Homebrew Frost Goliath Species Details

The snow crunched softly under the titan's heavy footsteps. The blizzard had gotten worse, the snowflakes were a blindfold that stretched across the whole mountain range. Any ordinary creature would die in mere minutes in conditions like these. But the Frost Goliaths were no ordinary creatures. The pale giant marched unhindered through the raging storm, his only thought being his desire for food... and bloodshed.

Despised by All

391 years ago, Frost Goliaths were one of the races that fell through a colossal wormhole that wiped out almost all of Pandemon's population. Initially, the Frost Goliaths perceived the natives around them as threats, believing that they had brought them there with the intent to kill them. The Frost Goliaths quickly began butchering as many people as they could, earning themselves a reputation for being needlessly cruel and violent. By the time the Frost Goliaths were made aware of the true nature of the situation, that damage had already been done. The rest of the world loathed them for what they had done, and began to hunt them down. Determined not to take anymore innocent lives, the Frost Goliaths fled to the mountains instead of rebelling against their attackers, hoping that one day, they would be forgiven for their horrible mistake.

 

Relations with the Æsir 

Frost Goliaths are descendants of the ancient Frost Jötnar, who often attacked or were attacked by the Æsir gods. However, over the eons, the Frost Goliaths learned to actually respect the Æsir, since they had proven their prowess in combat time after time, and the two groups eventually formed a truce. The continuation of this truce hinges on the Frost Goliaths not attempting to destroy the world as they had once desired to. The Frost Goliaths agreed, but they still hold a bitter grudge against many of the world's inhabitants.

Survival of the Fittest

The Frost Goliaths are feared and hated by much of the outside world, so they keep to themselves and hide along mountaintops, communing with few people other than members of their tribe or nearby Goliaths. They will do whatever it takes to survive, even if that means murder.

Frost Goliaths are usually wary of outsiders, doing whatever they can to scare them or drive them away from their tribes. Should an outsider prove their worth, be it by their strength or some other feat, Frost Goliaths will adopt the outsider into their tribe, praising them and treating them as though they are their own. Alternatively, anyone who displays weakness or cowardice is either left behind or destroyed, depending on the situation.

In some ways, Frost Goliaths are more primal and violent than traditional Goliaths. Their gray-skinned cousins fight for honor and survival, but they do not posses the natural talent for destruction that the Frost Goliaths have.  Should a member of the tribe fall behind or become grievously injured, the rest of the tribe will do whatever they can to help them, but only so long as it is clear that the crippled Frost Goliath is doing their absolute best to keep up. Otherwise, they are seen as a liability, and are abandoned to fend for themselves. This is extremely rare, as most Frost Goliaths are terrified at the idea of being seen as a weakness or burden to those around them.

Frost Goliaths are often led by a chieftan, referred to as a "Dróttinn", who is the wisest and most experienced member of the tribe. The Dróttinn of a tribe attends every hunting trip and every battle, regardless of how old or weak they are. It is seen as their duty to ensure the survival of their tribe, and that means being there to defend them when fighting against any adversary. 

Physical Traits

Frost Goliaths have light blue skin, which gradually is covered with tattoos commemorating their grandest accomplishments. The average Frost Goliath stands at about 7.5 - 8.5 feet tall, with large, muscular builds that help them overpower any opponent they come across. Their eyes are dark red, a sharp contrast against the gentle blue of their skin.

Jötunn Names

Every Frost Goliath has three names: a birth name assigned by the newborn’s mother and father, a nickname assigned by the tribal chief, and a family or clan name. Birth names are usually Norse, while Clan names are typically Futhark for words associated with the cold. Frost Goliath birth names are also often the names of Giants, because duh.

Frost Goliaths see females and males as equal in all things, and see each member of their tribe as another potential warrior. While not all Frost Goliaths grow up to become warriors, it is what Frost Goliaths expect from one another. If a Frost Goliath finds a different calling in life, it is essential for them to prove to their tribe that there is honor in their new purpose, lest they be cast out from the tribe altogether.

A Frost Goliath's nickname 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 individual. Frost Goliaths assign and use nicknames with their friends of other races, and change them to refer to an individual’s notable deeds.

Frost Goliaths present all three names when identifying themselves, in the order of birth name, nickname, and clan name. In casual conversation, they use their nickname.

Birth Names (Male): Bergelmir, Hrim, Bölþorn (Bolthorn), Brimir, Bolthur

Birth Names (Female): Skadi, Fjörgyn, Angrboda, Nótt, Grid,

Nicknames: Fire-Killer, Snowcaller, Fearless, Food-Finder, Bone Carver, Lockeye, Lonehunter, Winterson, Frostsmasher, Skywatcher, Steadyhand, Twice-Orphaned, Shatterspike, Bloodpainter

Clan Names: Snærr, Hríð, Frustaz, Isa, Hagalaz, Jǫkull

Frost Goliath Traits

Frost Goliaths share a number of traits in common with each other.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 1, and your Constitution score increases by 2.

Age

Unlike Humans or traditional Goliaths, Frost Goliaths can live for up to ~300 years. This rarely happens, though, due to Frost Goliaths often dying in combat long before they reach 150.

Alignment

Frost Goliaths have a sense of loyalty and respect, but usually this only applies to those deemed worthy of it through displays of combat prowess, strength, cleverness, etc. This, combined with their general disregard for most laws or rules, pushes them toward chaotic neutrality.

Size

Frost Goliaths are between 8 and 8.5 feet tall and weigh between 300 and 360 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Natural Athlete

You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.

Glacier’s Endurance

You can focus yourself to occasionally shrug off injury. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to roll a d12. Add your Constitution modifier to the number rolled, and reduce the damage by that total.  If the you have less than 1/4 of your HP remaining, roll an additional 1d8 to protect against even more damage. After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Mountain Born

You’re acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet. You’re also naturally adapted to cold climates, as described in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.