Goblin

Once considered nothing more than murderous pests by most, goblins dwelled on the fringes of other societies, scavenging amongst their waste and building their society from scrap and squalor. Ironically, this lifestyle allowed them to thrive post-Deluge, as Goblins have proven to be one of the most clever, adaptable and resilient species.
Though usually weak on their own, goblins often gather in huge numbers to overwhelm their enemies. The misconception of them as cowardly dullards has lead many to their doom, as Goblins are capable of amazing feats when working together.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The average Goblin has a small stature with a disproportionately large head, flat face and beady eyes. However, due to their natural adaptability to any environment they are exposed to for long enough, there is a greater variance of morphological features than most other races.
Goblins have begun sprouting thick fur and tails, giving them a simian appearance. This variation has developed most in Goblins who are seafarers, using their tails to improve their balance or a prehensile appendage. Currently, this sub-species of Goblin is being referred to as a Giblin, though only amongst scholars. To everyone else, they are still just Goblins.
Other noteworthy mutations include thick white fur on Northern Goblins, and webbed fingers on Goblins born in coastal communities.

Biological Traits

Most Goblins have muddy brown or dark green skin, giving them a natural camouflage in forests, perfect for ambushes. However, due to their adaptable nature and the change in their environment, many have begun developing a lighter blue-green skin tone to help them hide in water.

Ecology and Habitats

The Goblins still make their homes in forest warrens, abandoned ruins, or natural caves. They prefer environments where they can actively hunt their prey since they lack any agriculture aside from wild mushroom farms that form in their homes.
However, after The Deluge, many Goblin habitats were destroyed or turned into swamplands. Always adaptable, the Goblins created mobile habitats, ramshackle flotillas where colonies of Goblins live.
These flotsam flotillas are made out of debris, refuse, and junk, cobbled together into ships that barely resemble functional vessels. They are built based on the chaotic sensibilities of the myriad of carpenters and often fall apart mid-construction. However, eventually, through trial and error, a sea-worthy vessel will be created.
Often, these ships will break apart, but that simply means that another "ship" has been added to their armada. The ramshackle construction also helps the Goblins in battle. Though their ships may be weak, their vessels may quite easily be mistaken for a mass of debris, letting them surprise their foes in a sneak attack. Even when the battle has begun, the flotilla is designed with many knocks and crannies that let the Goblins shoot out of without reprisal while making it difficult for any boarding party to advance through.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Goblins' extremely high level of energy comes from both their accelerated metabolism and dangerous lifestyles. Their fast metabolisms make goblins eating machines stricken with almost constant hunger; fortunately, goblins can subsist on almost anything organic. They love salty foods, especially pickled food of all types. Their unique metabolism has made them one of the few species that can survive off of salt water.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Goblins can be found anywhere with enough resources to sustain them. They will live anywhere, in any climate, and in any conditions. Frequently compared to rats or cockroaches, Goblins can survive in almost any environment and can therefore be found in almost every environment. The largest concentration of them can be found in and around the Serpent Isles of Bilgewater.
Their skills as sailors and salvagers make them valuable additions to any crew. The city has drawn many Goblins, and has become the headquarters for the Garbo-Gobo Guild.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Goblins usually only have a first name which usually holds little significance. Sometimes they are named after the first things their parents saw or the first sound they heard. Some Goblins don't receive their names until years after their birth, due to either the forgetfulness or ambivalence of their parents. It isn't uncommon for a Goblin to name themselves or rename themselves later in life.
Last names are reserved for Goblins of note, though a title and last name are interchangeable in their societies. For example, a Goblin may earn the last name, Livah, for surviving a long time. Or Wizz for being a spellcaster.

Major Organizations

The Algae Armada was a collective of Goblin Flotillas who threatened the seas with sheer numbers until the Gnomes of the Gizmo Guild inducted the smartest of them to join the gnomish organization. This brain drain significantly reduced the threat that the Armada posed, as well as diminishing their numbers as a mass exodus began to join the Gnomes.
Those that remained independent reavers are the most brutal of the species, so though their numbers are fewer, they are still quite dangerous. This rogue pirate faction is an enemy to everyone they encounter, seeking to rebuild their former strength.
The Goblins that joined the Gizmo Guild became the sister organization, the Garbo-Gobo Guild, which specializes in salvaging and harvesting resources for the Gnomes. Whatever they don't have to give is either incorporate into their flotillas or sold by the Garbo-Gobo Guild.

Beauty Ideals

Excessive weight is considered a sign of beauty among female goblins, with the ideal of goblin sexuality being an obese female.

Common Etiquette Rules

"Etiquette" and "Goblin" go together was well as "Drow" and "Friendly", but there are some common cultural acts that can be observed.
Goblins believe that eating quietly and slowly is a sign that the food is terrible. Conversely, eating loudly and messily is a compliment that the meal was delicious.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

There are many superstitions and odd customs among Goblins, some widespread among the species and others specific to a clan.

• You should always keep your eyes on your reflection because if don't, it will stab you in the back.
• Whenever painting or drawing a Goblin, always make a purposeful imperfection because they believe a perfect likeness lets dark powers possess them.
• The Oldest Goblin is always the rightest Goblin

Other customs are specific to a Goblin's role in their society. For example, a Goblin Warrior will keep the weapon they get their first kill with and apply the blood of any future kills to that same weapon. It is believed that the cumulative power of all slain foes will reside in the weapon to make it more powerful.

Scientific Name

Gobo Sapien

Lifespan

50–60 years

Average Height

~4' (122 cm)

Average Weight

~60 lbs. (27 kg)