Goliath

Tall and broad-shouldered, the goliaths are a hardy people dwelling in most hostile places in the world. Generally militaristic, they are known for their tremendous strength, skill in battle and for their hearty appetite.

## Biology

Goliaths are significantly larger than most other humanoid species, ranging from 7ft at the very shortest to 10ft at the very tallest, though most are between 8ft and 9ft tall. Their musculature is naturally very dense; the goliath metabolism runs hot, most likely an adaptation to their cold homelands, so goliaths eat a lot even for their size, and require extremely protein-rich foods to sustain their huge body mass.

Goliath hair grows quickly and is tough and sleek. As with Dwarves, it is natural for goliath men and women to both be able to grow facial hair, but neither can grow hair on their top lip, and only men can grow hair on their chin. As such, "mutton chops" are a common facial hairstyle among goliath women.

## Sub-groups

As goliath settlements are generally limited to similar arctic and mountainous regions, sub-groups of goliath show relatively little biological variation, with the exception skin colour, which varies wildly and generally mirrors the landscape of their people's homeland, having evolved for natural camoflague. The skin pigmentation gene is also codominant, meaning a goliath whose parents are from different regions will retain the colour of both parents in a mottled pattern. Below are some examples of goliath settlements and their corresponding colouration:

 Gatharrow

## Settlements and Infrastructure

Their fast metabolism and hardy constitution make goliaths ideally suited for cold climates, they can be found in most of the cold places of the world where other species dare not settle. Goliaths who choose to establish a homestead will build well insulated wood buildings, centred around a large hearth, often adorned with intricate patterns. Others live a nomadic life, carrying with them a bundle of thick, heavy furs with which they erect a yurt each night.

## Culture

##### Art

Goliaths are not known for producing static artworks, but there are many goliath epics and songs passed down for centuries through oral tradition. The ceremonial tattoos, administered at a young goliath's nameday or in recognition of a great deed, can also be considered works of art requiring a great deal of skill and artistry.

### Language

Goliath typically speak Vacharrk and Common.

##### Naming traditions

Goliath children are named informally at birth, but this name is purely for convenience. Many goliaths simply refer to their children as "Poika" ("child") for the early years of their life. Names are taken formally at their nameday at the completion of the 150th lunar cycle since their birth (around 4 months before their 13th birthday), on this occasion the young goliath is free to choose their own name if their given name does not suit.

When a goliath does a great deed, they can take a "byname" as their second name. The family of a goliath with a particularly auspicious byname may also be referred to indirectly by this byname, until they earn a byname of their own. Spouses are referred to as "[First Name] of [Byname]", while children are "[First Name] [Byname]s[son/dottir/poika]". When a goliath earns their own byname, it supercedes that of their household. Goliaths who are not of a noteworthy family and have not earned a byname are generally referred to by their hometown.

For example, a goliath boy in the town of Laakso may grow up being called "Poika", but on his nameday chooses the name "Korhen", he would be "Korhen of Laakso". If he wins renown for surviving a bloody battle without a scratch, he may take the byname "Ironside", becoming "Korhen Ironside". If he marries a goliath woman named "Niemi of Laakso", she would become "Niemi of Ironside". If they had a son who took the name "Jorven", he would be "Jorven Ironsidesson". If Niemi of Ironside earns renoun for fighting raiders, she may take the byname "Raidersbane", superceding her husband's byname to make her "Niemi Raidersbane", and their son could choose to remain "Jorven Ironsidesson" or become "Jorven Raidersbaneson". If Niemi Raidersbane then married another man named "Kommar", he would become "Kommar of Raidersbane".

**Examples:** Korhen of Laakso, Korhen Ironside, Niema of Laakso, Niemi of Ironside, Niemi Raidersbain, Kommar of Raidersbane

## Society and Relationships

Goliath society is organised tribally, if a goliath pledges allegience to any leader it will be to their local Jarl, but many exist as free individuals only loosely affiliated with a tribe. With some notable exceptions, goliaths are generally a solitary people who tend to prefer either small settlements and private homesteads. Many choose to roam the wastes alone, meeting only to have children.

Goliath culture places a great emphasis on combat. Children are taught to fight from a young age, and all goliaths are expected to be able to defend themselves and their land. This means they are prized across the world as fighters, with many goliaths earning great renown and wealth as mercenaries and privateers.

##### Marriage and Childrearing

Goliath marriages are a fairly casual affair; there are no hard and fast rules on who can get married, how many partners you can have or what constitutes the end of a marriage. In general, a goliath marriage is simply an acknowledgement of mutual feelings and intentions to homestead together. The breakdown of a marriage is not unusual and is seen by goliaths as mundaine and even inevitable, most couples eventually choose to part ways and usually do so amicably.

Coparenting is common among goliaths, children are often raised by two or more parents independent of one another. Goliaths also place a much greater importance on the presence of extended family and friends in the child's life compared to the parent-focussed approach of other species. After their nameday, a child is expected to leave their family and make their way in the world. Be that building a homestead, building a mercenary career or simply wandering into the wilds to live a nomadic life.

## Death, Deities and Belief

There is no set belief system of goliaths, most consider the earth to be somewhat sentient and pay reverence to the land, but not by proxy of any deities or religious figures. There are many instances of goliaths converting to worship other gods, however. For example, goliath sailors often pay reverence to Besmara.

Unless they have adopted foreign religious beliefs, or have seen it first-hand (i.e. through dealings with necromancers), goliaths do not believe in an afterlife.

## Notable Figures

 **Johnny Platinum**

 **Bertha Bloodletter**

 **Rurik Waxwing**

## Campaign Events

* During the Sneintonion's encounter with Smooth Tides, Johnny Platinum used traditional goliath throat singing