Editing Ourworld:Goliaths
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− | + | Most of this stuff was made by Nat. And he should put up a quick description up here | |
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== History == | == History == | ||
− | The history of the goliaths is something of a mystery, since few other races paid them much heed, and since they do not mark time on a calendar as such, meaning that their oral histories do not say “in 1328 Akmenhe defeated the Red | + | The history of the goliaths is something of a mystery, since few other races paid them much heed, and since they do not mark time on a calendar as such, meaning that their oral histories do not say “in 1328 Akmenhe defeated the Red hand tribes” instead recording it as “it was a harsh winter the year Akmenhe, son of Uhnamen the squirrel brother, defeated the red hand tribes”. What can be safely surmised is that they have been inhabiting the great northern plains for more than a thousand years , because many of there stories refer to the time “before the corruption fell from the skies”, referring to , of course, the fall of the meteorites that marked the coming of the abominations over 11 hundred years ago. |
== Religion == | == Religion == | ||
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== Goliath technology == | == Goliath technology == | ||
The goliaths can best be described as Neolithic, using stone tools for the vast majority of their endeavors. The live for the most part in conical tents made from titanotherium or other hides, wear treated animal hides for clothing and use weapons made from wood or stone. Although they will trade with other races for jewelry, especially prizing teleri filigree , few make appropriately sized tools for the goliaths, so the goliaths have little interest in them. | The goliaths can best be described as Neolithic, using stone tools for the vast majority of their endeavors. The live for the most part in conical tents made from titanotherium or other hides, wear treated animal hides for clothing and use weapons made from wood or stone. Although they will trade with other races for jewelry, especially prizing teleri filigree , few make appropriately sized tools for the goliaths, so the goliaths have little interest in them. | ||
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== The Goliath People == | == The Goliath People == | ||
− | The Goliath are a dark-skinned race, | + | The Goliath are a dark-skinned race, ranging from a slate grey , through brown to an almost red, with distinct bands of differing pigmentation around the face and chest. They tower over the other races with heights of 6’10-7’6 being the norm. In addition to their great stature they are powerfully built, with massive shoulders and muscular arms and legs. Their hair colour is invariably a lusterous bluish black and very thick and straight. In many ways the most striking feature of the goliaths is their eyes, whose irises range in colour from gold, green, hazel, blue and violet. What makes their eyes particularly striking, however, is that both the iris and “whites” of their eyes vary in colour drastically depending on the goliath in question’s mood. This feature makes it very easy to tell the mood of a goliath if one is at all familar with this phnomenon |
They are quiet people who are proud of their traditions, many of which seem odd to other races. One of the most important traditions that they uphold is the principal of “non-violence” (it should be noted here that their conception of such isn’t quite what other races might mean by the term, they are also a somewhat “rough and tumble” race). The Goliaths inhabit a harsh land, filled with many potential dangers (aberrations for instance) the summers are lean, and the winters are vicious. As a result of these many dangers, goliaths are all too aware how dangerous life can be, and go to great lengths not to perform any action that would place another in greater danger. One example of how this manifests is in their approach to tribal warfare (they are peaceful people, not living saints). When two tribes come into conflict, say, over a hunting ground both feel they are entitled to hunt upon, then a “war” often ensues. These wars , however, are fought with non lethal weapons; bare fists, crops and nets. Those rendered unconscious, caught in nets or even tripped by the crops consider themselves to have been “defeated” and withdraw from the conflict. Such a withdrawal brings with it a great sense of shame, however, which leads to another tradition of the goliaths. | They are quiet people who are proud of their traditions, many of which seem odd to other races. One of the most important traditions that they uphold is the principal of “non-violence” (it should be noted here that their conception of such isn’t quite what other races might mean by the term, they are also a somewhat “rough and tumble” race). The Goliaths inhabit a harsh land, filled with many potential dangers (aberrations for instance) the summers are lean, and the winters are vicious. As a result of these many dangers, goliaths are all too aware how dangerous life can be, and go to great lengths not to perform any action that would place another in greater danger. One example of how this manifests is in their approach to tribal warfare (they are peaceful people, not living saints). When two tribes come into conflict, say, over a hunting ground both feel they are entitled to hunt upon, then a “war” often ensues. These wars , however, are fought with non lethal weapons; bare fists, crops and nets. Those rendered unconscious, caught in nets or even tripped by the crops consider themselves to have been “defeated” and withdraw from the conflict. Such a withdrawal brings with it a great sense of shame, however, which leads to another tradition of the goliaths. | ||
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Goliaths are very touchy about their “honour” (which for them means something along the lines of “being a productive member of society”) anything that detracts from their honour causes them great anxiety , which the will go to great lengths to assuage. The strongest action a goliath can take in this realm is to publicly announce that they will work of an obligation they have amassed, either setting a length of time, or some discreet task (such as digging a well or some such) . The causes of this might be a man who had a broken leg, who was cared for by others, or a warrior defeated in battle. In this last case, the debt is usually (read: always) paid to the victor or the victor’s tribe. This results in what might appear to outsiders to be slavery, but is in fact voluntary on the part of the “slave” , and if one was to call it slavery to a goliath, they would fist be confused, and then offended and outraged at the affront. | Goliaths are very touchy about their “honour” (which for them means something along the lines of “being a productive member of society”) anything that detracts from their honour causes them great anxiety , which the will go to great lengths to assuage. The strongest action a goliath can take in this realm is to publicly announce that they will work of an obligation they have amassed, either setting a length of time, or some discreet task (such as digging a well or some such) . The causes of this might be a man who had a broken leg, who was cared for by others, or a warrior defeated in battle. In this last case, the debt is usually (read: always) paid to the victor or the victor’s tribe. This results in what might appear to outsiders to be slavery, but is in fact voluntary on the part of the “slave” , and if one was to call it slavery to a goliath, they would fist be confused, and then offended and outraged at the affront. | ||
− | + | Another area that probably deserves some mention is the fact that the goliath’s plains have the highest incidence of abominations in the world. This is due for the most part to the fact that the greatest number of meteorites from the meteor shower 11 hundred years ago that brought the abominations fell on or around the goliath lands. The goliaths are a people who regard themselves as caretakers of the natural world, and , as such, hunt down mercilessly all the abominations that exist within their lands. | |
− | + | Traditionally the Goliaths utilize weapons appropriate to their hunter/gatherer lifestyles, bows with flint tipped arrows (or obsidian where they can get it) spears, stone knives and axes. These last require some description, as they are, for all that they are made from stone, finely crafted tools. Surprisingly sharp, and balanced for throwing, they are an excellent multi purpose tool. In addition , however, many of them feature a small bowel on the reverse of the blade, and a hollow haft, allowing them to double as pipes for the communal or ritual smoking of tobacco. Another implement that requires some discussion is the totem pole. The shamans carve two sorts of totem poles. The first is the pole that serves as a religious focus of a whole village or tribe, the other is the pole that serves as a focus for the shaman’s “personal” totem his bond with the spirit world. These poles are often intricately carved, and are of works of art in their own right, and serve as something of a badge of office for the shamans. It should be noted , however, that shamans are not above using these spiritual icons as tools of destruction should the need arise... Indeed, as one foolish Keltoi explorer was heard to say while recovering onboard a ship en rout back to Cair Dunan “He hit me… with a tree!” | |
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+ | As far as protective devices go, Goliaths will wear leather, re-enforced leather, hide, bone and wooden armours. There are a few family heirloom suits of stone-plate that exist, but they are rare to say the least. In war they will utilize leather tower shields for protection. | ||
== A Meeting between young White Cloud and the Medicin Man and chief, Anatawa == | == A Meeting between young White Cloud and the Medicin Man and chief, Anatawa == | ||
− | + | Anawatha: So White Cloud, your mother said you wanted to speak to me about something? | |
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White Cloud: yes elder, there is something that has been troubling me | White Cloud: yes elder, there is something that has been troubling me | ||
− | + | Anawatha: and what is that? | |
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WC: Well… it’s the nature of evil | WC: Well… it’s the nature of evil | ||
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A: hmmmmm, this is, indeed a subject of a troubling nature… but also a broad one. What aspect is it in particular that troubles one so young, and darkens your brow, and makes you seem more “Thunderhead” than “White Cloud” ? | A: hmmmmm, this is, indeed a subject of a troubling nature… but also a broad one. What aspect is it in particular that troubles one so young, and darkens your brow, and makes you seem more “Thunderhead” than “White Cloud” ? | ||
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WC: … its, its that the tools of evil seem so widely spread, elder. The many animals which are poisonous, whose bites and stings cause so much suffering, the anger that drives some beasts to maul and destroy, the lust that can fill men’s hearts and drive them to dishonorable acts, surely these are the tools of evil. | WC: … its, its that the tools of evil seem so widely spread, elder. The many animals which are poisonous, whose bites and stings cause so much suffering, the anger that drives some beasts to maul and destroy, the lust that can fill men’s hearts and drive them to dishonorable acts, surely these are the tools of evil. | ||
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A:…you mention many examples of such tools White Cloud, but look at your waist, what is that attached to your belt? | A:…you mention many examples of such tools White Cloud, but look at your waist, what is that attached to your belt? | ||
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WC: I think you tease me Elder, it is the tomahawk my father made for me and gifted me with last name day, and which you yourself blessed last spring. | WC: I think you tease me Elder, it is the tomahawk my father made for me and gifted me with last name day, and which you yourself blessed last spring. | ||
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A: I do not tease young one, merely try to bring your attention to so near at hand an example. Your fine hatchet, is it a tool for evil or for good? | A: I do not tease young one, merely try to bring your attention to so near at hand an example. Your fine hatchet, is it a tool for evil or for good? | ||
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WC: Umm, I would say for good elder, for I can use it to mercifully end the life of a brother elk if we are hunting him, and he is bleeding slowly, and to help provide food for my younger sisters. I can also use it to cut saplings to make shelter, or firewood to warm my family in winter. | WC: Umm, I would say for good elder, for I can use it to mercifully end the life of a brother elk if we are hunting him, and he is bleeding slowly, and to help provide food for my younger sisters. I can also use it to cut saplings to make shelter, or firewood to warm my family in winter. | ||
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A: These are many good things White Cloud, and from these things can we say that your tomahawk is a tool of good. But could your tomahawk not be used, as many often are by young boys whose blood runs hot, to cut down a tree just for the vacuous thrill of reaping destruction? Could it not be used to smash in your rivals skull, for some slight you feel he has given? | A: These are many good things White Cloud, and from these things can we say that your tomahawk is a tool of good. But could your tomahawk not be used, as many often are by young boys whose blood runs hot, to cut down a tree just for the vacuous thrill of reaping destruction? Could it not be used to smash in your rivals skull, for some slight you feel he has given? | ||
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WC: that is true elder! I should throw it into a stream so it can never be used for such things! | WC: that is true elder! I should throw it into a stream so it can never be used for such things! | ||
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A: You could do this White Cloud, but you had best have a good explanation ready tonight when your sister shivers beside an empty firepit that will not lite for want of kindling. | A: You could do this White Cloud, but you had best have a good explanation ready tonight when your sister shivers beside an empty firepit that will not lite for want of kindling. | ||
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WC: true… | WC: true… | ||
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A: So what do you take from this White Cloud? | A: So what do you take from this White Cloud? | ||
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WC: That the tomahawk is both good and evil. And in being both, it is truly neither | WC: That the tomahawk is both good and evil. And in being both, it is truly neither | ||
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A: your mind is fertile ground for the seeds of wisdom White Cloud, it pleases this old heart. Yes the tool is neither good nor evil, such things being judged on what the tool is used for. The rattler can use its venom to deter the eagle who would eat its eggs, a noble thing, while some scorpians take joy in stinging for stinging’s sake. Some bears become inflamed in rage and do great harm, but that same anger is what a she bear will use to protect her young. Tools are never truly good nor evil, only are we men, and then only by what we intend and what we do. | A: your mind is fertile ground for the seeds of wisdom White Cloud, it pleases this old heart. Yes the tool is neither good nor evil, such things being judged on what the tool is used for. The rattler can use its venom to deter the eagle who would eat its eggs, a noble thing, while some scorpians take joy in stinging for stinging’s sake. Some bears become inflamed in rage and do great harm, but that same anger is what a she bear will use to protect her young. Tools are never truly good nor evil, only are we men, and then only by what we intend and what we do. | ||
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WC: but what about other things, the bleasings of the spirits and the Ontoway Medicines? | WC: but what about other things, the bleasings of the spirits and the Ontoway Medicines? | ||
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A: so to with these things White Cloud. I could call upon the spirit of my friend Bisson, and he would give me great strength , would that be for good or bad? Bad if I used this medicine to take from you that fine wolf pelt jacket, good if I used this strength to lift a fallen tree from a man’s leg. The same is true for the medicines of other peoples, strange though they are, judge not the medicine, but the uses to which a man puts them, and should many observations allow, then judge the man. For a man who often does evil has been tainted by the manatou and should be both pitied and avoided , lest that taint spread like the coughing fever. And now I think that you should go out and hunt young one, for I see that your brow has cleared, and the Sunshine of understanding is peeping through the clouds… and please thank your father for the brace of rabbits he left by my wigwam flap last week, the were well meant and thankfully received. | A: so to with these things White Cloud. I could call upon the spirit of my friend Bisson, and he would give me great strength , would that be for good or bad? Bad if I used this medicine to take from you that fine wolf pelt jacket, good if I used this strength to lift a fallen tree from a man’s leg. The same is true for the medicines of other peoples, strange though they are, judge not the medicine, but the uses to which a man puts them, and should many observations allow, then judge the man. For a man who often does evil has been tainted by the manatou and should be both pitied and avoided , lest that taint spread like the coughing fever. And now I think that you should go out and hunt young one, for I see that your brow has cleared, and the Sunshine of understanding is peeping through the clouds… and please thank your father for the brace of rabbits he left by my wigwam flap last week, the were well meant and thankfully received. | ||
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'''Umberkim''' The mere mention of these pitiable folk will reduce a goliath to quiet tears, for the conception that any sentient , anywhere , could enslave an entire race, is so mind bendingly wrong that the goliaths experience it as personal shame | '''Umberkim''' The mere mention of these pitiable folk will reduce a goliath to quiet tears, for the conception that any sentient , anywhere , could enslave an entire race, is so mind bendingly wrong that the goliaths experience it as personal shame | ||
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== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
{{Ourworld}} | {{Ourworld}} |