Goblins are small, usually evil creatures with large red eyes and, most usually, a pale yellow (maggot-like) to reddish (cockroach-like) skin tone, though from time to time they may appear any colour. They are very variable in size, from one to four feet in height, with round potato-like bodies and thin limbs; their heads are usually about the same size as their torso. Their appearance is extremely variable, with respect to hair, horns, fangs and so forth. They mature quickly and have an average lifespan of 50 years.
Goblins are tribal, with the strongest ruling the tribe. The tribes all owe fealty to the goblin king (who is much larger and more attractive than a normal goblin, and bears a strange resemblance to David Bowie), while simultaneously hating and despising all other goblin tribes.
They prefer to live underground. Goblins detest direct sunlight.
They are good cavers and have have a deep racial hatred of gnomes and dwarfs AND of other goblin tribes (only goblins seem to be able to distinguish between goblin tribes, in spite of their always saying that the differences are obvious).
Goblins are held in contempt by pretty much every other sentient species, both above and below ground, and will encounter significant racial prejudice everywhere. They are often kept as slaves by other underground races.
Goblins are not stupid, but they do tend to have poor impulse control.
Goblins and Alignment
Goblin PCs may be Lawful Evil or Chaotic Neutral. Chaotic or Neutral Evil goblins there are a-plenty, but they are not suitable as a PC race. A goblin baby brought up by loving, caring (probably non-goblin) parents in a supportive environment might be Chaotic Good, but with a definite emphasis on the Chaos aspect. No goblin, regardless of upbringing, will ever be Lawful or Neutral Good.
Summary of Goblin Racial Abilities
+2 Dexterity, -4 Strength
Languages: An underdark goblin speaks its native tribal tongue plus undercommon, kobold, orcish, hobgoblin, and the appropriate alignment tongue. Regardless of Intelligence, a goblin may only ever learn two languages in addition to those listed. (Note that a goblin baby brought up outside its underdark culture will be highly unlikely to learn any of these languages, and will probably be limited, initially at least, to Common and its alignment language).
Perception: Enhanced dark vision, rudimentary echolocation. A goblin’s sensitive eyes cause a -1 attack roll bonus in sunlight or similar bright light.
Climbing: Unencumbered goblins in light or no armour can climb vertical surfaces as fast as they could walk on level ground, as long as the surface is rough enough to provide plentiful handholds. They are 'Good At' climbing in general circumstances.
Bludgeoning Resilience: Goblins' blobby bodies are highly resilient against crushing damage, and with a successful save vs. Paralysis, they take only half damage against crushing or bludgeoning damage. This includes falling damage, and is in addition to the usual saving throw to halve falling damage — i.e. if a goblin makes both saves, it will take only 25% damage from falling.
Mining Skills: Within 10 feet, a goblin can determine certain facts concerning engineering, stonework, et cetera. Although no significant time is required, the character must deliberately observe his or her surroundings (i.e., the player must state that the goblin is using this particular talent to gain information).
Detect the existence of new construction: 25%
Detect sliding or shifting rooms or walls: 25%
Detect traps involving stonework: 25%
Permitted Class Options: Cleric, Fighter, Thief, Cleric/Thief, Cleric/Magic-User, Fighter/Thief
Multi-Class Restrictions: The more restrictive of any two class requirements apply to multi-classed goblins for the use class abilities.
Movement Rate: 60 feet
Starting Age:
Cleric: 10+2d4
Fighter: 5+2d4
Thief: 10+2d4
Goblin age categories (DMG p.13) are as follows:
Young Adult: — 5-10
Mature: — 11-25
Middle Aged: — 26-35
Old: — 36-45
Venerable: — 46+
Racial Limitations
Minimum/Maximum Ability Scores: If, after adjustments, the ability scores rolled do not fall within these limits, then the race of goblin is not a valid choice for the character.
