Goblins of Golarion

a path of enlightenment—they’re just too hungry and Any goblin who can cast a fireball spell is going to be the
distractible. The idea of treading a path of discipline is subject of hero-worship for the rest of his days, although
alien to most goblins—those who do are often derided and fear may drive others to rash acts of jealousy.
mocked by their kin, who enjoy calling them things like Summoner: Goblins find summoners hard to fathom.
“minihobs” (a reference to the perception that such lawful- Their abilities and use to the tribe are acknowledged,
minded goblins are trying to be hobgoblins). but the presence of their strange eidolons makes goblins
Oracle: Goblin oracles are often seen as heralds or nervous. Some tribes suggest that summoners and their
portents by those around them. Some goblin tribes think eidolons are actually physical manifestations of barghests,
of oracles as living gods and worship them, while other with both goblin and monster physically present; such
regard them as portents of doom, to be outcast or slain. tribes’ summoners go on to gain respect and fear in equal
Oracles therefore fulfill two roles in goblin society: measure from their tribe. Other summoners fare less well.
supernatural terrors that young goblin warriors are The ability to summon something that can be eaten but
warned to avoid, and patrons of strange mystical forces then suddenly vanishes makes many goblins cross, and
that can lead a tribe into a time of plenty. In some cases a cross goblin chief is a dangerous thing indeed. When
goblins believe that oracles have written down words, chiefs can be persuaded of the value of such creatures, the
and, as a consequence, are cursed as a punishment from summoner may secure a place of honor at his side.
the gods. Witch: Goblin witches are occasionally encountered,
Paladin: The idea of a goblin paladin seems a total although they usually live on the edges of goblin tribes,
contradiction, and no tales have been heard of any kept at a safe distance until they are needed. Some tribes
existing. Perhaps, somewhere, an outcast goblin has actively hunt goblin witches, blaming them for charming
been taken in by goodly priests, absolved of his sins by warriors into slaves and making love philters to trick
prayer, and introduced to a holy and honorable path. goblins into pursuing relationships with humans or
Such a tale seems unlikely, however. Goblins pretending halflings or dogs or tree stumps. Like druids, however,
they’re paladins, though, is not unheard of—but usually witches can earn reputations and become respected
only occurs when an unlucky goblin is forced to take on among tribes for their abilities (most importantly,
the role of the paladin in popular games like “Stick the making fire from nothing).
Paladin with the Stick” or “Knight Dragging.” Wizard: The problem with goblin wizards is that they
Ranger: Goblin rangers are common and admired. must have a spellbook, which, if discovered, leads to
Their ability to track and their knowledge of the goblin death, or worse. Goblin wizards are almost always
wilderness are invaluable in raids and when scavenging. exiles or hermits who live alone—if a goblin really wants
Such heroes often rise quickly in tribal ranks and are to wield arcane magic, he almost always seeks the path of
greatly admired by chiefs. Many of the saner goblin the bard, sorcerer, or witch instead.
chiefs have ranger levels. Often, such rangers have animal
companion mounts that are as revered and admired as Goblin Traits
their riders, and a ranger’s influence among it’s mount’s Traits represent unique advantages conferred by a
kind is considerable. Goblin rangers can take goblin dogs character’s formative experiences or innate qualities.
as animal companions. The twisted, mad, and cowardly world of goblins
Rogue: Along with fighters, this class represents the manifests itself in a unique set of abilities and curious
most common character class found among goblins. “talents.” Full rules on traits can be found in the
Being sneaky and adept at treachery are skills many Advanced Player’s Guide.
goblins naturally excel at. The combination of being
great at sneaking and stalking, as well as being deadly in Race Traits
certain combat situations, make the rogue an ideal class Listed here are several goblin race traits.
for goblins. The fact that goblins take particular glee in Advantageous Distraction: Like most goblins, you’re
being able to inflict significant amounts of damage on easily distracted. Unlike most goblins, though, you have
unsuspecting foes only further increases the attraction of a knack for being distracted at the right time, especially
this class to the little monsters. when it comes to avoiding pain. Once per day as a swift
Sorcerer: The power to wield magic is scary to goblins, action, you can be momentarily distracted in combat—
but the ability to summon fire and explosions appeals ducking an axe swing to inspect a toadstool, or stooping
to them enormously. Sorcerers are greatly valued, and behind a tree to lick some bark and accidentally avoiding
thus greatly protected by their companions, and a goblin an arrow, and so on. When you activate this ability, you
chief advised by a sorcerer is a force to be reckoned with. gain a +2 dodge bonus to your AC for 1 round.

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