Goblin

Illus. by Brandon "Rogue" Williams

Description
Goblins are small green humanoids that are about 4’ in height. They are usually quite scrawny, and have long gangly limbs. Their teeth are tiny misshapen spears set in a jagged array of disorganized rows. Their oversized pointed ears rise above their large head and droop downward. Though they have been called one of the most hideous humanoids to walk the surface of Caxtrin, some believe that there is a cuteness that belies their strange almost comedic form.

Origin
Though no religion, race, or group of researchers have come up with a viable reason as to the existence of goblins, they remain as a force on Caxtrin nonetheless. Goblins do not really explain their creation very well, and only enlighten curious questions of this as, “we are, therefore we were, and now here we are.” Though this explanation only serves to confuse others most of the time, there are philosophical researchers that seem to gain much enlightenment from this phrase. Old religions would just explain goblins as an experimental creation of the Gods, and Darkyns try to explain that they are children of Deltayn just like any other creature of the world. One thing is known for sure, and that is the goblins’ home world was originally that of Sintuk Koth.

History
Goblins were looked upon as evil war mongering killers for many years while they served under the ranks of orks, hobgoblins, and dargats (dark-skinned dwarves). Dwarves had a long time hatred for their kind because of their chosen ally in the many wars that have spread throughout Sintuk Koth. The orks have utilized the goblins’ skills at trickery and stealth for many years, but have always kept the creatures of this race under their foot and beyond reach of any command within their armies. Goblins usually are not looking for a commanding role anyways, as their main driving force is usually wealth. Though they may still be looked down upon by many, it is now more widely believed that goblins will just side with anyone that gives them the chance at gaining wealth.

These small dexterous humanoids have now proven their worth as thieves, assassins, or even as great comedic relief as a jester in some courts. Some armies have found their help invaluable, but goblins are usually always treated as indispensable. Though some goblins understand this, they pride themselves for usually being able to get out of odds that are stacked against them when thrown into what would be a suicide mission for anyone else.

Beliefs
Goblins have been known to follow any deity that fits their liking, but there have never been any reports of a fanatical goblin to any religion. Though they may take moral values from them and sometimes twist it to fit their own needs, it does not differ from any other normal religious person. Some may denounce religion altogether and live by the code of the day instead and explain their creation as, “we are, therefore we were, and now here we are.”

Habits
These scavenging creatures are always looking for wealth, and sometimes disregard the risk vs. reward method that most logical people try to follow. This is not necessarily due to an inferior intellect, but rather that goblins seem to like getting themselves through difficult predicaments, believing that any reward is still a reward.

Goblins always tend to get themselves into trouble, yet almost always find their way out of it. It is for this reason that goblins have become the indispensable troops of armies throughout the years when promised wealth in return. When they are not being forced into war or used for another’s gains, goblins will often be found running roadside shops of random items that they have come across. They are harsh dealers of goods, and often get away with selling wares for more than their actual value.

Abilities
These characters start with the Character Skill of Repairer, and may choose to spend additional Character Skills on it to receive Expert or even Master status at 1st level.

Whenever a goblin sells an item, he or she will receive +5% to the monetary gain from that item if a +20 TRU check is made.

Goblins always receive +10 toward resisted CRD checks unless it is against another goblin.

Goblins receive +10% toward Disarm Traps.