Goblin

The Goblins are among the shorter races in Asobria, with their height being on par with the Halflings and the Dwarves. Their mostly thin features are accompanied by some exaggerated ones, such as their large noses and ears. They also have small horns that sit just above their brow, and a slender tail extends from their backside. Their skin is most commonly in shades of green but are sometimes seen with shades of yellows and blues. Their typically dark hair can be worn in a variety of styles, often reflecting other societies that they find themselves living in. Facial hair is seldom seen among their people, however. The Goblins have no traditional clothing, either wearing clothes fitting their home country or wearing animal hide if belonging to a nomadic group. Their eyes, akin to some rodents, are completely a pinkish-red color, and they often dart around to reflect the Goblins' perceptive nature.

The Goblins' use their small size to their advantage, able to slip through tight crowds and get away from danger with ease. Living as such small beings in a realm of larger ones, they also tend to be vigilant of their surroundings and are well-spoken to get their way out of trouble. Additionally, their tails are prehensile and have some limited use as an extra limb.

Like all other Monsters, the Goblins were born from distortions in Magic that formed after Magius' death. Unlike most other Monsters, the Goblins did not carry an inherent malice and instead took to their lives similarly to the other races of Asobria. Relying on their wit and cautious nature, their people spread throughout nearly all of Impatria by living in the shadows of much larger groups. For most of history, they successfully lived in seclusion to avoid the scorn of their neighbors. As of recent, however, the expansion of other nations has forced their people to adapt. For some, the unclaimed lands of Estlan became their new home, living among their fellow exiles of the Orcs. For most, however, they found themselves forced into a new lifestyle among more dominant societies. The Goblins have been fighting an uphill battle for equality ever since, desperately trying to earn a better life for their people.

Traditionally, Goblin culture is deeply entwined with the Old Faith. Living nomadic lifestyles throughout most of Impatria, their people began to form a deep respect for the world they lived in. Their small size led to another core belief, however, and that was their need for cunning and vigilance. Knowing how to outsmart a much larger foe is a key skill they need, as it is what they believe is necessary for their survival. Many Goblin tribes live as isolationists because of this, still wandering through the wilds as cautious as ever. More recently, however, a multitude of Goblins have found themselves living among other societies and cultures. As such, it's far from uncommon to see their people adopting the traditions and beliefs of their neighbors. Yet they still maintain their wit, using it to navigate places that they are still unwelcome in.

One of the biggest obstacles the Goblins face in their quest for acceptance is their own tradition, as they did not originally have any concept of personal property. In their nomadic communities, any and all resources are free for all Goblins to utilize, regardless of societal standing. Rival tribes would even share things between themselves, or they may just allow their belongings to be taken if it comes down to it. This is an outlook that is unique to their own people, but it is one that their neighbors often fail to understand. The idea of something belonging only to a single person or a group of people is entirely foreign to them, and is one of many reasons that the Goblins struggle to acclimate to new cultures.

As more and more Goblins find themselves living among other races, a skill that their people have begun to take a liking to is the art of persuasion. Many of those around them are quick to hurl insults and threats, but being able to talk your way out of a situation has proven to save them from potential danger more times than they can count. As such, young Goblins are often taught that they should always be in control of a conversation. For most, this remains as what is essentially a survival strategy, something that can get them out of the trouble that often finds them. For others, however, the art of persuasion has become their greatest weapon. As their people grow more vocal of the prejudice and injustices that they face, their eloquence has been used to sway even their most antagonistic neighbors into acceptance. For the Goblins, what once was used to keep them safe from the world is now helping them become a part of it.

Other races' opinions on the Goblins are heavily skewed, with their Monstrous origins leading to an air of distrust and fear among their neighbors. Many Goblins were historically forced out of their original homelands across Impatria, either being pushed into Estlan or forced to assimilate into cultures that refuse to welcome them. Many of their kind have been wrongfully profiled due to their heritage, and many places still don't consider them as people. Yet, their people have attained major milestones in light of these struggles. Across the Empire, countless Goblin populations have raised their voices in protest against the injustices they've faced. Slowly but surely, they've begun to be viewed as equals to the other races of Asobria. The rise of their half-Human offspring, the Hobgoblins, have especially proven that unity is not an impossible concept. While they still have a long way to go, the future of the Goblin race looks bright.