"Never anger a Goliath." -Genasi proverb
Origin
Homeland: Zaron
Folk
Goliath culture is highly individualistic with a focus on personal success and glory, particularly when gained from the hunt or in a battle. The Goliaths do not fear death, as they believe the bold and strong can achieve immortality, but they do fear that they will be weak and end up forgotten. As a result, each Goliath seeks to prove themselves, to build their legend through feats of individual valor and great victories. Every Goliath hopes their legend will be told by the bards and celebrated at a moot with story and song. Goliaths usually have a great sense of personal honor, for a Goliath without respect from others is already forgotten. For many Goliaths, the focus on prestige means they're willing to accept any challenge that will prove their worth. They will never give up on their battle, quarry, or friends, even if it means years spent tackling a strong enemy or difficult task. Yet for other Goliaths, the pursuit of prestige translates to bragging, bullying, unwise snap decisions and an unwillingness to listen to reason.
Goliaths are a hearty, proud people; quick to anger, but then quick to forgive. They are, by their nature, a race of optimists, keeping a positive outlook. A setback is seen as just another challenge to overcome. They respect those who can best them in a fight, so brawling among Goliaths is common. Drinking alcohol, often to excess, is also a large part of Goliath culture. Being drunk and fighting is not an uncommon combination. For example, Goliath alemoots feature competitions of skill that require the competitors to be very drunk to compete.
A Goliath might proudly trace their worthy ancestors through many generations and pass a common name through a family, but a great ancestry and family connections do not grant automatic respect to a Goliath. Everyone is judged, not by their lineage or associated group, but by what deeds they have done. As a result, the Goliaths are often tolerant of an individual to whom other races might treat with hostility by association. There is no such thing as infamy to the Goliaths. For example, a Goliath who achieves respect from their peers through deeds that might be considered underhanded by the standards of men has still accomplished what the Goliaths value most, and is seen as equal to a Goliath who has performed more respectable acts.
Two Goliaths will marry, but only if they are of equal status. During the wedding, someone must speak on behalf of the couple in order to show that they are a worthy match for each other. Despite the cold of their homes, the Goliaths are often only lightly clad. This exposes skin which is frequently elaborately tattooed.