Cyclops

Cyclopes are evil, one-eyed giants that originally came from the Feywild.

Physical description
Cyclopes are one of the smallest type of giant-kin, standing only 12 ft (3.7 m) and weigh 1200 lb (544.3 kg), but are as strong as the average stone giant. Both males and females are bald and have spiked heads instead of hair. Cyclopes have earthy skin tones that blend with their surroundings. Their eye tends to be the same as the color of their skin. The most peculiar and distinguishing thing about cyclopes is the fact that they only have one large eye in the middle of their forehead. This eye is rumored to cause fear in any who look at it. Their one-eye gives them poor depth perception therefore they can't use missile weapons very well.

Abilities
Cyclopes can throw boulders, like all giant-kin, but with less accuracy than normal due to their one-eye. They have great strength and make excellent warriors, they are also very intelligent and make good wizards and clerics. Cyclopes that live in the Underdark can move rather stealthily and are accustomed to the darkness of the underworld. They are also amazing blacksmiths and craft powerful items for their masters.

History
While cyclopes stated they desended from the line of Annam, most giants thought these brutes came from one of Othea trysts.

Psychology
Cyclopes are taught that they should listen unfailingly to their masters but always to take command of those weaker then themselves. They admire physical and mental fitness and will act as loyal servitors to those who can bend their will. The one-eyes brutally beat any slave that does not follow its command. They hate most other races and are unwilling to work with goodly ones. They trust only themselves and their masters, forging alliances that they know they have the upper hand on.

Culture
Cyclops society is based on servitude, but not necessarily slavery. They do not have any kingdoms of their own but have helped create the beautiful cities that their masters live in. From an early age they are taught that they are a great race and only worthy creatures (those that are stronger than them) can become their masters. The one-eyes are arrogant and ambitious but do not overstep their boundaries. Cyclopes will stab their superiors in the back and crush their inferiors without a thought. They are rude, cruel, and mean to all but themselves and their masters.

Religion
Cyclopes worship Grolantor because they admire his power and might over giant-kin. His cyclopian clergy is obsessed with pleasing him and his clerics are constantly preaching his words.

Cyclops that have a master of different races worship different deities, such as Lolth, Gruumsh, Thrym, Bane, or Shar. These cyclopes are not as devoted as they are to Grolantor but worship them nonetheless because that is what their master desires.

Craft
Cyclopes make many different and powerful magical and non-magical items in nature. They forge mithral armor and adamantine blades with ease. Their most proficient blacksmiths can forge rings of great magical power and swords with blades of lightning. The one-eyes also make magical clothing such as gloves, cloaks, boots, belts, and robes. Cyclopians also brew deadly poisons that can kill with a single drop.

Ecology
They usually serve as bodyguards, blacksmiths, and soldiers for more powerful masters.

Relationships with other races
Cyclopes hate most races but like all giant-kin they hate the dwarf most of all. They generally keep orcs, goblins, ogres, and bugbears as slaves. Common cyclopian allies (masters) are drow and fomorians.

Homelands
Cyclopes do not have their own cities but live in their masters cities:

Cities

 * Ched Nasad
 * Mag Tureah
 * Menzoberranzan
 * Nacmoran
 * Pirate Isles
 * Thay

Wilderness
When not living in cities, many cyclopes live in caves, ruins, or forests:


 * Citadel Umbra
 * Curna Mountains
 * Feywild
 * Giant's Belt Mountains
 * Kryonar's Caverns
 * Mines of Tethyamar
 * Oman
 * Veldorn

Discrepancy
In the 2nd edition Monstrous Manual and the 3rd edition Shining South (sourcebook), the the plural version of cyclops is spelled cyclopes. In the 4th edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, this seems to have been changed to cyclopses. The original spelling cyclopes was restored in the 5th edition Monster Manual.