Goblin

* Stage 6
* Stage 5

**Goblins** are predatory creatures originating from the Dark Dimension. All goblins encountered thus far obey the Dark Lord, and make up part of its hive mind. Under its influence, goblins are murderous, violent and have limited intelligence, although some have demonstrated some sentience.

In 1987, a powerful goblin known as the Shadow Goblin set foot in Dewberry, Arkansas after a gateway to the Dark Dimension was accidentally opened by Ellie. The Shadow Goblin was eventually defeated and destroyed by the Fellowship, but not before it could inflict significant damage upon the human world. Adolescent and fully grown goblins made up the majority of the Dark Lord's forces in 1988, 1989, 2012 and New 1989.

## Life Cycle

In their natural habitat, the Dark Dimension, goblins are mostly formless and are entirely made of condensed shadow. In order to have a physical form, they must use the DNA of humans to built biological, physical bodies for themselves with a defined life cycle.

The life cycle of a goblin seems to have six distinct stages. In the only cases of goblin reproduction observed, the cycle began with the deposition of larvae within a host by a wereworm. The slug-like larvae begin to gestate and develop inside the infected person, and can be "activated" by the Dark Lord and take full control over the host, turning them into a thrall. If the host is not activated, then development continues, beginning a period of rapid metamorphosis, molting through each phase of their development until emerging as an adult. The process takes place over the span of a week.

### **Stage 0: True Form**

In their true form, goblins are made entirely of condensed shadow and are mostly formless. In order to exist in our dimension, they must possess biological material from our dimension.

### **Stage 1: Lavae**

The first stage, known as larvae, are deposited into a often unwilling host by a wereworm. Due to the hive mind's aversion to heat, the larvae forcibly lowers the host's core temperature. It then begins to grow at the base of the spinal cord.

### **Stage 2:** **Tadpole**

As the slug continues to grow, it develops into a "tadpole", so named due to their similar appearance to amphibians. At this point, the host becomes linked to the hive mind, which can choose to "activate" the host and transform it into a thrall. In order to maintain their own free-will, they must accept the activation willingly.

### **Stage 3: Froglin**

If the froglin erupts from the host at this point, they are capable of merging with other goblins, forming hulking masses. An example of this was the hospital monster.

### **Stage 4:** **Burster**

At this stage in their life cycle, the goblin erupts from the host. They are quadrupedal and approximately the size of a large house cat.

### **Stage 5: Gobdogs**

Also known as runners, gobdogs are quadrupedal and so-named due to their similar appearance to monstrous dogs.

Stage 5 goblin
### **Stage 6: Goblin**

After molting for a final time, the goblin emerges as an adult. Adult goblins are bipedal and reach a height of approximately 6-10 ft. They possess immense strength, being able to knock a door off its hinges and pin down an adult human with ease. Their sense of smell is exceptionally potent, being able to detect a small amount of blood, even while in another dimension. Their skin has grown durable enough to withstand gunfire and numerous attacks dealt with a spiked object. One of the few things shown to cause a goblin any type of significant harm was being burned.

The Shadow Goblin, a stage-six goblin
## Known Individuals

* The Shadow Goblin
* Hospital Monster
* Were-Goblin