Goliaths

Goliaths

These enormous people are often called half-giants, and indeed some speculate that there might be truth to the moniker: the ancient history of this race tells of them roaming the wilds in nomadic tribes, and they still inherit the physique from that lifestyle. However now, goliaths are integrated into society quite well. Most goliaths live in the realm of Vander.

## History of Strength

Some goliath families tell the tale of the days when the Vandrin Empire was just taking root, and desired to lay claim to the ancestral territory of the twelve goliath tribes. Historically the tribes were rivals, but the chieftains recognized the threat that the budding power posed, and banded together to defend their home. Thus united, the tribes posed both a political front and a forceful one - as the empire's assassins learned, goliaths have a keen sense of survival and are cunning warriors.

The most charismatic and keen-minded members of the tribes guided their people where the Empire's laws were concerned, and when the Empire tried to circumvent their own laws and assaulted the tribes with a small army, these ambassadors ensured that the goliath tribes had legal recourse to defend themselves. And defend themselves they did: the Empire was soundly and utterly defeated, even with superior numbers and magic users on their side.

The goliaths then demanded that the empire recognize them as their own independent nation, that had claimed the northern territories rightfully. The Empire conceded, and grudgingly ceased their attempts. There still remains bitterness between the agents of law in the Empire and the rural goliath settlements, but thanks to the subsequent actions of some of those tribes, even that has nearly died.

## Buying Power

As society grew on the realm of Vander, many of the Goliath tribes wished to give up their way of life and integrate with the modern and magical conveniences the Empire brought with it. However, the Empire was loathe to grant any of them citizenship, or to treat them fairly. That changed when a few young entrepreneurs came up with a clever strategy: sell the Empire some of the land they wanted, in exchange for legal rights, social status, and money. The Empire, desperate for resources and hungry to push the frontier, accepted eventually. Thus, several of the goliath tribes grew very rich indeed, becoming land barons almost overnight and rising to high status when they entered the society at last.

This legacy carries on in the Empire today. Almost every goliath encountered in the streets of the Vandrin cities is of high-class birth, and few dare to take advantage of so powerful an adversary, politically and physically, as a goliath heir or heiress.

## Goliath Traits

**Goliath Ancestral Traits**

   Goliaths have lifespans comparable to humans. They enter adulthood in their late teens and usually live less than a century.

   (Medium) Goliaths are between 7 and 9 feet tall and weigh between 280 and 400 pounds.

   30 ft.

    You're acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet. You're also naturally adapted to cold climates, and you are resistant to Cold damage.

    You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

    You can focus yourself to occasionally shrug off injury. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled, and reduce the damage by that total. After you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

**Vandrin Goliath Cultural Traits**

   STR +1

   As with many cultures that began as nomadic people, the goliath culture emphasises family first, self-sufficiency, and personal accountability. Though those days are far behind them, goliath people still have a strong bent towards lawful alignments, and most individuals maintain a regular workout regimen to keep themselves in peak physical condition.

   Common, Giant

    You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.

    When you use your goliath heritage or cultural status as leverage, you have advantage on related Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion checks.