Goliath
Stoneborn, Mountain Kin, Runeblooded
The first goliaths lived on the highest mountain peaks — far above the tree line, where the air is thin and frigid winds howl. Distantly related to giants and infused with the supernatural essence of their ancestors’ mountainous home, goliaths stand between 7 and 8 feet tall and have a wide array of skin tones resembling different types of stone.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Goliaths are humanoid with proportions that emphasize strength and endurance. They stand between 7 and 8 feet tall, with wide, powerful builds. Their skin resembles various types of stone, ranging from granite-gray to slate-black or sandstone-tan, often with natural patterns or runic-like markings. Their eyes are typically pale, with colors like gray, white, or light blue, often described as “piercing.”
Genetics and Reproduction
Goliaths are the offspring of humans and giants, with their traits heavily influenced by the latent magic of the giants. They reproduce sexually, and their offspring inherit their robust physiques and natural affinity for magic and stone. Goliaths mature at the same rate as humans but retain their physical vitality longer.
Ecology and Habitats
Goliaths thrive in high-altitude, rocky environments such as the Stronghold Mountains. They build their settlements in harmony with their surroundings, often carving homes into cliffsides or constructing fortresses that blend seamlessly with the landscape. They have a symbiotic relationship with the mountain ecology, protecting its resources while using its materials to sustain themselves.
Behaviour
Goliaths value resilience, strength, and independence. They have a strong sense of community and personal responsibility, often viewing failure as a deeply personal challenge to overcome. Despite their stoic nature, they are not without humor or warmth, sharing a camaraderie forged through shared hardships and achievements.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Comparable to humans, with a practical focus on problem-solving, strategy, and runic magic.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Goliaths have keen senses honed by their mountain environment, particularly excellent depth perception and balance. They have an innate connection to stone and can sense vibrations through the ground, helping them detect movement in their surroundings.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Names often consist of strong, sharp consonants and syllables, such as Grimgar, Kaelthar, or Vekthra, paired with a clan name like Stonemantle or Ironpeak. Clan names reflect their connection to the mountains or their deeds.
Beauty Ideals
Strength and resilience are the primary measures of beauty among Goliaths. A well-carved physique and prominent, unique markings are seen as signs of vitality and heritage. Scars are not hidden but celebrated as marks of endurance.
Gender Ideals
Goliath society is egalitarian, valuing contributions over gender. Both men and women are expected to master the arts of survival, combat, and craftsmanship. Leadership roles are earned through merit, with no bias based on gender.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship involves displays of strength, skill, and craftsmanship, such as carving intricate runes or forging tools as gifts. Partners often bond over shared challenges, with mutual respect forming the foundation of their relationships.
Relationship Ideals
Goliaths view relationships as partnerships of equals, where both individuals contribute to their shared goals and the community's well-being. Trust and mutual respect are paramount.
Common Etiquette Rules
Greetings are often physical, such as clasping forearms or exchanging sturdy pats on the shoulder.
Hospitality is a sacred tradition; refusing offered food or shelter is considered an insult.
Debates are resolved through feats of strength or endurance rather than prolonged argument.
Common Dress Code
Goliath clothing is practical, made from durable materials like leather and fur. Adornments include metal or stone jewelry engraved with runes, symbolizing achievements or lineage. For ceremonial occasions, they wear intricately carved stone pauldrons or belts.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Goliath culture revolves around their connection to the mountains and their giant ancestry. They have a rich oral tradition, passing down stories of their ancestors, the giants, and the creation of the world through songs and carvings.
The Carving Rite: A coming-of-age ritual where a Goliath carves their personal rune into stone, symbolizing their unique identity and purpose.
Runestone Festival: An annual celebration where Goliaths forge weapons and tools inscribed with protective runes, honoring their ancestors.
Trial of the Peaks: A ceremonial climb undertaken by leaders or warriors to prove their strength and resolve.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Runestone Festival
Date:
Purpose: To honor the origins of the Goliath, their connection to the giants, and the power of runic magic.
The Runestone Festival is a vibrant celebration held by the Goliath people of Stonegrasp Hold. This festival marks the early spring when the first thaw begins in the Stronghold Mountains, symbolizing renewal and the enduring bond between the Goliath, their giant ancestry, and the magic that runs through their veins.
The Awakening Ritual
The festival begins at dawn with the Awakening Ritual. Goliath elders gather at the ancient runestones carved into the mountainside, each inscribed with symbols of their giant heritage and the magic gifted to them. The elders chant incantations, invoking the power of the runes to awaken the spirits of their ancestors and the giants. The air hums with magical energy as the runes glow faintly, signaling the beginning of the day's festivities.
The Trials of Stone
By midday, the Goliath partake in the Trials of Stone, a series of challenges that test their strength, endurance, and mastery of runic magic. These trials are a homage to their giant-kin origins and the rugged life they lead in the mountains. Goliaths compete in feats such as stone lifting, rock climbing, and runic spellcasting, demonstrating their physical prowess and magical abilities. The trials are a rite of passage for younger Goliaths, marking their transition into adulthood and their acceptance of the responsibilities that come with their heritage.
The Carving of Memories
In the afternoon, the Carving of Memories takes place. Goliath families gather to carve new runes into the stone walls of Stonegrasp Hold, each symbolizing a significant event from the past year. These carvings serve as a living history of the Goliath people, chronicling their achievements, struggles, and the growth of their community. This act of carving is a solemn and sacred task, connecting each Goliath to their roots and the enduring legacy of their giant ancestry.
The Feast of Kinship
As evening falls, the Feast of Kinship begins. A grand banquet is laid out in the central hall of Stonegrasp Hold, featuring hearty mountain fare and dishes that celebrate their connection to the land and stone. The Goliaths gather to share stories of their ancestors, recounting the tales of the first Goliath and the gifts of runic magic bestowed upon them by the giants. Songs and dances are performed in honor of their history and the bond they share with the giants.
The Dance of Runes
The festival concludes with the Dance of Runes, a mesmerizing performance where the Goliaths gather around the glowing runestones. As drums beat and chants rise, the Goliaths move in a rhythmic dance, each step and gesture invoking the power of the runes. The runes light up in response, casting a magical glow over the dancers and the mountain. This dance is both a celebration and a ritual, renewing the connection between the Goliaths and the ancient runic magic that defines them.
The Runestone Festival is a profound celebration of the Goliath identity, their origins, and the harmonious life they have built within the Stronghold Mountains. It honors their giant heritage, the power of runic magic, and the enduring strength that has allowed them to thrive despite the world's misunderstandings. Through this festival, the Goliaths reaffirm their bond with the giants and the stone, celebrating their unique place in the world of Astrium.
Common Taboos
- Defiling Stone: Deliberate destruction of stone or runes is considered a grave offense.
- Breaking Oaths: Honor is deeply ingrained in Goliath culture, and breaking a sworn promise is unforgivable.
- Dishonoring Giants: Speaking ill of giants or disregarding their teachings is seen as disrespecting their heritage.
History
The goliath are a race of giant-kin who began appearing after the events of realmshatter when humanoids began working with the reluctant giants in order to help rebuild their civilsation. In thanks the giants provided the humanoids access to the secrets of runic magic. For those that married and had children, they remaining magic created the goliath.
While the goliath are innately connected to the giants and stone, they were originally seen as a threat to the world as settlements around Astrium believed that they were controlled by the giants. The reclused themselves living in harmony within the stronghold mountains.
Today, the goliath are working to making their mark on Astrium's landscape by working for a place within Astrium's council, having maintained a settlement - Hammerscar Hold deep within the mountain range.
Common Myths and Legends
- The Hammer of Skarn: A legendary weapon said to have been forged by the first Goliath blacksmith, capable of shaping mountains.
- The Titan’s Tear: A sacred spring in the mountains, believed to have formed from a giant’s sorrow after the Realmshatter.
- Grimgar’s Ascent: A tale of the first Goliath leader’s climb to the mountain’s peak to commune with the gods and secure his people’s place in the Stronghold Mountains.
Scientific Name
Homo Gigas Progenitus
Lifespan
80-100 though they remain physically strong well into their later years.
Average Height
7' - 8'
Average Weight
280 - 340 pounds
Average Physique
Towering and muscular, with a focus on strength and endurance
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Goliath skin tones resemble natural stone, and their bodies often feature intricate, vein-like markings or birthmarks that resemble runes. These markings are unique to each individual and often regarded as a sign of their lineage or destiny.
Geographic Distribution
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