Goliath

Goliaths were a nomadic race of humanoids native to the mountainous regions of Toril.[3]

Basic Information

Anatomy

Description

Goliaths were massive. They averaged between 7 to 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4 meters) tall, making them even taller than dragonborn and half-orcs.[14] Goliaths had noticeably bony or prominent supraorbital ridges above their eyes.[14] Goliath eyes were often a bright blue or green and sometimes glowed a little.[13]

Skin

Goliath skin was often gray or brown and was extremely tough (often compared to stone).[7] One of the most distinctive features of the goliath was the darker (often vertically symmetrical) patches of skin that covered their entire bodies.[14] Goliaths believed that these markings somehow explained or controlled their fate or destiny. For this reason, goliaths never tattooed themselves as this could affect their future.[13] Goliath skin was littered with bony growths called "lithoderms". These growths were roughly the size of a coin and appeared like studded pebbles on their arms, shoulders, torso or head.[14]

Genetics and Reproduction

Like that of humans

Growth Rate & Stages

Unknown

Ecology and Habitats

Worldwide(they are a nomadic race)

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivore

Additional Information

Social Structure

Varies

Facial characteristics

Skin mottled with dark patches, bony protrusions

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Worldwide

Average Intelligence

Varies

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Varies

Courtship Ideals

Like that of humans

Relationship Ideals

Like that of humans

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common, Giant, Dwarvish

Common Dress Code

Winter clothing and or varies

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The cultures and traditions of goliath tribes varied from tribe to tribe and region to region but a number of traits were common across several tribes.[15] Goliaths had little empathy or pity for adults who couldn't take care of themselves but they would treat and take care of the injured and sick. Permanently injured goliaths were still expected to contribute in every way that they could.[16]
Arts and crafting in goliath culture were limited by the resources they had at hand in the mountains. As a result, goliaths were skilled in crafts like flintknapping, tanning, stitching, creating simple pottery, bone-carving, and painting.[18]
Goliath art was often colorful and expressive. Art was one of the few things that goliaths understood to be non-competitive; they fully appreciated that art couldn't have a winner. Goliaths believed that art should be used to show people something they couldn't see in the real world. Goliaths decorated their tents, caves, weapons, and clothes with abstract designs (often jagged, parallel lines and symbols that had astronomical significance).[26]

History

It's unclear how old the goliath race was or where they originally came from, but it was commonly believed that they were somehow related to stone giants or earth genasi.[10] Another origin story claimed that the first goliaths were humans who sought answers from their gods. These individuals climbed the Columns of the Sky mountain range to seek parley with their gods. It was said that the journey to the peaks turned the seekers into the first goliaths.[30] In the Year of Sycophants, −357 DR, a group of goliath hunters from Mount Akoro were part of an alliance that successfully defeated the primordial Maram of the Great Spear.[31]
As of 1375 DR, some thirty-six goliath outcasts lived in Murkstones, in Undermountain. They lived in relative harmony with the various other races that had taken up refuge in the underground village.[32]
By 1479 DR, many of the mountain-dwelling goliath tribes had become even more isolated, thanks to the spellscarred lowlands. The tribes stayed in the safety of their mountain tops and few travelers ventured across the dangerous lowlands.[9]

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Goliaths were friendly to anyone who didn't threaten their tribe, but wouldn't wait around for travelers who couldn't keep up with them.[13] Goliaths were particularly fond of dwarves and had great respect for dwarven blacksmiths. Some goliaths would even venture into mountain tunnels to seek out dwarves to trade with.[13]
Human rangers or druids were known to sometimes work together with goliath tribes in hunts. Both the humans and goliaths could mutually benefit from these temporary alliances.[13]
Goliaths often referred to earth genasi as their "cousins". The two races maintained a friendly rivalry.[10]
Elves were somewhat intimidating to goliaths, owing to their long lifespans. Goliaths often struggled with the idea that creatures existed that were old enough to have known their great-grandparents and ancestors.[5]
Although they had no particular hatred of goblins, orcs, or half-orcs, goliaths were wary of them. This was mostly due to the stories that they heard from passing travelers about the trouble they caused.[5]
Attitudes towards giants varied. Some tribes traded with giants. Giant weapons were not as well crafted as dwarven ones, but they were a far more suitable size. Some giants, however, would try and make goliaths into slaves. This led to conflicts and goliaths being wary of giants.[5]
Although xvarts particularly hated goliaths,[29] it's unclear if the feeling was mutual.
Goliaths who ventured out of their tribes would often find issue with the class divisions found in other societies. Goliaths struggled with the idea that an incompetent king could rule over hard-working peasants. These opinions were often shared and goliaths would openly mock incapable leaders or rich nobleman who relied on social structures to maintain their power.[16]

Lifespan

Usually less than a century

Average Height

7-8 ft

Average Weight

280-340 lbs

Average Physique

Muscular

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

White, gray or brown with black patches