Goblinoids

## Origin

Goblinoids, a notable member of the monster races on Talmin, trace their origins back to the tumultuous period of the Monster Wars. Crafted by the Mountain Giants as a formidable army, they were intended to combat the sentient races of Elves, Dwarves, and Humans during the Monster and Dragon Wars. The birthplace of the Goblinoids was the continent of Edoria, setting the stage for their role in the historic conflicts that shaped ancient Talmin.

## Brief History

The Goblinoids were among the earliest monster races, created by the Mountain Giants to fight against the Elves, Dwarves, and Wild Folk in the Monster and Dragon Wars. For years, they were shaped by war, driven by the Giants' influence to harbor hatred towards these opposing races.

The pivotal moment in their history came when the Mountain Giants ascended, leaving the Goblinoids and their kin leaderless and confused. This coincided with the emergence of Humans, who quickly and efficiently decimated the disorganized monster armies.

In the aftermath, the intelligent monster races, including the Goblinoids, faced a choice: continue fighting to certain death, or surrender and help build a new world. Many Goblinoids chose integration, while the rest, steadfast in their old ways, were hunted down and driven underground into the Shadowvoid.

The Goblinoids who embraced this new path integrated into society, contributing significantly to its diversity. They spread quickly across Talmin, particularly after the Edorian Goblinoids mastered sea navigation and shipbuilding, leading to the establishment of the Goblin Trade Federation. Based in the city of Galbeed, this organization expanded Goblinoid influence to distant shores. Known for their bargaining skills and love of wealth and treasures, civilized Goblinoids thrive as merchants, shopkeepers, tavern owners, and are key players in global trade.

Those who retreated to the Shadowvoid, now under the banner of the True Blood, clung to their barbaric roots. They live in small villages or in the True Blood city of Bal Xirah, surfacing to raid before retreating to their underground sanctuaries. These True Bloods harbor hatred and resentment towards both surface dwellers and their civilized kin.

## Geographical Presence / Population

Goblinoids can be found scattered all across Talmin although typically in two very distinct groups.

* The **True Blood** Goblinoids live underground in the Shadowvoid. They live in small villages throughout the cavernous system with the largest population residing in the underground city of Bal Xirah

* The **Civilized Goblinoids** live scattered throughout the various towns and cities across Talmin.

## Physical Characteristics

*These are generic characteristics and are subject to change depending on the individual.*

* Lifespan: Average (75-120 years)
* Skin Tone: Green, Grey and Yellow Tones
* Size: Small - Large
* Personality: Cunning, Mischievous, Materialistic, Inventive

**Sub-Species of Goblinoids**

* Goblins
* Hobgoblins
* Bugbears

## Culture

### **Civilized Goblinoids**

Civilized Goblinoids have woven themselves into the fabric of Talmin's diverse societies, focusing primarily on trade and commerce. Family life among these Goblinoids is pragmatic, with members often involved in the family business from a young age. They are known for their tight-knit families, where each member contributes to the collective success. Traditions and customs revolve around commerce, with festivals and celebrations often linked to market days or trading successes.

Religiously, Civilized Goblinoids are eclectic, adopting various beliefs from the cultures they interact with, though some may still adhere to older, more traditional goblin deities. They generally stay away from politics, preferring to focus on their own affairs or those directly impacting the Goblin Trade Federation. Their approach to life is practical and business-oriented, valuing stability and prosperity over political power.

### **True Blood Goblinoids**

True Blood Goblinoids, fiercely opposed to the surface world, uphold a culture deeply rooted in the traditional, aggressive ways of their ancestors. In these communities, family structures are loosely organized, with an intense focus on nurturing individual strength and survival skills. Children are raised in this rigorous environment, learning to be self-reliant and resilient from a young age.

A pivotal aspect of their culture is bloodsports, which play a significant role in their societal structure. These brutal competitions are not only a form of entertainment but also a means of establishing and maintaining social hierarchy. Success and prowess in bloodsports are highly revered, often equating to higher status and respect within the True Blood community.

Their customs and religious practices often involve worship of the ancient deity , with a particular emphasis on those representing war, strength, and the primal aspects of nature. The societal dynamic is primarily built around martial prowess, raiding success, and achievements in bloodsports.

Leadership within the True Blood societies is determined by a combination of strength, raiding achievements, and bloodsport victories. This hierarchy enforces a culture where respect is earned through combat skills and bravery in both raids and bloodsports. Their collective disdain for the surface world and the Civilized Goblinoids reinforces their commitment to these traditional values and their rugged, warlike lifestyle.