Goliath

Goliaths are large, rugged humanoids that inhabit the tallest, most inhospitable mountain ranges, higher than even most dwarves find tolerable. These daring nomads follow herds of wild sheep and other game up and down the mountain slopes, fearlessly braving cliffs and ledges to survive. Standing 7 to 8 feet tall, goliaths are large, muscular people with pale gray skin covered in darker patterns and dotted with bony growths called lithoderms. Goliath women typically have long black hair, while male goliaths are usually hairless. Goliaths take pride in their body markings, and prefer light clothing that shows off as much skin as possible. Although they are a spartan people, many goliaths wear jewelry such as ear, nose, or brow rings.

Goliaths push themselves to the point of foolhardiness, competing against their clanmates and their own past achievements. Competition is the heart of goliath culture, ranging from friendly games like races and tug-of-war to deadly serious attempts to prove themselves best at combat. Just as important is the concept of a level playing ground, and goliaths look down on other races’ kings and lords who hoard wealth without having earned it. Goliaths who cannot or will not push themselves this way are seen as lazy and useless and face exile. A few such exiles become adventurers; most die in the wild. Few goliaths reach old age.

Goliaths can be found in mountain ranges throughout Golarion’s northern hemisphere, from Varisia to Casmaron to Tian Xia, but their homeland is thought to be the Rimethirst Mountains between Avistan and the Crown of the World. This forbidding range is home to the only known goliath city in the world: Thella-Lu, in the Plain of Standing Stones. This sprawling tent city’s population fluctuates constantly as nomadic goliath clans come and go, trading dwarven or giantcraft goods and engaging in every conceivable sport and game.