Goblins

Goblins are smaller humanoids, averaging 3–4 feet tall, with wiry builds. Their skin tones range from mottled green and gray to earthen browns. Large pointed ears and sharp canine teeth are their most prominent features. Their eyes are well-adapted for low-light environments, often glowing faintly in the dark.

Goblins reproduce sexually, with a gestation period of roughly five months. Offspring are born in litters of 2–4, reflecting the species’ survival strategy in harsh conditions.

Infancy: 0–2 years.

Adolescence: 2–8 years.

Adulthood: 8–40 years.

Elderly: 40+ years.

Notes: Goblins age quickly compared to other humanoids, a side effect of their curse.

Goblins thrive in environments where other species might struggle. Dense forests, rocky caves, and abandoned ruins are common habitats. They often adapt to hostile environments by scavenging and foraging.

Goblins are omnivorous, capable of consuming almost anything edible.

They prefer small game, insects, and foraged plants but are opportunistic hunters and scavengers.

Food is often hoarded in hidden caches.

Description: Goblins are resilient to environmental changes and lack specific biological cycles like hibernation. However, their survival strategies often align with the seasons (e.g., hoarding food for winter).

Goblins exhibit a mix of survivalist pragmatism and deep-seated inferiority complexes stemming from their cursed origins.

In-group behavior tends toward cooperation and hierarchy, while out-group interactions are marked by suspicion and hostility.

Tribal leaders often focus on survival and resource acquisition but may harbor aspirations of unity and power.

Goblins live in highly hierarchical tribes led by the strongest or smartest individuals. Leadership positions include Chiefs, Goblin Lords, and potential Goblin Kings. Tribes often fragment due to infighting or external pressures, making unity difficult.

Goblins are not domesticated but can sometimes be coerced or manipulated by more powerful species. Their resilience and adaptability make them unlikely candidates for true domestication.

Goblins are often exploited as expendable laborers, scouts, or soldiers by more dominant species or factions. Rarely, Goblin crafts such as weapons, traps, or crude jewelry may be traded, but their value is minimal outside their tribes.

Goblins have sharp, angular faces with pronounced cheekbones and large, pointed ears. Their noses are small and flat, and their sharp teeth, including prominent canines, are well-suited for scavenging and hunting. Their eyes often glow faintly, usually in shades of yellow, orange, or green, adapted for low-light vision.

Goblins are widespread across Azurythos, with higher concentrations in areas unsuitable for permanent settlements, such as forests, caves, and abandoned ruins. They can be found on all continents but are most prominent in regions where resources are scarce, reflecting their struggle for survival.

Comparable to humans but with a stronger focus on cunning and survival instincts. Average Intelligence Score: 8–10. More intelligent Goblins, especially leaders, may achieve exceptional strategic or magical prowess.

Darkvision: Superior night vision, effective up to 120 feet.

Exceptional Hearing: Acute sense of hearing, particularly within 60 feet, providing an advantage in detecting predators or prey.

Instinctual Awareness: Goblins retain a rudimentary magical attunement, granting them an uncanny ability to sense danger.

Symbiotic: Goblins often live in loose cooperation with scavenger creatures like giant rats or vultures, which assist in food acquisition.

Parasitic: Occasionally coexist with or exploit other species by scavenging from their kills or settlements, leading to a parasitic reputation.

First Names: Goblins tend to have short, guttural names such as Grak, Tog, or Yrix for males and Zar, Bix, or Nyra for females.

Descriptive Names: Some Goblins gain additional monikers based on notable traits or achievements, like Rik Sharpfang or Jil Black-Eye.

Clan Names: Rarely used outside tribal contexts, Goblin clans are identified by names like Mudfang, Razorhide, or Ashclaw.

Goblin Tribes: The dominant social unit, often led by Chiefs, Lords, or Kings. Tribes vary in size and influence, with frequent infighting and territorial disputes.

The Scattered Clans: A loose network of Goblins seeking to unite under a Goblin King to break the curse.

The Silent Trade: An underground network of Goblins specializing in smuggling, espionage, and scavenging.

Goblin beauty is rooted in survival and utility. Sharp teeth, healthy fur, and strong limbs are admired, while scars are seen as signs of resilience and honor. Jewelry and adornments, when present, are crude but crafted with pride from scavenged materials.

Goblins view gender roles as largely interchangeable. Strength, cunning, and survival instincts are valued above all else, regardless of gender. Leadership is based on merit and dominance rather than traditional gender expectations.

Courtship among Goblins is often pragmatic, focusing on mutual survival. Displays of physical prowess or cunning—such as successful hunts or clever problem-solving—serve as primary forms of attraction. Gifts like rare trinkets or food also signify intent.

Goblins prioritize loyalty within their tribes over romantic or familial bonds. Relationships are often short-lived, with an emphasis on producing offspring and ensuring the tribe’s survival. Bonds of friendship or mentorship can form, but these are secondary to tribal unity.

General Level: Goblins possess basic to intermediate technological capabilities, often scavenging and repurposing items from other species.

Common Items: Crude weapons, traps, and simple tools. More advanced tribes may craft rudimentary siege devices or create basic metalwork.

Goblish: The primary Goblin language, a mix of sharp consonants and guttural tones.

Regional Dialects: Variations in Goblish exist between tribes, influenced by the languages of neighboring species.

Fragmentary Elvish: Some Goblin leaders, particularly Goblin Lords or Kings, experience visions of Elvish language and incorporate fragments into their speech.

Respect strength and cunning above all else.

Sharing resources is expected within the tribe but withheld from outsiders.

Directness in speech is valued; subterfuge is reserved for enemies.

Goblins wear practical and durable clothing, often scavenged or pieced together from hides, cloth, or discarded materials. Leaders or respected warriors may adorn themselves with trophies from past battles.

Goblins cherish storytelling, often recounting tales of survival, tribal victories, and mythical heroes. Their crude but passionate art includes carvings, painted symbols, and songs that echo their lost Elvish roots.

Coming of Age Rites: Young Goblins must prove themselves through a trial, such as a hunt or a daring act of cunning.

War Dances: Performed before battles, these dances are meant to intimidate enemies and bolster tribal morale.

The Feast of Survival: Celebrated after successful raids or hunts, with storytelling and crude music.

Betraying the tribe is the gravest sin, punishable by exile or death.

Associating with non-Goblins without tribal approval is viewed with suspicion.

Displaying overt weakness or cowardice brings shame.

Goblins were once proud Elves, transformed as punishment for their perceived betrayal during the Dragon-God War. Their history is fragmented and passed down through oral traditions or cryptic symbols, with most Goblins unaware of their true origins. Despite their curse, traces of their Elvish heritage linger, influencing their culture in subtle ways.

Zagrik the Sly: A legendary Goblin Chief who outwitted a band of Dragonborn warriors, solidifying his tribe’s dominance for a generation.

Lyrindar the Lost: A tragic figure remembered in Goblin myths, said to be the last Elven leader before the curse.

The Elvish Curse: A common legend tells of how the Goblins were once beautiful and powerful but were cursed for their hubris.

The Goblin King’s Redemption: Stories of a mythical Goblin King who will unite the tribes and restore their former glory inspire hope and ambition.

Gnolls: Viewed with wary respect, as Gnolls are formidable rivals but sometimes allies.

Dragonborn: Universally resented for their role in the curse. Goblins fear and hate them in equal measure.

Humans and Others: Goblins regard most other species as threats or resources to exploit, though some tribes trade or form uneasy alliances.