Scholars believe that goblyns may once have been a class of aberrants, but have since become more common and are now counted as an actual, interbreeding lesser race. Though their population is small (estimated at less than 50,000), goblyns are becoming more powerful and have had a significant influence on some historical events.
Physically, goblyns appear as small and ugly, green skinned humanoids. They stand about four feet tall and have slight builds. Their black hair is oily and tangled. Their faces are hideous, cruel visages with jutting chins, high cheek bones, long noses and small pointed teeth. Their coal black eyes lack pupils. Though small and weak, goblyns are quick and skilled with weapons.
Goblyns are wicked creatures of the dark with hearts as black as midnight. Goblyns usually dwell in tribes up to 100 strong which is led by a strong warchief or skilled shaman. Goblyns often ally with other evil races (orcs, ogres and saurians primarily). Occasionally, multiple goblyn tribes will unite, but such alliances rarely endure. Goblyns can be found in large numbers in the Coalition and in Duthelm. Independent tribes of goblyns are also scattered about the mountainous regions of Ithria. Goblyn tribes and orc tribes often fight for the same territory.
Within Coalition territory, on the east shore just south of the Barakose Swamp, there is a huge concentration of goblyns that have formed a rudimentary civilization. Here, thousands of goblyns dwell in a large gathering of semi-permanent structures and caves. This place is called the Goblyn Kingdom. Ruling over this tiny kingdom is an abnormally large and strong specimen who claims the title "The Goblyn King" and rules from a ruined keep. The Goblyn King and his minions are allied with the forces of the Coalition, but do not hold a seat on the Council of Seven.
Goblyns are cowardly, but cunning and cruel. Despite their small stature and cowardice, goblyns are dangerous foes. They are skilled at concocting poisons and have been known to dabble in alchemy. They delight in using barbed arrows, serrated blades and other wicked weapons. Lone goblyns will usually run from a threat, but more often than not, goblyns will hunt and fight in groups. Typically, they attack from behind or from a distance. They have no sense of honor and will gladly take advantage of an opponent's weakness.
Goblyns have a natural affinity for magic and typically one in ten will have mastered spellcraft. Hence, a typical goblyn tribe may have as many as four or five shamans (or more). These goblyn shamans learn a variety of spells which usually involve divination, darkness, poisoning, pain and death.
As with all races, they are exceptions... while most goblyns are cruel and selfish, there are a rare few who turn their back on goblyn society. They sometimes choose to live among the other races. Often these individuals are loners and face prejudice from the other races, particularly the elves who greatly dislike goblyns and their kin. It is rare to find a goblyn living and working in the civilized kingdoms, but not unheard of. Occasionally a goblyn will be hired on with half-orcs and such as caravan guards, mariners or the like. In the more uncivilized areas, such as the Coalition, Ormek and Duthelm, goblyns are much more common and can be found living and working among all the races found there.
There have been a few notable goblyns that have affected the course of history...
Many chapters of Normidian history books describe the famous goblyn Agurad the Toothless who united the goblyn tribes and orcish clans in the Dragon Maw mountains in 844 CY and nearly wiped out Normidia.
The scrolls of history also record the deeds of Sulgis the Goblyn who joined a mercenary group called the Seven Hands and, in the spring of 1192 CY, helped rescue an Arkalian Duke and four knights who had been captured by a goblyn tribe in the Trackless Mire. For daring deeds and exceptional bravery, Sulgis received honorary knighthood from the Duke and went on to have an illustrious career with the Seven Hands until his death in 1218 CY. He was buried with honor in the town cemetery in the town of Edgewood.
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| A goblyn shaman armed
with a serrated double headed spear. |
A goblyn warrior wielding crude goblyn made blades. |
This page last updated Monday, October 08, 2007. Copyright 1990-2008 David M. Roomes.
