Appearance
The name of their species is synonymous for large, and this is no mistake. Goliaths are generally the tallest of all "civilised" peoples, standing above even the Minotaurs and Loxodons of the world. Even without their heights and widths, they are identifiable by the strange black lines and symbols running along the snow-coloured skin of their massive bodies; present from birth and unchanging all their lives, said to be the marks of destiny on living flesh. There are the odd few goliath who bear no markings, but they are often ostracised from society as strangers and pariahs.
Male goliaths are almost universally bald across both their heads and bodies, with female goliaths either being bald as well, or sporting glossy black hair on their heads but nowhere else. As a result, it is an oft-wondered question how these people survive so far up in the mountains without some fur or hair to keep themselves warm like every other mundane creature would need.
Description
Descended From Giants
The most commonly accepted belief is that Goliaths are descended from some ancient offshoot race of Stone Giants; it would explain their great size (though it is still small compared to a true giant!), their affinity for mountains, along with their ability to learn and utilise
Ancient Runes.
Goliaths as a group have never made any attempt to dispute or prove these claims, and seem largely content to exist in whatever giant-kin category folk will put them in. What matters to them is their own life and what they have done, not the obscure ancient history of where they came from.
Always Forward, Never Back
Goliaths have a strange relationship with the past, as it seems the most many consider is how they might become better today than they were yesterday. If they keep score it is only so they maintain the chance to pull ahead, and if they keep trophies it is only to serve as inspiration to hunt larger and more dangerous prey.
Such a viewpoint has ended in goliaths across The Varolian becoming some of the physically strongest individuals anyone is likely to meet, as they constantly seek greater challenges to reach for a brighter tomorrow. Such devotion is similar to
Dragonborn in a way, but the causes and results are quite different. Dragonborn who achieve greatness seem often to do so in an attempt to prove themselves worthy in the eyes of others, while an average goliath seeks only to prove greatness to themselves, heedless of the opinions of others. Secondly, dragonborn are more likely to be selfless in their deeds, self sacrificing for the sake of loyalty or heroics, but goliaths are more solipsistic, rushing to save others because it is a challenge, rather than it being the right thing to do.
To die seeking brighter dawns is honourable, to breathe your last knowing your greatest battles are behind you is not; it is a painful day in a goliath tribe when one of their number succumbs to the wasting of disease or old age, and it is not uncommon to see an aged warrior seeking suicidal risks to have themselves one last glory before joining their ancestors.
Shamans and Storytellers
While the average goliath cares only for what is or what will be in the near future, there are a select group of community leaders who look often to what was. The shamans of a tribe are those who learn the stories of the tribe's past, keeping the knowledge safe in their minds in case there is some lesson from older days that would be too dangerous to learn anew. They tell the tales of great leaders and warriors as inspiration to the current generation, and advise their chief with generations of wisdom and secret ways to divine the future.
Rarest of all shamans are the Worldwalkers. They seek for knowledge not only about their own tribe, but of other goliath villages and even the world far beyond their mountains. They seek for the past and the future of everything, and do so with such fervour that they must blind themselves upon taking up their mission, so that the present does not cloud their view. Worldwalkers are view with respect by many - for to travel the world without sight is a challenge few could succeed in - but fear and revulsion by others - their goal is antithetical to most Goliaths, who believe only their own pasts matter, and even then only as a mountain to climb to improve themselves.
Religion & Politics
Spirits & Ancestors
Goliath are very rarely religious in the same way humans are, as they have no temples and care for no Gods. Despite this, many are still deeply spiritual, speaking of things such as the Wind and the Rain as though they are living creatures, and occasionally performing rituals in honour of their ancestors. Though, these rituals are rare events that take place perhaps once or twice a year, for to do so more often would mean to truly look at the past, rather than simply honour it.
Marks of All Tomorrows
It is said the black lines running across goliath skin are somehow indicators of their fate, and that shamans are taught the secret ways to read these marks and predict what a child will become in time. Despite this being an option, many parents refuse to have their children's lines read, stating that knowing their future will ruin it, and lesson the worth of any greatness achieved. Even with their refusal to learn what the lines say, a goliath's marks are still seen as sacred, and it is one of the most grevious sins in goliath society to get tattooes or alter their marks in any way, as to do so may alter their future and deny them the rewards of hard work.
Republic of Ósa
Goliaths are a welcome sight in more violent places across Ósa, as their arrival heralds either spectacle, entertainment, or safety. They travel down from their heights to gain experience as gladiators, mercenaries, and soldiers, always seeking the most frightening foes on their respective battlefields. Having a goliath bodyguard has become a popular status symbol for some mages, as the mountain-folk charge a premium for their always impressive strength.
Kingdom of Praelos
More commonly seen in Praelos than its neighbours, goliaths across The Varolian value strength and honour - traits held in high regard in the warrior nation. They rarely become commanders or generals of any renown, since their leadership style is often one prone to getting people killed if they are not up to the risks, but serve admirably as vanguard troops charging in the front lines.
Mechanics
Ability Scores: Str +2; Con +1
Speed: 30ft.
Size: Goliaths stand at least 7 feet tall, though often over 8, and weigh between 280 and 340 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Languages: You can speak Common and Giant
Natural Athlete: You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.
Stone's Endurance: 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.
Powerful Build: You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Mountain Born: You have resistance to cold damage. You're also acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.
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