Goliaths of the Northern Wastes
In the north of Astiria lies the lands of ice and snow, a region that is hostile to most forms of life. Many of the races of the world avoid travelling north, as survival there is challenging at the best of times. These extreme conditions do not seem to bother the peoples that call the Northern Wastes home though. These people are the Goliaths.
Standing between 7 and 8 feet tall, and weighing between 280 and 340 pounds, a Goliath is an imposing sight at the best of times. Their size is bolstered by the sheer muscle that makes up most of their form. Closely resembling large humans, Goliaths differ from their shorter cousins in a number of ways. Their skin often takes a grey colouration, leading to many theories that Goliaths are simply made out of the mountains they reside near. Their faces tend to be slightly flatter and broad, making them look stern. Many of the male Goliaths have little or no hair upon their heads, although beards can be quite common.
Goliaths tend to have lifespans comparable to humans, with maturity coming towards the end of their teenage years. Where some Goliaths may reach a hundred years, it is very rare, and many succumb to old age or the elements far before this.
Goliath Culture
Living in such harsh conditions has made Goliaths a practical and seemingly cold race. Every day brings new challenges to the Clans, as food, water and shelter must be maintained for survival. Each Goliath knows their place within their Clan, and they are ferociously loyal in ensuring their tasks is performed to the best of their abilities. There is an emphasis in individual skill amongst Goliaths, and jobs and duties will be left to those best suited to the task at hand.
The survivalist instinct of Goliaths has bred a competitive nature. Many stories are told of great deeds an individual has performed. Trophies and tallies are often seen amongst a Goliaths clothing, marking their accomplishments. Despite this, Goliaths do not shy away from failure, seeing it as a chance to learn and recognise they must improve their skills for next time.
The harsh tundra of the north means that everyone must contribute to the Clan, and those adults that can no longer support themself or assist in Clan duties are often expelled to wander the wilderness alone. Their is little hope of survival for a lone Goliath in the north. Despite this, Goliaths will still look after the sick or injured, although they are expected to pick up their duties to the Clan as soon as possible.
The young of the Goliaths are trained from an early age in all aspects of survival, and often it is not just the biological parents of the child that will care for them. Shared duties in childcare amongst family groups creates a stronger bond in the Clan, and the child benefits from the knowledge of all. When a child is old enough, a Clan will often give them a task to carry out to prove themself worthy of adulthood. This varies from Clan to Clan, but often sees the young Goliath performing a great feat.
On the other side of society, the elder Goliaths are treated the same as all other adults. They must be able to provide in some way to the Clan, else they shall be exiled. For this reason, many ageing Goliaths seek death in battle; usually against great beasts or hunts, or if territorial disputes arise. An older Goliath will often prefer the embrace of death than to see their physical prowess slowly decline with old age. Amongst some Clans, an ageing Goliath may deem themselves too much of a burden for the Clan, and willingly wish to depart. This is called "Sistgal" (The Last Walk), and the Goliath will pack what supplies they feel necessary, and walk out on one last expedition, never to return.
Goliaths and Religion
Despite their seemingly brutal lifestyle, Goliaths can be a spiritual bunch. Many cling to traditions and tales of Gods that are long since forgotten in the rest of the world. Each Clan will have a spiritual leader, known as a "Hollenttal", who interprets spiritual signs and aids in the morale and emotional needs of their follow Goliaths. Chief amongst those worshipped are the Spiritual Animals of the world, such as The Great Wolf, The Spirit Bear and Cifgral, the Raven (see Other Religions found in Arden.
Clan Structure
Each Clan of the Goliaths follows a rough structure for its members. This is more of a practical agreement, with the best Goliath for the job often being given the title and powers associated with their station.
Hovdar - The Chieftain of the Clan. This Goliath is responsible for rulings and leadership, and has the final say in any Clan business.
Raad - Around the Hovdar are a selected council, who assist in running the Clan and provide advice for their leader.
Kraggar - The Guards and Warriors of the Clan. These individuals are the strongest fighters, and form a kinship with each other equivalent to a family group.
Hollental - The spiritual voice of the Clan. This individual is the closest thing a Goliath Clan will have to a "Priest" or "Shaman".
Husstal - A family group that exists within the Clan, often linked by direct bloodlines.
Hoved - The head of a Husstal.
Byolgal - A member of a Goliath Clan, being made up of the Hunters, Crafters and other tasks the Clan require.
The Major Clans
Skenosk Clan (Stoneaxe Clan)
Named for the adulthood ritual that all Clan members must take, the Skenosk Clan favours the mountainous areas far to the north. This ritual, which defines each member, involves climbing one of the great peaks to obtain a stone or rock. The higher they climb, the better. Once they return with the material required, they will fashion it in to an axe of their choosing. Along with these ritual axes that all adult members of the Clan wield, the Skenosk Clan wears stone jewellery, typically woven in to braids in their hair or dangling from clothing.
The Skermherrer (The Stormlords)
Said to be the oldest of the Goliath Clans, the Skermherrer are the most religious and zealous of all. Believing they alone have the blood of the Gods flowing through their veins, they are found on the aptly named "Plateau of the Gods", which dominates the centre of the Northern Wastes. Believing they are watched over, after a child is born in this Clan, the Goliaths will not name them until the first storm comes to pass. During this storm, the child will be left outside. If they survive the ordeal, they are formally recognised as a Clan member, and given their name.
The Ruineirskab (The Runemakers)
To the east, located around a plethora of caves across several mountain ranges, one may find the Ruineirskab Clan. Named for the magical runes they practice throughout their lives, these Goliaths are great smiths and utilise the metals found in their home more than any other Clan. With ancient knowledge of runes passed down through generations, it is a right of passage for Goliaths of this Clan to forge their own to represent themself.
The Mammutrytt (The Mammothriders)
Mammoths are common across the frozen tundra of the Northern Wastes, and one Goliath Clan has mastered the art of taming these beasts. The most nomadic of all the Goliath Clans, The Mammutrytt have explored the most. This has led them to trading with many other races of the world, especially the Greenskins found in The Orcish Tribelands . The Mammoths used by the Clan for travel are revered and well looked after, and most Goliaths learn how to ride them at an early age.
Tylegere Clan (Arrowhunter Clan)
Found amongst the high forests in the south of the Northern Wastes, the Tylegere Clan is seen as strange to other Goliath Clans. Most Goliaths utilise axes, spears and all manor of melee weapons to hunt and in combat, but the Tylegere Clan favours ranged, using large bows to slay the beasts and foes that oppose them. This has led them to be renowned for their hunting techniques, and young Goliaths must prove themselves worthy with their first kill with a bow.
The Havmennesk (The Seafolk)
Along the western coast, a Clan of Goliaths can be found as much on the water as they are on land. Moving either north or south depending on the seasons, the Havmennesk Clan are great fishers and sailors, using the sea to survive their relentless homeland. A right of passage includes hunting one of the great sea beasts that are found in this part of the world. Being a coastal and seafaring Clan, the Havmennesk have had a lot of contact with other races and kingdoms that are also sea-bound, with traders from other cultures appearing on the Goliaths shores frequently.
Standing between 7 and 8 feet tall, and weighing between 280 and 340 pounds, a Goliath is an imposing sight at the best of times. Their size is bolstered by the sheer muscle that makes up most of their form. Closely resembling large humans, Goliaths differ from their shorter cousins in a number of ways. Their skin often takes a grey colouration, leading to many theories that Goliaths are simply made out of the mountains they reside near. Their faces tend to be slightly flatter and broad, making them look stern. Many of the male Goliaths have little or no hair upon their heads, although beards can be quite common.
Goliaths tend to have lifespans comparable to humans, with maturity coming towards the end of their teenage years. Where some Goliaths may reach a hundred years, it is very rare, and many succumb to old age or the elements far before this.
Goliath Culture
Living in such harsh conditions has made Goliaths a practical and seemingly cold race. Every day brings new challenges to the Clans, as food, water and shelter must be maintained for survival. Each Goliath knows their place within their Clan, and they are ferociously loyal in ensuring their tasks is performed to the best of their abilities. There is an emphasis in individual skill amongst Goliaths, and jobs and duties will be left to those best suited to the task at hand.
The survivalist instinct of Goliaths has bred a competitive nature. Many stories are told of great deeds an individual has performed. Trophies and tallies are often seen amongst a Goliaths clothing, marking their accomplishments. Despite this, Goliaths do not shy away from failure, seeing it as a chance to learn and recognise they must improve their skills for next time.
The harsh tundra of the north means that everyone must contribute to the Clan, and those adults that can no longer support themself or assist in Clan duties are often expelled to wander the wilderness alone. Their is little hope of survival for a lone Goliath in the north. Despite this, Goliaths will still look after the sick or injured, although they are expected to pick up their duties to the Clan as soon as possible.
The young of the Goliaths are trained from an early age in all aspects of survival, and often it is not just the biological parents of the child that will care for them. Shared duties in childcare amongst family groups creates a stronger bond in the Clan, and the child benefits from the knowledge of all. When a child is old enough, a Clan will often give them a task to carry out to prove themself worthy of adulthood. This varies from Clan to Clan, but often sees the young Goliath performing a great feat.
On the other side of society, the elder Goliaths are treated the same as all other adults. They must be able to provide in some way to the Clan, else they shall be exiled. For this reason, many ageing Goliaths seek death in battle; usually against great beasts or hunts, or if territorial disputes arise. An older Goliath will often prefer the embrace of death than to see their physical prowess slowly decline with old age. Amongst some Clans, an ageing Goliath may deem themselves too much of a burden for the Clan, and willingly wish to depart. This is called "Sistgal" (The Last Walk), and the Goliath will pack what supplies they feel necessary, and walk out on one last expedition, never to return.
Goliaths and Religion
Despite their seemingly brutal lifestyle, Goliaths can be a spiritual bunch. Many cling to traditions and tales of Gods that are long since forgotten in the rest of the world. Each Clan will have a spiritual leader, known as a "Hollenttal", who interprets spiritual signs and aids in the morale and emotional needs of their follow Goliaths. Chief amongst those worshipped are the Spiritual Animals of the world, such as The Great Wolf, The Spirit Bear and Cifgral, the Raven (see Other Religions found in Arden.
Clan Structure
Each Clan of the Goliaths follows a rough structure for its members. This is more of a practical agreement, with the best Goliath for the job often being given the title and powers associated with their station.
Hovdar - The Chieftain of the Clan. This Goliath is responsible for rulings and leadership, and has the final say in any Clan business.
Raad - Around the Hovdar are a selected council, who assist in running the Clan and provide advice for their leader.
Kraggar - The Guards and Warriors of the Clan. These individuals are the strongest fighters, and form a kinship with each other equivalent to a family group.
Hollental - The spiritual voice of the Clan. This individual is the closest thing a Goliath Clan will have to a "Priest" or "Shaman".
Husstal - A family group that exists within the Clan, often linked by direct bloodlines.
Hoved - The head of a Husstal.
Byolgal - A member of a Goliath Clan, being made up of the Hunters, Crafters and other tasks the Clan require.
The Major Clans
Skenosk Clan (Stoneaxe Clan)
Named for the adulthood ritual that all Clan members must take, the Skenosk Clan favours the mountainous areas far to the north. This ritual, which defines each member, involves climbing one of the great peaks to obtain a stone or rock. The higher they climb, the better. Once they return with the material required, they will fashion it in to an axe of their choosing. Along with these ritual axes that all adult members of the Clan wield, the Skenosk Clan wears stone jewellery, typically woven in to braids in their hair or dangling from clothing.
The Skermherrer (The Stormlords)
Said to be the oldest of the Goliath Clans, the Skermherrer are the most religious and zealous of all. Believing they alone have the blood of the Gods flowing through their veins, they are found on the aptly named "Plateau of the Gods", which dominates the centre of the Northern Wastes. Believing they are watched over, after a child is born in this Clan, the Goliaths will not name them until the first storm comes to pass. During this storm, the child will be left outside. If they survive the ordeal, they are formally recognised as a Clan member, and given their name.
The Ruineirskab (The Runemakers)
To the east, located around a plethora of caves across several mountain ranges, one may find the Ruineirskab Clan. Named for the magical runes they practice throughout their lives, these Goliaths are great smiths and utilise the metals found in their home more than any other Clan. With ancient knowledge of runes passed down through generations, it is a right of passage for Goliaths of this Clan to forge their own to represent themself.
The Mammutrytt (The Mammothriders)
Mammoths are common across the frozen tundra of the Northern Wastes, and one Goliath Clan has mastered the art of taming these beasts. The most nomadic of all the Goliath Clans, The Mammutrytt have explored the most. This has led them to trading with many other races of the world, especially the Greenskins found in The Orcish Tribelands . The Mammoths used by the Clan for travel are revered and well looked after, and most Goliaths learn how to ride them at an early age.
Tylegere Clan (Arrowhunter Clan)
Found amongst the high forests in the south of the Northern Wastes, the Tylegere Clan is seen as strange to other Goliath Clans. Most Goliaths utilise axes, spears and all manor of melee weapons to hunt and in combat, but the Tylegere Clan favours ranged, using large bows to slay the beasts and foes that oppose them. This has led them to be renowned for their hunting techniques, and young Goliaths must prove themselves worthy with their first kill with a bow.
The Havmennesk (The Seafolk)
Along the western coast, a Clan of Goliaths can be found as much on the water as they are on land. Moving either north or south depending on the seasons, the Havmennesk Clan are great fishers and sailors, using the sea to survive their relentless homeland. A right of passage includes hunting one of the great sea beasts that are found in this part of the world. Being a coastal and seafaring Clan, the Havmennesk have had a lot of contact with other races and kingdoms that are also sea-bound, with traders from other cultures appearing on the Goliaths shores frequently.
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