Goblin (Theros)

Goblins are one of the two extant species of orkoids. They are characterized by their short height, green flesh, small pointed ears, and unusual psychology as a result of over five thousand years of domestication by orcs.

Etymology
The word “goblin” comes from the marghram orcish word “gobbos”, meaning slave. Originally, all slaves were referred to as gobbos. As goblin enslavement grew widespread amongst the marghram, they became synonymous with slave until the word gobbos referred to their species in particular.

History
Goblins evolved from an early species of orkoids roughly one million years ago. The adapted to life on a small tropical island and, as a result, show numerous signs of insular dwarfism. This is why they are the smallest race of known orkoids, and one of the smallest of all bipedal species. Very little is known about goblin society before their enslavement by the orcs. It is known that they were a semi-sedentary culture with knowledge of animal domestication, fishing, and rather advanced shamanism in comparison to human or orcish developments. However goblin society was utterly destroyed in 7500 BCE when orcish settlers arrived from the mainland. Over the course of a decade, the ever growing population of orcish settlers enslaved more and more goblin tribes; eventually enslaving the entire population of goblins. Within a few decades of their enslavement, goblin slaves found themselves being traded to orcs on the mainland. By the present, the vast majority of goblins still live in slavery to orcish masters. Another not-insignificant population is enslaved by humans, high elves, and dark elves. A very small percentage live as “tribal goblins”, attempting to emulate their ancestors by living far from other races in hunter-gather fashions. The remainder live in other societies, with the largest population living in human civilizations.

Biology
Physiology Every goblin alive today was once enslaved by the orcs. Some liberated populations have been free for a few thousand years, but they make up a distinct minority of the goblin race. As a result, almost all goblins exhibit traits that were selectively bred into them by orcish masters. With rare exceptions, goblins are physically diminutive, with males standing around 4’1 and females standing 3’11, making them the shortest of the orkoids and the second shortest average height of any bipedal species. Average male weight is 64 lbs while average female weight is 54 lbs. Unlike orcs, Goblins have lost the large lower canines that orcs retain; however the trait will rarely appear as a result of genetic defects in certain individuals Like orcs, goblins have pointed ears. Proportionally, goblin ears are slightly larger than that of orcs. Goblins are generally stronger per pound than humans, as are most orkoids, however the goblin’s small stature make them roughly a third weaker than an average human. While orcs can be found with brown skin occasionally, all known goblins are some shade of green. In areas without pigment, such as the interior of the mouth, their flesh is usually a light pink. They generally have little body hair; males are generally the hairier gender. Goblin hair can be black, brown, red and may be straight, wave, curly, or even kinked. Elderly goblins may have grey or silver hair. Hair is most common on the head, underarms, and pubic region on orcs. Males grow hair around their mouth, on their chin and their cheeks. Goblin eyes are generally brown, green, hazel, or yellow; although gray and amber are known rarities. With the exception of long-liberated populations, goblin females have proportionally larger reproductive organs, both internally and externally. This is a result of breeding selection favoring goblins that could accommodate orc males. In addition, goblin females are generally half as fertile (in terms of pregnancy chance per mating) than other species, an adaption to protect themselves from the life threatening impregnation by an orc.

Life cycle

Psychology
As a result of 5,000 years of domestication, goblins tend to be far more docile than their orcish cousins. This is especially true of female goblins, who are much more likely to be well-treated by their masters, than males who are generally given dangerous and often lethal work. However, when not treated harshly, many goblins will generally show contentment with their slavery. Of course, submissive behavior is not universal in either male or female goblins. Many goblins, even relatively well treated ones, have seized the opportunity for freedom by killing their masters.

Sleep patterns
Naturally, goblins are diurnal.

Sexuality
Goblins, especially female goblins, are known as a sexual promiscuous species. Although orkoids are naturally promiscuous, five millennia of artificial selection have made goblin’s lustful nature practically genetic. While not indiscriminate, females generally show many traits shown in males. Free goblin females are known to be sexually aggressive in pursuing potential partners and often engage in casual sex with numerous partners. Romantic pairings are uncommon, but are known among human-cultured goblins. Homosexuality is relatively uncommon both among males and females, however bisexuality is common.