Goliaths

'Ho, what brings you here, small ones? Welcome to our village! Come, get warm by the fire! Then you can come hunting with us, eh? See what you little things can do!' - Grathak Mountaingoat, chieftain

The legend states that, when the first mountains stood and became the giants, before they shattered into the modern giants, one fell, shattering into tiny pieces. These pieces became the very smallest giants, the goliaths. Unlike their giant cousins, the goliaths have seen some degree of acceptance among the rest of Ratha's people, on the rare occasion they descend down from their villages atop the very tallest of the Domhanar Mountains. Their society is built on competition, in a very broad way - everything is a competition, from hunting, to cooking, to setting up a tent. Every few years, the tribes will all gather for a great festival in which almost everything you can imagine has a formal competition, with a champion assigned from among the tribes. Outsiders are welcome, but few can hope to compete with these mighty giants, so it remains a popular event to spectate.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Goliaths are best adapted to the highest mountains - they are unaffected by the extreme cold and lack of oxygen atop these peaks. This does mean, however, they fare rather poorly in hot environments.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Goliaths are chiefly carnivorous, eating what animals can be hunted or farmed atop the high mountains. They can eat plant matter, but these are hard to obtain in their natural environment.

Biological Cycle

Goliaths age at a similar rate to humans, and breed at a similar rate.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Goliaths have similar facial proportions to humans, though they typically have very strong, square jaws. Notably, they struggle to grow facial hair, and most males are bald.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Goliaths are given a name in Giant at birth. They may take a nickname, based on their greatest accomplishment.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Goliaths speak Giant, and often speak the languages of any neighboring settlements they trade with.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Goliath culture is built around competition, and any members of a particular role will compete ferociously to be the best in their tribe.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Goliaths keep to themselves mostly, but are on friendly terms with most species. There is, however, a good deal of tension with the dwarves, whose ancient conflict with the giants can make them distrust the goliaths.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Giants

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

8ft

Average Weight

Even heavier than their height would imply

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Goliaths have skin tones that are typically a stone-like grey. They also often have elaborate, tribal tattoos.