Meet the Sciopods.

First described in AD 77 by the elder Pliny in his masterpiece, Historia Naturalis, their name is Latin for ‘shade-foot.’ Also known as Monoscelans or “monopods,” these humanoids featured in stories told by Medieval writers such as Thomas de Mandeville, and they regularly appeared in illustrated religious texts, bestiaries and maps of the world. Their native region is often stated as Ethiopia, though they’ve been reported as far off as Libya, and they’re known for their habit of reclining at midday and using their single huge foot as a parasol against the blazing sun. As they keep cool in the shade, the sun bakes their soles into hard, black leather.

Tough soles aren't a drawback, though, as the Sciopods' feet are subject to a lot of punishment as they hop around the countryside. Being one-footed doesn’t slow them down, either. A Sciopod's leg is enormously powerful, and the long hops it
makes can propel it faster than a horse and rider, and almost as fast as gazelles. That strong leg and hardened foot is useful in combat, too; a Sciopod’s kick can kill an armored man or break through a brick wall.

Travelers don’t have to worry about being chased down and kicked to death by these people, though; unlike some of the more savage humanoids, the Sciopods are entirely non-violent except as a last resort in self-defense. Not only are they vegetarian, but they don’t even kill plants. Instead, the Sciopods get all their nourishment from the aroma of the living fruit-plants they all carry. Should a Sciopod’s plant die or be taken from him, the powerful but delicate one-legged man will perish soon after.