Firbolg

Forest Guardians; Children of the Glade; Feykin Stewards
Firbolgs are fey-oriented half-giants. Their tribes cloister in remote forest strongholds, preferring to spend their days in quiet harmony with the woods. When provoked, firbolgs demonstrate formidable skills with weapons and druidic magic. Distant cousins of giants, the first firbolgs wandered the primeval forests of the multiverse, and the magic of those forests entwined itself with the firbolgs’ souls. Centuries later, that magic still thrums inside a firbolg, even one who has never lived under the boughs of a great forest. A firbolg’s magic is an obscuring sort, which allowed their ancestors to pass through a forest without disturbing it. So deep is the connection between a firbolg and the wild places of the world that they can communicate with flora and fauna.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Firbolgs are large humanoids with giant-like proportions softened by fey features. They have elongated ears, broad noses, and thick, sturdy limbs. Their skin tones range from earthy greens to bark-like browns, often mottled with mossy patterns. Hair is thick, wild, and usually in hues of grey, white, or leafy green. Firbolgs possess gentle facial features, which reflect their calm and introspective nature.

Genetics and Reproduction

Firbolg reproduction is slow and deliberate. They form deep, lifelong bonds with their partners, and their offspring are born after a year-long gestation. Children mature physically by the age of 30 but remain emotionally and spiritually tied to their parents for decades longer.

Ecology and Habitats

Firbolgs thrive in old, untouched forests with abundant wildlife and rich ecosystems. They favor secluded areas where they can live in harmony with nature, cultivating the land without exploiting it. They are natural caretakers, planting, nurturing, and defending their environment with quiet determination.

Behaviour

Firbolgs are contemplative and harmonious, driven by a desire to nurture and protect. They avoid conflict when possible, relying on diplomacy and subtlety to resolve disputes. While they value solitude, Firbolgs are compassionate and will offer aid to those in need, especially if the natural world is at risk.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Above average, particularly in areas of wisdom and natural lore. Firbolgs are intuitive and excellent problem-solvers, though their knowledge tends to be practical rather than academic.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Firbolgs have acute senses attuned to the natural world. They can perceive subtle changes in the environment, such as shifts in air pressure or the moods of plants and animals. Their magical heritage allows them to detect magic and communicate with flora and fauna on a deep, empathic level.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Firbolg names are drawn from nature, often reflecting their environment or personal traits. Examples include Thistlebranch, Barkroot, or Silverstream. They frequently adopt surnames like Eversway or Deepbough to honor their ancestry.

Beauty Ideals

Firbolgs value natural appearances, with healthy skin and hair signifying vitality and balance. Their markings and features, like mossy textures or bark-like ridges, are seen as badges of their connection to the land.

Gender Ideals

Firbolg society is egalitarian, with roles based on skill and affinity rather than gender. They see all members of their community as equal stewards of the forest.

Courtship Ideals

Firbolg courtship is a slow and meaningful process involving shared work and rituals. Partners spend decades growing together emotionally and spiritually before committing to a lifelong bond.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships are seen as partnerships in both love and stewardship. Firbolgs value trust, patience, and shared purpose, often working together to nurture their families and communities.

Common Etiquette Rules

Firbolgs prioritize respect for nature and others. Interrupting someone or showing carelessness with resources is seen as rude. They often greet others with subtle gestures, like a bow or a hand over the heart.

Common Dress Code

Clothing is simple and practical, often woven from natural fibers and decorated with plant-based dyes. Accessories like carved wooden beads or braided vines are common.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Firbolg culture revolves around their bond with nature. They pass down stories of their ancestors' migration from the Feywild and their dedication to cultivating Astrium’s forests.

• Equinox Gathering: A biannual celebration of balance in nature, where Firbolgs share stories and perform rituals to honor the changing seasons.
• Sapling Ceremony: A coming-of-age tradition where young Firbolgs plant and nurture a tree as a symbol of their connection to the land.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Whispers of the Wild Date:  Overview: The Whispers of the Wild is a mystical and solemn holiday celebrated by the Firbolg people of Applemill. This day is dedicated to the sacred voices of nature—the subtle sounds, signs, and omens that guide the Firbolgs in their daily lives. Known for their deep attunement to the natural world, the Firbolgs believe that the earth itself speaks to them through rustling leaves, flowing rivers, and the quiet murmur of the wind. The holiday serves as a time of heightened awareness, where the Firbolgs pause to listen to the wisdom hidden within the world around them.
Traditions:
The Dawn of Silence: At the first light of day, the Firbolgs begin the holiday with the Dawn of Silence, a period of absolute quiet. For an hour, the entire village of Applemill stills, and no one speaks or makes unnecessary noise. The purpose is to attune their senses to the natural sounds around them—the calls of birds, the rustle of the wind in the trees, the creaking of branches, and the whispers of the earth itself. This practice helps the Firbolgs sharpen their intuition and better understand the subtle language of nature.
The Gathering of Omens: After the silence is broken, the Firbolgs embark on the Gathering of Omens. Small groups venture into the surrounding forests, rivers, and hills in search of signs and omens left by nature. Each Firbolg is tasked with finding a specific natural item that resonates with them—a fallen leaf, an oddly shaped stone, or an animal track—and interpreting its meaning. These items are believed to carry messages from the spirits of the land, offering guidance for the coming season. Once the items are gathered, they are brought back to the village to be shared in a communal divination ceremony.
Whispers of the Trees: At midday, the Firbolgs gather beneath the great trees of the forest, where the elders lead a ceremony known as the Whispers of the Trees. The Firbolgs believe that trees are ancient sentinels, holding the collective memories of the forest. During this ceremony, they sit in quiet meditation, placing their hands on the bark of the trees, and listening for the faint whispers of knowledge and wisdom. It is said that the trees offer advice, warnings, and even visions of the future to those who listen carefully enough.
The Forest Feast: The afternoon is spent preparing and sharing the Forest Feast, a meal composed entirely of foraged ingredients from the wild—berries, mushrooms, nuts, and herbs. This feast is simple and rustic, honoring the gifts of nature that the Firbolgs have learned to respect and use sparingly. Each dish is prepared with gratitude, and before the feast begins, a portion of the meal is offered back to the land, laid at the base of the oldest tree in Applemill as a tribute to the forest spirits.
The Wind’s Message: As the sun begins to set, the Wind’s Message ceremony takes place. The Firbolgs gather in the open fields, where they construct small wind chimes from natural materials—sticks, bones, and shells—creating instruments that catch the wind's voice. As the wind blows, it plays through the chimes, producing melodies and rhythms that the Firbolgs interpret as messages from the elemental forces. This practice is deeply personal, with each Firbolg receiving unique insights from the wind, whether it be a sign of change, a warning, or a blessing.
The Night of Echoes: As night falls, the Firbolgs light small fires throughout the village and participate in the Night of Echoes. Each Firbolg takes turns speaking softly into the flames, sharing the messages and wisdom they received throughout the day. The idea is that the fire, another ancient element, amplifies these whispers, sending them back to the natural world. The Firbolgs believe that by echoing these messages, they strengthen their bond with the earth and deepen their understanding of nature's mysteries.
Gift of the Earth: Before the holiday ends, each Firbolg gives a Gift of the Earth, an act of stewardship and care for the land. This can take the form of planting trees, nurturing a wild garden, or tending to animals. It is a physical representation of their promise to protect the land that sustains them and a way to show gratitude for the wisdom and sustenance the earth provides.
Significance: Whispers of the Wild is a holiday that reinforces the Firbolg people's deep connection to the natural world and their role as its protectors. By listening to the subtle voices of the earth, the Firbolgs reaffirm their respect for the delicate balance of nature. It is a day of reflection, spiritual insight, and the renewal of their promise to live in harmony with the wild, ensuring that the wisdom of the land continues to guide them for generations to come.

Common Taboos

Harming a forest or ecosystem without purpose. Breaking a promise, as Firbolgs see their word as sacred.

History

The Firbolg were part of the first group of fey-like beings to enter through planar tears, entering from the feywild 4 centuries before the Aurora coven attempted to pull their sway of Astrium. They didnt participate in the Pandora War except for a specific few. The Firbolg travelled between different forests hoping to call one forest that was uninhabited home. They travelled for centuries staying in each forest to cultivate it and leave it better then they found it. They often did this in secret and solitude and people were unawre of their existance until the year 600 (almost) 4 centuries after living in Astrium.
They eventually joined the stray races by happenstance who had come to inhabit the surrounding lands that were near the forest they had been residing in for generations where they finally settled down in a permanent forest. The joined in the area when they sense beings all around them, they wandered out and joined the summit promising to stay with the rest of the township in their own quadrant - Applemill.
Today the Firbolg are a part of the Lustrum council and continue to work on ensuring the forests are well cultivated.

Common Myths and Legends

• The First Seed: A tale of the first Firbolg in Astrium, who planted a tree that grew into an entire forest, said to be the birthplace of their magic.
• The Stag of Eternal Light: A mythical creature that guides lost Firbolgs back to their community during times of hardship.
• The Whispering Grove: A sacred forest where it’s said that the spirits of departed Firbolgs watch over their descendants.

Scientific Name

Homo Gigantis Sylvanus

Lifespan

350-500

Average Height

7' - 8'

Average Weight

240 - 300 pounds

Average Physique

Large and muscular but not bulky. Firbolgs are built for endurance and strength, with a natural grace that belies their size.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their skin features earth tones like green, brown, and grey, often accompanied by moss-like or bark-like textures. Hair color complements their skin, and many Firbolgs naturally blend into their forest surroundings.