Goblins are a small, nimble race with sharp features and vile dispositions. Often underestimated due to their small size, they are dangerous, if cowardly, fighters. Goblins are smelly, small, and only barely intelligent. On average, goblins in Terrinoth stand shorter than a Dwarf and are usually possessed of a cowardly personality, a valuable instinct in a place where death is usually quick and painful. Lacking any real sense of courage or tactics, goblins usually attack in packs, raiding and stealing what they can before being chased off by the local guard or an angry farmer with a pitchfork. Though it seems they should be easy to exterminate, goblins are quite difficult to completely root out from their caves and homes. Breeding and maturing quickly, they can rebuild their numbers in a matter of months.
In their willingness to steal anything and everything they find valuable (mostly food and shiny things), goblins are more of a resilient, destructive pest than anything. Still, they must not be underestimated, for though they are cowardly, they can also be turned into a semi-coherent fighting force by a leader who offers the correct motivation.
Goblin Witchers
"Goblins' reputation for stupidity isn't really fair. You only need to face the magic of a goblin witcher to see they can be smart when there are shinies on the line." - Brightcarver's Bestiary
Few would consider goblins intelligent enough to utilize magic. However, there are indeed some of exceptional cleverness who have managed to not only discover their sorcerous abilities, but also harness them to a degree. Adventurers who come across witchers often take them for mere goblin leaders, but soon learn better when bolts of energy are hurled their way. Like all goblins, witchers are cowardly and avaricious, but with their access to dark magics they are able to brutally slay foes from which most of their kin would flee in terror.
None are certain of how the more-than-slightly dimwitted goblin creatures managed to discover and utilize magic, but no one can question the result. Though blunt, brutal, and undeniably evil, these goblin sorcerers have proven themselves equal parts vicious and effective, possessing a power most believe to be far beyond their intellect.
Goblin Tribes
There are many goblin tribes. Most are small, shortlived, and insignificant. Here follows a list of the most important tribes, in no particular order:
- Til Kahrik, tribe of the Kanzi Plains
- Shalla Drazar, tribe of the Burningstone Mountains
- Kol Akek, tribe of the Frozen Spires
- Yylmch Zar, tribe of the Everdark
- Hann, tribe of the Isarki Ruins
References
- Realms of Terrinoth
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition): Labyrinth of Ruin
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition): Rise of All Goblins
- Heroes of Terrinoth