Firbolg

"You thought a 'gentle giant' was just a silly trope for children's books?! No no, they are quite real alright and their names are Firbolg! Yet I'm sure you've never met one. They prefer it that way!" -Drig the Gnome Wizard, Drig's Monster Compedium

The Firbolg were a species of timid fey giants that hailed from the forests of Gaelitia and parts of southern Gothai. They were known for being isolated and quiet creatures who respected the peacefulness of the world.
They are the nemesis of the Fomorians, their wicked fey giant cousins who stalk the forests of Gaelitia as well.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Female Firbolg Concept by Wizards of the Coast

Simply, the Firbolg are a tall, hairy blend between fey and giant that is bipedal and certainly intelligent. They usually have grey skin, red or brown hair, and beards across their face if they are male. Their ears resemble goats or sheep. Though they are bulky and intimidating-looking creatures, they are soft on their feet due to their innate connection with the fey, and in general are pretty light for a species of giant.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like all other humanoids of Talamh, Firbolgs experience pregnancies and live births when it comes to reproducing. The standard period of pregnancy for these creatures is about eleven months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Firbolgs reach maturity usually around the age of 30, with their version of "puberty" hitting around the age of 15-20. Strangely, if they make it to the age of 50 years, they go through another growth spurt, usually adding 5 more inches to their overall height.

Ecology and Habitats

"It's scenic to them, the natural world. They feel more comfortable when trees hang over them in the mists of the rain than holed up in their normal quarters. But then, they'd get wet and grab a sniffle, so they understand their need for homes."

Firbolg make themselves homes through use of fallen trees and large stones, building into the landscapes. Though they don't make city structures, many build these homes in at least a mile in proximity, for they love the company of other Firbolg. These make tight-knit communities that share materials and goods. Otherwise, the Firbolgs usually stay within an untouched forest, which is what they like.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Firbolg call their habits "grazing". They will eat anything they find that is possibly edible. Though they will make efforts to occasionally farm, this proves difficult when they do not want to harm the land. Yet, their large structures require larges amounts of food to just be sustained for half a day. Sometimes they will trade with the elves in order to get this subsistence, because the elves do farm.

Biological Cycle

There is not much differences to a Firbolg's look throughout the seasons, save winter. During the winter, the normal pinkness of their nose starts to deepen into a red color. Why this happens seems to be unknown.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Because they are part fey, Firbolg have an access to magical powers. They can normally communicate with beasts and plants found out in the wild. They find themselves exceptional with finding magical beings like themselves, and hiding themselves with lighter steps because of this magic.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names are a foreign concept for the Firbolg, but not one they fail to understand. This is why they will take them up if necessary. Interestingly enough, the Firbolg love to take up elven names and give them to their children out of respect to Brigid. It is a way to form stronger bonds with the elves who inhabit Gaelitia. When not around elves, the Firbolg may name their children after plants or animals they have seen. Occasionally they will adopt a nickname or title given to them if an outsider wishes to use a proper name for them.

Beauty Ideals

Strength, though something they all share, is not beautiful to the eyes of a firbolg; gentleness is. This also accounts for the amount of wisdom displayed to each other, as Firbolg find actions and deeds more beautiful than looks.

Courtship Ideals

A firbolg will seek another firbolg with their idea of gentleness, and it has to be displayed in their actions. Another way is through gift-giving. Often times they will pick flowers for each other, make nice bead necklaces, good clothes, or other goods to show ideas of affection. This is mostly due to the fact that they don't very much share physical, sensual desires. They prefer a mate that will devote themselves to taking care of everyone, which is why actions and gifts are so appreciated.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

The practice of druidry is religious to them, unlike in other cultures. Those who are so attuned with the natural world with their normal magic abilities become priests and leaders in a firbolg's society.
One thing to be found in forests inhabited by Firbolg are large stone structures that are used for ceremonies overlooked by druids. "Henges" as they call them will either be used for sacrifices, dedications, marriages, or even elven holidays (if they wish to celebrate those).

History

Firbolg Ranger by Matt Hodorowski

The Firbolg have wandered and protected the forests of Gaelitia and Gothai since creation. They claim to be the reasons that human villages in forests are so protected, as they go out of their way to protect humans from the frail habitats found. It is the respect of life that allowed them to form strong bonds with the elves over the centuries, becoming great passive allies for the elves as they need their forests protected from dangerous creatures trying to enter them.
Over the years, the Elves helped train them in different weapons and fighting styles different from old giant methods. Now, Firbolg find themselves well practiced with swords, bows, and different types of armor in order to protect their homes. Noticeably, their affiliation with fey magic has allowed them to become effective rangers, scouts, and even druids.

Common Myths and Legends

Whatever you do, please don't mention Bghonah. They might just throw in a sour berry in your next meal with them!

In discussing their origin, the Firbolg apparently were an offshoot of the giants that were found in Gothai that were manipulated by the Archfey, Bghonah, who tried to reverse the intimidating nature of giants. However, Bghonah failed to control these giants as they began to become a little too laid back for his liking. He attempted to destroy them, but the Firbolg used the fey magics in order to hide from his presence.
Evidently the Firbolg became so far away from the ideals of Bghonah that they started acting like lawful protectors of the forests and fey. They became gentler, humbler, and nature freaks. Not that they would mind at all. They became so protective of the natural world that they would begin to train some of their kind in more advanced combat than most giants knew.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Firbolg view Elves as their greatest allies and friends, since they love the natural world that the goddess Brigid made just as much as the Firbolg. If any other humanoid shares the same concerns of the frailty of the natural world, they will most likely be beloved by the Firbolg. Likewise, if they harm nature or pervert it's beauty, they will be looked down upon.
Firbolg hate the Fomorians, the embodiment of using the fey and the natural world for self-absorbed purposes. They share a disliking of the Sluagh for this reason as well. They often will find themselves having to fight hordes of Sluagh in attempts to preserve forests and local villages.

Information taken from Volo's Guide to Monsters, by Wizards of the Coast.

Firbolg by Wizards of the Coast

Lifespan

Around 500 years

Average Height

Around 7-8 feet tall.

Average Weight

240-300 lbs.