The Goblins
Small in size but vast in cunning, these scavengers of Mallorea survive where giants fall.
The Goblins of the Riftwar Saga are a diminutive but formidable race native to the harsh lands of Mallorea, often overshadowed by their more famous kin, the Dwarves and Humans. Unlike the subterranean goblins of other fantasy traditions, these creatures are primarily surface-dwellers who have adapted to the rugged terrain of the continent's northern reaches and the shadowed valleys near the Rift. They are known for their cunning, scavenging instincts, and a deep-seated resentment toward larger races that have historically enslaved or marginalized them.
- Race Origin
- Mallorea
- Primary Habitat
- Surface lands, ruins, and mountainous foothills
- Affiliation
- Independent tribes; occasionally allied with Darken Rahl forces
- Physical Trait
- Small stature, greenish-grey skin, sharp features
- Cultural Role
- Scavengers, mercenaries, and opportunistic raiders
Lore & Background
Their relationship with the larger races of Mallorea is fraught with tension. While they sometimes serve as mercenaries for human lords or Darken Rahl agents, they are rarely trusted allies. Their reputation is built on a history of betrayal and opportunism; if a battle turns against their employer, Goblins are known to abandon the field or turn on their masters without hesitation. Despite this, they possess a unique knowledge of the local terrain and ancient ruins that makes them valuable, if dangerous, assets in times of war.
In Their Own Story
The moon hung low over the craggy peaks of the Mallorean borderlands as a small band of Goblins crept through the ruins of an old watchtower. They moved with silent grace, their greenish skin blending into the shadows of broken stone. Among them was a chieftain, his eyes gleaming with greed as he spotted a discarded sword half-buried in the dirt. With a sharp click of his tongue, he signaled his pack to fan out, not for battle, but for the harvest. In this world of giants and mages, they knew their only path was through the debris of others' wars.
Reader's Guide
Long before the rise of the Rift, Goblins were scattered across Mallorea, surviving in the margins of history while empires rose and fell around them. They are often associated with the darker aspects of the continent's past, frequently appearing in legends as tricksters or thieves who stole from gods and mortals alike. Mythologically, some tribes believe they were created from the shadows cast by the first Dwarves, a twisted reflection that grants them their stealth but curses them with an eternal hunger for what others possess. This origin story fuels their cultural disdain for the larger races and justifies their scavenging lifestyle in their own eyes. In the context of the Riftwar conflict, Goblins often find themselves caught between the human kingdoms and the invading forces from Krondor or the Darken Rahl empire. While they lack the magical prowess of elves or the martial discipline of humans, their ability to navigate complex terrain and strike from unexpected angles makes them a persistent nuisance on the battlefield.
Did You Know?
- Goblins in this universe often speak a pidgin version of the common tongue mixed with their own guttural dialects.
- They are known to worship small, forgotten spirits or local deities rather than the major pantheons of humans or elves.
- Some Goblin tribes have developed a unique affinity for trapping and snare-making that rivals professional hunters.