Goliath
A tribe of Humans who stayed true to their Giant Ancestry.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Goliath appear similar to humans, though taller and heavier built.
Biological Traits
Goliath are large, standing a foot above Humans on average. Goliaths Women tend to be the leaders of their tribes, their ability to give birth to future generations and endure the pains of labor and birth is something that the Males respect and even envy. Its not unheard of for Males to undergo a specialized pain ritual in an attempt to 'keep up' with their partner. Goliath have a strange ability to develop muscle and bone more rapidly as they grow older, and their bodies become more and more dense keeping them in fighting shape right up until they die.
Genetics and Reproduction
Goliath reproduce sexually.
Growth Rate & Stages
Goliath gestate for roughly 10 months before giving birth to an infant who must be cared for, for roughly seven years before that child is considered a young adult in the tribe. they don't reach sexual maturity until their fourteenth winter, and live a little over one hundred years.
Ecology and Habitats
Goliath preffer colder high altitude climates, though their curious and adventurous nature often leads them far from home.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Goliath have a high protein diet, that they obtain mostly through hunting, though they are not above farming and gathering food as well.
Biological Cycle
Goliath actually become stronger as they age, a Goliath in his eighties is more prone to muscle development than a Goliath who's just reach maturity.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Goliath Matriarchs and War Mothers see to the safety of their clans, and the trackers keep the War Mothers informed. A circle of Druidic Shamans offer spiritual advice to everyone in the clan, their duty to keep their traditions alive through their children.
Facial characteristics
Goliath have round features, with paler skin than their Human kin. they often tattoo themselves with streaks or cracks to resemble the mountains they hail from.
Average Intelligence
Goliath are curious and intelligent creatures, though their traditions have not lent themselves towards technological advancement Goliaths are by no means stupid.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Goliath have a natural empathy for the land around them. they can sense when storms are coming, or when a nearby volcano will awaken, and so on.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Goliaths have 3 names. They start their lives with a first name and a clan name, but once they've come of age, a third name is given related to his or her most impressive deed thus far. This name can change throughout life, both for better and for worse. A better name could be given when a new deed is more impressive than the previous, or a worse name can be given as a type of punishment.
Courtship Ideals
Goliath love competition, and so every winter they have a competition to impress their partners. most of the time Goliaths stay together, though on occasion they will seek new partners during this celebration.
Relationship Ideals
Goliaths are only bound to each-other in their laws so long as it takes for their children to reach maturity, roughly seven years. after that, they are free to seek and do what they will.
Average Technological Level
Goliath chose to live a nomadic tribal life, though they know how to work and forge steel, even craft buildings from stone they do not build and forge as often as the other races.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Goliath have a number of celebrations and competitions that outsiders consider violent and or rude, but to a Goliath everything is a test to prove they have improved from the day before.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
As a Goliath ages, they often choose to acquire new tattoos that mark an important moment in their history, the history of their clan, or their family. Most Goliath are covered in tattoos by the time they are thirty.
Common Taboos
Goliaths that refuse a challenge are often shamed, even the sick and the wounded are expected to show the desire to compete even if they cannot partake.
History
Goliaths were one of the six Giant clans to survive the wars between Dragons, Dwarves, and their Giant ancestors. following the Curse of Stone laid upon them by the Dwarves and the Namless Black the Goliaths followed the Human tribes footsteps and began to experiment with magic to delay or remove the curse. Their efforts were not as careful as the Humans, and led to the creation of the Ettins and the Ogres. When they finally did perfect their efforts however, their Method allowed the Goliaths to keep more of their gifts, some of their power and longevity though not by much. The Goliath had tired of the war, and had plans to flee into natures domain long before the Curse of Stone and so had no intentions of returning to their Giant kin. They set out south, as far south as Irindor allowed to the Untamed lands where they created a network of loosely connected tribes, living peacefully off the lands there for many years. When Dark Elves, Demons, or Mad Wizards attempted to reap the bounty of the Untamed Lands the Goliath would come to the aid of the Druids and Forest Folk who lived there. Though the majority of Goliaths lived in the Untamed Lands in the south of Irindoth, there were many who were curious of the lands beyond their shores and so would venture out into the unknown world to live as wanders and adventures. Following Long Night, the Untamned Lands were consumed by the earth and much of the world enveloped in a great storm that forced the Goliath tribes back into the fold, they found themselves much closer to the other Mortals of Irindor and have taken a greater role in the history of the land as a result.
Historical Figures
Nararok Bravemaker Uthenu-Kelo was one of the major figures involved in getting the Gladiator rings legalized in Highgate, partaking in the sport until he was slain by a Hydra during the Great Games.
Common Myths and Legends
Ogna Stormrunner Athunamino is heralded as the greatest War Mother in Goliath history, so much that she ascended to godhood to watch over her people from the skies of the Stormsea.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Goliath are warm and inviting, though the Dwarves are slow to trust them because of their ancestry to their ancient enemy the Giants.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
120 years.
Average Height
2-2.4m
Average Weight
127-154kg
Average Physique
Goliaths are powerful built by nature, and their rugged life style improves their physique over time, making them stronger and more durable over the years.
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