Goliath, also known as the Shadow of the Rephaim, is the ancient, disembodied spirit of the biblical Nephilim giant. He serves as the primary antagonist in the opening story arc of the Outcast series, "Echoes of Giants."

Driven by three millennia of humiliation following his defeat by David, Goliath seeks to reclaim his glory by destroying the lineage of his ancient envy, Samson. He operates from the shadows of Aethelburg, using psychological manipulation and parasitic possession to hunt the protagonist, Philip Samson.

Biography

Ancient History

Born of a union between a fallen angel and a human woman, Goliath was a champion of the Philistines. Following his death in the Valley of Elah at the hands of David, his spirit was cast into a state of restless, vengeful wandering. For 3,000 years, he has harbored a singular hatred for the people of YHWH and, particularly, the powerful "Divine Spark" carried by the line of Samson.

Arc 1: Echoes of Giants

The Aethelburg Infiltration (Issues #1-4) Goliath first appears in the series through a flashback in Issue #1, depicting his original physical form in the ancient Middle East. In the present day (2100), he arrives in the megalopolis of Aethelburg as a spectral entity.

Initially, Goliath tests Philip Samson's strength by briefly possessing "weak-minded" individuals; such as a security guard named Jax, an un-named dockworker, and a cybernetically-enhanced Klaxxon Corp. security guard. During these encounters, he leaves behind a psychic "Nephilim's Reek," which only Philip can sense to become aware of demonic presences.

To get closer to his target, Goliath takes Dr. Eric Vance as his primary host. Using Vance’s identity as a respected historian, Goliath (subtly manipulating Vance) befriends Philip. He uses this proximity to study Philip's weaknesses and orchestrate the "Asset Weakening Protocol." This plan culminates at the Synth-Product Collective, where Goliath forces Philip to break his Nazarite Vows by exposing him to grape-derivatives and the touch of human corpses.

Manifestation and Defeat (Issues #5-6) After successfully draining much of Philip’s power, Goliath drops the charade of Dr. Vance. In Issue #5, he fully manifests, physically transforming Vance’s body into a towering, 9'9" monstrosity. He mocks Philip’s heritage, brutally overpowers him, and attempts to cut his hair to strip the Outcast of his remaining strength.

In the climax of Issue #6, Philip uses Logoscraft to stop the physical mutilation of his dreadlocks and manage to banishes Goliath with the sword Judgement. The divine blade severs the spiritual bond between the Nephilim and Dr. Vance. Goliath’s spectral form is forced out of the host and dissipates into the night, though he remains a lingering threat to the world.

Powers and Abilities

Goliath’s power is directly tied to the strength of his host and the degree of control he exerts over them.

* Possession Levels

Goliath can override human consciousness to grant his hosts supernatural physical traits:

• Partial Possession: Used on "disposable" hosts like Jax.

  • Strength: Approximately 5 tons.

  • Speed: Slightly enhanced human levels.

  • Limitation: No regenerative factor; host remains physically human.

• Full Manifestation: Achieved through high-value hosts like Dr. Vance.

  • Physical Mutation: The host grows to nearly 10 feet tall and 900 lbs.

  • Base Strength: Approximately 30 tons (increases with rage).

  • Superhuman Durability: Can shrug off heavy ballistics and high-impact collisions.

  • Rapid Regeneration: Heals broken bones and deep wounds almost instantly using Nephilim energy.

* Sheol Energy

Goliath radiates a dark, fiery energy originating from Sheol (the underworld). This presence is toxic to modern environments:

• Technological Disruption: His energy causes AR displays, drones, and city infrastructure to flicker, spark, or short out entirely.

• Psychic Stain: Leaves behind the "Nephilim's Reek," a sensory marker detectable by those with divine sensitivities.

* Strategic Genius

Unlike a mindless monster, Goliath is a master manipulator. He utilizes:

• Psychological Warfare: Whispering insecurities into Philip's mind regarding his father's failures.

• Vow Exploitation: Deep knowledge of Nazarite law, allowing him to engineer "vow traps" to weaken his nemesis.

Weaknesses

• Logoscraft: Divine words of power can transmute his weapons or environment, bypassing his physical durability.

• The Sword "Judgement": As a weapon of mystical origin, it can strike his spiritual form even when he is intangible or bonded to a host. Ironically, this is Goliath's own ancient blade.

• Host Dependency: While his spirit is immortal, his physical presence on Earth requires a host body. Severing the parasitic bond leaves him vulnerable and forced to retreat.

Relationships

• Philip Samson: His "Great Prize." Goliath views Philip not just as an enemy to kill, but as a soul to corrupt.

• Dr. Eric Vance: His "Scholar's Shell." Goliath feels no remorse for the physical and mental toll the possession takes on Vance.

• David (Historical): The source of his eternal grudge and the architect of his original defeat. 

Appearances

• Outcast - Arc 1: "Echoes of Giants"

• Issue 1: "The Relic & The Rage"

• Issue 2: "Ancient Texts & Modern Threats"

• Issue 3: "Seeds of Doubt & Whispers of Guidance"

• Issue 4: "The Nazarite's Edge & Closing Walls"

• Issue 5: "The Scholar & The Spirit"

• Issue 6: "Verdict & Vulnerability"