Goblin Facts, Loretober Day Fourteen!

*Please note: This info is related to Neebs and Lug's story/world, not the KREE universe.

Goblins are an intelligent race that branched off from a common ancestor of humans, orcs, elves, and other bipedal humanoids. Goblins are one of the smallest of these races in their world, with adults standing at an average of 4 feet tall. Their skin tones range between lighter and darker shades of green and all goblins have long tails and large, pointed ears.

Widespread throughout the known world, goblins have different clans, each with their own settlements that are nigh constantly embroiled in warfare with other goblins and races. These conflicts usually begin and are sustained because of other races, particularly humans and elves, having a strong prejudice against goblins, since they were once viking-like, raiding and pillaging other settlements for land, goods, and to enslave others. This prejudice tends to be a bit hypocritical however, since the other races very much participated (and still do participate) in this behavior themselves.

Goblins are considered behind technologically compared to other species, (due to limited trading and sharing of knowledge) but are quite adept at making/using strong poisons and conventional explosives.

Each separate goblin clan has a leader, called a chief. The position of chief is hereditary, with eldest sons and daughters both being considered for the role. However, if a chief is considered a weak or poor ruler by the clan, then another goblin may ask to duel or complete a challenge for the right to seize power. During these face-offs, each goblin is allowed to use whatever tools/methods they have access to, so a new goblin may only become chief if they are capable enough to defeat someone with a vast material advantage. This makes successful challengers quite few and far between, but luckily these duels are rarely to the death, the worst consequence for the loser (and their immediate family) usually being excommunication from the clan.

It is the goblin way that everyone must do the best they can for the clan at large, which means all able-bodied, non-pregnant, and non-essential goblins must help when fighting for or defending the clan. Hiding away and refusing to do this is one of the main reasons Neebs gets excommunicated from the Anklebiter clan.

Fun fact:
Goblins grow a lot of hair naturally, even babies are a bit fluffy when born, but it has become a societal norm to shave all hair below the nose as a sign of beauty and enough free time/money to keep up smooth skin. This is expected from all goblins regardless of gender. Women and youths usually keep their head hair and tail tips long, but it is seen as mature and powerful to have smooth, bald heads. Chiefs are usually bald from head to toe, while warriors will (if short on time) put more effort into making sure their heads are smoothly shaved rather than their whole bodies. It's a common homecoming event for warriors to return to the clan and shave/wax themselves fresh. A lone goblin with visual body hair is usually assumed to be excommunicated from their clan.