The Goliaths of Andórë are a people of stone, wind, endurance, and patience.
Created by the giants during the Dragon-Giant War to counter the dragons' Dragonborn armies, the Goliaths were forged not from arcane brilliance or divine favor, but from physical strength, resilience, and determination. While the Firbolgs were gifted powerful nature magic, the Goliaths were intentionally created as warriors capable of enduring hardship and surviving where others could not. Their role in the war helped halt the advance of the dragonborn and restore balance to a conflict that threatened to consume the world.
When the war ended and the giants released their mortal creations from service, the Goliaths journeyed north to the tundras, mountains, and rugged coastlines of Giant's Hammer. There they built their own communities, far from the kingdoms and empires of the south.
Today, the Goliaths remain among the most geographically isolated Peoples of Andórë. Yet they are not isolationists. They trade when trade is needed, welcome travelers who arrive in peace, and maintain strong ties with both the Firbolgs and the ancient giant enclaves that still exist within the heart of Giant's Hammer. Every few years, many Goliaths undertake pilgrimages to these giant settlements, traveling hundreds of miles across the continent. Along these routes they may pass through Rihian towns or Bizadi settlements, providing the only opportunity many southerners ever have to meet a Goliath.
Among all the peoples of Andórë, the Goliaths are perhaps the least magical. Arcane spellcasters are extraordinarily rare, nature magic rarer still. While divine magic functions normally among them, most Goliaths place little importance on magic of any kind. In a world where others seek mystical solutions to every problem, Goliaths remain stubbornly committed to practical skill, physical labor, and personal perseverance.
This does not stem from hostility toward magic. Rather, most Goliaths simply regard it as another tool—useful for those who possess it, but unnecessary for living a good life.
To outsiders, Goliath settlements often appear almost anachronistic. Their villages lack the magical conveniences common elsewhere in Andórë. Their homes are built by hand. Their food is gathered, hunted, or raised through labor rather than enchantment. Their crafts rely on skill rather than spellcraft.
To the Goliaths themselves, however, this way of life is neither primitive nor unusual.
It is simply enough.
Sub-Cultures¶
Goliath culture is remarkably unified across Giant's Hammer.
While individual clans maintain their own histories, traditions, and rivalries, there are no major cultural divisions comparable to those found among the Elves, Dwarves, or Gnomes. The harsh environment of the north and the relative rarity of large Goliath settlements have encouraged cultural continuity rather than fragmentation.
Most differences between Goliath communities are regional rather than ideological. Coastal settlements tend to rely more heavily on fishing and seafaring, while inland communities focus on hunting, herding, and mountain travel. Despite these differences, Goliaths generally recognize one another as members of a shared people.
Some clans are particularly known for wrestling traditions, others for stonecraft, long-distance travel, hunting, or giant-lore. These distinctions are sources of pride but rarely produce meaningful cultural divisions.
The closest thing Goliaths have to a shared cultural institution is the pilgrimage tradition. Every few years, Goliaths from many different clans travel to the giant enclaves of central Giant's Hammer. These journeys reinforce cultural ties between distant communities and ensure that knowledge, stories, and traditions continue to spread throughout Goliath society.
For many Goliaths, these pilgrimages are the closest equivalent to a national identity.
Naming Traditions¶
Goliath names consist of three parts: a birth name, an earned name, and a clan name.
Birth names are given by parents shortly after birth and are used throughout childhood. These names are personal but carry relatively little social importance compared to the names earned later in life.
Upon reaching adulthood, every Goliath chooses an earned name, often called a nickname by outsiders. This name represents the individual they believe themselves to be. Some earned names commemorate a notable accomplishment, while others reflect a personal quality, life experience, profession, aspiration, or defining characteristic.
Unlike many cultures, earned names are not bestowed by elders or community leaders. The choice belongs entirely to the individual.
A Goliath who names themselves Thunderfist is effectively declaring:
"This is who I intend to be."
Whether they successfully live up to that declaration is another matter entirely.
Because of this, earned names are often treated as both an identity and a challenge. Choosing an overly grand name may invite years of good-natured teasing if one fails to embody it.
Clan names form the final part of a Goliath's name. A clan is both an extended family and a community. Most Goliath villages consist primarily of members of a single clan, and the names of villages and clans are often interchangeable. While a clan may contain many individual families, all members share the same clan identity.
A full Goliath name might therefore be:
Korul Frostwalker Tarikanolave
or
Palen Twice-Orphaned Varulimatia
Among outsiders, Goliaths frequently introduce themselves using only their earned name and clan.
To many Goliaths, these are the names that matter.
Birth Names¶
Birth names are selected by parents and carry no distinction between masculine and feminine forms. Examples include:
- Arkal
- Berok
- Golan
- Korul
- Moril
- Palen
- Rolan
- Sivok
- Thamir
- Varuk
- Xeril
- Zorem
Earned Names¶
Earned names are chosen upon reaching adulthood and reflect how an individual sees themselves or wishes to be known. Examples include:
- Avalanche
- Bearhugger
- Cliffjumper
- Earthshaker
- Frostwalker
- Iceheart
- Krakenslayer
- Lonehunter
- Snowdrifter
- Starfollower
- Thunderroar
- Twice-Orphaned
- Whalecaller
- Windrider
- Wordpainter
Among Goliaths, unusual earned names are often respected more than impressive ones. A name should be honest.
A Goliath named Steadyhand may be admired just as much as one named Thunderfist.
Clan Names¶
Clan names identify a Goliath's community and ancestry. Examples include:
- Abarikatonae
- Blakurithane
- Garulikotae
- Katho-Olavi
- Marukatalani
- Norikaviluna
- Rastanakiloe
- Tarikanolave
- Thuliaga
- Vaimei-Laga
- Varulimatia
- Xerikanolua
Many clan names are older than written history and their original meanings have long since been forgotten.
The clan remains.
The meaning is less important than the people who carry it.
A Common Saying¶
"Your parents choose your first name. The mountains choose your second."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that adulthood is not inherited but earned.
Beauty Ideals¶
Among Goliaths, height is widely considered the most desirable physical trait.
While outsiders often assume Goliaths primarily admire strength, endurance, or muscularity, most Goliaths would argue that these qualities are expected rather than exceptional. Height, however, is something special.
A particularly tall Goliath is often regarded as striking, impressive, and naturally attractive.
Height¶
Height occupies a unique place within Goliath beauty standards.
Many Goliaths associate great stature with confidence, leadership, presence, and ancestral connection to the giants who created their people.
A Goliath may spend years becoming stronger or more skilled.
They cannot spend years becoming taller.
For this reason, exceptional height is often admired regardless of profession, gender, or social standing.
Presence¶
Height alone is not enough.
A Goliath is expected to carry themselves well.
Good posture, calm confidence, steady movement, and an ability to remain composed under pressure are all considered attractive qualities.
A tall Goliath who lacks confidence may be viewed less favorably than a shorter Goliath who carries themselves with certainty.
Scars And Hardship¶
Visible signs of a life well-lived are generally respected.
Scars earned through work, exploration, survival, hunting, travel, or service are often viewed positively.
Goliaths rarely see physical perfection as attractive.
Evidence that someone has overcome hardship is usually considered far more impressive.
Physical Build¶
Healthy physiques are admired, but extreme muscularity is not considered a beauty ideal in itself.
Most Goliaths already possess considerable natural strength.
As a result, physical fitness is often viewed as normal rather than remarkable.
A Goliath who is unusually tall will generally attract more attention than one who is unusually strong.
Hair And Markings¶
Many Goliaths take pride in distinctive hair styles, braided beards, and the natural markings found upon their skin.
These markings are often viewed as deeply personal and can become important aspects of an individual's appearance.
Unique or particularly striking patterns are frequently admired.
Age¶
Unlike many cultures, Goliaths often associate attractiveness with maturity.
Experience, confidence, competence, and self-assurance tend to become more valued with age.
Many older Goliaths remain highly admired within their communities long after their physical prime has passed.
A Common Saying¶
"The mountains made us strong. They made some of us taller."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that strength is common, while exceptional stature is a gift worthy of admiration.
# Gender Ideals¶
Goliaths recognize the biological differences between men and women, but these distinctions have relatively little influence on social expectations.
Historically, Goliaths have placed far greater importance on capability, reliability, endurance, and character than on gender.
A person's worth is measured by what they contribute to their clan and community.
Capability Over Gender¶
Life in the northern reaches of Giant's Hammer is demanding.
Settlements must be built, food must be gathered, storms must be endured, and communities must work together to survive long winters. As a result, Goliaths have traditionally assigned responsibilities based on skill, experience, and willingness rather than gender.
Men and women can both be found as:
- Hunters
- Fishers
- Sailors
- Builders
- Stoneworkers
- Traders
- Clan leaders
- Warriors
- Priests
Most Goliaths view this as entirely unremarkable.
Leadership¶
Leadership positions are open to both sexes.
Clan elders, village leaders, pilgrimage guides, and religious leaders may be either male or female.
A leader is expected to possess sound judgment, practical experience, and the respect of their community.
Gender is generally considered irrelevant to these qualities.
Strength And Endurance¶
Physical strength is admired throughout Goliath society, but it is not viewed as a uniquely masculine trait.
Goliaths of both sexes are naturally large, resilient, and physically capable by the standards of most other peoples.
Consequently, many traits that other cultures associate primarily with men are viewed simply as normal adult qualities among Goliaths.
Family Responsibilities¶
Children are typically raised by both parents as well as the wider clan.
While pregnancy and nursing naturally fall to women, most other family responsibilities are shared according to circumstance rather than custom.
Goliaths generally expect parents to work together in whatever manner best serves their household and community.
Courtship And Marriage¶
Many Goliath courtship traditions involve tests of skill, endurance, character, or determination.
These customs apply equally to men and women.
A woman may challenge a man.
A man may challenge a woman.
Both are expected to approach such contests with confidence and good humor.
A Common Saying¶
"The mountain does not care who carries the stone."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that responsibility belongs to whoever is willing and able to bear it.
Relationships and Courtship¶
Goliath courtship is generally straightforward, practical, and strongly oriented toward family formation.
While affection, companionship, and mutual respect are valued, Goliaths traditionally view relationships as carrying responsibilities not only to the individuals involved, but also to their clan and community.
Courtship¶
Most Goliath relationships develop gradually through daily life.
Hunting parties, fishing expeditions, clan gatherings, seasonal festivals, pilgrimages, and communal labor projects provide the most common opportunities for courtship.
Goliaths generally prefer sincerity over elaborate romance. Demonstrations of reliability, competence, patience, and good character are often considered more attractive than grand gestures.
Many relationships begin as friendships that develop over years rather than weeks.
Partnership¶
Goliaths view marriage as a partnership built upon mutual trust, shared responsibilities, and long-term commitment.
A successful partner is expected to contribute to the household, support their community, and remain dependable during difficult times.
Physical attraction is considered important, but most Goliaths believe a lasting relationship requires far more than attraction alone.
Family¶
Family occupies a central place within Goliath society.
Children are raised not only by their parents but by the wider clan. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and unrelated clan members frequently participate in childcare and education.
As a result, most Goliaths grow up surrounded by an extensive support network.
Children And Responsibility¶
Because Goliath communities are relatively small and geographically isolated, the continuation of the clan is considered a communal concern.
Most adults are expected to eventually marry and raise children.
This expectation applies regardless of social status, profession, or personal accomplishments.
A Goliath who contributes to the next generation is generally viewed as fulfilling an important responsibility to their people.
Same-Sex Relationships¶
Same-sex attraction exists among Goliaths and is generally understood as a natural part of life.
However, because of the small size of most Goliath communities, same-sex relationships have historically been discouraged.
Traditional Goliath culture places strong emphasis on producing and raising children, and many clans regard this as a responsibility shared by all adults.
As a result, Goliaths who pursue exclusively same-sex relationships may encounter social pressure from family members, elders, or their community.
Attitudes vary between clans, and younger generations are often somewhat less rigid than their ancestors. Nevertheless, the expectation that adults should help ensure the continuation of the clan remains widespread throughout Goliath society.
A Common Saying¶
"The clan carried you. One day, you must carry the clan."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that every generation bears responsibility for the survival and prosperity of the next.
Common Etiquette¶
Goliath etiquette is rooted in honesty, fairness, self-reliance, and respect for effort.
While Goliaths generally care little for elaborate social customs, they take questions of integrity and fair play extremely seriously.
Most Goliaths would rather lose honorably than win through deception.
Compete Fairly¶
Goliaths believe contests should measure skill, effort, determination, and character.
Deliberately seeking unfair advantages is widely condemned.
If one participant enters a contest with an obvious disadvantage, it is often expected that the stronger competitor compensate accordingly.
A Goliath challenging a one-armed wrestler may voluntarily bind one of their own arms. A skilled hunter competing against a novice may accept additional restrictions. A larger competitor may carry extra weight during a race.
The goal is not merely victory.
The goal is to discover who performs better under fair conditions.
Earn Your Victories¶
Victories are respected only when they are honestly earned.
Exaggerating accomplishments, taking credit for another person's work, exploiting technicalities, or winning through deception are all viewed negatively.
A victory that was not earned is often considered worthless.
Respect Honest Effort¶
Goliaths place great value on sincere effort.
Someone who tries and fails is generally respected more than someone who succeeds through luck, manipulation, or dishonesty.
Mocking those who are genuinely striving to improve is considered poor behavior.
Speak Plainly¶
Most Goliaths prefer direct communication.
Excessive flattery, manipulation, hidden motives, and social games are often viewed with suspicion.
A simple truth is generally preferred over a complicated lie.
Accept Defeat Gracefully¶
Losing is considered a normal part of life.
Making excuses, blaming others, or refusing to acknowledge a fair defeat is often regarded as childish.
A Goliath who loses with dignity frequently earns more respect than one who wins with arrogance.
Common Mistakes Made By Outsiders¶
- Assuming Goliaths admire victory above fairness.
- Offering excuses instead of accepting responsibility.
- Cheating in games, races, or competitions.
- Taking advantage of obvious disadvantages.
- Mistaking humility for weakness.
- Mistaking honesty for rudeness.
A Common Saying¶
"A stolen victory weighs less than a fair defeat."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that character matters far more than the outcome of any single contest.
Common Dress¶
Goliath clothing is practical, durable, and adapted to life in the harsh climates of Giant's Hammer.
To outsiders, Goliath fashions often appear surprisingly minimal for the environments in which they are worn. This is largely due to the remarkable cold tolerance of the Goliath people. Conditions that would require heavy winter clothing for most humans, dwarves, or halflings often require only light protection for a Goliath.
As a result, Goliath clothing tends to emphasize freedom of movement over insulation.
Less Clothing Than Outsiders Expect¶
Many Goliaths wear garments that leave their arms, shoulders, legs, or chest partially exposed even in weather that outsiders consider cold.
Fur cloaks, heavy capes, leather wraps, layered skirts, hide kilts, fur-lined boots, and thick gloves are common, but complete coverage is not.
Visitors frequently underestimate just how comfortable Goliaths are in cold environments.
Natural Materials¶
Most Goliath clothing is made from materials gathered locally.
Common materials include:
- Fur
- Leather
- Hide
- Wool
- Bone
- Antler
- Horn
- Stone beads
- Carved wood
Metal is used when available but generally serves a decorative rather than structural purpose.
Many garments are designed to last for decades.
Displaying Accomplishments¶
Like many aspects of Goliath culture, clothing often reflects personal achievement.
A carved bone necklace may commemorate a successful hunt.
A fur cloak may have belonged to a respected ancestor.
A horn pendant might mark a pilgrimage completed or a challenge overcome.
Such items are frequently valued more highly than expensive jewelry.
Little Difference Between Men And Women¶
While some garments are cut differently to accommodate anatomy, Goliath clothing is not strongly divided by gender.
Men and women commonly wear similar cloaks, boots, hides, wraps, belts, jewelry, and practical outdoor clothing.
Profession, climate, and personal preference generally influence appearance far more than gender.
Ceremonial Dress¶
Formal attire typically involves the same materials used in everyday life, but with greater craftsmanship and decoration.
Feathers, polished bone, carved antler, colorful woven fabrics, engraved jewelry, and clan symbols are often incorporated into ceremonial clothing.
A Goliath dressed for a wedding, pilgrimage, or clan gathering remains unmistakably a Goliath.
The clothing may be finer, but it is still meant to be worn, traveled in, and lived in.
Tattoos And Skin Markings¶
Because Goliath clothing often leaves portions of the body visible, tattoos, clan markings, ritual scars, and natural skin patterns are frequently displayed rather than concealed.
Many Goliaths consider these markings an important part of personal appearance.
A Common Saying¶
"The mountain gave us skin. The cloak is just for the wind."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that comfort, practicality, and resilience matter more than appearances.
Customs and Traditions¶
Goliath customs emphasize endurance, self-discovery, community responsibility, and connection to their ancestral homeland.
Many traditions involve journeys, challenges, acts of service, or opportunities for personal growth. While individual clans maintain unique practices, most Goliath communities share a common understanding that life's greatest lessons are learned through experience rather than instruction.
The Pilgrimage¶
The most important tradition shared by nearly all Goliath clans is the pilgrimage to the giant enclaves of central Giant's Hammer.
Most Goliaths undertake this journey multiple times throughout their lives, often once every few years.
The pilgrimage serves many purposes:
- Religious observance
- Clan diplomacy
- Trade
- Courtship
- Storytelling
- Historical remembrance
For many Goliaths, the pilgrimage is also an opportunity to reconnect with distant relatives and reaffirm their connection to the giants who created their people.
A Goliath who has never completed a pilgrimage is often regarded as unusually inexperienced.
Choosing An Earned Name¶
Upon reaching adulthood, every Goliath chooses an earned name.
The event is often accompanied by a feast, gathering, or community celebration.
The chosen name reflects how the individual sees themselves or how they wish to be remembered.
Older Goliaths frequently delight in reminding young adults that they may spend the rest of their lives proving they deserved the name they chose.
The First Winter¶
In many clans, a young Goliath's first winter as an adult is considered an important milestone.
While customs vary, individuals are often expected to take on greater responsibilities during this period, contributing more directly to hunting, construction, travel, leadership, or community survival.
Completing one's first adult winter is often viewed as the true beginning of adulthood.
Story Nights¶
Long winter evenings are frequently spent sharing stories.
These gatherings preserve history, teach lessons, strengthen community bonds, and provide entertainment during the harshest months of the year.
Goliath stories often focus on journeys, failures, perseverance, unusual encounters, and hard-earned wisdom.
The most respected storytellers are not necessarily those with the greatest adventures, but those who tell them honestly.
Community Labor¶
Large projects are rarely considered private matters.
Building a home, repairing a dock, raising a communal structure, or preparing for winter often becomes a clan-wide effort.
Refusing to help without good reason is generally frowned upon.
Likewise, asking for help is not considered a sign of weakness.
The Return Feast¶
When travelers return from long journeys, particularly pilgrimages, hunting expeditions, or trading voyages, many communities hold a communal feast in their honor.
The traveler is expected to share stories, news, and lessons learned during their travels.
Food is appreciated.
Stories are required.
A Common Saying¶
"The road teaches what the hearth cannot."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that wisdom is gained through experience, hardship, and the willingness to leave one's comfort behind.
Common Taboos¶
Goliath taboos generally revolve around wastefulness, dishonesty, cowardice, and the abuse of trust.
Most Goliaths are tolerant of mistakes, poor judgment, and simple inexperience. They are far less forgiving of deliberate behavior that harms the community or undermines the principles of fairness upon which Goliath society is built.
Cheating¶
Among the most serious Goliath taboos is cheating in any contest, challenge, or competition.
Whether in wrestling, racing, hunting, games, trade negotiations, or personal challenges, deliberately seeking an unfair advantage is considered deeply dishonorable.
A victory gained through deception is often regarded as a defeat disguised as a success.
Many Goliaths would rather lose honestly than win dishonestly.
Taking Advantage Of Weakness¶
Goliaths believe competition should be fair.
Exploiting an obvious disadvantage, humiliating a weaker opponent, or deliberately stacking the odds in one's favor is generally viewed as shameful.
Defeating someone who never had a chance to succeed proves nothing.
Wastefulness¶
Waste is strongly discouraged throughout Goliath society.
Food, tools, clothing, fuel, building materials, and useful resources are all acquired through labor and effort.
Discarding something that still has value is often viewed as irresponsible.
This attitude is especially strong regarding food.
Many Goliaths find the casual waste common in wealthier southern societies difficult to understand.
Taking More Than You Need¶
Closely related to wastefulness is greed.
Most Goliaths believe individuals should take what they require and leave enough for others.
Hoarding resources while neighbors struggle is widely condemned.
A person's success should strengthen the community rather than weaken it.
Breaking Your Word¶
Promises carry considerable weight in Goliath culture.
A reputation for reliability is difficult to earn and easy to lose.
While circumstances sometimes change, deliberately breaking one's word without good reason is viewed as a serious character flaw.
Complaining About Shared Burdens¶
Goliaths generally accept that hardship is a normal part of life.
While seeking help is encouraged, constantly complaining while refusing to contribute is often frowned upon.
Most Goliaths respect those who face difficulties honestly and continue doing their part.
Claiming Undeserved Credit¶
Goliaths value accomplishment, but they value honesty more.
Taking credit for another person's work, exaggerating one's achievements, or falsely claiming honors is considered both embarrassing and dishonorable.
Eventually, the truth tends to emerge.
A Common Saying¶
"Use it. Share it. Earn it. Or leave it for someone who will."
The saying reflects the Goliath belief that resources, victories, and reputations all have value only when honestly earned and responsibly used.
Historical Figures¶
Elira¶
The most famous Goliath in recorded history, Elira lived during the final years of the Age of Monsters.
While dragons and giants fought to contain the chaos unleashed by their ancient war, Elira devoted herself to understanding the natural world and the primordial forces that threatened it.
Though details vary between traditions, nearly every account credits her with discovering crucial knowledge that helped the dragons and giants restore the weakened seals that imprisoned the Elemental Titans.
Modern Goliaths often find it amusing that one of the most important figures in world history is remembered not as a warrior, king, or conqueror, but as a scholar who spent much of her life studying plants, weather patterns, and the behavior of magical ecosystems.
Arkal Frostwalker¶
A semi-legendary explorer remembered for completing one of the earliest recorded pilgrimages between the northern Goliath settlements and the giant enclaves of central Giant's Hammer.
Many stories claim he crossed glaciers, mountains, frozen seas, and territories inhabited by monsters thought impossible to traverse.
Whether all such stories are true remains a matter of debate.
The fact that no one can agree on which accomplishments are fictional has only increased his reputation.
Vaunea Twice-Orphaned¶
A respected clan leader who lived during the chaos surrounding the Great War.
While many nations devoted themselves to conquest and destruction, Vaunea is remembered for organizing the evacuation of numerous northern settlements threatened by famine, storms, and wartime disruption.
Among Goliaths, she is often cited as an example of leadership through service rather than authority.
King Cigrion¶
Though not a Goliath himself, the Storm Giant King Cigrion occupies an honored place in many Goliath traditions.
During the Great War, he and Gold Dragon Queen Imelyn intervened directly to force the nations of the world toward peace when their magical conflicts threatened the seals imprisoning the Titans.
Many Goliaths regard Cigrion as one of the greatest examples of giant responsibility and wisdom, and stories of his actions are frequently told during pilgrimages to the giant enclaves.
Stats¶
Scientific Name
Homo montanus gigas
Origin/Ancestry
Created by Giant magic
Lifespan
80-100 years
Average Height
7-8.5 feet
Average Weight
250-400 lbs
Average Physique
Muscular and robust, with broad shoulders and powerful limbs
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Goliaths have gray or light blue skin tones with darker, often symmetrical, markings that resemble the patterns of the rocky terrain from which they were created. These markings can be unique to each individual.