Goliaths
Goliaths are a nomadic and isolationist people, making their home among the mountains north of Dragoncliff. A race of herders, they prefer to keep to themselves and not involve themselves in the affairs of other cultures at all if they can help it. Many centuries ago, Goliaths called most of modern Kjarra their home, preferring the hilly and more mountainous regions. After the migration of the human, who we now call Northmen, they retreated further and further north, now only existing in the most mountainous reaches where humans mostly do not traverse. They herd mountain goats and sheep and have great respect for nature and wildlife in general. They strongly prefer outsiders to keep well away from their mountains and affairs, though they have been known to be lenient with the occasional ranger, druid, or outlander passing through. The most noticeable physical trait of goliaths is their size, even the shortest of their race stand well beyond seven feet tall. A strong and sturdy race, they often defend themselves as fighters, monks, and barbarians. Among their people, they value athleticism, craftsmanship, and personal honor. They do not care much for politics or to exert authority over others.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Thekio, Khegu, Thelo, Divi, Vekko, Kikio, Olala, Zokha, Vaunea, Thania, Orekko, Vuria, Gethea, Thama, Zothi, Nalnu, Kuoki, Kima, Kama, Origu, Nala, Vokeo
Masculine names
Vinak, Vaman, Geavhik, Apalath, Tararhak, Gravoi, Khudak, Krarhan, Koramahg, Kazarog, Kanakin, Aparath, Lauthi, Lazathok, Tararath, Kavanath, Maradhan, Khunath, Morath, Varathak, Vegamul, Kavaghan, Aurroth, Arthag, Maraveith, Khumul, Koradhan, Pazak,
Family names
Agu-Ulavi, Egena-Vuthea, Nulakavi, Vathunavi, Kolakavi, Anakalaga, Ogolutha, Uthena-Kelo, Kalukukane, Kolakulane, Thulanathi, Katho-Oliaga, Malukavi, Valu-Navi, Thulaga, Nalakalathi
Other names
Goliaths have three names, a first name, a family or clan name, and a middle honorific name given to them by the tribe's chieftain, usually to reward an achievement or brand a shame. Their people often give those without family or who have left their clan the honorific Kinless.
Brave Wanderer, Rock Hauler, Storm Chaser, Flint Mender, Stone Striker, Stone Maker, High Guard, Brave Aid, Stone Breaker, River Jumper, Rock Carver, Deer Shot, Strong Fist, Dawn Breaker, Adept Eye, Goat Friend, Lone Warrior, Brave Logger, True Mender, Wild Shot
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Gol-Kaa is the native language of the Goliath. It does not appear to have any direct relation to any other language, though a few words and names bear similarities to Snow Elven counterparts. It has been speculated that it may also have a similar root to the language of giants.
Shared customary codes and values
Among Goliaths, values such as honesty, honor, and fair play are considered extremely important. As such, to deceive or betray others is seen as breaking the oath of the tribe itself and is a reason one may be banished. The Code of the Mountain Folk is an ancient, unwritten set of laws that govern the tribes. They are mostly unknown to outsiders, though they obligate Goliaths to conduct themselves with an egalitarian sense of honesty and trust among each other. If trust is broken, a Goliath may be allowed to do labor to absolve themselves of the crime and be permitted to stay in the tribe.
As well, the Kilai-tai is something a chieftain can call to invite other chieftains and guests to their tent in order to have peaceful counsel. Weapons must be left outside, and any betrayal of the spirit of the meeting is considered a cultural taboo. During it, chieftains should share resources and items such as stone works, weapons, milk, and livestock.
Common Dress code
Goliaths in their native homeland dress in very cumbersome layered hides and furs.
Art & Architecture
Goliaths are considered excellent crafters, their main art form is stonecutting. In their free time, they etch the stories of their tribes, heroes, and gods into stones, leaving them as monuments where they once lived. Across the land of Kjarra and Mistvall, Goliath stone etchings remain a testament to their earlier settlement.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Each tribe has a Lamentor designated by the chieftain to oversee all matters related to death and funerals. The Lamentor has another duty, to determine when a member of the tribe has become too weak or old to serve a purpose anymore. They inform the old or weak member of their decision, as well as the chieftain, and the tribe, proceeds to give them a proper departure with chants as the member leaves their tribe to seek an honorable death in the wild.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
A race of athletes, goliaths find beauty in signs of strength, such as tall frames and thick muscles.
Gender Ideals
A quite egalitarian culture, men and women largely carry the same expectations of strength, wisdom, and honor.
Relationship Ideals
It is expected that in any relationship, the couple should enjoy each other's company through games, competition, and a ritualistic week-long retreat as a pair into the mountains known as the Aunath.
Related Organizations