Goblin

Formerly this race made its home within the Old Orcish Empire, before it underwent its Great Fall. Forced out by their former allies under threat of violent death, they have largely been accepted by most of the Nations, particularly by those who see the Goblins' eyes for technology as an advantage. They can often find themselves in the criminal underworlds of less understanding nations or cities, as they also have a natural inclination towards subtlety.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

There are two distinct subraces of Goblin, descended from two ancient clans that decided on different lifestyles and applied themselves to their chosen ways of life wholeheartedly.
First, and most well-known amongst the Nations, there is the Irondust. Irondust Goblins tend to have sharper features and smaller ears, with their skin tones ranging from yellow-green to dark greens. The ancestors of the Irondust Goblins decided that the best life for them would be to formally ally themselves with the Orcish Empire and reside in Orcish cities to enjoy the protection and potential for intellectual growth that civilization provides. Modern Irondust Goblins developed their own culture within the Orcish one, with a particular eye for the finer and more refined things in life - tailored suits, fine meals, expertly blended drinks, fine art, etc. Thanks to their keen mind for invention, they created a great many technologies that improved their own lives and those of their Orcish neighbours. Particularly on the Military front, the Orcish Empire became a force to be reckoned with amongst the nations, and their mercenary companies were much in demand with the advancements the Goblins could provide.
Secondly, there is the Nightkin. Naturally inclined to isolated, self-sufficient life, their communities tend to be hidden away geographically, as they traditionally have little desire to interact or trade with other communities beyond a small amount. They tend towards having rounder features, and almost always have larger eyes and ears than their Irondust kin. They lead semi-nocturnal lives in their communities, as they believe the best hunting and gathering is to be done at night. The ancient Nightkin clan disagreed with the Irondust's decision to collectively join society, and split itself away into smaller communities. Many of these villages were still within the borders of the Orcish Empire (and it is unknown how many survived the slaughter following the Orcish curse), but villages are occasionally 'discovered' by travellers in the wilderness of many Nations, particularly the jungles of Mazdakentru, and the vast deserts of Zantensa, where the natural obscurity of the environment affords them privacy.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Goblin societies tend to place a great emphasis on family, though this is not necessarily a blood matter. It is common for Goblins to consider their close friends as much a family member as the siblings they were raised with. This often results in Goblin businesses being run as family ventures, even though very few of the stakeholders or owners actually share a name with the business. In the days of the Old Orcish Empire, it was extremely common for Orcs to be included in these bonds as well. In the advent of the mass exodus from Orcish Lands, many Goblins who have found themselves the benefactors of the kindness of other Nations have taken to extending this 'familial' bond to people they would never previously had considered.
Within their communities, Goblins tend towards considering those who have achieved the most to be their natural leaders. Families with many inventions (and particularly notable designs) to their names tend to be the most respected among Irondust communities, while Families who provide the most for their communities, such as Hunters, Guards and Farmers, tend to be considered the community leaders among the Nightkin.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Irondust Goblins can be found as refugees in every Nation aside from the Old Orcish Empire. In particular, Diewolsca, Ma Kolohe and Zantensa were the most keen to accept the Goblin refugees and have sizable communities in their settlements.
Nightkin Goblin communities are difficult to find to outsiders, but they are rumoured to be in every Nation (including extremely well hidden villages in the Old Orcish Empire).

Average Intelligence

Irondust Goblins are considered the most intelligent by the standards of creativity, innovation and collective knowledge. When it comes to inventing and developing new technologies, they are the rival of every other race.
Nightkin Goblins are often underestimated by those few who interact with them. Their villages have a relaxed atmosphere and they can come across as simple folk who enjoy simple pleasures such as tending their farms and engaging in small crafts out of necessity and hobbies. They are very in tune with their natural surroundings, and can often display a knowledge of the wilderness that puts many a professional explorer to shame. It is not uncommon to see one or more Nightkin Goblins as members of the secretive Druidic Circles that operate in the wilds.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

High, but chaotic due to the nature of Invention. Goblins are responsible for most of the mechanical advancements in the world, and have a particularly unique hold on the blending of Magic and Technology due to their ability to (rarely) produce Artificers.

Common Dress Code

Goblins in general prefer to look somewhat tidy in their fashions. Irondust Goblins in particular like well-made suits, and will often wear shirts and waistcoats even while working. Those in particularly messy or dangerous jobs take pride in their hard-wearing protective uniforms, which often have a mass of webbing to hold the tools they need. On social occasions, they like to dress up, with the ladies wearing glamourous dresses and corsets and sporting fascinators, while the gents take pride in fancy hats, dapper suits and stylish pocket watches.
Nightkin are not too different fashionably, with an emphasis on hard-wearing but comfortable clothes for country living. Men will wear shirts and breeches with suspenders, with a woolen vest and cap for when the weather gets colder. The ladies will wear similarly practical clothes while working, and when there is cause for celebration such as a marriage will usually have a hand-crafted outfit such as a dress or gown.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The most prevalent and famous invention of the Goblins is the explosive 'Goblin Powder'. A black powder that is used as a reactive component of many other Goblin devices, other Nations have seen its value with the development of Cannons, Fireworks, etc.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Goblin parents take a particular pride in passing down knowledge to their children, including 'adopted' children. Irondust parents who work with mechanics will teach their children their craft with their own inventions and devices, allowing the young to build on the ideas of the old. Nightkin parents bring their children on hunts with them, showing them the ways of the wilderness that protects and provides for them at the same time as it poses many dangers.

Common Taboos

Among the Irondust, it is extremely taboo to reveal the secrets of Goblin Invention to non-Goblins. This isn't simple xenophobia, but a practical concern. Before the Great Fall of the Orcish Empire it was a matter of making sure that Goblin businesses would be highly sought after. After the surviving Irondust became refugees, it was a matter of ensuring their people would have something to trade for their safety. As long as they hold the secrets, there is a reasonably guarantee that their families will have safe homes.

Average Height

Adult Goblins range between 3 and 4 feet in height.

Average Weight

Adult Goblins weigh between 40 and 80 lbs.