Goblinoids
The family of creatures collectively known as Goblinadae (goblinoids, to use the generic term) encompass a variety of species and sub-species. All are defined as having a generally humanoid shape, are bipedal, reproduce sexually, are dimorphic and are intelligent with the capacity to speak. All Goblinadae have the shared feature of only having four phalanges on each hand and foot, wherein all other humanoid species have five phalanges on each hand and foot. Of the known varieties of Goblinadae, the smallest average 3'1" tall and weigh less than 45 lbs while the largest can stand an average of 6'6" tall and weigh more than 300 lbs. The word "goblin" can describe the family of species as well as a specific species of Goblinadae, which is also the most numerous of the individual species.
Goblinadae are found all around the known world, from the frozen reaches of the far north to the steaming jungles and fetid swamps of the far south, and even in the arid and dusty deserts of the far, far west. Larger species such as the Goblinus Troglodytam (hobgoblins) are typically found in more remote or isolated regions, as they are notoriously difficult neighbors with Humans, Halflings and Dwarves. The smaller and more numerous species like Goblinus Deformis (goblins) are found in many areas much closer to civilized settlements but prefer to live in underground environments where detection and encounters are far less frequent.
The three most commonly found species of Goblinadae are:
Goblins (Goblinus Deformis) A broad catagory of the family of creatures, but most known specimens are well under 4'6" tall and weigh less than 75 lbs. They are most often found in large tribal or family groups of as many as 100 members. They prefer to live in underground lairs where they can hide from larger or stronger enemies. They are capable of speech, but are too prone to fits of rage or fear to do much of anything in a cooperative effort. They hunt and fight in strictly ambush encounters and only when the odds are overwhelmingly in their favor. They prefer to fight against prey or enemies that are smaller than themselves, and thus avoid fights with Humans, Elves or Orcs at all costs.
Hobgoblins (Goblinus Troglodytam) A larger, stronger and slightly more intelligent variety of the common goblin. Average height is 5'2" and weight as much as 130 lbs. More socially structured than the common goblin, Hobgoblins live in a structured society with a leader, chief or patriarch ruling as many as 100-120 members (although 40-60 is more typical). Hobgoblins are capable of crafting better weapons, armor and structures than their smaller cousins, and are better able to organize themselves into fighting units. Hobgoblins can also be found leading bands of mixed Goblinadae species when the opportunity presents.
Bugbears (Goblinus Ursi) The largest specimens of Goblinadae currently known. Standing more than 6' and weighing in excess of 250 lbs, these goblinoids are often covered in coarse, bristly fur and have a more pronounced snout-like feature which is how they got their nickname.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humanoid, bipedal intelligent creatures with a variety of skin tones, features, hieght and weight averages. Most common determining feature is three fingers and one thumb on each hand, four clawed toes on each foot. All species have pointed, carnivorous teeth and strong jaws that allow bones to be broken and consumed.
Genetics and Reproduction
All Goblinadae reproduce sexually, with a pregnancy lasting 245 days, or 35 weeks. Young are typically born in pairs, and are dependant on mother's care for at least two years. Once a female goblin gives birth and as long as the child is living with her, she will not become fertile. Birth-mate young are particularly bonded, far more so than siblings of other pregnancies.
Growth Rate & Stages
Varies with specific species of Goblinadae, but similar in most cases to other humanoid species.
Ecology and Habitats
Capable of living anywhere other humanoids can live, but preferring to live close to cavees, caverns and stone ruins for the protection those places offer. Their strong ability to see in low light and their exceptional hearing are indicators that this is an evolutionary advantage.
Dietary Needs and Habits
All species are carnivores, and the only vegetables consumed are those used during the preparation of cooked meat. Some species prefer raw meat to cooked meat, but no species exclusively consumes only raw meat.
Biological Cycle
Common goblins (Goblinus Deformis) do not seem to live very long. The oldest confirmed natural death of a goblin was a male at 48 years of age. Females become fertile at about 10 years, and can become pregnant for (seemingly) their entire lifecycle. Most females do not live beyond 38 years, however. Larger species, especially Bugbear varieties, can live as long as 60 years, with the oldest known living to 66.
Additional Information
Social Structure
All Goblinadae live in male-dominated hierarchical societies where status is determined by strength and/or skill in combat. Since many goblins will not fight a creture larger than themselves, size can often be a determining factor in the leader of a group. Goblins have a strong propensity to fall into fits of rage or fear, and this makes any group effort a problematic situation for them. All seem naturally inclined to follow the group's leader, however, and if that leader is particularly strong-willed or has a developed ability to communicate clearly, group actions are possible and sometimes very effective, given the large numbers of goblins involved.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Very good vision even in low light conditions, strong sense of smell, exceptional sense of hearing.
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Goblinadae
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Varies by species and location, but generally skin tones are gray to green, with several examples of dark brown or reddish-orange coloring.
