Goliath

## On Goliaths

*"Honest, hardworking people with words as good as steek. Just watch out for their competitive nature. They've got more stamina than you, and you don't want to be on the loosing end of that wrestling match."-Zevazall, half-orc adventurer, on his time among a goliath tribe.*

*"Here on the peaks of the mountains, high above the trees and problems of the world below, we can count on few allies. The goliaths certainly number among them."-Crirr, aarakocra warden, before sending his young charges into the range alone.*

*"Goliaths are rigid. Unchanging. Utterly predictable. They follow a strict code of ethics where every member of the tribe must pull their own weight. By Moradin, they're perfect!"- Hurran Rockguard, dwarven ambassador, to the council of lords regarding new trade agreements.*

*"The rumble like the mountains! Easy to hear 'em coming. Easy pickpocket. Don't get caught."- Steel Drop, kenku pickpocket, to the younger pickpockets under his charge.*

Goliaths are massive, rugged mountain folk, giantkin, well known for their devotion to fair play and love of competition. They make natural athletes or adventurers and are well regarded as companions. The influence of the goliath creator-god Xoldarr who is worshiped among many non-goliaths for a variety of reasons is partially responsible for these attitudes. Most goliaths are clannish and live among the various mountains and hills of Apia. They wander from place to place, rejecting the easy "civilized" life of weakling lowlanders. All goliaths must pull their weight or the tribe won't survive. For this reason most wandering individual goliaths are exiles, either by choice or not, though some are allowed to wander free from the tribe if they so desire.

## Appearance:

Goliaths are, in a solitary word, massive. They average between 7 and 8 feet tall and built from pure muscle, with more than a passing resemblance to the mountains they live upon. Many have notably bony, or prominent supraorbital ridges above their eyes. Said eyes are often bright blue or green and often glow softly. Goliath skin is usually a shade of gray, though brown is not unheard of. Regardless of color it is extremely tough, comparable to stone. One of their most distinctive features is the darker, usually vertically symmetrical, patches of skin that cover their entire bodies. Many goliaths believe that these markings somehow explain or control their destiny. Goliaths don't tattoo themselves for this reason because it could affect their futures. Goliath skin is littered with bony growths called "lithoderms". These growths are roughly the size of a coin, appearing like studded pebbles on their arms, shoulders, torso or head. However, some goliaths don't have them and are instead completely smooth. Males are typically hairless but females grow long, dark hair on their scalps and nowhere else. They braid this hair into exotic patterns or shapes, sometimes including plants, gems or feathers. Clothing and jewelry are tribal in design, made of furs, leathers hide and bone. Goliaths believe in rugged, reliable equipment that can survive almost any condition. While they do enjoy beautiful things, whatever they take with them must be able to survive the nomadic lifestyle and so adornment is uusually shunned.

## History:

Goliaths are obsessed with the histories of their various tribes, boasting for hours about great deeds of tribal heroes or chieftains, each story more daring than the last. However, when asked about the history of their people, most grow silent. Goliaths have always roamed Apia's mountains a fact they are happy about. Yet if you ask the oldest old crones or grandfathers on certain moon-lit nights they'll whisper of Annam All-Father. They'll tell the tales of giant myth, how Othea, Annam's wife, fell in love with a god of the ocean. How Annam's wrath boiled over at her infidelity, despite the hypocresy. They'll discuss the contract that was signed between them for one final child who would restore the lost giant nation of Ostoria and bring back the glory that was lost to the dragons. These goliaths will tell you how Othea in her bitterness held the child so long that he was born stunted. Hartkiller, the last son of Annam All-Father, was rejected by his giant brothers because of his small size. His quest to rebuild Ostoria was doomed to failure when he was attacked by the other giants, refusing to follow one so small. Hartkiller did manage to found a hidden nation away from other mortal races. He took a wife from among the dao, those elemental genies of earth. These ancient goliaths suggest, with a serious sort of look, the children Hartkiller and his dao wife had together before his untimely death were the first goliaths.

It may be myth, or fact, but many goliaths believe it. Their presence in the mountainous regions, like many hill or stone giants, does support the claim. Including that ancient tale all goliaths tell stories of their various tribal successes and great deeds with each more extravagant than the last. All claim to be descendants from Mualio Lonehunter, the legendary demi-god goliath who aided Latrell against the beholders. Each tribe will claim that they, and they alone, are his true descendants. Goliaths have long been heroes and adventurers, roaming in search of adventure and glory, determined to surpass their previous accomplishments with something greater. Each tribe of nomadic goliaths have a rich history, of tribal battles won, mountains climbed and drinks drunk. All you have to do is ask one. Today, tribes of goliaths are found all throughout Apia, living in the mountain ranges outside of Ocho or in the Dragontail. Some live amongst the frozen plains of Druz or along The Great Northern Sheet. They live as they always have, as nomadic braggarts who care little for the weakness of "lowlander folk."

## Geography:

Goliaths live in nomadic tribes of between forty and one hundred members, high in the mountain ranges of Apia, far removed from most other races. The vast majority call the Dragontail Mountains their home but a sizable contingent live in the Ocho mountains south of Vittoedel. Quite a few goliath tribes in recent years have migrated to either The Great Northern Shelf or the icy fields of Druz. Individual goliath families or exiles can be found in most places.

## Personality:

Goliaths are famous, in some cases infamous, for their competitive nature. Everything can, and should, be a contest with winners, losers and scores. From fighting, to drinking, to lifting heavy objects, sports or even mundane tasks, goliaths treat everything like a competition, and they want to win. This borderline compulsive need drives everything in their society. Goliaths don't see this as something that belittles anyone, or a point of arrogance, but rather a key philosophy of life. They feel that losers, which includes themselves, will be inspired to work harder and improve, as no one is a harsher critic of a goliath than himself. Beating his own record, surpassing his previous best is a thrill. This constant drive is simply a matter of survival. In the mountains everyone must pull their own weight or the tribe will suffer and possibly die. Those who cannot contribute are drags on the tribe and are worthy of no pity or special treatment. Each must support himself. They cannot stand cheaters, liars or sore losers, punishing the former harshly and scorning the later. Everyone must have an equal footing for the game to be fair, without a fair game, their cannot be fair victory. This concept of fairness extends to every aspect of goliath life and forms the fundamental bedrock of their society. They are dashing and brave, in love with danger, feats of physical boldness, athletics and strength. Ultimately curious about new experiences many goliaths become consummate explorers, venturing far and wide for new challenges they can best. Goliaths don't hold grudges against those who beat them in fair contests. After all, "Today's rival is tomorrow's teammate." Despite their braggadocios ways most are actually quite likeable. They are a friendly, gregarious people, even if most conversations end with a bragging contest.

## Society:

Goliaths are primarily nomads, who move through the mountain ranges they call home along ancient trails. They follow weather patterns, hunting animals with skill that only generations of the nomadic lifestyle can produce. Each tribal member, from the youngest to the oldest, has some key function they preform to help the tribe thrive and survive. While the children weave baskets or sharpen arrows, hunters search the surrounding territory for game. Others prepare the meals and still others preform repairs or similar tasks. Roles in goliath society are exclusively given on the basis of merit, not gender or pedigree; only the best for a task should do it. The chieftain of each tribe is usually the strongest and bravest among them with the longest list of accomplishments. These chiefs are supported by druids, shamans and chroniclers, who appease the spirits, offer guidance and record the great deeds of the tribe. The word of the chief is law, not to be lightly rejected or set aside. Because they have earned their places most are trusted by their followers. Goliaths marry and have children as many other species do, though children do tend to be taught communally by the shaman. Divorce is rare but allowed. Each family has their own tent and it is considered extremely impolite to enter a family tend without explicit approval, a tradition most goliaths living among the lowlanders extend to their rented rooms or homes.

When they sense that their time of usefulness is at an end, and they have become a burden to the tribe, the old goliath will inform the chieftain that he is taking "The long watch." It is a solemn oath and a private one. The goliath will take few possessions and hike up the mountain to a peak where he can look over the valley. He then removes his cloak and waits for the chill to take him. Despite their legendary cold resistance, the process is quick. The tribe will leave his body where it is found, keeping vigil over the land they love. In rare cases, a cairn may be built over the body of truly exceptional warriors. Bodies have no intrinsic value, as they are merely hosts for the spirit. While goliath tribes are utterly focused on survival, they do enjoy simple pleasures, games of physical skill including wrestling and goatball, dancing, music, drinking and storytelling. Goliaths are rowdy companions indeed when the mood is right and the day's work is done. Cheating, lying, stealing and murder are considered abhorrent among the goliaths, as they directly lead to harm for the tribe and those who commit such acts are exiled without pity. They are given nothing but those few possessions they carry on their back and shunned until they leave.

## Religion:

Most goliaths worship Xoldarr, the god of sportsmanship, strength and fair-play. Xoldarr himself is the creator god of the race and deeply beloved by all goliaths. Some worship the Green Lord, Emdera Ruggedfist, or the giant pantheon but these are rare. All goliaths honor the spirits of nature and their ancestors, who they believe guide and watch them as they move throughout this mortal life.

## Alignment:

Most goliaths are neutral good. Their devotion to fairness and honor leads most towards honest pursuits. A few goliaths, or tribes, turn to evil, become ruthless, pitiless raiders who slaughter and take what they need from weaker beings without thought. These are among the most dangerous beings alive.

## Relations:

While most goliaths show a polite disdain for "lowlanders," meaning all non-goliaths, who they see as weak and unfit for survival, they tend to be friendly with nearly everyone, lowlanders included. Aarakocra and dwarves tend to interact with goliaths the most who, in turn, respect these races as consummate survivalists and honorable beings. Many find the great stories and nomadic nature of the halflings to be relatable and enjoyable, and halfling caravans receive royal welcome from goliath tribes. Jovians, cyclops, and other giantkin are treated as distant cousins and happily welcomed as guests or companions. Earth genasi are viewed as "stone siblings" and welcomed as friendly rivals.

Many full blood giants however take goliaths as servants or slaves and so many tribes dislike or even hate them.  They struggle with fey-related races, as most goliaths do not appreciate pranks as anything more than elaborate lies. Still, many fey do have qualities admired by the goliaths and individuals can find welcome among them, assuming they pull their weight.

## Language:

Goliaths speak their own language called gol-kaa and common. Gol-Kaa is an exclusively active language and even when speaking common most goliaths phrase their sentences in an active way.

## Names:

Goliath names are made in three parts. First is a given name, usually two syllables, and chosen by the parents. Then they have an honorific name, given to them by the chieftain and based on some great deed. Finally they have a tribe name. Due to the complex nature of goliath names, examples are given as complete names, rather than first and last names, feel free to pick and chose from the examples provided.

**Example Male Names:** Zaugal Mastercarver Egumulane, Aunak Roottanner Thunukiaga, Mamahk Bearleader Nola-Kiala, Agthi Tribefist Anakalithino, Narath Nightchaser Kulanigane, Apagath Lumbersmasher Geanutha, Tarakon Riverhunter Gathakavea, Ilimahk Steadybreaker Ovethekali, Erggak Stonecaller Geanamune

**Example Female Names:** Velea Hideweaver Nulakanathi, Vaunnio Flintfinder Nulakakane, Vogia Wildfriend Kalagiaga, Origu Rootchaser Agu-Vekali, Ninea Tribehunter Uthenu-Kugate, Origea Flintheart Ogolutha, Daunea Mountainbreaker Kolae-Gigo, Thukia Longlogger Valu-Nakume, Kekea Wanderworker Agu-Ulithino, Gaumeo Steadyfinder Ganu-Mutha

## Adventurers:

Goliath adventurers are often exiles, removed from their tribe for some unforgivable transgression. Others are simple wanderers, driven to explore Apia, find great challenges, and best them. They are usually fighters or barbarians, swinging great two-handed weapons with gusto. A goliath makes for a capable companion and many adventuring parties are overjoyed by the presence of one.

## Traits:

Goliath traits are described below...

+4 Strength, -2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence: Goliaths are massive and strong. However, they aren't as nimble as others, and their tribal lifestyle discourages more academic pursuits.

Medium

30 Ft Speed.

Monstrous Humanoid

Powerful Build: The physical stature of a goliath lets him function in many ways as if he were one size category larger. Whenever a goliath is subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for an opposed check (such as during grapple checks, bull rush attempts, and trip attempts), the goliath is treated as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to him. A goliath is also considered to be one size larger when determining whether a creature's special attacks based on size (such as improved grab or swallow whole) can affect him. A goliath can use weapons designed for a creature one size larger without penalty. However, his space and reach remain those of a creature of his actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change the subject's size category.

Mountain Movement: Because goliaths practically live on the ledges and cliffs of the most forbidding mountains, they are particularly adept at negotiating mountain hazards. Goliaths can make standing long jumps and high jumps as if they were running long jumps and high jumps. A goliath can engage in accelerated climbing (climbing half his speed as a move action) without taking the —5 penalty on the Climb check.

Acclimated: Goliaths are automatically acclimated to life at high altitude. They don't take the penalties for altitude described in the Mountain Travel section on page 90 of the Dungeon Master's Guide. Unlike other denizens of the mountains, goliaths don't lose their acclimation to high altitude even if they spend a long time at a lower elevation.

+2 bonus on Sense Motive checks: When speaking to one another, goliaths tend to augment their verbal communication with subtle body language. They are likewise able to "read" the unintentional body language of others.

Favored Class: Barbarian