They are enigmatic in origin, and most people within the setting don't concern themselves all that much with the question. It doesn't matter where They came from; They're here, and all we can do is deal with it.

In terms of sensory perception, They seem to work like zombies; They use all senses equally. If a Giant hears or smells something that might indicate a human presence inside the old office building, it won't matter that it can't see the player characters. It will investigate, including tearing into the building like a bear into an old stump to eat the ants inside it.

They seem to have animal brains, and nobody has found any evidence that they can be reasoned with- everyone who's tried was captured and eaten.

Humans are the preferred prey of Giants, but nothing is known about Their metabolism to indicate how often they actually need to eat. They've supposedly eaten other animals as well, but outside of rumors we only know that they eat humans, and each other (mostly their wounded/dead).

Moles
Most humans have been living underground, in shelters that vary in size from family size from caves to family sized shelters to bunkers that are effectively subterranean cities. They tend to have better resources, materials and are better organized than the raiders they encounter on the surface, and resent the animosity directed at themselves.

Ruin-Rats
The rare packs/groups of humans who manage to survive on the surface are pretty hostile to any others coming into their territories, especially the Undergrounders/Moles. They have a hard enough time fighting each other over scraps and avoiding Them without the Undergrounders agitating Them.

Rangers/Giant Slayers
These are people from both groups who've figured out ways to fight/escape Them when they can't avoid them; they're very good at surviving, and using the environment to their advantage when available. One way or another, both groups have a strong reverence for these individuals; Moles try to have an experienced Ranger or two on every expedition to the surface, including in the planning stages, and among the Ruin-Rats they find themselves rising to positions of leadership.

Player: Shovel
Character Name: Lucas Bramworth
Description: Your average himbo in a world of apocalypse. A sturdy kid with a broad frame. A healthy sunkissed skin, with a glowing smile to boot. Words to describe would be optimistically bubbly. Doesn’t come lacking in survivor’s sense though.

Mole/Rat: Mole
Occupation:Miner/ Tree cutter/ Mapmaker
Gear: Pickaxe, Shovel, Firecracker, Flares, Rope, Pot, Matches, Wooden Crossbow, 5 wooden arrows

Background:
“Hello, my name is Mathew Woods and I would be your interviewer for today. Would you mind introducing yourself?”

“Well, my name is Lucas Bramworth. Son of Dave Bramworth and Martha Bramworth, we owe a small mushroom farm just 2 blocks over there.”

“Oh, the Bramworth.”

“Yep, the Bramworth’s mushroom farm.”

“Well then, mister Lucas, can you tell me more about what makes you feel you are fitting for the position of Mapmaker?”

“Well, as you can see from my own resume, I have a few years under my belt with herbology as well as experience joining tree cutters and stone masonries. We would usually travel along the old coastal road toward the ruin of San Francisco for the pines. Stones would be from Sierra. If you need to confirm my experience, the given numbers attached to ‘Harls and Harleston’ links to his office mailbox. This would be for treecutter position…”

“So ‘Grey Expedite’ is 55th room 1st block, Econ Sector?”

“No, It should be the 55th room, 2nd block, Econ Sector. Did I misswrite in my resume?”

“Thank you. No, it was just to confirm your information. You know sometimes we would get liars that lied on their resume.”

“I recognize.”

“Well then, given your experience, what is your furthest distance traveled?”

“Well, most of my travel distances had been between San Fran ruins and the Big Bear’s Peaks as my furthest.”

“Any solo travel experience? Or small groups?”

“No solo experience. But I do have small groups experience. Most of the time, tree cutters traveled in groups of 4. Of course, if the projects are large, it would be more complex.”

“Can you explain your line of work? Any of the two would works?”

“Of course, so let's speak about tree cutters. So there would usually be 4 people to constitute a group. 1 scout and 3 tree cutters. The scout would be leader of the group, where they would have to scout to see if there are any Giants in the area. We usually spent a week scouting their location before felling any trees. Once we determine the territories of each Giant, we just start cutting. Most of the time, a tree falling sound is easily lost in the woods, what with how many critters and animals that roam the area. Of course, there would be times where we are just pure unlucky enough that the tree falling gained more attention than wanted. In those situations, we hide. Some hided in the foliage. Some in caves. Some in bodies of water.”

“And what would you do if someone is captured?”

“... You get paid. Partially for your work, but mainly because your life is on the line.”

“How about miner?”

“Well, the caves are definitely much smaller, which act as a barrier and a hiding place. Most cave ceilings aren’t even 3 meters in height. So, for the next 2 weeks, we would just be digging.”

“So is it safer than the tree cutter?”
“I wouldn’t say so. Personally, I felt like a tree cutter is a safer job, either because of proximity or how often there are hiding spots. But on the mountains, it is very barren. There are more nooks, but less distractions. Then, the danger is the trip home. We are travelling the road with 4 cargo pulled by humans.”
“Why no horse or donkeys?”
“Their dung would attract Giants, especially when concentrated in large amount. And before you ask it, yes. We do have a role called ‘spreader’ where his task would be travelling around the mountain to spread our waste across the entire mountain. His pay is second to the vein finder, and literally probably has most speak in the team as he also act as a scout.”

“But, as I was saying, the trip back is the hardest. It took us 2 weeks to go down to Big Bear, but would be 4 months back here. Give or take of course, but usually the best miner could only do 3 rotations per year.”

“Alright then, why mapmaker? Why not stick with your current or previous job?”

“You know, my parents asked the same thing when I said I’m gonna be a tree cutter. And I think the answer then is still just as relevant as now, the pay is higher. And I like to eat.”

“I see. Well, I have no more questions for you. You will be informed of our decision within two weeks. And as you have signed the Record Act, a copy of today’s conversation transcript will be provided at no cost to you. May the caves hold for you.”

“And the caves hold for you.”