Firbolg

Firbolg were a reclusive race of Giant-kin who preferred to avoid contact with other sentient races. They were both the most intelligent and powerful of the giant-kin, but also were also the most calm and friendly. They preferred to stick to forests and natural climates, where they felt most at home with nature. Many firbolgs were said to live in the forests of Whitecherish, and they were commonly spotted in the savannas of Xedaris.
Firbolgs resembled humans, and the males would sport great, thick beards. Their thick, tough skin was fleshy blue, and their hair, though it cane in many colours, was usually either red, blond or brown, and worn long and unkempt. A firbolg's voice was deep and smooth, and they tended to roll their consonants when speaking.
Firbolg were typically over 10 feet tall, averaging a height of about 10.5 feet, and they often weighed upwards of 600 pounds. The average firbolg was stronger than a forest bear. Beyond sheer physical strength, firbolgs were resistant to magic and could innately sense the presence of magical auras. They also had the power to change their physical appearance, making themselves larger or smaller, which they sometimes used to blend in and interact with other races. They had excellent vision at night, and some sages claimed they had regenerative abilities. They were also said to be able to communicate to a limited effect with both plants and animals of their forest homes, though they likely have a simple symbiotic relationship with each other.

Personality

Firbolgs enjoyed quiet time in the woods, in harmony with nature. The forests were sacred to them and symbolized the heart of the earth and the adaptability of life. They saw themselves as the forests' caretakers. Firbolgs had a tendency towards the lawful good in alignment, and saw disrespect against nature as the greatest sin.
Firbolgs considered greed to be one of the worst vices. They believed that one should only ever take what one needs and no more. They saw no value in material wealth such as gems and gold, but sometimes would find prankish ways of taking valuables from strangers, out of a sense of fun. Firbolgs believed that charity was a virtue but also believed that it was harmful for the recipient to know the identity of the provider; because of this they appeared to be reclusive amongst the other races, although they were very sociable with established friends. They were extremely honest and could not lie without feeling physical discomfort, even if the lie was by omission.

General Information

Size

Medium

Type

Humanoid (Minor Race)

Average Lifespan

Up to 500 years

Homeland

The Forests of Auxis

Languages

Common, Giant, Elven

Deities

Chauntea, Silvanus

Appearance

Average Height

10-11ft

Average Weight

600-750lbs

Firbolgs tended to be over-confident and fearless, except for a pervasive phobia of humanoid mobs. They saw the wearing of armour as cowardly, and thus did not usually wear armour, though sometimes carried shields fashioned from sturdy woods. Firbolgs were cautious and shrewd in their dealings with outsiders. They distrusted most humans and demihumans. Among non-giants, they were neutral with druids, elves, and fey. They were on good terms with storm giants, whom they looked up to and tried to emulate, but they avoided other giant races, and actively fought against the other giant-kin.

Firbolg Society

Firbolgs had a family-centered, clan-based society. They lived in settlements in remote hilly or forested areas, and fashioned their settlements into strongholds, including basic wooden structures built from the trees around them. Rarely, they inhabited cavern complexes dug into the hillsides. They often used their magic to ensure that their homes remained a secret to outsiders. These clan settlements were small, with between about four and sixteen members, often with a shaman or druid, and lived separate from each other. A few firbolg clans were nomadic.
As caretakers of the woods, they carefully and resourcefully lived off the land, making sure to ensure balance. During summer, they stored excess nuts, fruits, and berries, so that they could provide food to the forest animals during winter. Although they did farm, it was only to supplement their diets; they preferred a more hunter-gatherer lifestyle, rather than the brigand/raider lifestyle of many other giants. Their hunting grounds were usually spread out in a 20-mile radius from their clan homes. They ate small portions of meat with most meals, and reserved large roasts of meat for special celebrations.
Most firbolg tribes preferred isolation from other races, avoiding their politics and struggles. If intruders entered their territory, they would usually try an indirect approach at causing the "invaders" to leave—driving game away to discourage hunters or redirecting streams or forest trails to confuse parties. If these methods failed, the firbolgs would at last confront the outsiders. If the outsiders seemed peaceful, the firbolgs would peacefully ask them to leave; if the outsiders seemed evil or seemed to have no concern for the forest lands, the firbolgs might mount a devastating attack. On occasion, they would trade with peaceful folk living nearby in exchange for providing services utilizing their great strength.

Firbolg Druid

Magic and Religion

Firbolg adventurers were rare and most often were individuals separated from their tribes—orphans, exiles, lone survivors, or the like. A few adventured to gain knowledge. Firbolgs seemed to have a natural tendency toward druidic magics, and many of their chieftains were thus druids. Others became rangers or fighters. Other adventuring vocations were rare; firbolg monks were completely unknown. About five percent of firbolgs encountered were shamans who worshipped their primary deities.
Firbolgs, unlike giants, worshipped peaceful deities of nature and the forest. They primarily venerated the Earthmother, an aspect of Chauntea, as well as Silvanus. Their worship was very primitive, acting as wardens of their sacred land in exchange for peace and protection rather than the power and glory-seeking motivations of most giant-kin.