Anuheim Skragglin Goblins

The forest goblins, known as the Skragglins, are a fascinating blend of cunning, stealth, and wild beauty. Often underestimated by outsiders, these goblins are known for their resourcefulness and ability to navigate the intricacies of their environment. Their life in the forests has molded their unique traits, customs, and relationships with others.

Origins and Tribal Dynamics

The Skragglins are migrants, originally hailing from the swamps where their ancestors quite literally emerged from the ground. Over generations, they moved to the forests, finding them a favorable place to thrive and build their cunning reputation. They share these lands and adjacent areas with other goblin tribes, but relationships vary—some cooperative, others hostile.

The forest goblins view the Krurt—another goblin-like species—as their primary rivals. The Krurt are powerful and devious, and their influence has led to an underground (figurative) war with many forest goblin tribes. Despite their cunning, the Skragglins avoid direct confrontation with the Krurt, preferring to undermine them in secret. Swamp goblins, on the other hand, are seen as intelligent allies, excellent in trade and even in illegal smuggling, making them valuable partners. In contrast, mountain goblins are largely avoided, seen as dull and ugly, though their crude weapons and muscle are sometimes of use.

Appearance and Physical Traits

Skragglins are the most "beautiful" among their kin—if goblin beauty can be appreciated. Their skin is a clear, glistening dark green, often adorned with brown and black tattoos that enhance their natural camouflage within the forest. One of their most distinguishing features is their dexterous feet, well-adapted to climbing trees and moving silently through the forest canopy.

Physically, they stand at around three feet tall and typically live up to sixty years, though their lives are often cut short due to the harsh realities of goblin society. Intelligence and cunning are highly regarded among them, marking the standard for beauty within their ranks.

Social Structure and Customs

The social hierarchy of forest goblins is quite rigid, with the hobgoblins at the top, often acting as chiefs. Shamans may hold a position equal to hobgoblins, depending on their influence. Below them are warriors, breeders, assassins, and specialized goblins such as chefs, crafters, and herbalists. The common goblin horde makes up the rest of the tribe, acting as the general workforce.

Age is not seen as a virtue among the Skragglins. Elders who grow weak are removed from power, and wise ones step down before they are forcibly replaced. This harsh view on aging means that goblin elders are quite rare, and their societal value is often tied to their cunning and ability to remain useful.

In their daily lives, emotions are expressed vividly. Happiness is conveyed with guttural cheering, jumping, and belching. Disrespect is shown through spitting or calling someone "elf-like," the ultimate insult among goblins who pride themselves on their distinct, non-elven ways. Respect, however, is shown in a subservient manner, often through bowing or cowering.

Rites of Passage and Traditions

Unlike other societies, the Skragglins don’t have formal rites of passage. A young goblin, upon reaching 7 years old, is considered an adult and may choose a path—be it breeder, assassin, or another role—based purely on their ability to survive the challenges involved making it not much of a choice after all. Mentorships do exist but are more about servitude than guidance, with young goblins being used for the dangerous tasks their masters want to avoid.

Death is another area marked by stark differences based on rank. Ranking hobgoblins receive elaborate funerals, celebrated by the entire tribe with mushroom glog and festivities, as they are seen as protectors of the tribe's order. Lesser hobgoblins and the vast majority of goblins, however, are simply discarded without ceremony.

Festivals and Beliefs

Goblins celebrate just one major event each year—the Summer Solstice. This event centers on worshiping their so-called "god," Alk, who is typically just their leader masquerading as a divine representative. The solstice is a time for revelry, with the entire tribe coming together in a mix of awe, fear, and drunken merriment.

Marriage, as a concept, doesn’t exist in Skragglin society. Relationships may be monogamous, but are often polygamous, particularly among leaders who have the privilege of choosing their partners, but they do not follow any formal institution or religious ceremony.

Language and Communication

The forest goblins speak their own guttural language, filled with grunts, squeaks, and squeals. When dealing with other races, such as humans, they can speak a basic form of common—enough to trade goods or information, but rarely eloquently. Among themselves, they greet each other with "Pruh," which can mean either "friend" or "fight," depending on context. Honorifics like "Grish" before a name denote superiority, usually reserved for hobgoblins.

Outsiders and Interactions

Skragglins are inherently distrustful of outsiders. Adventurers who wander too close to their territory are seen as threats and are likely to be attacked on sight. They delight in raiding roads and waylaying travelers, finding it both sport and a means of survival.

Among their own, relationships are transactional—each goblin is either a pawn to be used or a rival to be subdued. Animals are seen simply as either food or prey to be hunted for fun.

Conclusion

The Skragglins are a complex, fiercely independent group of forest goblin tribes whose values revolve around cunning, strength, and survival. Their intricate relationships with other goblin tribes and their distrust of outsiders make them a fascinating subject in the world of goblinkind. Though they may not seem like the traditional heroes of any story, understanding their customs and way of life reveals the depth and resilience of their culture.