If Giants existed in BC times...

[thejeff]

If most giants dropped a size category, it would be nice boost.
Neifels are already size 5.
Dropping the other giants from 4 to 3 would let 2 of them fit in a square and drastically reduce their swarming issues. Obviously, dropping hp/str might compensate for this.
I don't think the size/hp/str is really the problem with giants. If anything, their troops are usually consider poor already. The cold aura combined with staying power from E9N9 bless is the only real strength of the Neifel Giants.

Both Jotunheim and Utgard also have excellent mages outside their capital. Skratti are excellent mages and thugs in any age. Vaetti hags are cheap and so useful. Seithkonar are also cost-effective and very nice. Cheap Nether Dart spammers, if nothing else.

[JimMorrison]

Pardon, Niefel Giants are indeed size 5 currently, I meant to say Niefel Jarls didn't necessarily need to be size 6.


And I think you downplay the effect a bit. Yes, it would make their line troops a bit better if they dropped to size 3, which of course would be nicely balanced by a slight reduction in stats. However, one of the cornerstones of the power of the giant nations, is the incredible benefits that they get from Nature blesses. Any reduction in base HP will be reflected by a commensurate reduction in regen rates, and that is a very big deal, even in the case of the aforementioned Skratti thugs. As an aside, I don't think too many people would argue if Niefel Jarl Chill auras were reduced a bit, each one is about 3x as potent as the aura from an Ice Devil (the Lords and Generals of Kokytos!), who could probably use a slight increase as well. Perhaps Ice Devils AND Niefel Jarls could both compromise at Chill (10).