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The giants are dead. At least, the true giants are. But their smaller, more populous relatives still hang on in the most remote areas where imperial legions and goblin guards still fear to tread. They are not the only monsters left to the world, nor even the most dangerous. But they can inspire fear of the old tales on all who encounter them.

Hill Giants
These close relatives to the true giants of old are far smaller and stupider. They once freely roamed the lands that their cousins claimed lordship over. But that time passed and they were nearly wiped out. Scattered tribes found refuge in distant forests, mountains, and hills from which they take their name. They remain there still, preying on any animal or person they can find without exposing themselves. When their tribes are found any military force or half-crazed militia that can assemble does so to help finish the work of ending the terror of the giants.

Ogres
These dim, brutish creatures are somewhat less dangerous than Hill Giants, being smaller and less prone to wild attacks. Ogres will never fight if they see the possibility of defeat, and their gangs never stay put for long, constantly moving to stay ahead of any army that might force them from the territory. Some Ogres, however, exist within society, tolerated by the Empire and most of the Orcs. Either way, Ogres are not truly accepted by any of the other races. Where they live in the Empire they do so in their own small communities and do not mingle with outsiders.

Trolls
Quite possibly the stupidest of the lot. Trolls rarely leave whatever worthless tract of land they find themselves on, compelled to move around only to eat. When they encounter any possible prey, however, they are fierce combatants. They fight without hesitation or fear and do not stop until killed. Extremely difficult considering their regenerative capabilities. How it is that trolls reproduce when they will just as viciously fight any trollish intruders still isn't understood. But Academy researches suspect that their regeneration may have something to do with it. If so, any remains must be burned to ensure the creature never arises.

Scrag and Merrow
These aquatic relatives of Trolls and Ogres are of little concern to most. They are a known hazard to seafarers, but are not terribly numerous along most trade routes. It is only worth mentioning their existence.

Minotaurs
The exact nature of these beings is unknown. Whether or not they are even related to giants at all isn't known, really. But they are generally considered giantkin due to their size. Minotaurs have only recently been encountered on the frontier and so most of what is known about them comes from Centaurs. They say that Minotaurs are quick to anger and slow to think. Most often they fight each other, but will turn on anyone or thing that comes near.