Goblin

Whether sniveling in far, cackling with mad laughter, or snarling in a fury, goblins are wretched and inconsequential - at least in the eyes of most of Ravnica's other folk. In their own minds, though, they are content to lurk in the shadows only until they fully come into their own and receive the recognition they believe they deserve. They are entitled to credit where credit is due in terms of their sheer tenacity, agility, crafty ingenuity, and dumb luck; all of which has enabled them to survive and adapt in a city overrun with creatures larger and more powerful than they are.

Unfettered Emotion

Despite what many folk think, goblins are quite varied as a species. Some are cowardly, some are brave. Some are lazy and some are industrious. Some are helpers, others are hinderers. The common ground from goblin to goblin is the raw and unquenchable desire to do what they want to do, whatever that happens to be. This often manifests in the common goblin letting their life driven wild mood swings. Many goblins of every inclination are known for their penchant for destruction, whether that be just knocking something over, lighting it on fire, or blowing things up. Though this can take playful or harmless forms, most of the time it's anything but./p]

Another commonality of goblinkind is their outrageous sense of humor that is usually expressed through mischievous pranks. The malicious among them find pleasure in the misfortune of others and tend to cackle maniacally whenever they're amused. They can act with apparent randomness, sometimes just to confuse and befuddle others.

Place in the World

Goblins are creatures of raw impulse and, as such, they drift towards guilds that value that quality.

One guild they favor is the Izzet League that allows them to witness and participate in large scale destructive experiments. Besides pretty explosions, the League posts pretty mechanical toys just begging to be taken on dangerous, high speed joyrides.

The Gruul Clans are an obvious choice for goblins not only because they offer the special opportunity to travel the vast and dangerous rubblebelts as part of a larger and much safer group, but also for their loose hierarchy and a value system that rewards anarchy, chaos, and carnal ingenuity.

A goblin might drift towards the Cult of Rakdos for the flashy performances and large pyrotechnic explosions, but most of them that do end up staying for the chance to be a part of a group that acts above the law and remains the center of public attention.

Occasionally, goblins can be found in the Boros Legion, though this usually only occurs in members of goblinkind that find a great wellspring of discipline and courage within themselves. Those that join the legion only for the shiny weapons are weeded out within the first few days of bootcamp.

The vast majority of goblins on Ravnica are actually Guildless; however, they make themselves useful no matter where they find themselves, even if it's sometimes the the detriment of civilized society. A large portion of Guildless goblins are involved in street gangs and crime syndicates, further adding to their bad reputation among the general population.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Reaching adulthood at about 8, they age noticeably faster than humans, and though few goblins live to old age due to lifestyle, the most cautious among them can live longer than 60 years. Most goblins stand around 3 feet tall and are covered in warty green to red (or any color in between) skin with huge noses and ears adorning their smaller, more jagged faces. Their wiry bodies are surprisingly strong and their mouths are full of sharp, crooked teeth.

Most goblins are bald, either by heredity or by choice, but a few boast shocks of red or black hair. Their arms and legs are elongated in proportion to their small bodies, and their fingers and toes are also long and slender. Many goblins prefer to go unshod to leave their toes exposed for climbing.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The Goblin language is fond of certain sounds, and goblin names tend to repeat those sounds to form what can sound like nonsense words. Furthermore, a goblins name almost never gives any indication of gender.
Goblin Names: Azzinax, Babolax, Blixanix, Crixizix, Dazzaz, Estrix, Finizix, Juzba, Kaluzax, Lyzaxa, Mizzix, Myznar, Nixispix, Paxizaz, Ravixiz, Stixil, Sunnix, Tozinox, Uxivozi, Vazozav, Wexiny, Zizzix

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Most goblins can speak, read, and write Common and their own language, Goblin. Goblin is a simplistic language with a limited vocabulary and fluid rules of grammar, making it unsuited for any sophisticated form of communication.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Height

3 - 4 feet

Average Weight

40 - 80 pounds