Altaran

Summary

Altarans are said to be half-human, half giant. They look like humans, but larger. However, their giant ancestry typically provides the Altarans with increased strength and hardiness.
Altaran communities are usually seen in more mountainous regions of the world, however a few communities can be found in the more multi-cultural cities like Brinewatch.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Altarans physically simply look like enlarged humans, typically standing around 1 to 2 feet taller than their 'full blood' counterparts. However, the notable difference is their skin tone. Altaran's skin is most often a shade of grey - influenced from their supposed giant blood. Altarans from nearer the equator tend to be more grey-brown, similar in skintone to that of Dust Elves.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Altarans have first and last names that follow the general wider naming conventions, in that their surname will be a family name. However, Altarans also have a 'Spirit Name', granted on their sixteenth birthday, which is known as a Naming Day. The Spirit Name then is typically used in place of their surname in general society. For instance Thanoth Gathakanathi is usually referred to as Thanoth Nightcarver.
In Altaran marriages, the standard practice of females taking the males' family name is observed, though since Spirit Names are used in place of family names, this is largely a formality and done to identify family units.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Despite their communities often being secluded in mountainous regions, Altarans typically speak the Axoran language (human) along with giant, from which their own Altaran language derives. Whilst Giant is a simplisitic language, Altaran vocabulary-wise is much more comprehensive. Altaran words are often high in syllables and can cover what would be multiple word concepts in Human in just one word. Their family names are an example of this. For instance 'Nulakigo' (of Vonath Nulakigo) means 'one who can create great things from nothing', which in turn influenced his Spirit Name of 'Threadmaker'

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

All ethnicities of Altaran observe the tradition of the Naming Day, which grants young Altarans their Spirit Name and are then viewed as adults. This occurs on their sixteenth birthday.

Historical Figures

• Vonath Threadmaker Nulakigo
• Thanoth 'Nightcarver' Gathakanaki

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Altarans can only breed with other Altarans. As Altaran communities are usually small clusters of families, the idea of Altarans involved in romances with other races is frowned upon, though less so in the urban Altaran communities.

A Translation for Dungeon Delvers and Dragon Slayers

Altara - Goliath (similar origin, though physically different)

Lifespan

~ 80 years

Average Height

~ 7'6"

Average Weight

~ 250lbs