Difference between revisions of "Tolae"

Latest revision as of 21:31, 20 June 2012

Goblyns were the residents of the plains and country long before the Humans came to Jaeis. The tall grasses and rolling hills concealed their small affairs from prying eyes and predators. It was the Goblyns who first befriended the Human visitors and forged bonds of friendship which allowed for that race's continuance.

Physiology

Goblyns are short, cresting at about three feet in height. Their skin is earthy in color: browns, greys, and reds are common. They have a pushed-up, bat-like nose and goofy-looking pointed ears. They have upper fangs which sometimes protrude onto their lower lip. Goblyns can expect to live about 300 years.

Appearance

Goblyns dress according to their social class and profession, but prefer simple garb since their stature limits what sort of wardrobe they can assemble: tailors of other races do not often create Goblyn clothing unless commissioned to. Goblyns also wrap themselves in scarves, sashes, and hats since these pieces are easily used to modify and accessorize.

Personality

Goblyns aren't always educated and they aren't always intellectual, but they are extremely devious, determined and hardworking. Goblyns like to plan things out to the smallest detail. They are very curious, and like to know how things work. Goblyns often become doctors, mechanics, inventors, and cooks. They possess a strong sense of loyalty and service, though they do not tolerate abuse. Any slight on their diminutive stature or threat of physical maltreatment results in the usually pliant Goblyns becoming downright aggressive. Since they rarely overpower their aggressors, Goblyns plan elaborate traps for their enemies to fall into or conspire with other Goblyns or allies to attack en masse.

Habitat

Goblyns live side-by-side with humans. For Goblyns who still serve Humans, Goblyn dwellings are usually found adjoining or close by the dwellings of their masters. For more liberated Goblyns, they prefer to live close by other Goblyns. Their dwellings are perfectly tailored to their height and are cramped and uncomfortable for other races.

Goblyns are found in abundance in Vast, Kadwal, Tenebra, and Sollona, as well as the forest of Qaeld. Goblyns are scarce in the South, where they are still frequently the target of Zjenithi slavers. The exceptions to this rule is the city of Book, where they play a large part in the upkeep of the ancient city. Goblyns dislike the lofty heights of the Vayu flying cities, the lazy drudgery and watery muck of Neverbottom, and the wrongdoing they suffer in Threshold. There are few Goblyns in those areas.

Society

Goblyns are an occupationally minded race. Often, generations upon generations of Goblyns will work in the same profession. Deviation from one's ancestral profession carries no stigma. However it is a decision not taken lightly. All those years of handed-down expertise and vocational tools are hard to pass up. Goblyns value hard-work and ingenuity.

Goblyns will eat just about anything. Their stomachs are extremely good at breaking things down. While many Goblyns learn to appreciate good food, they often take for granted that not everyone likes the sort of food they do, which could be raw or could be weird.

Goblyns approach death in the same manner as humans, but often take the death of their friends hard. Goblyns live a good deal longer than humans, however, as one Goblyn could serve several generations of humans. Goblyn family units are close, and small. Goblyns marry for life to one mate. After the death of a mate, few Goblyns choose to remarry. Since Goblyn parents have many children (often many at a time!) this does not hinder their race's survival.

Language

Relations

Before the Goblyn Uprising, Goblyns were the race most frequently enslaved by the Zjenithi by a large margin. After that dramatic conflict, the Zjenithi were much more cautious in their aggression towards the little Goblyns and the Goblyns in turn typically have a dislike of the Zjenithi as a whole, regardless of an individual's character. Prior to the Triadan Civil War the Goblyns were bound to serve humankind due to an ages-old debt of honor. After the Civil War ended, the Goblyns were issued a release from their service, though many Goblyns continue to serve Human families in some fashion.

Occupations

Bodyguards, archaeologists, monster/animal scholars, cooks, drivers, and doctors are common professions which would send a Goblyn on the road to danger and adventure.

Motivations

With those short, stunted legs, Goblyns sometimes find it hard to keep up with the larger races, but they manage it with grit. Goblyns will seek to protect, rescue and avenge loved ones and friends, establish the freedom and liberty of the oppressed, and reach new heights in their chosen careers.

Max Caps

• Courage 12
• Intellect 12
• Muscle 8
• Presence 8

Powers

• Fearless: Goblyns receive a +2 racial bonus against Fear saves.
• Industrious: Goblyns purchase ranks in their first Occupation at half-price (one ExPoint instead of two).
• Spry: Because they are smaller and faster than most creatures, Goblyns receive a racial bonus of +2 to Dodge checks.
• Yuck!: Goblyns have a natural resistance to poisons. Goblyns receive a +2 racial bonus to Saves involving poison.
• You Must Be This Tall to Ride: Goblyns, because of their small stature, cannot ride horses effectively (though ponies or donkeys or animals of the Small category serve just fine) and cannot wield certain large or difficult weapons with ease. For instance, a human scythe would be too much for a Goblyn, but if one were constructed for their size, that would be just fine (though it likely would not do as much damage). If the technology of mechanical vehicles is present in your world, Goblyns also take a −2 to Machinery checks made to drive vehicles designed for larger races, as their little feet can't reach the pedals.