Cyclops
Galrin dropped drew his sword, something wasn't right; he felt something in the air. He stalked farther into the cave silently waving his friends forward. He heard a cry from deeper inside, and moved that way. Farther in, he saw a large shadow on the backwall behind a fire. The cry had now turned into a squeal of pain, coming from the area near the shadow. Galrin and his allies got ready for a sneak attack. He stowed his sword and took out his crossbow, getting ready to instigate the fight. He jumped out, but all he saw was a tall man bandaging up a large dog. Turning towards Galrin, the one-eyed creature said, "Oh hello, did Spot disturb you? I'm dreadfully sorry."
-Zolog Ytho, Galrin and Friends
Cyclopes are ancient creatures. Born from the union of the earth and sky, these single-eyed people are feared across the land. Most cyclopes are evil, foolish creatures, who eat human flesh. However, some of the more recently born cyclopes are relatively smaller, but just as foolish.
Outcasts of Both Societies
As previously mentioned, cyclopes are normally huge creatures. These creatures stay in caves and tend to their flocks. However, adventurer cyclopes are much smaller, and contain the energy deep inside of them. They are often seen in forges and smithies rather than deserted country sides, for the runts are cut from the flock, same as sheep. As they get stronger they are able to grow in size for limited times and let out their ancient cyclopes heritage.
Even though runt cyclopes are not accepted in cyclopean society, they aren't really permitted in normal civilization either. Having only one eye doesn't do you many favors when talking up people. As such, many cyclopes turn to those who care not for appearances. Hermits, smiths, farmers, and most likely, adventurers are all people who care more for ability than appearances.
Since they have been removed from both cultures, cyclopes are adept at copying language and mimicking. This is an ability that younger cyclopes have developed, and one that older ones cannot accomplish.
From Nonbeliever to Fanatic
Many, if not most cyclopes do not worship any gods, though it is said that they are the gods' children. Because of their lack of experience with religion, they are bad at distinguishing between normal magic and divine power. They can often mistake a novice wizard as a powerful deity, and fear them as such. However, if a cyclops realizes it has been deceived, they become angered beyond any anger most people have seen.
Sometimes a cyclops can be convinced to follow a deity. When they do so, they do it with all of their heart. They make sacrifices, give offerings, and will even kill for that god. Cyclopes believe in ultimate power, or none at all.
Sadly, cyclopes are known to be very unwise. They trust when they should not, and disbelieve when they should trust. And, like many things with the cyclopes, their belief and disbelief is utter and complete. They are not flighty creatures.
Cyclops Names
The names of most cyclopes are meant to be intimidating or descriptive of their job (in giant). Others use unnecessarily long names to show how "smart" they are and make other cyclopes look stupid. Outcast cyclopes often take new, more normal names to try and fit in with the community. Most cyclopes only have one name and don't bother with a second one.
Male Names: Arges, Steropes, Brontes, Polyphemus, Esse, Blodbok, Ettin, Tyson.
Female Names. Fjell, Loudi, Iou, Rano, Nemas, Antori, Lethanal.
Cyclops Traits
Cyclopes characters share the following traits with their one-eyed brethren.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength and Constitution scores both increase by 1.
Age. Cyclopes age at about one third the rate of humans, so you live to 200-300 years.
Alignment. As outcasts and loners of society, most cyclopes are chaotic, and think the laws are unfair. Neutral cyclopes are the most common, but it's not too rare to see a good or evil one.
Size. Since adventurer cyclopes are most often runts, you're a bit smaller than the average cyclops. You can range from 7 feet, to about 9 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your walking speed is 35 feet due to your large steps.
Up to Standard. You have harnessed the ability to grow to the size of an ancient cyclops. You can expend an action to increase your size to Large for 1 minute. For the duration, your size is doubled in all dimensions, and your weight is multiplied by eight. If there isn't enough room for you to double your size, you attain the maximum possible size in the space available. For the rest of the duration, you also have advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. Your weapons also grow to match your new size. While these weapons are enlarged, your attacks with them deal 1d4 extra damage of the weapon's type.
Once you use this ability, you cannot do so again until you finish a long rest.
Poor Depth Perception. The cyclops has disadvantage on any ranged attack roll against a target less than 20 feet away from them.
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.
Subrace. Your cyclopean heritage takes form in different ways. There are three main forms for cyclopes to take: Forgehand, Herdleader, Wallshaper.
Forgehand
Forgehand cyclopes are descended from the ancient ones who made weapons for the gods. These cyclopes are some of the most accepted ones in society, for if you have a strong hammer arm, then any smith would gladly accept you, no matter your appearance.
The cyclopes of the forge often have tough, dark skin, and
sooty hair. You will often see them with a smithy's mask over their face to cover their eye.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength and Intelligence scores both increase by 1.
Born to Make. As a forgehand, you have the innate need to make things. You gain proficiency in one artisan's tool of your choice.
Divine Craft. Your connection to the gods gives you proficiency in the Religion skill.
Forged in Fire. Your ancestry in the forge grants you the ability to withstand high temperatures. You gain resistance to fire damage.
Herdleader
You are descended from the old, shepherds who blocked adventurer's from reaching their path. Herdleader cyclopes are the most feared in society because of the little known about them. You have likely spent most of your time out in the fields.
These cyclopes are often on the taller side and have lighter skin and hair. Herdleaders are the most proud cyclopes and often won't try to cover up their face.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution and Charisma scores both increase by 1.
Shepherd Skill. Your time spent with farm animals has given you the ability to handle them better. You gain proficiency in the Animal Handling skill.
Voice of the Flock. Because of your ancestral connection with herds, you can communicate with them. Using gestures and sounds, you can communicate simple ideas with farm animals.
Mimicry. Your ancestors were tricksters and traitors. You can mimic sounds you have heard, including voices. A creature that hears the sounds you make can tell they are imitations with a successful Wisdom (Insight) check opposed by your Charisma (Deception) check.
Wallshaper
As a wallshaper cyclops, you are descended from some of the most ancient cyclopes. Your ancestors are the creators of walls that still stand around cities today.
Wallshapers have stocky builds, and their skin and hair color varies. However, one thing stands out: your eye is deep, deep black with almost no whites.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength and Constitution scores both increase by 1.
Foundation Destroyer. You know the perfect points where you can destroy an item. You deal double damage to objects and structures.
Builder. You gain proficiency with mason's tools.
Stonecunning. Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.
Credits
Created by: u/Dragoborn93
Art: Encounter by Raphael Lacoste, Cyclops by Iaclillac