Goblin: Difference between revisions
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1d4chan>Not LongPoster Again Merged "Goblins" into this article. |
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[[Image:GreenGoblin3.jpg|thumb|right|Most goblins tend to throw pumpkin bombs and use flying crafts to annoy superheroes.]] | [[Image:GreenGoblin3.jpg|thumb|right|Most goblins tend to throw pumpkin bombs and use flying crafts to annoy superheroes.]] | ||
Goblins are mythological creatures of unclear origin and contradicting descriptions. They are small humanoids of a mischievous nature, possibly belonging to the fey family (along with creatures such as redcaps, brownies, leprechauns, kobolds, etc.) | Goblins are mythological creatures of unclear origin and contradicting descriptions. They are small humanoids of a mischievous nature, possibly belonging to the fey family (along with creatures such as redcaps, brownies, leprechauns, kobolds, etc.) | ||
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In modern fantasy the term goblin has been very much determined by the Tolkienian use of the word - as in, a smaller variant of the orc species. Goblin appearance has been further shaped by both video- and boardgames, and various artists. They are universally smaller than humans, although the exact size varies, and often have large pointy ears (larger and more animalistic than elf ears) and either long, crooked and pointed noses or orcish nose-less features. | In modern fantasy the term goblin has been very much determined by the Tolkienian use of the word - as in, a smaller variant of the orc species. Goblin appearance has been further shaped by both video- and boardgames, and various artists. They are universally smaller than humans, although the exact size varies, and often have large pointy ears (larger and more animalistic than elf ears) and either long, crooked and pointed noses or orcish nose-less features. | ||
The typical goblin stereotype is that of a savage warrior and raider that attacks villages and ambushes unwary | The typical goblin stereotype is that of a savage warrior and raider that attacks villages and ambushes unwary travelers; being one-dimensionally evil, they can be (and are ) killed without remorse in large numbers. They act and move in smaller groups as they don't pose a large threat by themselves, and are the stereotypical first combat encounter for a young adventurer. Goblins tend to live in caves and gang up with orcs and similar races, which they are sometimes described as belonging to the same family or species. | ||
Other games and stories feature different kinds of goblins. For example both [[Warhammer]]([[40k]]) and [[Warcraft]] goblins have a penchant for technology and love to tinker with machinery (steampunk contraptions and the like), somewhat propagating the "mad scientist" archetype. In [[Eberron]], goblins are the descendants of a once mighty kingdom instead of simple savages. In [[Pathfinder]], they're stupid little freaks with all manner of strange quirks (good singing voices, fear horses and writing, like fire and pickles), sort of a cross between Gremlins and a baby-eating Stitch. | Other games and stories feature different kinds of goblins. For example both [[Warhammer]]([[40k]]) and [[Warcraft]] goblins have a penchant for technology and love to tinker with machinery (steampunk contraptions and the like), somewhat propagating the "mad scientist" archetype. In [[Eberron]], goblins are the descendants of a once mighty kingdom instead of simple savages. In [[Pathfinder]], they're stupid little freaks with all manner of strange quirks (good singing voices, fear horses and writing, like fire and pickles), sort of a cross between Gremlins and a baby-eating Stitch. | ||
===See also=== | ===See also=== | ||
* [[ | * [[Unified Setting/Goblins]] Yet another take on a classic concept. | ||
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons Races]] | [[Category:Dungeons & Dragons Races]] |
Revision as of 03:08, 21 July 2011

Goblins are mythological creatures of unclear origin and contradicting descriptions. They are small humanoids of a mischievous nature, possibly belonging to the fey family (along with creatures such as redcaps, brownies, leprechauns, kobolds, etc.)
In modern fantasy the term goblin has been very much determined by the Tolkienian use of the word - as in, a smaller variant of the orc species. Goblin appearance has been further shaped by both video- and boardgames, and various artists. They are universally smaller than humans, although the exact size varies, and often have large pointy ears (larger and more animalistic than elf ears) and either long, crooked and pointed noses or orcish nose-less features.
The typical goblin stereotype is that of a savage warrior and raider that attacks villages and ambushes unwary travelers; being one-dimensionally evil, they can be (and are ) killed without remorse in large numbers. They act and move in smaller groups as they don't pose a large threat by themselves, and are the stereotypical first combat encounter for a young adventurer. Goblins tend to live in caves and gang up with orcs and similar races, which they are sometimes described as belonging to the same family or species.
Other games and stories feature different kinds of goblins. For example both Warhammer(40k) and Warcraft goblins have a penchant for technology and love to tinker with machinery (steampunk contraptions and the like), somewhat propagating the "mad scientist" archetype. In Eberron, goblins are the descendants of a once mighty kingdom instead of simple savages. In Pathfinder, they're stupid little freaks with all manner of strange quirks (good singing voices, fear horses and writing, like fire and pickles), sort of a cross between Gremlins and a baby-eating Stitch.
See also
- Unified Setting/Goblins Yet another take on a classic concept.