Goblin ( Oblivion ) Goblins are small , but tough , humanoid creatures in . They are a bit shorter in size than the average Mer . Goblins are blue or green skinned , with bulbous eyes . Most goblins are part of a goblin clan that congregates around a certain location , particularly caves and mines , but they also may be found living in sewers or various ruins . The weapons they wield are generally based upon the Hero ' s level . Culture and playability . It is impossible to play as a goblin . They count as creatures killed on the inventory page that lists " People Killed " and " Creatures Killed " ; this suggests that goblins are not sapient . This is not necessarily true , however , as there is much evidence of animal domestication and social structure with ranks among those in a particular group . These ranks include warriors , such as skirmishers and berserkers , and leaders , such as witches , shamans , and chiefs . They also separate themselves among clans which control their own territory , which are usually caves . There are also rumors that they worship Malacath . While there is enough information to understand that goblins have more intelligence and organizational skills than a Mudcrab , they are certainly not considered ' civilized ' or sapient by the other races , and there is no evidence of any peaceful interaction between goblins and the other races . Habitats . Goblins tend to live underground or in dark caves and mines , feeding on rat meat . Many goblin abodes have roasted rats or rat pens . Appearances in other games . Goblins first appeared in , but were not in . Initially , they were also not found in , but were later included in the expansion . The goblins did not make an appearance in however , as their role in " Skyrim " seems to be replaced by that of the Falmer ( and later Rieklings in the expansion ) . General types . There are several general types of goblins : General stats . Goblins demonstrate greater endurance and higher hit points than most humanoid races , such as Humans and Ogres . They wear their own undroppable armor and clothing , however , warrior - types typically wield one - handed blunt weapons and shields , which can be dropped or looted . Otherwise , most goblin types have normal weaknesses , deal physical damage , and drop generic items and leveled weapons . There are exceptions to this , however , namely Shamans and Warlords . At higher levels , it is possible to come across Goblin Warlords . Tall , fast , and physically powerful , they are very effective shield users , and in turn overwhelm both shields and armor with powerful blows . Upon perceiving their enemies , Warlords tend to charge at full speed , then leap in with a strong forward attack . Goblin Shamans employ a variety of ranged magical attacks ; in close combat , however , they will attempt to flee . Shamans typically conjure zombies and cast shock , frost , or poison spells . They drop staves and ( usually silver ) daggers . Clans . There are eight goblin clans scattered throughout Cyrodiil . Each has a " home cave " and a Goblin Totem Staff . Goblin Wars . Goblins often go to war with other goblin clans , usually because one clan has stolen another clan ' s Goblin Totem Staff . One immediate example of this involves the White Skin Clan and the Sharp Tooth Clan , both of which can be found close to Skingrad . In order to assert dominance or prove who is better , a clan may steal the totem staff of another clan , initiating a Goblin War . Inside the cave of the Sharp Tooth clan , it is possible to find the White Skin ' s totem staff , along with White Skin Goblins combating the Sharp Tooth to get their staff back . Upon taking a goblin totem staff , there are two options ; sell it , or toy with the goblins at their expense . To do this , simply deposit the staff anywhere , and the staff ' s respective clan will clamber around the area to protect it , no matter how far away it is . Alternatively , placing a goblin staff at a settlement or within a city will cause the clan to attack whoever is near it ( note that the goblins will likely kill many , so it is not recommended to save after doing this , as many shopkeepers , guild members etc . can be killed ) . Another option is to leave the staff near to , or within , another goblin clan ' s cave , causing the two groups to combat each other . Stealing all the staves in the game and putting them in one place may seem fun , but remember that such an action would cause excessive lag with the large amount of goblins on screen at once , so take caution to overdo it . However , this is only a small list of examples of what can be done . Stealing the totem staves and placing them around Cyrodiil can be endlessly fun . Caves filled with the most powerful of enemies are also entertaining ideas , as are placing them at Daedra - infested Ayleid Ruins , or even within Cloud Ruler Temple , home of the Blades . A staff can also be sold for a considerable sum , which is also an option worth considering to gain easy money . Note : If the Hero plans on initiating a goblin war , " do not " kill the respective shamans of each clan ( or in the case of the White Skins , Goblin Jim ) . They do not respawn , and doing so will make it impossible to set off any conflict , as without a magical leader the clans cannot sense the whereabouts of their artifacts . It is best to kill the rest , take the Totem Staff , and spare the shamans .