GOLIATH

The first goliaths lived on the highest mountain peaks — far above the tree line, where the air is thin and frigid winds howl. Distantly related to giants and infused with the supernatural essence of their ancestors’ mountainous home, goliaths stand between 7 and 8 feet tall and have a wide array of skin tones resembling different types of stone.

!WARNING!:

As a surface race, if you visit or live in the underdark, please expect aggression if you are caught. If you enter the Underdark Lolthite Temple or the surface Shevarash Temple as someone against their dogma and get caught, it will be considered NVL. Exceptions exist if there is a DM or event that invites player to these places

Goliaths' most notable characteristic was their competitiveness. They kept track of their accomplishments and saw everything as a challenge. Those not familiar with goliath psychology would often get annoyed when goliaths constantly reminded them how many times a certain thing had happened, thinking them arrogant or self-centered. This was not the case however. To goliaths, score-keeping was a natural and integral part of life, not meant to belittle or demean anyone.

But a goliath's most fierce competitor was themselves. Beating their own records was the most satisfying victory for a goliath. They were also competitive with their companions and other goliaths, but were never arrogant or cocky.

Goliaths had little time for cheaters, gloaters, and sore losers. Goliaths never held grudges if they lost a fair fight, and would often repeat the goliath maxim that, "Today's rival is tomorrow's teammate."

Their constant comparison to their past accomplishments could be hard on goliaths that failed to meet goals or measure up to achievements of the past. Goliaths would often feel dissatisfied with anything that didn't surpass a victory from their past. This unfortunate element of goliath psychology led many older goliaths to be very unhappy with themselves when they could no longer perform as well as they could in their youth.

It was rare for goliath adventurers to retire or live to an old age, as they often died trying to surpass their previous achievements. Permanently injured or aging goliaths often sought death in battle rather than succumb to an existence where they could not excel.

Trust and honor were the key aspects of most goliaths. This tradition of honor and trust meant that goliaths tended to be good overall. This combined with their competitive nature often led goliaths to valorous heroics. Goliaths were also notably daring and fearless. Feats of physical strength and agility, like jumping chasms or climbing cliffs, held no fear for goliaths. Goliaths were naturally curious beings and loved to explore.

Complacency was a trait that goliaths loathed and as a result they never took anything for granted. Even goliaths with magical advantages would continue to train their physical prowess in case they ever lost their power.

Lifespan: Goliaths mature at the same rate as humans but live slightly longer, up to 80 years.

Height: Medium/Tall. Goliaths typically stand between 210 - 240 cm tall.

Alignment: Goliaths are often lawful neutral due to their strong sense of community and fairness. However, individual alignments can vary.

Languages: Common, Giant, Dwarvish

Speed: 4 tiles

Racial Traits

Forgotten Realms site

PERKS

Specialist: Choose one from these and increase it by +1:
- Strength
- Constitution
Stone's Endurance:
- You can focus yourself to occasionally shrug off injury. Once per Long Rest you may heal yourself of any Wound level one time.
Natural Athlete:
- Your Athletics skill is increased by 2
Powerful Build:
- You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Mountain Born:
- Resistance to Cold Damage. You're also acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.

Biological Traits

Build: Tall and muscular. Goliaths have a powerful and imposing physique.
Eye Color: Pale blue or green, often with a piercing, icy appearance.
Hair Color: Male Goliaths are known to not be able to grow any kind of body hair (except brows). While females fashion their black hair into braids most of the time
Skin Color: Gray or stone-like, with darker patches resembling natural rock.
Distinguishing Features: Goliaths often have geometric markings on their skin that are naturally occurring. These patterns and their stone-like skin make them stand out. They also have a rugged, mountain-dwelling appearance, with a preference for simple and practical clothing.

Positive Views on other races

Dwarves: Both races share a love for mountains and often form strong alliances in their mutual appreciation for strength and endurance.
Barbarians: Barbarians, who value physical prowess and survival skills, often find common cause with Goliaths and form strong bonds.
Rangers: Rangers appreciate the Goliaths' knowledge of mountain terrains and often collaborate with them for survival and hunting.

Negative Views on other races

Giants: Despite their shared heritage, Goliaths often find themselves at odds with Giants over territory and resources.
Orcs: These races often clash over territory, especially in mountainous regions.
Dragons: Dragons, who often claim mountains as their lairs, are common enemies of Goliaths.

Common Gods

Kavaki, the Ram-Lord
- Overview: The primary deity of the Goliaths, Kavaki is the god of competition, sports, and mountain survival. He emphasizes strength, endurance, and fair play.
- Domains: War, Strength
Manethak
- Overview: The god of mountains and endurance, Manethak teaches Goliaths to survive and thrive in the harshest environments.
- Domains: Nature, Survival

Note for clerics:

- Due to the limited amount of subclasses in the server, the domain of the worshipped god does not need to perfectly match up. Make sure it makes sense!

Roleplaying Tips

Goliaths are known for their physical strength and endurance. As a Goliath, embrace your character's toughness and resilience. Always be ready to face physical challenges head-on and prove your strength. Use your Stone's Endurance ability to withstand damage and protect your allies. Show a deep respect for fair competition and honor, and strive to uphold the values of your tribe. Your natural athleticism and survival skills can be a great asset in both combat and exploration.