"Strength of body and strength of mind. Neglect one, and you doom both."
- Senlia Vuth of I'Paralia
Cyclopes are a sapient species of one-eyed giants spread throughout the lands of Tyrrell. They are the third of the Elderkin, with societies revolving around scholarship and philosophy backed up by physical strength and intimidation.
The Cyclopes were one of the most dominant species across Tyrrell until the War of the Dawn and the beginning of the Third Age.
The Cyclopes are tall, muscular Elderkin, averaging a height of roughly four metres. They have large ears and nostrils, thick limbs, and a singular eye in the middle of their skull. Their skin, hair and eye colour vary from region to region.
Due to their size, their larger brains are quite adept at processing information, and their large eye grants them more detailed vision at the cost of depth perception in close quarters.
Like all Elderkin, the Cyclopes are also biologically linked with the Field, almost on par with the Elves. This connection enhances their strength, stamina and healing ability, and helps extend their lifespan into the realm of 700 years.
Their spells tend towards detailed and controlled results, as well as careful planning in using the right spell for the situation.
They can also enhance their senses, especially their eyesight, to a greater extent than most Elderkin.
However, due to their size, many Cyclopes rely on the Field not only for their health but also for balance and stability.
A Cyclopes outside of a Fieldic environment for an extended period will struggle to stand and move far slower than normal.
A wandering cyclops oracle originally from the continent of Elysia, (Art commissioned by SolarSailor3 and made by AsnnnArt).
Cyclopes are highly intelligent, philosophical, and focused on the ‘higher studies’ above most else. A Cyclopes blacksmith will read a hundred books before swinging a hammer, with the intention of writing a book of their own afterwards.
However, their culture also places great value on physical strength, especially as a method of supporting one’s ideas. The body must be as capable as the mind, two parts of the same whole. Due to this intermingling, it is not uncommon for Cyclopes to debate philosophy whilst fighting each other.
Much of their societal growth is very methodical, with any significant change being debated both physically and mentally for years until any form of consensus is reached
Broadly, Cyclopes have an appreciation for fighting for a good cause, but consider ‘war’ a wasteful thing that impedes time one could spend on more scholarly pursuits.
They often resort to early diplomatic channels, veiled threats, and backroom bribery to stall large scale conflict before it truly begins.
However, when unavoidable warfare does arise, the Cyclopes do stand their ground. Many focus on defensive warfare and fortifying positions before the fighting begins. They also tend to have multiple contingency plans in place days in advance.
When attacking, they utilise their massive strength to smash their enemies down, using clubs, staves, hammers and spears. Though some societies utilise bows and crossbows, many prefer the use of the sling, with heavier ammunition than their contemporaries.
Their lines are also difficult to break, as their shields tend to be thicker and heavier than most other soldiers could carry.
Their biggest battlefield weakness is their lack of overall speed. While they can cover ground reasonably quickly, due to a long stride, they pale in comparison to Elvish cavalry or Dwarven crawlers.
They also don’t perform well in difficult terrain like thick snow or mud, as their weight and size can limit their movement.
A cyclops baron from the West Ciradon nation of I'Paralia, (Art by SolarSailor3).
The Cyclopes originated as early nomadic shepherds roaming across the wide plains of Elysia. Due to spending so long in Leyline rich environments, these early Cyclopes slowly developed a biological connection to the Field, though some believe this connection was intentional designed by the Forgotten.
However, it is theorized that these conditions fostered the development of their unusual singular eye. Having no natural predators due to their Field enhanced size and strength, combined with a need to see threats at long distances in all lighting conditions, meant the trait of a telescopic eye was maintained.
Eventually, the Cyclopes settled near river banks and began building one of Tyrrell's first civilizations.
Cyclopes were originally proposed by Werewolff Studios on the World of Tyrrell Discord.