Goblin

Goblins were a race of small and numerous goblinoids common throughout the world, often living in underground caverns near the surface known as lairs. The race was often, though not always, dominated by other goblinoids, most commonly hobgoblins. Goblins may have, in fact, been initially created by this related race to serve as scouts and infiltrators.

Basic Information

Anatomy

• Goblins are small, humanoid creatures, typically around 3 to 4 feet tall. Their bodies are wiry and agile, with a hunched posture.
• Their skin ranges in color from green to brown, with rough textures and some having pointed ears.
• Goblins have sharp, angular features with large, often bulging eyes adapted for low light.
• They possess sharp claws and teeth, though not always dangerous in direct combat, they are adept at using tools and weapons.

Biological Traits

• Small, wiry frames with excellent dexterity and agility.
• Sharp senses, especially hearing and vision in low light, as well as a keen ability to detect traps and ambushes.
• Often equipped with sharp claws and teeth, and sometimes rudimentary magical abilities depending on tribe or individual.

Genetics and Reproduction

• Goblins reproduce through sexual reproduction, with males and females mating in pairs or small groups.
• Their gestation period is short, around 6 months, and females typically give birth to 2-3 offspring at a time.
• Goblins have a high reproductive rate and often breed in high numbers to compensate for their short life expectancy and the dangers they face.

Growth Rate & Stages

• Goblins mature quickly, reaching adulthood in about 5 to 6 years, though they are considered "young" and vulnerable for much longer due to their frailty.
• They typically stay in their adolescent stage for a few years before taking on full responsibilities within their tribe or band.

Ecology and Habitats

• Goblins prefer dark, secluded areas, such as caves, forests, or the lower levels of dungeons.
• They tend to live in groups, called tribes or clans, and often inhabit areas near larger, more powerful creatures (like orcs, giants, or dragons) for protection.
• Goblins are opportunistic and will settle in places that offer safety and resources, often scavenging for food and tools.

Dietary Needs and Habits

• Goblins are omnivores with a strong preference for meat, often scavenging carcasses or hunting small animals.
• They have a highly adaptive diet and can eat almost anything, from bugs to fungi, and will often cook or prepare food in crude, yet efficient, ways.
• Goblins also like alcohol and can brew their own crude, potent beverages.

Biological Cycle

• Goblins have a shorter lifespan, typically living up to 50 years, though many die much younger due to their dangerous lifestyles.
• They experience a rapid aging process, with most goblins reaching old age by their 40s, where they become frail and often die due to illness or accidents.

Behaviour

• Goblins are often seen as cunning, mischievous, and cruel. They tend to be opportunistic and self-serving.
• They can be easily swayed by promises of treasure or power, often driven by greed and a desire for dominance within their social structures.
• Goblins have a strong sense of loyalty to their tribe, but individual ambition can lead to betrayal and scheming.
• They can be surprisingly resourceful and creative when it comes to making traps, weapons, and using the environment to their advantage.

Additional Information

Social Structure

• Goblins typically live in tribes or clans, with a rigid hierarchical structure. Leadership is often determined by strength, cunning, or the ability to gather wealth.
• The chief or boss holds the highest rank, and is usually challenged by other goblins for their position. These societies are highly competitive and prone to infighting.
• Goblins have a strong tribal loyalty, though this can be easily swayed by promises of power or treasure.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

• Servants within the Academy: Goblins are sometimes used as servants or laborers within places like the Academy. Their small size and agility make them suitable for menial tasks such as cleaning, running errands, or handling delicate tasks in hard-to-reach places. However, they are often treated poorly, and their servitude is based on their subjugation or fear of punishment.
• Trap makers: Due to their keen sense of danger and resourcefulness, goblins are often exploited for their ability to craft traps or manage devices.
• Scavengers: They are frequently used to scavenge materials or search for useful items in dangerous environments, where other races would hesitate to go.
• Byproducts: Goblins also produce alcohol or crude poisons, which they may trade or use in their activities, though this is more common in their natural environments than in places like the Academy.

Facial characteristics

• Goblins typically have large, expressive eyes that are adapted for seeing in low light conditions.
• Their noses are often long and hooked, with sharp, pointed features.
• They have thin lips and sharp teeth, with a mouth that is often set in a grimace or sneer.
• Ears are pointed, and they often have scruffy or patchy hair.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

• Goblins have excellent low-light vision, making them effective in dark or underground environments.
• They are highly alert, especially in environments where danger is present, using their keen senses to detect traps, ambushes, and opportunities for mischief.
• Goblins are known for their heightened sense of hearing, able to detect subtle sounds that most creatures miss.

Lifespan

Goblins have a short lifespan, typically 30 to 50 years, though many die young due to their dangerous lifestyles. Those who survive into old age often become frail and less active.

Average Height

Goblins are generally around 3 to 4 feet tall.

Average Weight

They are lightweight, usually weighing between 30 to 40 pounds due to their small, lean bodies.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

• Goblins generally have green or brown skin, though some may be yellowish or reddish.
• Their skin can be mottled or splotched with darker shades, sometimes with markings or scars from their dangerous lives.
• Their hair ranges in color from dark brown to black, and they may have patches of body hair, particularly around their heads, chins, or arms.