Goblin

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Goblin Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of your campfire, a rustle in the underbrush sends a shiver down your spine. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a perfect setting for the mischievous and malevolent goblins that lurk in the shadows. These small, green-skinned creatures are notorious for their cunning and cruelty, their beady eyes glinting with malice as they skulk through the undergrowth.

Goblins are slight of build, standing no taller than a halfling, yet their wiry frames are deceptively strong. Their skin ranges from a sickly yellow-green to a deep, mossy hue, blending seamlessly with the forested environments they call home. Sharp, pointed ears twitch at the slightest sound, and their mouths are filled with jagged teeth, perfect for tearing into flesh. Clad in ragged leathers and scavenged armor, they carry crude weapons—rusty blades and splintered clubs—crafted from whatever materials they can pilfer or scavenge.

These creatures are most commonly found in dense forests and dark caves, where the canopy above blocks out the sun, casting the world below into perpetual twilight. Goblins thrive in these shadowy realms, their lairs hidden deep within the tangled roots and rocky crevices. They are known to form small, chaotic tribes, each led by the strongest or most cunning among them. Their society is a brutal hierarchy, where might and trickery are the keys to survival.

Legends speak of goblins as the spawn of dark magic, twisted by ancient curses to become the malevolent beings they are today. Tales tell of their insatiable greed and their penchant for causing chaos, delighting in the suffering of others. It is said that they are drawn to shiny objects and treasures, hoarding them in their lairs like dragons of the underworld. Beware, for where there is one goblin, there are surely more lurking nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

As you sit in the eerie silence of the forest, the presence of goblins is palpable, a reminder that danger is never far away. Their laughter, a high-pitched cackle, echoes through the trees, a chilling sound that promises mischief and mayhem. Stay vigilant, adventurers, for the goblins are ever watchful, and they are always hungry for their next victim.

Goblin Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +6

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 9

Languages

• Common
• Goblin

Abilities

• Nimble Escape: The goblin can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.

Actions

• Scimitar: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
• Shortbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

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Goblin Battle Tips

Goblins are cunning and mischievous creatures that can pose a significant threat when used strategically in battle. As a Dungeon Master, you can leverage their agility, numbers, and devious tactics to challenge your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use goblins in your encounters:

Using Goblins in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Goblins excel in ambush scenarios. Use their small size and stealth abilities to set up surprise attacks. Have them hide in shadows or behind cover, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
• Hit-and-Run: Goblins are not known for their bravery. Use their speed to execute hit-and-run tactics. They can dart in, attack, and then retreat to safety, frustrating players and wearing them down over time.
• Traps and Terrain: Goblins are notorious for setting traps. Incorporate environmental hazards like pit traps, tripwires, or collapsing ceilings to add complexity to the battle. This can force players to think strategically and be cautious in their approach.

Coordinating Multiple Goblins

• Swarm Tactics: Goblins are most dangerous in numbers. Use their numerical advantage to swarm players, overwhelming them with sheer volume. This can be particularly effective in tight spaces where players can't easily maneuver.
• Divide and Conquer: Have goblins split into smaller groups to attack from multiple angles. This can confuse players and force them to divide their attention, making it easier for goblins to exploit weaknesses.
• Support Roles: Include goblin shamans or leaders to provide buffs or healing to their allies. This can prolong the battle and add an extra layer of challenge for players to overcome.

Fleeing and Retreating

• Strategic Retreats: Goblins are not above fleeing when the tide turns against them. Use this to your advantage by having them retreat to regroup or lure players into traps or ambushes.
• Feigning Weakness: Goblins can pretend to be weaker than they are, luring players into a false sense of security. Once players are overconfident, goblins can launch a surprise counterattack.
• Escape Routes: Always have an escape plan for goblins. Secret tunnels, hidden doors, or even climbing walls can provide them with quick exits, allowing them to fight another day.

By using these tactics, you can create dynamic and memorable encounters with goblins that will challenge and entertain your players. Remember, the key to a successful goblin encounter is to keep players on their toes and never let them feel too comfortable.