Goliath
Created by the Marr twins, Mithaniel Marr the God of Valor and Erollisi Marr the Goddess of Love, Goliaths are a race of large men and women found in the northern lands of Antonica. They are a tough, hardy people who have carved a home from the frozen wastelands and harsh mountains, and use their wisdom and formidable brawn to defend honor and justice. The unforgiving environment in which they live give them abilities beyond those of many of the "softer" peoples of the southern lands. Referring to themselves as "Northmen," the Goliaths are remarkably tolerant of the more cultured, or "weak" races. They have reputations for being quick to anger and violence, which is not entirely undeserved given the circumstances of their creation. This makes them highly sought after as expert guards and mercenaries.
The hardy race of Goliaths, or Northmen Their magnificent stature is a sight to behold; even more so when it is unleashed in battle. Goliaths are one of the tallest races to walk the lands of Norrath.
The Goliaths consider themselves superior to other inhabitants of Norrath, particularly the Dark Elves and Erudites, which are viewed as pathetically weak. Goliaths have a special place in their hearts for the Dwarves of Kaladim, whom they view as steadfast and brave. The high quality of Dwarven mead may also have some influence on the cordial relationship between the two races. Those who worship an evil god, such as Cazic-Thule or Innoruuk, should be especially wary, for the Goliaths will attack such worshippers as soon as they recognize their allegiance.
Homeland
Goliaths usually come from an area close to the town of Halas, found at the base of the Everfrost Peaks. Halas is a rough town, with a thriving trade in rich foods, various kinds of alcohol, and weapons. It is always freezing cold in the Goliath homeland, and the area is filled with Goblins, Gnolls, and Orcs, which are constantly at war with the Goliaths. These threats, combined with the dangers of predators such as polar bears, snow leopards, and white wolves, enforce the natural law of survival of the fittest: the men and women of Halas either grow up strong or they go early to an icy grave.Demeanor
Goliaths tend to enjoy simple pleasures such as eating, drinking and fighting. They're a practical folks, and don't have much patience for philosophy or theoretical studies. Indeed, Goliaths tend to avoid anything other than hunting, fighting, and working, or perhaps talking about those activities over an ale. In general, Goliaths tend more towards good than evil, and most value the fair treatment of everyone. However, they tend to be unforgiving of those who take advantage of their evenhandedness. Goliaths all respect courage and daring; being though a coward is far worse in a Goliath's mind than any other fate. Ogres, Trolls, Dark Elves, and the other evil races are hated, as they directly oppose the Goliath's innate sense of justice. They are an isolationist people, though they do associate with their Human cousins, and will tolerate the snobbish Erudites. As a tribal culture, Goliaths are a little rough around the edges when it comes to interactions with other races. Even the Goliaths' mannerisms and features have a rugged quality.Appearance
Goliaths are a large, powerfully built race, generally standing around 7 feet tall and weighing approximately 320 pounds on average, although exceptional specimens approach 8 feet in height and weigh well over 400 pounds. Goliaths tend to be fair skinned, and freckles are a common feature. Their hair runs the gamut from auburn to deep red or brown to blond. Eye color varies greatly, though blue and green are most common. The occasional Goliath will have black hair or dark brown eyes, though these features are often taken as a sign of more intermingled southern blood somewhere in their ancestry. It is very common for Goliaths to gain scars throughout their life, and many take great pride in their scars' appearance. Some tribes even practice ritual scarification, marking themselves during ceremonies of adulthood. Face paint is also common among Goliaths, who often use red or blue markings on their faces that can indicate great deeds or tribal allegiances, but that are just as often purely aesthetic. Their clothing reflects the environment in which they live, and hence consists mainly of thick fur and hide that not only keeps them warm in their arctic home, but also provides protection against inevitable conflict with other hungry denizens of the region. The clothing is often skillfully tailored and can even be decoratively lined with fur of mink or other exotic animals, so it is not entirely utilitarian.Religion
Many Goliaths don't often give much thought to religion, but there are a fair number who worship The Tribunal, and some swear fealty to Fizzlethorpe Bristlebane or Rallos Zek. Those that honor The Tribunal act as lawgivers throughout the northlands.Quests
Many Goliaths undertake quests as personal tests in the constant battle to improve themselves. Others are motivated by the desire to secure safety for their homeland or to battle particular threats to their livelihoods. Others, of course, are motivated by simple curiosity and the desire for fame and fortune. Once a Goliath has accomplished a few quests of their own, they often find themselves going on quests in which they have little vested interest, usually in order to protect friends and allies they have met along the way.Driven Competitors
Every day brings a new Challenge to a goliath. Food, water, and shelter are rare in the uppermost Mountain reaches. A single mistake can bring doom to an entire tribe, while an individual’s heroic effort can ensure the entire group’s Survival. Goliaths thus place a premium on self-sufficiency and individual skill. They have a Compulsion to keep score, counting their deeds and tallying their accomplishments to compare to others. Goliaths love to win, but they see defeat as a prod to improve their Skills. This dedication to competition has a dark side. Goliaths are ferocious competitors, but above all else they are driven to outdo their past efforts. If a goliath slays a Dragon, he or she might seek out a larger, more powerful wyrm to battle. Few goliath adventurers reach old age, as most die attempting to surpass their past accomplishments.Fair Play
For Goliaths, competition exists only when it is supported by a level playing field. Competition measures Talent, dedication, and effort. Those factors determine Survival in their home territory, not reliance on Magic Items, money, or other elements that can tip The Balance one way or the other. Goliaths happily rely on such benefits, but they are careful to remember that such an advantage can always be lost. A goliath who relies too much on them can grow complacent, a recipe for Disaster in the mountains. This trait manifests most strongly when Goliaths interact with other folk. The relationship between peasants and nobles Puzzles Goliaths. If a king lacks the Intelligence or leadership to lead, then clearly the most talented person in the kingdom should take his place. Goliaths rarely keep such opinions to themselves, and mock folk who rely on society’s structures or rules to maintain power.Survival of the Fittest
Among Goliaths, any adult who can’t contribute to the tribe is expelled. A lone goliath has little chance of Survival, especially an older or weaker one. Goliaths have little pity for adults who can’t take care of themselves, though a sick or injured individual is treated, as a result of the goliath concept of fair play. A permanently injured goliath is still expected to pull his or her weight in the tribe. Typically, such a goliath dies attempting to keep up, or the goliath slips away in the night to seek the cold will of fate. In some ways, the goliath drive to outdo themselves feeds into the grim inevitability of their decline and death. A goliath would much rather die in battle, at the peak of Strength and skill, than endure the slow decay of old age. Few folk have ever meet an elderly goliath, and even those Goliaths who have left their people grapple with the urge to give up their lives as their physical Skills decay. Because of their risk-taking, goliath tribes suffer from a chronic lack of the experience offered by long-term leaders. They hope for innate Wisdom in their leadership, for they can rarely count on a Wisdom grown with age.
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