Goliath

Overview

The Goliaths of Schuttarch are a formidable race of towering, muscular beings known for their immense strength and endurance. Living in the harsh and rugged terrain of the Schuttarch mountains, they are a reclusive and insular people who prefer the company of their own kind, shunning interactions with other races.

Physical Appearance

Goliaths are among the largest of the humanoid races, standing between 7 to 8 feet tall and possessing a heavily muscular build. Their skin is typically a shade of grey, often mottled with dark patches that provide natural camouflage against the rocky landscapes of their homeland. They have pronounced facial features, bald heads, and striking, piercing eyes that range from pale blue to dark brown.

Key Features:

• Height: 7 to 8 feet
• Build: Extremely muscular and robust
• Skin: Grey, often mottled with dark patches
• Hair: Typically bald, but some may have sparse hair
• Eyes: Pale blue to dark brown

Society and Culture

Goliath society is organized into tight-knit tribes, each led by a chieftain who commands respect and authority. These tribes are fiercely loyal to one another and value strength, honor, and survival skills above all else. Life in the mountains is tough, and Goliaths have adapted to thrive in this environment, developing a culture that prizes physical prowess and self-reliance.

Social Structure:

• Chieftains: Leaders of the tribes, responsible for making decisions and leading hunts.
• Warriors: The backbone of Goliath society, trained in combat and survival from a young age.
• Hunters and Gatherers: Essential members who provide food and resources for the tribe.
• Elders: Respected for their wisdom and experience, they advise the chieftain and help guide the tribe.

Cultural Practices:

Rite of Passage: Young Goliaths must undergo a series of grueling tests to prove their worth and earn their place as adults in the tribe.
Tattooing: Many Goliaths bear intricate tattoos that signify their achievements, tribe, and status.
Feasts and Celebrations: Important events are marked by grand feasts, where the tribe comes together to celebrate their strength and unity.

Habitat and Lifestyle

Goliaths inhabit the remote and treacherous mountain ranges of Schuttarch. Their homes are built into the rocky cliffs and hidden valleys, offering both protection from the elements and concealment from outsiders. They are expert climbers and have a deep connection to their mountainous environment, often seen scaling sheer cliffs with ease.

Living Conditions:

Homes: Constructed from stone and timber, often within natural caves or carved into the mountainsides.
Diet: Primarily carnivorous, relying on hunting large game, but also gathering edible plants and herbs.
Clothing: Made from animal hides and furs, designed for warmth and durability in the harsh climate.

Relations with Other Races

The Goliaths are known for their distrust and disdain for other races. They view outsiders as weak and untrustworthy, preferring to remain secluded within their own communities. Interactions with other races are rare and usually only occur out of necessity or during conflicts.

Attitude Towards Other Races:

Humanoids and Elves: Generally regarded with suspicion and avoided whenever possible.
Dwarves: Seen as potential rivals for the mountain resources, leading to occasional skirmishes.
Other Goliaths: The only race they truly respect and engage with on equal terms.

Myth and Lore

Goliath culture is rich with stories of legendary heroes and mythical beasts. They believe in a pantheon of deities that represent the natural elements of their homeland, such as the god of the mountains, the goddess of the hunt, and the spirit of the storm.

Notable Myths:

The Titan's Ascent: A legend about the first Goliath chieftain who climbed the highest peak in Schuttarch and received the blessings of the mountain gods.
The Great Hunt: A tale of a legendary hunt where the greatest warriors of the tribe banded together to slay a colossal beast that threatened their people.

Conclusion

The Goliaths of Schuttarch are a proud and isolated race, whose way of life is shaped by the rugged mountains they call home. Their society values strength, honor, and survival, with a deep connection to their harsh environment. Fiercely loyal to their tribes and distrustful of outsiders, the Goliaths remain one of the most formidable and enigmatic races in the world of Asiendal.

Scientific Name

Goliathus Vollos

Lifespan

Around 300 Years

Average Height

2.2 - 2.5 m

Average Weight

150 - 210 kg

Geographic Distribution

• Schuttarch Mountain Range

Discovered by

Eremon Mordos