Goliaths

The Goliaths are a competitive species of battle-hardened humanoids that look as if they are carved from mountain stone. Their spirits can take after the wandering wind or everlasting mountains, making them nomads who wander from peak to peak or who remain and protect their ancestral home with zealous fury. Their hearts are infused with the cold regard of their frigid realm, leaving each Goliath with the responsibility to earn a place in their society or die trying. Tribal and Noble Goliaths have differing beliefs and values, but share a very strict set of traditions. To forget one’s history and the history of the Goliaths risks dooming them to the mistakes of their ancestors.

The ignorant misconception that a majority of Goliaths are war hungry savages comes from their years of strife and war within their own communities and against their oppressors. Looking into the history and cultures of the Goliaths reveals very deep roots in nature, religion, and most importantly, community.

Origins

The first Goliaths, also known as the Nine, were believed to be the children of ancient Giants that lived under the Ordning, the Giant Pantheon. These Giants were known in the old tongue as ‘Jotnar’. The Jotnar lived in the mountainous, mythical land of Jotunheim with the Ordning as their sworn protectors. For years the Giants lived in peace, until the Aesir pantheon invaded and slaughtered them. The holy mountains of Jotunheim were showered in the blood of Giants and the Ordning were shattered and forced to flee. Only one Giant survived, Jota, the first Giant. Called Ymir by the Aesir in their redaction of Giant history. Jota fled to the mortal plain and with his dying breath scattered himself amongst the unchartered Material Plane, creating the Nine, the first Goliaths. The Goliaths quickly became a nomadic people, scaling mountains and settling harsh terrain to establish the first Goliath tribes.

Culture

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 therefore place great value on self-sufficiency and individual skill. Goliaths love to win, but they see defeat as a prod to improve their skills. This dedication to competition has a dark side. Goliaths can be ferocious, stubborn competitors.

For Goliaths, the relationship between peasants and nobles puzzles them. If a king lacks the intelligence or leadership to lead, then clearly the most talented, strongest person in the kingdom should take his place. Goliaths rarely keep such opinions to themselves, and mock folk who blindly rely on society’s structures or rules to maintain power. Among the Goliath Tribes, anyone 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 those who can’t take care of themselves, though a sick or injured individual is treated. 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. The Goliaths, both Tribal and Noble, believe in survival of the fittest. Years spent in the cold, fighting for scraps of food and shelter, the weak succumbing to the elements or the edge of a blade, has ensured that early generations of Goliaths are some of the strongest alive. Many Goliaths would much rather die in battle, at the peak of strength and skill, than endure the slow decay of old age or to be captured. Typically, the older and more scars a Goliath has, the more respect is shown towards them. One who has survived and endured enough to see old age carries with them the burden and memories of their ancestors. A Goliath who reaches old age without scars to show, is lazy and has shamefully rode on the backs of those more worthy.

Goliath Names

Every Goliath has two names: a birth name assigned by the newborn’s mother and father, and a family or clan name. Birth names are rarely linked to gender. Goliaths see females and males as equal in all things, and they find societies with roles divided by gender to be puzzling or worthy of mockery. To a Goliath, the person who is best at a job should be the one tasked with doing it.

A Goliath’s family or clan name is a description that can change on the whim of a chieftain or tribal elder. It refers to a notable deed, either a success or failure, committed by the Goliath or their family. Goliaths assign and use nicknames with their friends of other races, and change them to refer to an individual’s notable deeds which is an incredible honor for other races to receive from a Goliath.

Goliaths present their full names when identifying themselves, in the order of birth name, then clan name. In casual conversation, they use their birth name.

Birth Names: Sven, Njal, Harald, Rune, Sigrid, Hilda, Astrid, Thyre, Yrsa, Kadi

Clan and Family Names: Ironborn, Jotunkarth, Stormcaller, Warborn, Sheatheshield, Dawncaller, Flintfinder, Horncarver, Keeneye, Lonehunter, Longleaper, Rootsmasher, Skywatcher, Steadyhand, Threadtwister, Twice-Orphaned, Twistedlimb, Wordpainter

Hierarchy

Tribe Society

Goliath tribes are often made up of a structured leadership consisting of one Chieftain, one to three captains, and at least one shaman. Clan life varied depending on the different clans. Warborn were often primarily brutish fighters with scattered in-fighting amongst the hierarchy, while Stormcallers were incredible swimmers capable of holding their breath for hours at the deepest, coldest reaches of the ocean. Any adult who can’t contribute to the tribe is expelled. Goliaths have little pity for adults who can’t take care of themselves. Everyone had to contribute to the safety and development of the tribe. These old ways were eventually rewritten with the creation of Noble Goliath Houses under the rule of Queen Ygrid after the end of the Seven Year War. At the core of Tribal Goliath beliefs was the law of combat, that any disagreement no matter how small or large could be settled by combat. This belief would paint the Goliaths in a negative, barbaric light to the other species. Many tribes still exist outside of the rule of Queen Ygrid, and few openly oppose her. Ygrid gave the tribes the choice to exist where they remain, so long as they don’t interfere. This was not a choice given to other races in the Conclave who were simply told they could live in Ygrid’s world, or die in theirs. A simple choice really.

Noble House Society

Post Seven Year War, a decimated Goliath populace was steadily rebuilding. Queen Ygrid’s allies and members of the old Goliath Council began reconstruction and fortification efforts. Systems of currency, laws, and travel were loosely established amidst the war-torn lands of Jotunrath. Alliances were forged and new conflicts erupted between pockets of rogue tribes and invaders. Allies who remained stranded joined various clans, melding into the common Goliath population. Ygrid kept her promises to the five Chieftains who pledged their tribes to Ygrid when the Seven Year War began. These tribes became the first Goliath Houses and were given enough gold and land to expand their reach.

All Houses own halls in the capitol and have their own land outside of it. They are all also devout, loyal bannermen of the Ironborn family. Houses are ruled by one ‘Lord’ with any number of loyal officers, advisors, and Champions. The fortresses and keeps outside of the capital are commonly made up of a common area with small houses, stores, and farms surrounding the meeting hall where the Lord, or High-Chieftain ruled.

The Goliaths adopted the class system of medieval humans for the practicality and ease of transition. Those who refused this modern change, simply kept to themselves and their tribal laws.

 

Religion, Prayer, and Death

Religion is an incredibly important part of Goliath culture. Prayers are common before meals, travel, battle, and most importantly, when a Goliath dies. These prayers can be directed to any number of ancestral and religious figures in Goliath and Giant Culture, such as deceased ancestors, the Nine, or the Ordning.

Prayers of protection and guidance are commonly directed to the Nine:

• Jotnar (Leadership)
• Jotyr (Wisdom)
• Kotyar (Luck)
• Thyrm (Strength)
• Hofund (Vitality)
• Grior (Unity)
• Geirodd (Religion)
• Sabyn (Love)
• Grynyr (Death)

The Giants, and many Goliaths, follow the Ordning, the Giant Pantheon. It is believed that from Annam All-Father and his many consorts, that the Ordning were created. They primarily dwelt in Jotunheim prior to the genocide enacted on them by the Aesir.

Shamans and Clergy of the Ordning

All priests, regardless of which god they were dedicated to, were trained together by the Stormazîn. Due to the widely varying nature of belief among Giants, the training of priests was a general education of the general customs pertaining to all members of the Ordning rather than indoctrination into the specifics of any one deity. Shamans served as lesser clergymen below true priests. Shamans were generally chosen and trained by the priests they served. These same practices follow Shamans who are held in very high regard in Tribal and Noble Goliath soecity. Every two years, new clergymen are officially anointed by the Stormazîn in a ceremony dedicated to Annam.

Giant priests were rarely the head of their tribes, but an ancient custom allowed them to overrule their tribe's leader if they entered into a parley with the priest of another tribe and both agreed that the actions of the leader(s) would run counter to the will of Annam. While this theoretically was based on mystical rites and divine communication, in reality it was often simply a mundane negotiation of power between the priests involved to guarantee an outcome favorable to both. This practice became rarer as giant numbers dwindled due to less contact between tribes. Tribes also could not afford to have such obvious disputes between their religious and temporal leaders, as it generally led to a division within the tribe that could lead to it breaking up

Stormazîn

The first Stormazîn was the Great Priest of Annam and represented the peak of the religious hierarchy. The Stormazîn was always a male priest of great power and held the title for life. They were required to tend Annam's grand temple in the Ice Spires but also regularly traveled to attend various ceremonies and to sort out disputes between clergy members. The position was highly respected in Giant society, but they held no official sway over non-religious matters despite their opinion being valued on the rare occasion they gave it. In modern Goliath society, the Stormazîn are a tattooed, Goliath monk order that represent the spiritual connection between the Ordning, Giants, and Goliath people. They are powerful monks that many worship as lesser deity figures capable of supernatural feats of strength, speed, and even flight.

Death

The ultimate decider across all cultures, races, and religions. In Goliath culture, death is taught as something not to be feared. Goliaths believe that when they die, especially in battle, they will join their family and ancestors in the Goliath afterlife, Sovngarde. A place untouched by the Aesir and ripe with wilderness, snow, and colorful night skies. Because of their firm beliefs in skill, survival, and ultimately one’s own self-sufficiency, Goliaths treat death a great honor, that they have finally met someone who bested them. It is therefore shameful for a Goliath to be captured, retreat, or even worse, surrender. In some instances, when a Goliath knows they will die in battle, they shout “Witness,” as to call for their ancestors to witness their death, or for nearby comrades to witness and speak of their deeds. Before a battle, some Goliaths paint their faces white to both scare their enemies, and to replicate the paleness of one’s skin when they die.

For Goliaths who feel sickness or age beginning to take them, with no natural way to combat it, they often make the long trek up the Frostback Mountains to die in peace. The Frostback Mountains is where a majority of Goliaths, tribal and noble, are buried if possible. These marches can often include hundreds of participants who go to accompany the funeral procession, or dying Goliath. It is in these moments that Goliaths actually help the dying individual walk and climb the mountain, despite old beliefs that a Goliath must be self-sufficient. To help their Goliath brother and sister, just as their parents and grandparents did for one another during the Seven Year War. The burial itself takes many, many forms and depends on the tribe and any last wishes. Bodies can be cremated and spread, so long as a portion of them are spread in Jotunrath, or bodies can be buried whole. A Shaman must preside over each burial and burial ceremony for the dead Goliath’s soul to be prayed over. 

Traditions

Rite of Combat

A law as old as the first mortals that is followed by the Goliaths. To invoke the Rite of Combat, means challenging ones claim to leadership or to settle old scores. To deny the Rite of Combat is dishonorable, and often means conceding to the challenger, unless it be invoked by someone deemed “unworthy” depending on the house and situation. The Rite of Combat is capable of toppling empires, crowning lords, and completing ending wars.

Cultural Similarities to Vikings

There are many clear similarities between Goliath and Viking Culture. These similarities stem back to the closeness of Giant-Norse and Viking cultures between the Ordning and Aesir Pantheons, and their people. Names, languages, and songs are some of many similarities one may find, though that’s where they end. Due to the genocide at Jotunheim perpetrated by the Aesir pantheon, the Goliaths and Vikings have a deep-rooted hatred of one another. Hostilities are often on-sight from the moment a Goliath and Viking see one another. Stories of the slaughter, folk tales, and who dialects and cultures belong to are debates still held between Goliaths and Vikings. Both have their own telling of each folk tale and the origins of each word. Both stand by that their culture was the first and truest representation of the wider Norse-Viking lore.

Lucky for You

It is bad luck for leaders to take a life on their birthday, as they should be celebrating life, not taking it.

Necromancy

Necromancy is looked down upon by the Goliaths, and resurrection without the user’s consent, or any zombification is punishable by death. It’s widely believed that when one dies, its their time, and to extend or prevent the natural order is incredibly blasphemous.

Hunting

Wasting any part of a hunted animal is extremely bad luck. The first Goliaths survived by using every piece of the animal, and wasting one part could mean death in a time where every resource was needed to survive.  

Speaking to a Chieftain or Lord

It is extremely disrespectful to speak to a Chieftain/Lord without kneeling on your left knee first, or without looking them in the eye. When one Chieftain/Lord interacts with another in their throne room, it is customary to bow your head or salute with your fist to your chest. Generals may salute as well, but others are expected to kneel. All are expected to kneel before the King or Queen of the Goliaths. Bend the knee, or bend your head. Goliaths are expected to know this, other species are not but some sort of respect is expected. In some cases. The greeting follows, “Hail High-Chieftain” or “Hail Chieftain” even in Noble Houses as a nod to tribal roots.

Touching Foreheads

One of the most physically intimate acts two Goliaths can share is touching, or nuzzling, foreheads. Goliaths are a people who like their personal space and most people who ignore the boundary find themselves on the bleeding end of a club or fist. So, to allow someone so close as to touch foreheads, to share skin contact, and spiritually connect thoughts, is as intimate as one can get. Touching foreheads is shared between parents and their children, or two intimately close Goliaths. It can be used to happily greet, or say goodbye to, someone you love or a very old friend.

Heirs

An heir to Lordship/Chieftain-hood is chosen by age. It is uncommon for a middle-child or youngest to inherit. When a leader chooses their heir, they may choose a sibling or, more commonly, their oldest child. A leader deemed unworthy of leading, doesn’t lead very long.

The Bloodborn

“Bloodborn” refers to the generation born after the Seven Year War who were forced to rebuild and survive after the war. These children grew up early and are hardened leaders.

The Iron Price

The “Iron Price” was a vow taken by Ironborn Chieftain and Lords who swear loyalty to their tribe and people before all else, even themselves. To pay the Iron Price means to give yourself so that others may survive. A vow that began with The Tale of the Huntsman.

Marriage

Marriage in Goliath society isn’t very different from others. It is the sacred bond between two Goliaths who wish to unite themselves, and in some cases, their tribes or houses. Marriage was as much about uniting powerful houses and tribes, building a family that would survive, as it was about love.

In Goliath tribes, marriage was a common way to resolve conflicts between warring tribes, or birth stronger generations. The Chieftains from both sides would marry their oldest sons and daughters, or even one son to another, or a daughter to another. The idea of same sex marriage in Goliaths was of little controversy, if it meant growing from it, then it was accepted. These principles changed little when the Noble Goliath Houses formed. Arranged marriages remained the same as well, and were very very common. If a Goliath hadn’t found someone by the age of 21, then their families often sought suitors out for them. This was to raise their status and/or give them stable adult lives. Small families between Noble Goliaths existed, and it was very rare for a Goliath to marry someone below their status.

Marital Traditions

If a lower-class Goliath was to be offered in a marriage to a higher-class Goliath, the lower family would hunt and cook a large stag. Any other animal is deemed insulting. After spending some time together, courting one another, or listening to their parents make cases, which can take months, a decision is made. Rejection is often made within hours.

When marriage does occur, there is a ceremony and many other traditions that come with it. It is a very joyous occasion, though marriage between rivaling clans can be bittersweet, or even deadly. An attempted marriage between Boudeca Warborn and Thorne Stormcaller ended in a bloody fight, with Thorne losing an eye, and Boudeca nearly her head.

Before the ceremony, wedding Goliaths are strictly forbidden from taking any Goliath, even their spouse, to bed. Doing so invites bad luck to one’s future family. The days leading up to the ceremony are spent planning, which usually takes up to a month. The family with the higher status is expected to pay for a majority of the decorations, while the lower class slays a large animal for the ceremony. This hunt is usually lead by the two Chieftains, or fathers.

It is not uncommon for both parties to keep their last name, especially as a way to show unity between two tribes or houses. Sometimes they form a unified name, such as Ironstorm, Stormborn, or Warfinder.

Attire

Attire for a wedding consists of fine linens, flawless animal pelts, and wild flowers. The two wedded Goliaths wear a crown or bracelet made from reeds and branches adorned with a variety of wild flowers, these are the human equivalent to the wedding dress and bouquet.

Ceremony

The marriage itself is attended by special Shamans who bless the wedded Goliaths under an arch of wildwood branches, asking the Nine to witness and protect their families. The human equivalent of wedding rings are exchanged in the form of colorful cloths the same color of the house or tribe. The two participants tie these cloths to their spouse. A male wears this cloth either on his wrist, bicep, or ankle. The woman ties her around her ankle or upper thigh, representing that she is the ground, the support, the legs that will birth children and stand with her feet planted firmly against all opposition. If these clothes are lost, it invites bad luck, but new ones blessed by shamans can be given. Goliaths tend to say everything invites bad luck, but then again, they don’t care. For Goliaths, it is the promises and actions that matter, not the cloth. Should a spouse die, they are buried with their cloths, or the cloth is worn by the surviving spouse.

Taking Names

In most cases, the lower Goliath surrenders their name and takes the name of their spouse. This is to take the name of a stronger house. If two noble families marry, then both sides keep their name. If they choose, one can take the name of the other, but this would be their House would be left without future names unless an heir is left. In rare cases, like Runa’s, they combine their names to honor both houses.

Inheritance

The firstborn child of the leading family, tribal or noble, is the next in line to inherit any titles. Should they die, it passes on to next of kin. If no other children exist, then the original Chieftain’s sibling inherits the title, or their next in command. Of course, inheritance by force is always a choice. In the end, the strongest suited to rule, will.

The Proclaiming

When a Goliath gives birth, their child is taken to the nearest designated holy site on the nearest mountain or cliff of Jotunrath. When the first sun rises, the parent, or guardian if the parent can’t be present, raises the child high into the air with Shamans as witnesses and shouts the child’s name and for one of the Nine to watch over them.  

Holidays

The Feast of the Nine

A nine-day festival dedicated to the first Nine Goliaths to colonize Jotunrath. Each day takes the theme of one of the Nine and is filled with celebration. Ale, food, and music fill the capital and surrounding area. The feast is a celebration of Goliath perseverance, unity, and alcohol tolerance. During the feast, Goliaths often adorn traditional tribal wear or fine noble garments. Whatever helps you eat and drink fastest.

Day of Black Worship

A sacred day of mourning and remembrance. During this day Goliaths make the long hike up the Frostback Peaks to visit loved ones and pay their respects. It is strictly forbidden to kill on this day as doing so invites bad luck and misfortune. There are no executions, duels, or hunting done on this day. Death comes for all, it is inevitable and should be met respectfully, but loudly with sword in hand.  

Folk Stories

The Tale of the Drowned Men

It is said that Atreus Stormcaller was a valiant sea-captain known for his naval expertise. Atreus was known for taunting the sea, daring it to try and sink his flagship, a dreadnought he called the Imperion. One day the Gods answered his challenge, and slammed the Imperion amidst the rocks. The damage threatened to sink the ship and all of the would-be Stormcallers onboard. Atreus and his generals leapt from the ship and pushed it to safety from underneath amidst roaring waters. They all drowned on their last push as the Imperion made land on the shores of Jotunrath. The heroes became known as the Drowned Men.

The Tale of the Huntsman

It is said that Vygrid the Huntsman was the first Ironborn and Jotunkarth, depending on who you ask. A small tribe of Goliaths had set out to claim land in the furthest, coldest reaches of Jotunrath. They were met with blistering cold and starvation. Vygrid set out alone to feed his people, claiming their misery was his to fix. Amidst the tangled trees and snow, Vygrid was attacked by a large dire wolf. Hours passed and the others began to worry. Until Vygrid emerged from the forest, carrying the slain wolf on his back. Vygrid died clutching the animal for his people, twelve iron arrows buried in the beast’s flesh. The travelers used the wolf to get them through the rest of their journey, wearing the arrowheads of their fallen leader around their necks. The group eventually split off, half remaining where Vygrid fell and calling themselves Jotunkarth, Giant-Born or born from the giant wolf, and those that continued called themselves Ironborn, born from the iron arrows that slew the great wolf.

The Tale of the Warborn

It is said that the early Goliaths once met to unify under one flag, one people, one tribe, instead of multiple scattered tribes claiming land and fighting over it. Eleven of the twelve leaders met to discuss logistically how this could be done. The twelfth leader, was a warrior named Ragna Warkon. In the midst of the discussions, Ragna burst into the room with his followers. He called the others cowards and said they disgraced the fighting-prowess that lived in them all. He called them fools for all having gathered under one roof for him. One of the leaders said, “Ragna, are you mad? You would have war?” To which Ragna shouted, “I AM war,” before he and his followers slaughtered the other leaders. What followed was a bloody campaign across Jotunrath which ended with a united Goliath front overpowering Ragna the Red and his vicious tribe of Warborn. It is said that Ragna laughed the whole time at his execution, cursing all of the Goliaths with the same rage and bloodlust he possessed. It took three swings of a greataxe before Ragna’s head finally fell.

Goliath Prayers

Prayer for Battle

Gafflwn Dihenydd O’r fuddugol yn wiriol sydd,
Ni fydd neb yn ein drechu,
Falch ydy ni I drochu,
Traed o flaen I’r Jotynr,
mewn y gwybodaeth fe godwn ni.

We cheat Death from her rightful victory.
No one can defeat us,
we are glad to plunge feet first into Sovngarde in the knowledge that we will rise.

Prayer for Protection

Rwy'n gweddïo ar y Naw i roi nerth i mi ar y daith hon. Cryfder i syrthio fy ngelynion a darian fy mrodyr. Jotnar, Jotyr, Kotyar, Thyrm, Hofund, Grior, Geirodd, Sabyn, Grynyr. Rhowch gryfder i mi.

I pray to the Nine to grant me strength on this journey. Strength to fell my enemies and shield my brothers. Jotnar, Jotyr, Kotyar, Thyrm, Hofund, Grior, Geirodd, Sabyn, Grynyr. Give me strength.

Prayer for Guidance

Llw-Fahr, ysgafnwch y llwybr i'ch plentyn fel y gallaf ddod â'n gelynion i ben ac amddiffyn fy nghartref.

All-Father, light the path for your child so that I may rightfully end my enemies and protect my home.

A poem

(As read by a mourning spouse...)

Dweud a ddoi di eto n'ol
Cariad bach er cilio'n ffo
Nid yw'r haf I mi
Ddim ond hirlwm
Er pan gollais ti.

Say you will not return
Sweetheart, since you flew away
I have no summer
Only the worst of winter
Since I lost you.

Send Me!

(Ygrid on Year 1 of the Bloody Seven)

Yna clywais lais hynafiaid yn dweud, "Pwy ddylwn i ei anfon? A phwy fydd yn mynd i ni?" A dywedais, "Dyma fi. Anfon fi!

Then I heard the voice of my ancestors saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"