Towering over most folk, goliaths are distant descendants of giants. Each goliath bears the favors of the first giants - favors that manifest in various supernatural boons, including the ability to quickly grow and temporarily approach the height of goliaths’ gigantic kin.
Goliaths have physical characteristics that are reminiscent of the giants in their family lines. For example, some goliaths look like stone giants, while others resemble fire giants. Whatever giants they count as kin, goliaths have forged their own path in the multiverse-unencumbered by the internecine conflicts that have ravaged giantkind for ages - and seek heights above those reached by their ancestors.
History
Goliaths are native to the continent of Kildar, inhabiting its lands long before the elves arrived. Living in small tribes, often in remote areas, had them unnoticed by the new settlers for quite a while. Initial contact was tentative, partially because of the language barrier, but relations quickly started to blossom. A point of pride for the Goliaths is their contribution to the construction of the first elven cities, utilizing their strength and knowledge of materials to erect entire buildings in record time.
How exactly the Goliath people came to be is still somewhat of a mystery. Their ancestors, the giants, are said to have been in conflict with the dragons thousands of years ago. According to legends both sides clashed violently and took heavy losses. Little has been seen of the giants – or their draconic adversaries – in recent times, with Goliaths and Dragonborn being the most prominent reminder of these forgotten titans.
Their early involvement with the elves saw Goliaths become part of society at large, while secluded more tribe-like communities still remain. Many Goliaths are excellent craftsmen and women and as such are present through the various guilds of Kildar. Others choose a more adventurous lifestyle as hirelings, actual adventurers, or as explorers and guides.
With much of their true origins and history yet to be revealed the Goliath people have pursued finding and recording knowledge of it actively. This led them to form the Titan Seekers, an organization dedicated to their ancestral pursuit. As the organization grew and their collaboration with the Dragonborn increased, they began offering services beyond their own pursuits, which eventually led to the founding of the Explorers Guild.
Culture
The Goliath culture is deeply rooted in a number of foundational principles named the Guiding Pillars. These Pillars rest on the idea that mastering fundamental skills and cultivating self-awareness can equip young Goliaths with the mindset and adaptability necessary to navigate life's challenges.
Even though many Goliaths have transitioned away from their traditional tribal lifestyle, the Guiding Pillars persist and continue to be instilled in Goliath children to this day. It is this adaptability, taught through their Pillars and carried throughout Kildar, along with their pursuit of knowledge, that has made their culture increasingly vibrant and diverse.
Faith
Faith means different things to the Goliath people, and has changed throughout history. Older Goliaths still remember when about 80 years ago Annam, the god of giants, was introduced into the Kildarian Pantheon. While Annam was worshiped as a god by subsections of the Goliath population, it was generally seen as a formality; officially establishing Goliaths – who had been living with, and in, Kildar society for ages/centuries – as citizens of Kildar. To most Goliaths Annam has become a legend spoken of by village elders around a fire, the only tangible remaining connection being their ancestry.
In current times, the shared philosophy that comes closest to the idea of faith are the Guiding Pillars. They offer structure that enables adaptability, and focus on learning not only essential skills, but also of oneself. The Pillars are portrayed and experienced in different ways by different tribes, communities, and individuals. Where some focus on honing their body and spirit through meditation, others dedicate themselves to perfecting their craft. Such is the fundamental nature of the Guiding Pillars; adaptable to the path ahead, whoever, and wherever, a Goliath might find themselves.
Relations
There is a great mutual respect between the Goliath people and the Elves. Their relationship was born from basic trade, and subsequently strengthened through the craftsmanship lent by the Goliaths during the construction of the first Elven cities on Kildar. They haven’t grown nearly ‘close’ to the Elves as they have to the Dragonborn or the Dwarves, but it is a relationship that stands firm, and will likely remain as such for many centuries.
Once bitter rivals, the have grown close ties with the Goliaths. Where the relationship between their Giant and Dragon ancestors was defined by violent conflict, their shared ancestral history has functioned as a catalyst to bring their independent pursuits for their lost history together.
Viewed as kindred spirits in certain ways, Goliathkind has long been close to the Dwarfs, one way or another. Many Goliath tribes have found themselves in a neighborly relationship with a Dwarven city, trading goods and labor to shore up each others' shortcomings. These days many Goliaths still swear by Dwarven made weaponry, and usually when a Dwarf needs something to stand tall, and for centuries, they know where to find a strong and skilled pair of hands.
Language
Most Goliaths are taught Gol-Kaa*, a language seemingly derived from Giant. This traditionally spoken language only has 13 phonetic elements, sufficient for basic communication among their kin.
Most Goliaths not living in remote areas speak Common. They aren’t a numerous people, but they have spread far across Kildar, and even more Goliath-centric settlements rely on relations with other cultures and organizations for trade and protection.
For the purposes of character creation, if your Goliath knows Giant, they also know Gol-Kaa.
Names
Goliath names are traditionally made up of three parts; a first name assigned by the parents, an honorific middle name given by the community’s leader, and a family or tribe name.
First names are generally short, consisting of one or two syllables.
The honorific name is tied to a past achievement or failure, and given to the individual by their leader.
The last name is tied to the tribe or community they belong to, and captures a distinct view or unique aspect of the surrounding area in a few simple words.
Otherworldly
Goliaths born as an Aasimar or Tiefling present stronger physical traits associated with their Giant-heritage. A Goliath of fire giant lineage might have irises akin to flame while a descendant of storm giants might have a pale glow beneath their skin as if their veins were filled with lighting.
In an isolated mountain village a Goliath displaying these otherworldly traits often end up as community or spiritual leaders. A Goliath that partakes in underground fights in the unsavory underbelly of a metropolis might very well have their stone giant genetics to thank for their win record. At least a little.
Backgrounds
Goliathkind has spread far and wide across Kildar; some staying closer to their tribal origins while others feel at home amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy city.
In touch with nature. Originally being a self-sufficient folk, a Goliath who is part of a rural tribe, or simply has a close connection to nature, could well be a Farmer, Guide, or Hermit.
Built different. Many Goliaths have learned to (focus/guide) their inherited strength and fortitude towards achieving great feats. These giants’ gifts are used by Artisans to craft grand works, they’ve loaded cargo and hoisted sails (Sailor), and they’ve steeled resolve protecting the innocent (Guard, Soldier).
Classes
The more secluded Goliath communities are mostly self-sufficient, aside from some minor trade with nearby settlements. As such, they’ve learned to fend for themselves. Knowledge of the natural world and the ability to live off the land (Ranger), the skill and courage to defend their home (Barbarian), and honing of both body and soul (Monk) are crucial to their survival.
Professions
Goliaths are seen as a resourceful sort who can pick up the basics of a new skill very quickly, and as such their kind hold varied professions all throughout Kildar, and beyond. It is the broad spectrum of basic skills and crafts traditionally taught to young Goliaths to prepare them for life’s challenges that makes them so adaptable.
Those that prefer staying close to their nature often become excellent hunters, healers, stonemasons, and smiths. However, don’t be surprised when the bard that ‘nearly’ brought you to tears the other night – you were trying to forget your recent breakup – turns out to be a 7-foot half-giant.
Factions
The Titan Seekers’ mission is to pursue, uncover, and collect lost knowledge of their Giant ancestors. Or at least, that was their original goal. Early on, when it became apparent that their history was intertwined with that of the Dragonborn, a competitive spirit started to show itself. On both sides.
You will be hard pressed to find a Kildarian that has not heard of at least one ‘race for knowledge’ between the Goliaths and the Dragonborn. These undoubtedly exaggerated stories speak of either a Dragonborn or a Goliath managing to uncover some long lost secret, usually just out from under the other one’s nose. And of course, there were many antics along the way; The watchers, assigned solely to keep an eye on the rival camp, would find themselves outwitted by decoy campfires and empty tents, their occupants long gone before dawn.
What started as friendly competition turned into a prideful rivalry that toed the line of ‘friendly’ more than a couple of times. Where things could have taken a turn for the worst – some say it came down to the events of a single expedition – the two sides ultimately grew closer together. These days the Titan Seekers are a point of pride for both Goliaths and Dragonborn; an organization that seeks to unravel their intertwined history together.
Appearance
Their varied Giant heritage makes Goliaths very diverse and divergent in their physical attributes. This can present as a certain hue or pattern in their skin, vibrant colored eyes, or hair more closely resembling stone spikes. Even so, one Goliath might show these traits very strongly, while another might just have a slight blue tone to their skin, or no obvious traits at all.
Lineages
The giant lineage that flows through Goliaths presents itself in various ways. Aside from the physical likeness to their ancestors, some believe this heritage affects one’s personality and ability as well. Fire giant descendants are often said to be more expressive in their emotions, where those of cloud giant ancestry are regularly creative spirits. How much of this can be attributed to lineage, as opposed to an individual’s upbringing, is unclear. Ultimately, the value of their shared principles and ancestry far outweighs that of the differences born from their specific lineages.
Notable members
Kova Ironbrow was the leader of arguably the most pivotal expedition in the Titan Seekers’ history. The story goes that her expedition ultimately united Goliaths and Dragonborn in their efforts to uncover their ancestral history. Across many of its recountings the story goes that Kova not only outwitted her Dragonborn rival, Xyrax Tazbarum, to the discovery they were chasing, but also saved their life in the process. Few know the real story, but any Goliath or Dragonborn is taught its tale somewhere during their childhood. That fact is more important than the true story itself; It is a reminder of the moment that solidified the genuine trust, and shared dedication to their efforts that both kinds have shared ever since.