Goblinkin
The family of creatures commonly known as Goblinkin includes the species Goblins, Hobgoblins, and Bugbears. Known for their cunning, ferocity, and often antagonistic relationships with other races, Goblinkin are capable of thriving in a wide range of environments, from dense forests to underground caves. They are also highly social, and often form tight-knit communities with complex hierarchies and social structures.
There are notable differences between the various species of Goblinkin. Goblins, for example, are often seen as sly and mischievous, and prefer to avoid direct conflict whenever possible. Hobgoblins, on the other hand, are known for their disciplined and militaristic nature. Bugbears are larger and more powerful than their cousins, and their formidable strength is widely feared.
Despite their reputation as violent and dangerous creatures, Goblinkin are not without their own sense of culture and tradition. They often have their own dialects, religions, and customs, and may even engage in trade and diplomacy with other species under the right circumstances.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Goblinkin can range in size from about three feet in Goblins to eight feet in Bugbears. Their skin is often shades of olive, rust or brown, with some lineages displaying variegated coloration. They have keen senses that allow them to hunt and navigate their environments with ease. One of the most distinctive features across subspecies is the head, which is characterized by wide features, large ears and a snout nose. They have sharp teeth with canine-like fangs, which are well-suited to their predatory nature. Their prehensile feet provide them superior movement through forested terrain as well as pedidextrous manipulation of tools.
Genetics and Reproduction
Goblinkin have a similar genetic makeup to other mortals. Pregnancies typically last several months, and females give birth to litters of multiple offspring. The number of offspring in a litter varies depending on the species; Goblins typically have 4-5 offspring per litter, while Hobgoblins and Bugbears generally birth 2-3.
Growth Rate & Stages
Young Goblinkin grow and develop quickly, with significant changes in size and appearance occurring within the first few months of life. During their juvenile years, the young are taught the skills necessary to survive and thrive in their communities, such as hunting, crafting, and social behavior. As youths mature, they become more independent and begin to take on specific roles or positions within their social hierarchy. The adult lifespan varies depending on the species, but they typically live for several decades.
Ecology and Habitats
Goblinkin are found in a variety of ecological niches, from dense forests and jungles to arid deserts and underground caverns. Being opportunistic predators and scavengers by nature, they omnivorously on a wide range of plants and animals. They are skilled hunters and fishermen, and may also engage in raiding nearby farming communities in order to supplement their diets. In terms of their physical habitat, Goblinkin can be found living in a range of structures, from simple caves or burrows to complex fortresses and strongholds. They are often skilled builders and crafters, capable of constructing complex traps and fortifications to protect their communities from outside threats.
Behaviour
Goblinkin are known for their highly social and clan-based nature, often forming tight-knit communities. They are fiercely loyal, and engage in displays of dominance and aggression towards outsiders, defending their territory at all costs. Within their clans, they develop complex social structures, with individuals holding specific roles and positions based on their skills and abilities. This hierarchy is enforced through displays of dominance and submission, with individuals competing for status and power. They have been known to sometimes even engage in trade and diplomacy with other clans or species under the right circumstances.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Goblinkin are able to see in the dark, which allows them to hunt and move around at night without the need for artificial light sources. They have a heightened sense of touch through their feet, which can help them to detect vibrations in the ground that might indicate the presence of danger or prey. They also have an innate ability to read the body language of others of their species, and are often able to predict the actions and reactions based on subtle cues.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
The goblinoid genus is known for its linguistic diversity, with a range of dialects spoken by different species and communities. While there is no single dialect that is spoken universally, there are several major language groups that are commonly used.