Goblins
Goblins is a term that refers to a species of Goblinadae usually classed as Goblinadae Goblinus Deformis by experts. These are a species of goblins that average between 3'1" and 3'8" tall and weigh between 40 and 55 lbs. They are intelligent humanoid creatures that live in large groups of between 8 and 30 individuals, and these groups can associate with other groups to bring a local population size well into the hundreds of individuals. Each group is trypically led by the largest and/or strongest individual male with other influential group members including shamans, healers and beast masters.
Groups of goblins, especially those found north of the Caldar River, have been known to catch and tame wolves for the purpose of using them as steeds in hunts and raids. To this purpose, those groups of goblins have a caste of males known as "beast masters" that catch, raise and train the young wolf pups as steeds for goblin warriors.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Short humanoid creatures, bipedal and intelligent. All have four phalanges (fingers and toes) instead of five. All have sharp, pointed carnivorous teeth.
Genetics and Reproduction
Females produce pairs of young after 245 days of gestation. If a female isn't raising a pair of young, she is probably already pregnant. Goblins are prodigious reproducers.
Growth Rate & Stages
Young are able to feed themselves after two years, and most experts believe adulthood is reached at 5 years. No known golbin has lived past the age of 50.
Ecology and Habitats
Goblins can be found anywhere other humanoids are. They prefer to live in caves, caverns and stone ruins for the protection provided.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Carnivores that only eat vegetables used in the preparation of meat.
Biological Cycle
A short lived species, with the oldest known natural lifespan lasting only 48 years.
Behaviour
Quarrelsome, tempermental creatures with a tendancy to fly into fits of rage or paniced fear without warning. Known to dislike/fear anything larger than they are, and instictively inclined to follow larger and/or stronger goblins rather thansert themselves. When hunting or fighting, they utilize ambush tactics whenever possible, and always look to establish overwhelming odds in their favor.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Typically found to live in groups of 10 to 100 members, with rare communities number as many as 300. Groups and communities are led by the largest and/or strongest of the males.
Average Intelligence
Goblins are intelligent, with a full capacity to speak and reason, but are instinctually prone to fits of "fight or flight".
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Excellent hearing, good sense of smell, exceptional eyesight, especially in low-light conditions.
Civilization and Culture
Average Technological Level
Goblins have shown an ability to fashion commonly used tools and clothing from gathered resources or stolen/captured objects, but do not utilize advanced techniques to manufacture tools or clothing such as blacksmithing, smelting, weaving or large-scale tanning of leather or hide. Use of a wetstone or strop to hone a knife or hatchet is common, but the forging of the knife or hatchet is almost unheard of amongst know Goblin communities. Stitching leather or sewing cloth is common, but the tanning of the leather or the weaving of the cloth is not.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Goblins share a common language that varies only in dialect and accent as one moves from region to region. It is entirely possible that, given enough distance between them, two Goblins could be found that could not make themselves understood to each other, but regionally they seem perfectly able to understand one another even if they are of completely different tribes.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Common Goblins do not see the taking of items, livestock, or even life from others outside their group as wrong or even problematic. Goblins firmly believe that anything that can be taken, regardless of the means, should be taken. If a Goblin can successfully steal an item from another person, then that item is his/hers by right and proper gain. They do not care or concern themselves with anything that is not directly connected with the well being of the family and tribe they belong to. They show no pity, compassion or concern for any creature that is not a recognized member of their community, even if it is another member of the Goblinus Deformis species.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Goblinadae Goblinus Deformis
Lifespan
Less than 50 years
Average Height
3'1" to 3'10"
Average Weight
45 to 60 lbs
Average Physique
Short, wiry build with a surprising strength and resilience to their physique. Proportionally considered to be twice as strong as an average Human, they can easily carry more than twice their own body weight or extended distances and can run at speed for several hours before needing to rest.
Geographic Distribution
