So I have been playing Pathfinder for a while now (both as a player every now and then as well as Gming),and I have to say… I love the little green-skinned, screaming, fire-loving, and horse/dog hating maniacs. Every encounter with them is always memorable. My players always enter an encounter with a mix of bemusement and trepidation. I can't count how many times a seemingly amusing scuffle with a group of goblins suddenly became terrifying when one little gobbie decided to get brave and managed to inspire the others to rip off a greater percentage of face.
Out of all the campaigns I managed to run or play, none are so memorable as that free one shot We Be Goblins. It was a nice change if pace, and amusingly enough, I had no problems getting the party mobilized together enough for a single goal (Isn't that just sad? When GOBLINS manage to 'get along' better than standard adventurers?) Oh sure, they were disorganized, petty, and of course, goblins… But when they had to be, they were surprisingly competent, and in the end, came out on top.
Paizo's little freaks have touched me, and with Goblins of Golarion out, I got more source material for designing goblin encounters.
But then… I kinda wanted a character to stay. I know that it is unlikely I will be able to to find a pre made where someone else can allow a goblin party member, but I have been thinking carefully about how to implement one. Not just implement either, but implement seriously.
Everyone knows the goblin baby scenario. There are actually threads about it here, and I have read a rather excellent thread about what some organizations might be able to do with 'monster orphans', and I came up with this backstory.
The hobgoblins of Isger have been a serious problem in the region for many a year, and although the Goblinoid Wars ended a decade ago, problems arise from the remnants of the war-like people. After several caravans were raided in the region, a party of adventurers was called upon, and leading the group was a paladin of Sarenrae and veteran of the war itself. The hobgoblin encampment was heavily guarded and well organized, but it eventually fell to the adventurers. When they started to explore the camp however, they came upon a surprise. A field of lash weed existed near the encampment, and what could only be called a bloody plantation, with goblins chained to the narcotic plants and forced to pick their quota until it was done. Many of the goblins bore the horrific scars and infections left behind. Expecting resistance, the group discovered only weary, sniffling, broken-minded goblins of the servile Slashface tribe. Needless to say, the adventurers debated for some time on what would be done, before the paladin grudgingly knew that in this case, despite goblins normally being his enemy, these were a people that needed his help. Many of the goblins were too broken, ill, or scarred to properly make the trip, but some, especially the younger ones, were brought in near a secluded stone monastery that normally served as a healing and rehabilitation center for more… Common people.
They were hijinks of course. Twitchy even by goblin standards, and either intimidated/subdued or reckless/jubilant of their newfound freedom, handling the PTSD goblins was full of its own problems. Many around nearby settlements complained and even attempted vigilante acts against the remnants of the tribe. For the first time, and to his bewildered displeasure, the paladin of Sarenrae had to defend his own faith against the very people he would normally be on the same side of.
In truth, the little experiment proved to be a learning experience. The little sharp-toothed blights started to grudgingly grow on him. With some efforts of tending, learning, and adapting to their 'guests', progress was slowly made, and the teachings of Sarenrae, especially by example, actually seemed to touch a few, at least on a surface level. That, and she is the Goddess of fire and the sun, the sun being a big, giant ball of fire. Best goddess evah!
To say it was 100% successful would be a lie. New problems came up all the time. Some goblins, once fed and healed, eventually wandered off and reformed tribes or integrated with others. But there was a significant group that stayed with the longshanks. Even more surprising, many wanted to take on the mantle of Sarenrae herself.
So the gobbie I had in mind was a level 1 cleric of Sarenrae, domains being healing and fire. I'm not sure of names yet, but I have been thinking about Sook. I may take other suggestions as far as names are concerned xD. The thing I wanted some advice on was builds and fluff. As far as the build and stats go, I want him to be competent but not necessarily specialized. I wouldn't make a goblin cleric if that were the case, as I'm more interested in the rping opportunities. But advice for stats and feats would be nice. What I'm really interested in is how a chaotic good goblin would try to exemplify the teachings of Sarenrae, how he would say her prayers and pay respects, how he would see other wild goblins, and how he would try to mix his goblin sensibilities with her teachings in a way that he would feel both responsible, yet respected for what he is.
Some ideas I have already are.
1. Literacy- Sook is literate, as I believe the fear of writing is more of a cultural baggage than a real fear. However, he is a second or third generation gobbie of the Slashface tribe, and as such, when he is able, tries to avoid some written words as 'bad mojo' like a highly superstitious person avoids walking under ladders or breaking glass. He likes pictures much more.
2. Dogs and Horses- This fear however, is instinctual, and despite carefully maintained lessons and exposure to these animals, Sook not so secretly has a phobia of these animals. He visibly flinches at a dog barking and stiffens up if one gets close. Horses he maintains a respectable distance, often muttering prayers to Sarenrae for strength when forced to deal with them.
3. Weapons- Has a small sized scimitar! Because an eastern scimitar and dog slicer are both similar and sensible for a goblin cleric of this type to use. Especially if I go the dancing dervish combat style. Nifty.
4. Some Rituals and Beliefs- If you ask him, Sook will say the Goddess is a beautiful goblin female with an awe inspiring mane of fiery hair. She is nice and motherly to her goblin children, and unlike the followers of mean ol' Lamashtu and Zarongel, does NOT stick her babies in cages. She is the very embodiment of fire, and Zarongel can only mimic or pose the greatness of what Sarenrae is capable of. Being distractible and having difficulty with reserved prayer and service, Sook conducts elaborate and usually (fiery) services with a wooden effigy of Sarenrae and setting the head on fire. Full of dancing and singing that IS sincere, meat will often be cooked and shared to the needy or companions.
5. Wears a colorful, almost gaudy robe and cloak over whatever armor he wears, making his twirling and dancing mystifying with the reds, golds, and whites.
Anyway, input or additional ideas on rituals, beliefs, and attitudes would be interesting. He is supposed to be an amusing character, but at the same time, I want him to be taken seriously when he needs to be.
