Anuheim Grimgob Goblins

The mountain goblins, known as the Grimgobs, are a gritty, rugged breed that thrives in the harsh, rocky environments of the mountains. Their existence revolves around strength, dominance, and a survival-of-the-fittest mentality that permeates every aspect of their culture. Unlike their swamp and forest kin, the Grimgobs are fierce raiders and warriors, always ready for a fight and deeply rooted in the unforgiving terrain they call home.

Origins and Tribal Dynamics

The Grimgobs migrated from the swamps, much like their forest kin, but chose the mountains as their new home, drawn by the big game and open space of the harsh terrain and the chance to forge a new identity rooted in physical might. The rocky, isolated environment has shaped their resilience and hardened their society.

The Grimgobs view other goblin factions through the lens of strength and utility. Krurt are seen as a source of wealth, particularly because of the metals they trade. The Grimgobs often act as the Krurt's strong arm, accepting payments in exchange for enforcing their will or defending assets. Swamp goblins are mysterious but largely viewed as weaklings, except for their magical knowledge of bralm, which the Grimgobs grudgingly respect. Forest goblins, or Skragglins, are similarly seen as weaker, though their assassins and atzur (spider) breeders command a level of respect that places them slightly above the Murklin goblins.

Life for the Grimgobs is characterized by constant conflict. Tribes often fight among themselves, particularly when migrating game becomes scarce, or when nomadic and stationary tribes clash over territory. This relentless internal struggle is matched by their occasional raids into human villages or neighboring territories, seeking resources and spoils. The mountain goblins tend to avoid the forests and swamps unless paid or ordered to enter them.

Appearance and Physical Traits

Grimgobs are gnarly, gritty, and rugged in appearance, with a skin tone that varies from dark-gray to gray, reflecting the rocky environments they live in. Their skin is dry and calloused, making it more durable than their swamp or forest relatives. They have no hair at all, giving them a stark, almost stone-like appearance.

Physically, the Grimgobs are larger than their goblin kin, standing between three and four feet tall. They prize size and physical hardness above all, as these traits are seen as the true markers of strength and beauty. The bigger and harder a goblin is, the more attractive they are considered by their peers. Despite their small stature compared to other creatures, their muscular build and calloused skin make them formidable in close combat.

Social Structure and Customs

The Grimgobs have a hierarchical society led by hobgoblins, who serve as the chief class. Unlike their swamp relatives, the mountain goblins do not have shamans. Instead, they have burly goblins who choose the largest of the young goblins to join their ranks through brutal hazing rituals. Those who survive become part of this warrior elite, known for their strength and brutality. Below them are the breeders, assassins, and those with specialized roles such as crafters and traders. The rest of the goblin horde serves as the general labor force, with no prospect of upward mobility.

Elders among the Grimgobs are rare, as aging is seen as a weakness. Those who grow too weak to fight or contribute are swiftly removed from power, while the more cunning may step down voluntarily before being forced out.

Grimgobs express their emotions through physicality. Boredom often leads to violence, whether it's abusing one another, throwing objects, or instigating a fight. Happiness is shown through guttural cheers, weapon waving, and loud belching. Disrespect is conveyed by spitting or calling another goblin "elf-like," while respect is expressed through subservience—bowing or visibly cowering before those of higher status.

Rites of Passage and Traditions

The Grimgobs don’t have shamans or magical traditions like the swamp goblins. Instead, young goblins, upon reaching seven years old, are selected based on their size. Those deemed large enough are subjected to brutal hazing by the burly goblins, and only the survivors are allowed to join the ranks of the warriors. The rest are left to find their own way within the tribe, taking on roles that offer little prestige or power.

Unlike other goblin societies, the Grimgobs do not have any particular death rituals. When a goblin dies, they are simply discarded. There are no elaborate ceremonies or rites, as the society values strength and sees no use in honoring the weak.

Festivals and Beliefs

The Grimgobs celebrate the Summer Solstice as their only major festival. Much like other goblin factions, this event is centered around worshiping their supposed "god," Alk, with the leader of the tribe posing as Alk’s divine representative. The festival is less about reverence and more about indulgence and showcasing strength—filled with feasting, drunken brawls, and displays of might.

Marriage is not a formal institution among the Grimgobs. Relationships may be either monogamous or polygamous, particularly among leaders who have the privilege of choosing multiple partners. These relationships are based purely on convenience and the desire for strong offspring rather than any form of emotional attachment or civil structure.

Language and Communication

The Grimgobs speak a guttural language characterized by sharp, abrupt sounds that reflect their harsh lifestyle. Their language often involves grunts, squeaks, and squeals, and while they can speak basic common for the sake of trade, their speech is heavily accented, with sharper endings to their words that make them sound aggressive and unrefined.

Among themselves, Grimgobs use the greeting "Pruh", which can mean "friend" or "fight," depending on the context. They use honorifics like "Grish" before a goblin's name to denote rank or superiority, usually reserved for hobgoblins and other leaders.

Outsiders and Interactions

The Grimgobs view outsiders as invaders and generally react immediately with hostility. They are not interested in diplomacy or alliances unless it directly benefits their tribe, such as through payments from the Krurt. Their raids often target human towns, other goblin tribes, and any other race with treasures.

Within their own ranks, relationships are driven by power and dominance—each goblin is either a pawn to be used or a potential rival. Animals are seen merely as food or as targets for sport, nothing more.

Conclusion

The Grimgobs are a fierce and ambitious faction of mountain goblins, shaped by the rugged terrain they inhabit and driven by an unyielding desire for strength and dominance. Their society is built on conflict, both internal and external, and they value size, power, and physical resilience above all else.

Though they may lack the subtlety of their swamp or forest kin, the Grimgobs' raw strength and tenacity make them a force to be reckoned with in the goblin world. Understanding their customs and way of life offers a glimpse into a harsh but fascinating society that thrives on the edge of chaos.