Firbolg

An Articulated Account of Firbolg's

Upon first sighting the race known as the firbolg, the most striking features is the great height of them. They are distantly related to class of creature known magna monstrum, or as the commonfolk refer to them 'giants'. These giant-kin are as gentle as summers breeze, but possess great strength that far surpasses that of most humanoid races. Despite their slender forms, in my estimation they could easily rival an orc in a contest of strength. Albeit, you would be hard pushed to find a firbolg that focused on building their strength to the same degree as the average orc does.
While an orc is well known for their short tempers and brutish strength, the firbolgs are quite different. They enjoy locales filled with nature and living at peace within their environments. While observing these facinating people I noticed that they would often speak to the plants and animals. While this is not entirely unheard of, as I know a fair number of people who speak to potted plants and dear pets, this was something quite different. It seems that these people have the innate ability to communicate with simple beasts and plants in a manner I've only seen druids capable of doing, although to a lesser degree. The conversations themselves seem to be a bit one-sided, with the firbolg's being unable to understand the beasts and plants responses, at least verbally. Some critters are quite capable of indicating their responses through physical gestures.
After speaking with their elders, I discovered than clans of firbolg's live together in harmony much the same as the one I had the pleasure of witnessing. Typically only mingling with the other clans for the purpose of trade and finding appropriate mates to have off spring with. (While primative in their choices of living, they do have the good sense to avoid incestuous relationships as most civilised people would also do)
Their elders also told me a bit about their origins. Truly a fascinating tale, albeit somewhat biased from my viewpoint. They claim to have once lived amongst the elves! Truly a fantasical claim to be sure. And while I have my doubts, I can't help but believe their tales. As those of you who follow my works will know, the elves went into seclusion centuries ago to protect themselves from the demonic hordes washing over the lands, and never returned to the fold. Their great cities either sealed off by powerful magics or disappeared entirely from the face of Azure! The firbolg claim that when the elves went into seclusion, many of them were forced out of the elven cities, forced to brave the harsh demon filled wildernesses of the world and find new homes. Truly fascinating and my heart stings at the hardships their ancestors went through.
Before I bring this article to a close, I must tell you one more thing that makes the firbolg society and culture almost alien to our own, despite all our other similarities! That is the use of names! Yes, truly names! They don't use them! When I originally introduced myself to them they could not provide a name in return, eventually settling on an elvish name after I insisted that they choose one so that I could identify them more easily. (They looks so alike after all)
Getting back to my point, is that while they understand the fact that other races use names as an everyday thing, they do not! Truly, quite fascinating. Yet despite this, they do not have any issue communicating with one another with little instances of mistaken identity. In review, the firbolg are a truly fascinating race, and I emplore you to interact with them should you ever have the chance. Jacques Carter, Explorer Extraodinaire

Firbolg Names

Firbolg adopt elven names when they must deal with outsiders, although the concept of names strikes them as strange. They know the animals and plants of the forest without formal names, and instead identify the forest’s children by their deeds, habits, and other actions.
By the same token, their tribe names merely refer to their homes. When dealing with other races, firbolgs refer to their lands by whatever name the surrounding folk use, as a matter of tact and hospitality, but among their own kind they simply call it “home.”
Sometimes firbolgs adopt the nicknames or titles outsiders give them under the assumption that those who need names can call them whatever they wish.

Phyical Features & Traits

Size

Firbolg grow on average to be a height of 7 to 8 feet tall and weigh between 240 and 300 pounds. They are a medium sized creature.

Age

Firbolgs have been known to live up to 500 years.

Innate Magic

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.

Powerful Build

Firbolgs count as being one size larger when determining their carry capacity and the weight they can push, drag or lift.

Speech of Beast and Leaf

Firbolg's have the ability to communicate in a limited manner with beasts and plants. Flora and fauna can understand the meaning of their words, though Firbolgs have no special ability to understand them in return.

Scientific Name

Humanoid, Giant kin