The sly ones, those in the shadows, the tinkerers of hidden arts; all of these are names goblins have gone by throughout time. Many never know if they are good or evil, but all know they side with whoever will win and are only matched by gnomes in their ability to tinker and create. They are always making deals and always up to something. Goblins are misunderstood at best; with rag-tag clothing and often confusing speech, they can be a burden to deal with.
Goblins are some of the best tinkerers on Xadune. They are excellent at scavenging for things and using odds and ends in their inventions. Goblins are survivors; they will run, hide, switch sides, betray friends, backstab, and do whatever it takes to get ahead and stay alive. The one thing they will remain faithful to is their fascination; often a shiny object, a goblin will collect a horde of these objects and protect it until the end.
Goblins have pointed ears, long noses, and have green skin like that of an Orc. Their heights range between 5’4″ – 6’3″ on average, with males being taller than females.
Average Life Span: ~50
Average Number of Offspring: 1-2
Maximum Number of Offspring: 3
Goblin History
Throughout their history, goblins have been through slavery and struggle. They have never formed their own civilization (and kept it that many know of), but rather preferred to live off of what others had already developed. They inhabit cities of other civilizations, whether they are populated or abandoned. They tend to learn the skills of the people they are near.
Goblins invented the explosive. In AFS 052, “The Bomb that Shook the World” went off in the subterranean Goblin city, completely destroying it.
Goblin Cultures
Goblins are classified into two different cultures: the subterranean and the surface dwellers.
“Home grown” goblins, as they like to call it, have a way all to themselves. They talk just a little odder then most, walk as if there is someone following them, and have a small degree of insanity that to most comes across as a comical way of being. They can be ruthless if required, but even in being so are hard to take seriously; but never underestimate one raised by their own as they have insight far beyond your city raised goblin.
Subterranean– These goblins have a rich underground history living off the gnomish, hobgoblin, deep elf, and sometimes dwarven societies. The subterranean goblins are rumored to be the possible origin for tinkering. The goblins outside of the deep elf societies adopted their incredible talent for magic, whereas the goblins outside of the gnomish societies increased their skills in tinkering. Regardless of what they are trying to make, they try to perfect it. Due to living underground, they suffer huge physical effects from being in the daylight.
Surface Dwellers– Where their cousins lived off the underground cultures, these goblins grab what they can from the above cultures. They can immerse themselves into nearly any society, and have a knack for making something from nothing. The surface dwellers are gifted in gathering information or resources as well as many of the roguish arts. Definitely a good ally if you wish to get in/out of a tight situation. While not quite as proficient in tinkering and magic as their subterranean counterparts, these goblins have far exceeded their skill in locks, traps, and the acquiring of rare and unusual artifacts. Often not the best leaders, they are best suited as followers, Surface Dwellers tend to always be following someone; feeling insecure and often lost if not in someone else’s charge.