Goliath

The goliaths are giant-kin, born of some combination of giant and human blood. They take after one of the giant ordnings: stone, fire, cloud, storm, or hill. All have one thing in common: they are enthusiastically competitive. The harsh conditions of the places where they live push them to prove their worth against the challenges of daily life. Goliaths keep a meticulous mental tally of their accomplishments and failures, and constantly work to outdo themselves. They are not sore losers; failure just drives them to work harder to improve. But they can sometimes go too far. Few goliaths live to see old age, because their pursuit of ever greater challenges often takes them to an early grave.
Goliaths prefer to live in isolated corners of the world where they are most in their element, so few people will ever see or meet one. Those who part from their herd are usually fierce competitors in search of greater challenges, or outcasts.
Most goliaths are followers of Kord the Storm Lord, patron of giant-kin. Some fire and stone goliaths also pay tribute to Moradin in matters of crafting.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Goliaths are large humanoids, between 7 and 8 feet tall and powerfully built. Like giants, their eyes have no visible iris or pupil. They cover their skin in elaborate tattoos that document their lives. Men usually shave their heads, but may grow a beard.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Goliaths live in clans made up of extended family. These clans are meritocratic, with each individual contributing according to their skills, and each is expected to pull their weight. Those who lag behind due to old age, illness, or injury feel obliged to quietly slip away from camp to find their fate. They consider this to be fair, because the wilderness where they live demands that every one of them be in prime condition.
Because of this cultural tendency to seek a glorious end, one thing that goliaths lack is experienced leadership. They have to hope for a leader with innate wisdom, because wisdom gained from age is a rare thing in their culture.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Goliaths have three names: an individual name given by their parents, a hereditary clan name, and a descriptive nickname given by the clan leaders.

Gender Ideals

Goliaths see females and males as equal in all things, and they find societies with roles divided by gender to be puzzling or worthy of mockery.

Origin/Ancestry

Hybrid

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

7'6''

Average Weight

320 lbs