Connects to: 02.05, 03.08, 5.24, 10.01, 11.05, 12.00, 14.00, 16.04, 24.02 and 38.05.
Overview
Wherever there is an oak tree there is sure to be a goblin, but the most well-known of the goblin tribes of these lands is the Zoar Rajak of the Grey Mountains. They live in a wooded valley high in the mountains and seldom venture into the lands below, except of course to plant acorns in the surrounding areas, but instead live in hollows among the roots of their beloved oak trees. The goblins greatly pity those among them who become separated from their valley, such as poor Shep the goblin who lives at Uncle Bertie’s Trading Post (03.08).
Although goblins are thin and stunted and do not seem to be dangerous opponents, enemies who venture into their home valley will find the forest itself ranged against them, branches will whip at their faces, roots will trip them and their feet will always find unexpected holes.
The Zoar Rajak do not allow outsiders within their valley, but have been known to deal fairly with humans beyond it, rumors of maidens having their throats slit so that their blood may nourish growing oak trees notwithstanding. The goblins are not used to taking orders from anyone but all of them will listen to a powerful (or mad or mad and powerful) shaman whose mistletoe-shrouded oak grows far above the rest and has somehow survived multiple lightning strikes. But these days the goblins, even their shaman, are at their wits end. A great oak blight has entered the valley, causing great suffering among the goblins and they are willing to do anything to rid their trees of it. Many goblins blame the great bear, Thorek Ironhide (14.00) himself, for this affliction and are currently plotting against him.
Connections
- These goblins are somehow related to the cave-dwelling hobgoblins (16.04).
- A goblin wizard whose spirit now possess a great deal tree (38.05) in the Kingswood was exiled by his people.
- This community is one of the few remnants of the once-proud goblin realm (24.02).
- The goblins wish to keep any humans from entering the Mouth of the Dragon (10.01).
- The goblins tell stories of their ancient hero Najir Dum (02.05).
- Goblin legends tells of the great tree Nilbog, which is now petrified and full of gnomes (5.24).
- These goblins often lie in wait among the Sounding Snows (12.00).
- These goblins have recently burnt a Furfoot caravan after being angered by the halflings’ lies (11.05).
Hooks
- Was the blight really caused by Thorek Ironhide? How can it be cured?
- What exactly is the nature of the connection between goblins and oak trees?
- What kind of magic can the goblins call down while dancing and howling about their trees on moonless nights?
- Tell me more about the shaman!
