You might want to check this out. Parties of goblins have been done before with some success.
CJ
It occurs to me that goblin PC's could begin as captured goblins interrogated and then offered their freedom if they were to lead the others to/through Thistletop, eventually earning the trust of the PC's if few others. Just a thought, though...
If one of the goblins had a high intelligence he or she could always say "Actually, that's a funny story. I was originally a half-elf, but when I saw this guy in robes being attacked by something nasty, I tried to help! Ended up dead. But the druid I helped paid me back with a Reincarnate. Said I'd have to pay up if I wanted him to try again, with me dying again...."
