, which can be quite unpleasant. Their thick, greasy hair is often tangled and unkempt. Their large, watery eyes have a certain animalistic quality to them. Ettins also have snouts that resemble those of pigs, with lower canine teeth that protrude out like boar tusks. These tusks are often crooked and yellow, and can be just as disgustingly rotten as the rest of their teeth. Despite their lack of attention to personal hygiene, Ettins are still formidable creatures that should not be underestimated.
Average Intelligence
Even though ettins have two heads, their two brains do not significantly enhance their overall intelligence. However, it is worth noting that ettins are not necessarily dim-witted creatures. In fact, some members of their species have been known to exceed the average human in intelligence. These intelligent ettins have been observed to be highly adept at problem-solving and possess excellent memory retention.
Moreover, while it is rare for ettins to possess the mental fortitude necessary to cast spells, there have been some recorded instances of ettins exhibiting sorcerous powers. This is a fascinating aspect of their species that warrants further investigation by magic-users and scholars alike. It is possible that these sorcerous ettins possess a unique blend of magical abilities that are not yet fully understood.
Moreover, while it is rare for ettins to possess the mental fortitude necessary to cast spells, there have been some recorded instances of ettins exhibiting sorcerous powers. This is a fascinating aspect of their species that warrants further investigation by magic-users and scholars alike. It is possible that these sorcerous ettins possess a unique blend of magical abilities that are not yet fully understood.
Civilization and Culture
Courtship Ideals
Among ettins, the courtship process is highly influenced by females. They tend to initiate the courtship process by performing crude courtship rituals, which involve wearing treasures taken from prey to signify their hunting prowess. This is done to increase their attractiveness in the eyes of males. In addition, they also give such items to males as gifts to win over their hearts.
Despite the active participation of females, the courtship process is, in some ways, straightforward among ettins. Typically, it involves a female chasing down a male and subduing them to exhibit their dominance. However, once the male is subdued, they tend to stay around and care for the female. This behavior may suggest a more complex social structure among ettins, where the concept of dominance and submission are highly valued.
Despite the active participation of females, the courtship process is, in some ways, straightforward among ettins. Typically, it involves a female chasing down a male and subduing them to exhibit their dominance. However, once the male is subdued, they tend to stay around and care for the female. This behavior may suggest a more complex social structure among ettins, where the concept of dominance and submission are highly valued.
Common Dress Code
Ettins, bipedal creatures known for their immense strength, have a unique approach to clothing. Rather than wearing conventional garments, they prefer to go without clothing and instead drape themselves in animal skins. These skins, which are often uncured and unwashed, serve as a kind of mobile blanket that provides them with warmth and comfort wherever they go. Despite their rugged appearance, ettins are known to have a certain appreciation for aesthetics, and some even go so far as to decorate their skins with intricate patterns and designs.
In addition to serving as a source of warmth, these skins also provide ettins with a certain degree of protection against the elements. Because they live in harsh environments that are subject to extreme weather conditions, ettins have adapted to rely on their surroundings for survival. By wearing animal skins, they are able to stay warm in cold climates and cool in hot ones.
While ettins do not typically wear accessories, some have been known to keep severed heads as trinkets. These grisly souvenirs serve as a reminder of their victories in battle and are often displayed as a sign of strength and dominance. Females, on the other hand, are known to wear jewelry as a symbol of status. This jewelry, which is typically made from natural materials such as bone and stone, is highly prized and is often passed down as an heirloom from one generation to the next.
In addition to serving as a source of warmth, these skins also provide ettins with a certain degree of protection against the elements. Because they live in harsh environments that are subject to extreme weather conditions, ettins have adapted to rely on their surroundings for survival. By wearing animal skins, they are able to stay warm in cold climates and cool in hot ones.
While ettins do not typically wear accessories, some have been known to keep severed heads as trinkets. These grisly souvenirs serve as a reminder of their victories in battle and are often displayed as a sign of strength and dominance. Females, on the other hand, are known to wear jewelry as a symbol of status. This jewelry, which is typically made from natural materials such as bone and stone, is highly prized and is often passed down as an heirloom from one generation to the next.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Ettins are a type of giant creature that are fascinating to study due to their unique characteristics. These creatures are known for their violent tendencies and their preference for solitude. They have been observed to be highly territorial and do not tolerate any trespassers in their domains. In fact, they usually crush them without warning. However, they may gather in small groups if a particularly powerful, intelligent, or strong-willed ettin presents itself. These groups may cooperate with each other if there is a perceived benefit to doing so, as long as the leader stays alive and undefeated. Despite their preference for solitude, ettins have been observed to keep certain animals as pets. However, it is worth noting that such animals are generally dangerous and self-sufficient.
There have been reports of ettins using the currency they collect to supply goblins or orcs with treasure. Through this, an ettin could compel them to build it a wall or trap or to fight alongside them. Orcs, in particular, treat the ettins as distant cousins and bribe them into tenuous alliances with food, treasure, and promises of plunder in exchange for their services as scouts, marauders, and guardians.
Ettins may also come to other humanoids seeking to sell themselves as watchmen and protectors. Conversely, some ettins attempt to carve out fiefdoms where they are brought tribute by their subjects. This shows that even though they are typically solitary creatures, they are not entirely self-sufficient and can seek alliances and even subordinate themselves to others in certain situations.
Interestingly, ettins are susceptible to various forms of lycanthropy, including the forms of wererats, wereboars, and werewolves. When transformed into the intermediate "hybrid form," both of an ettin's heads are retained and transformed into the associated beast, though there is a 10% chance that only one of the two heads will be affected. Unlike other giants afflicted with lycanthropy, ettins are incapable of transforming into a full animal form. Scholars speculate that this is because of their having two heads, which could make the transformation process more complicated and difficult.
There have been reports of ettins using the currency they collect to supply goblins or orcs with treasure. Through this, an ettin could compel them to build it a wall or trap or to fight alongside them. Orcs, in particular, treat the ettins as distant cousins and bribe them into tenuous alliances with food, treasure, and promises of plunder in exchange for their services as scouts, marauders, and guardians.
Ettins may also come to other humanoids seeking to sell themselves as watchmen and protectors. Conversely, some ettins attempt to carve out fiefdoms where they are brought tribute by their subjects. This shows that even though they are typically solitary creatures, they are not entirely self-sufficient and can seek alliances and even subordinate themselves to others in certain situations.
Interestingly, ettins are susceptible to various forms of lycanthropy, including the forms of wererats, wereboars, and werewolves. When transformed into the intermediate "hybrid form," both of an ettin's heads are retained and transformed into the associated beast, though there is a 10% chance that only one of the two heads will be affected. Unlike other giants afflicted with lycanthropy, ettins are incapable of transforming into a full animal form. Scholars speculate that this is because of their having two heads, which could make the transformation process more complicated and difficult.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Ettins are fascinating creatures. They have a unique perspective on what has value, and this perspective has led them to accumulate a vast range of items. Among these are corpses, gems, coins, and art objects, all of which they display and admire. It's worth noting that while ettins don't place much value on currency, they do appreciate that other creatures desire it, and so they collect it too. They have a basic understanding of trade, but they are also very distrustful of others, including other ettins.
Despite their wariness, ettins are not above trading with potential prey if they can ensure their own safety or obtain more food. However, they are not always bound by their agreements, and usually only bargain to get as much of what they want with the least possible risk. It's important to note, however, that ettins do understand gratitude and have been known to take significant risks for those who manage to earn their trust.
For example, they may go to great lengths to protect someone who has helped them, or even risk their own lives to repay a life debt. It's clear that while ettins may be greedy and cautious, they also have a sense of honor and loyalty.
Despite their wariness, ettins are not above trading with potential prey if they can ensure their own safety or obtain more food. However, they are not always bound by their agreements, and usually only bargain to get as much of what they want with the least possible risk. It's important to note, however, that ettins do understand gratitude and have been known to take significant risks for those who manage to earn their trust.
For example, they may go to great lengths to protect someone who has helped them, or even risk their own lives to repay a life debt. It's clear that while ettins may be greedy and cautious, they also have a sense of honor and loyalty.
Common Myths and Legends
The history of the ettins is a topic that is shrouded in mystery and legend, which is likely due to their exclusion from the Ordning. While the origins of the ettins remain unclear, many have come to believe that they share a common origin with Tva Ega, given their similar cultural and religious backgrounds. Some legends of the giants even suggest that the ettins once played a significant role in the ancient empires of the giants. According to these legends, the ettins were responsible for tending to the gardens that were filled with pools of water. It is said that when one looked into the pools, they would see the reflection of another pool, with the face of someone gazing back at them.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Legends in the realm recount tales of orcs who, by chance, discovered a temple that worshipped and exuded Chaos. The orcs, intrigued by the temple's power, ventured inside and were transformed into massive, two-headed creatures known as ettins. These beings, with their newfound strength, scattered throughout the wilderness, becoming the first of their kind. However, the true origin of the ettins remains shrouded in mystery, with many theories still being debated to this day. Despite this, orcs view the ettins as distant relatives and often entice them to work as guards, scouts, or even marauders. While an ettin is not particularly loyal, the orcs have found ways to win over the creatures by offering them promises of food and loot.
Lifespan
~75
Average Height
~13 ft.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
If given a choice, ettins never bathe, and so their already thick skin becomes crusted over with a thick layer of dirty grime, giving them a horrid stench and a gray-dark brown complexion. Underneath the filth, ettins have a skin tone that ranges from pink to brownish, with yellow-tinged hands and feet marked with callouses. Their hygiene habits and unkempt appearance make them an unpleasant sight to behold.
Related Ethnicities
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