Goblins

From Asmythe

Description

Goblins are a selfless, violent race originally from the mountainous island of Cozak. They spread throughout Asmythe during the third era. Orc society may appear brutal and chaotic to humans but is actually highly structured. Orcs values cooperation and community but also strength and station. Orcs do not value individuality, they act for their tribe and race.

Orcs believe they are the most advanced race and civilization in existence and view other cultures as weak and immoral.

Goblin Society

Goblins are selfless and violent. Every individual exists only as part of the whole goblin race, there are no selfish goblins. Every goblin, orc, and hobgoblin exists to support the tribe and will, without hesitation, sacrifice themselves for the tribe.

Goblin society is also very violent. A friendly greeting between two orcs involves trade blows, each attempting to knock the other down. The more formal the greeting the longer the engagement, but they are rarely fatal. In goblin society violence is not a sport or entertainment, it is a way of life.

Goblin society is stratified into three classes: goblins, orcs, and hobgoblins.

Goblins are young orcs. For approximately the first twenty years of life orcs are small, nimble, and very clever. Goblins are laborers and craftsmen and are the most numerous among the goblinoids.

At about twenty years of age goblins undergo transformation into an adult. They quadruple in size and muscle mass and become adult orcs. Orcs are fighters and warriors and spend most of their time patrolling territory or in conflicts with neighbors.

A few goblins do not transform into orcs when they reach adulthood. They grow very tall and build some muscle but primarily they become more intelligent. These hobgoblins are the leaders and strategists of goblin society.

Every member of goblin society will always try to act for the benefit of the race. Much of goblin culture and tradition is designed to strengthen community. Cultural events have trials to find and reward the most clever and nimble goblin, the strongest and bravest orc, and the smartest hobgoblin.

Habitat

Orcs prefer colder environments but will live and thrive anywhere.

Diet

Meat and meaty vegetables like squash and potatoes.

Demeanor

Orcs tend to be mean, brutal, unforgiving, and vengeful. They don't mix well with "civilized" cultures and often come into conflict with their neighbors over who is food who should have control over crops and land.

Orcs are generally feared and hated by other races, more for their brutality and unpredictable nature than any physical, mental, or industrial aspect of their culture.

Appearance

Hobgoblins have dark brown or black skin, rough angular features, black or white hair and fierce brown or black eyes.

Orcs are a bit taller than goblins and much wider and much more muscular; their skin and hair color fall somewhere between the goblins and hobgoblins. Goblins are much smaller than orcs and tend to have lighter, greyer skin and hair.

Fighting Style

Orcs prefer large, sharp, and pointy weapons. A typical orc raiding party consists of one or two hobgoblins, a dozen orcs, and several goblin dogs. The orcs and goblin dogs lead the charge wile the hobgoblins provide support and may take flanking positions, employ missile weapons, or otherwise attack from a position of advantage.

Homeland Government

Orc society is strictly structured. At it's core it is a Kratocracy, rule by whoever can take and keep power, but it is always lead by a dominant hobgoblin or, rarely, a council of hobgoblins. Hobgoblin governors are usually female, with the males leading raids and planning the machines of war.

Names

Orcs like long and descriptive names but often shorten them in conversation. Orc names are similar to Mongolian, Polish, and Turkish names.