Goliath
You misunderstand, little giant. We are not asking. We are your betters, the heirs of the once great Jovun Empire. We share the ancient blood of the Giants and Goliaths that bled for this land. And because of that, you will be made to serve again. To serve the roles you did for our forefathers. And if you choose to disobey, we will force you to see the error of your ways. You may be "Goliaths" to these lesser races but to us, you are nothing but children. Children that will be punished if you dare to stand against us.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Goliaths are an above average bipedal physique, able to carry and lift things twice as strong as ordinary people could. This is most likely due to the giant blood running through their veins, giving them the strength of a giant. They are also acclimated to high altitude and cold environments, finding a nice home for themselves in the mountains and the cold north.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
- The Howling Coast Tribes: Goliath tribes were the first to inhabit these leands even as the Wolf Fera, Lunari, and Gnolls moved into the region. They serve as the bedrock for the United Tribes of Kharak, wanting to serve as a bulwark against the Muspel Giants that push south.
- The Giant Empires: Sgand and Yggdragun are home to Goliaths that have turned back to their old ways either willingly or by force. Traitors to their kind, they serve the interests of their Giant forefathers.
History
The Goliaths are an offshoot of the Giants, known as "Little Giants" in their native tongue. Whether they were a natural offshoot or a magically crafted one is unknown but they were a warrior species under the Giants during the time of the Ancient Empires. The Goliaths were taught strength mattered above all else and that was a mindset the Goliaths took with vigor. Alongside the Firbolgs, they served as the warriors for the armies of Giants. While the Firbolg were warrior shaman, the Goliaths called upon the gods, gaining power through their faith as they believed.
However, their faith was tested when the Giant Empires fell and they were abandoned by their forefathers. As the Firbolg withdrew into the deep recesses of nature and the Wolf Fera gained independence, the Goliaths were forced to question what their role would be in this new world and whether their faith had been strong enough. Some Goliaths tried to recreate the Giant Empires in their own image but the combined efforts of Wolf Fera and the Underoads stopped these schemes in their tracks. The Goliaths, humbled by the strength these formerly "lesser" species had shown, realized that strength of arms was not the only path to strength.
Goliath society changed as they became less enamored with war and more with building a legacy through unity with other groups, even if they weren't part of their species. Conflict was unavoidable but they didn't seek it out to court the favor of their gods but rather to defend themselves. This ideology was put to the test when the Elders arrived and attacked Avestra. Many Goliaths gave their lives to defend their tribes and the people of other lands and there are still legends told of these sacrifices in the present day.
With the Giants awakening and wanting to reclaim their fallen Empires, the Goliaths are being pressed to rejoin their ranks as they had in the ancient times. Some Goliath tribes, chaffed by the new ideals and seeking a return to what they once way, joined willingly, ready to soak the land in the blood of the Giants' enemies. Others were forced into service after being defeated and captured in battle. A sizable amount of Goliaths decided to stand against their old masters while others run from the conflict, not wishing to choose sides.
And that is where fate has left the Goliaths as they are a divided people between their bloodline, their heritage, and their faith. Whichever factions wins, it will change how the Goliaths view themselves, view their Giant fathers, view the world, for ages to come.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Goliaths have been trying to foster a better relationship with the Wolf Fera but the time under the Giants has not been forgotten. Even in Kharak, the two can barely stay on the same side as they face a common enemy. Goliaths and Firbolgs, on the other hand, still have the renewed friendship they had back in the ancient times. Even as the Firbolgs shun violence, Goliaths are willing to understand that they chose a different path just as their own people had. And it takes strength to fight against your old natural when the world pushes for it.
The Giants see the Goliaths as their children but like any disobedient children, they must be punished and shown the error of their ways. Goliaths who are captured are quickly pressed into service for the glory of their rising Empires. Even if they refuse, they are enslaved and forced to submit anyway. While they're not likely to kill their children, they will not hesitate to use any means necessary to make them obey. And the Goliaths hate and fear the Giants who turn to violence for this very reason. And they will not allow them to regain hold over the lands of Avestra while they still stand.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
100 years
Average Height
7 - 8 feet tall
Average Weight
280 - 340 pounds
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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