Goblin

This creature stands barely three feet tall, its scrawny, humanoid body dwarfed by its wide, ungainly head

Basic Information

Anatomy

Small humanoid, Goblins are fast, but weak and unpleasant to be around.

Biological Traits

Goblin Characters Goblins are defined by their class levels—they do not possess racial Hit Dice. All goblins have the following racial traits. –2 Strength, +4 Dexterity, –2 Charisma: Goblins are fast, but weak and unpleasant to be around. Small: Goblins are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks. Fast: Goblins are fast for their size, and have a base speed of 30 feet. Darkvision: Goblins can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Skilled: +4 racial bonus on Ride and Stealth checks.

Ecology and Habitats

Goblins prefer to dwell in caves, amid large and dense thickets of thistles and brambles, or in structures built and then abandoned by others. Very few goblins have the drive to build structures of their own.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Goblins are voracious and can eat their body weight in food daily without growing fat. Goblin lairs always have numerous storerooms and larders. While they prefer human and gnome flesh, a goblin won’t turn down any food—except, perhaps, vegetables.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Senses: darkvision 60 ft

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Alchemy

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Languages: Goblins begin play speaking Goblin. Goblins with high Intelligence scores can choose any of these bonus languages: Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Gnoll, Gnome, Halfling, Orc.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Goblin hatred runs deep, and few things inspire their wrath more than gnomes (who have long fought against goblins), horses (who frighten goblins tremendously), and regular dogs (whom goblins regard as pale imitations of goblin dogs). Goblins are also quite superstitious, and treat magic with a fawning mixture of awe and fear. They have the habit of ascribing magic to the mundane as well, with fire and writing both taking on mystical power in goblin society. Fire is much loved by goblins for its capacity to wreak great destruction and because it doesn’t require size or strength to wield, but written words are hated. Goblins believe that writing steals words out of your head, and as a result of this belief, goblins are universally illiterate.

Scientific Name

Small humanoid (goblinoid)