Matriarch of the Goblins
Once in a generation, a goblin is given the title of Matriarch. So far there has been no documented case of any other gender goblin having been the Matriarch, so it is believed only female goblins can attain this rank. However, because the title is shrouded in multiple mysteries, even the limits of gender are not seen as undisputable.
Goblins that have passionately strived to revive their nearly lost cultural heritage after the centuries of slavery, revere the Matriarch as the embodiment of their ancestors. Those who study goblin culture find references of the Matriarch always being a wise and respected leader, armed with the knowledge of the previous generations. Most interestingly, this is not something a newly appointed Matriarch has to study for. Although the traditions and ceremonies are well-guarded mysteries to outsiders, it is widely understood that there is a spiritual and/or magical aspect to it as well. The soul of the Matriarch might be reincarnated into a new individual after the passing of the previous Matriarch. Or a collected treasure trove of knowledge is passed on to a new individual after she showed specific traits or aspirations.
There is a tight-knit Retinue of advisors that ensure the proper transference of the rank. There is no limit to the amount of goblins that can join the Matriarch's Retinue, and there have been instances where someone of another race joins the Retinue. There is a lengthy application process, where the majority of the existing Retinue and the matriarch herself have to agree with the appointment of a new member. A Matriarch can always denounce someone from her retinue, though this is uncommon. More often the members retire of their own volition.
The retinue protects the Matriarch and also ensures her orders are carried out. In this, she functions as a linchpin in goblin society, a separate form of government. Most of the traditionalist goblins would follow her policies or guidelines without question. Throughout the centuries when they were in servitude, goblins still managed to spread the word of the Matriarch amongst themselves. Perhaps that too has a spiritual or magical aspect to it. Much about the Matriarch of the goblins remains a mystery. Those who respect their heritage, would accept that their curiosity should not be sated, and would not pry any further.
Goblins that have passionately strived to revive their nearly lost cultural heritage after the centuries of slavery, revere the Matriarch as the embodiment of their ancestors. Those who study goblin culture find references of the Matriarch always being a wise and respected leader, armed with the knowledge of the previous generations. Most interestingly, this is not something a newly appointed Matriarch has to study for. Although the traditions and ceremonies are well-guarded mysteries to outsiders, it is widely understood that there is a spiritual and/or magical aspect to it as well. The soul of the Matriarch might be reincarnated into a new individual after the passing of the previous Matriarch. Or a collected treasure trove of knowledge is passed on to a new individual after she showed specific traits or aspirations.
There is a tight-knit Retinue of advisors that ensure the proper transference of the rank. There is no limit to the amount of goblins that can join the Matriarch's Retinue, and there have been instances where someone of another race joins the Retinue. There is a lengthy application process, where the majority of the existing Retinue and the matriarch herself have to agree with the appointment of a new member. A Matriarch can always denounce someone from her retinue, though this is uncommon. More often the members retire of their own volition.
The retinue protects the Matriarch and also ensures her orders are carried out. In this, she functions as a linchpin in goblin society, a separate form of government. Most of the traditionalist goblins would follow her policies or guidelines without question. Throughout the centuries when they were in servitude, goblins still managed to spread the word of the Matriarch amongst themselves. Perhaps that too has a spiritual or magical aspect to it. Much about the Matriarch of the goblins remains a mystery. Those who respect their heritage, would accept that their curiosity should not be sated, and would not pry any further.
