Gremlins
After extensive research and many intense rounds of testing and clinical trials, the labs at Gelatinous Cubicles have finally synthesized a new goblin, the gremlin. They’re smaller, hungrier, and sketchier than any goblin yet discovered, and for some reason furrier? Something must have contaminated the experiment somewhere down the line, but I don’t know, I kinda like the sideburns, don’t you?
AND THOUGH SHE BE BUT LITTLE, SHE IS FIERCE.
—William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Small and Angry About It
Smallest of the goblinoids, gremlins have an ego and attitude to compensate for their diminutive size. With a temper that is easy to set off and a tendency to bluster, shout, and howl when upset, it is impossible to ignore a gremlin’s presence when they want to be seen or heard. It is not uncommon to see a gremlin wearing bright, flamboyant clothing that signifies their status amongst other gremlins—the most talented scout, fighter, or crafter gets the best things to wear, after all. More than any other goblinoid, gremlins value jewelry, gems, and expensive objects to flaunt and covet.
Scouts and Foragers
Though gremlins are proud, they also like to eat. Goblins are adept at hunting game where it is available and can most certainly steal food and supplies from travelers and nearby settlements, but when food is not so easily found, gremlins are the ones tasked with sourcing sustenance for their band using their sensitive noses and agility. Singular and small-group forays into the wilderness to find new hunting grounds, edible plants, and new locations to settle or raid are an important part of the role gremlins fill within goblinoid social groups - a task they relish in if only for the social status success can garner. Goblins love to eat, after all.
Quick and Creative Crafters
Every goblin can pick up a club and swing it—though they prefer things with edges or points when available—and they enjoy the comforts that tools and luxury goods such as shoes and tableware can provide. That being the case, few goblins or bugbears are particularly fond of using their hands for much besides fighting, eating, and preparing to do either of the former. Gremlins, by contrast, are quite energetic and often find ways to engage themselves with downtime, finding a craft or other pass time to occupy themselves with. Every gremlin can cobble together a simple item in a relatively short time, though some truly excel at a craft and can make works of genuine craftsmanship if given the time and resources.
Proud and Competitive
Gremlins are competitive to a fault, trying to outdo and embarrass their peers in pursuit of social recognition and bragging rights. Gremlins do not tend to be exceptional artisans as a result of passion for their craft, but instead as a means to flaunt their achievements, possessions, and value to others. It is not uncommon for two talented gremlins to engage in cut throat competition where cheating, sabotage, and outright theft are expected tactics - with the loser being humiliated into self-imposed exile.
Gremlin Titles
Gremlins tend to share the same sorts of names as other goblinoids, but most insist on a moniker or title that refers to what they view as their greatest achievement.
Titles: Sheepkicker, Barkshucker, Boulderbiter, Chiefstabber, Cloudtaster, Deepdiver, Eggsnatcher, Farlooker, Goldburner, Hairgrower, Highclimber, Longtail, Seedeater, Skinwearer
Gremlin Traits
As a Gremlin, you have the following racial traits:
Ability Score Increase. Most gremlins are brash, creative, and agile, rushing into any task they set themselves to without too much care for the risks. Your Constitution, Dexterity, and Wisdom score each increases by 1. Alternatively, increase one ability score by 2, and increase a different ability score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.
Alignment. Gremlins are easily irritated, proud, and combative. Their tendency towards insecurity and aggressive competition trends them towards evil alignments.
Life Span. Gremlins are fast to mature and fast to wear out like most goblinoids. They reach maturity in just ten years and can live to be around sixty if their aggressive and competitive ways do not get them killed first.
Size. Gremlins are slightly smaller than the average goblin. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed of 30 feet.
Competitive Fury. When another creature you can see rolls a 20 on an attack roll or ability check, you can choose to have advantage on your next attack roll or ability check before the end of your next turn. You can gain advantage in this way a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses when you finish a long rest.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern colors in darkness, only shades of gray.
Sensitive Snout. If you spend at least 1 minute smelling a creature or an object belonging to a creature, you can remember that scent and use it to identify that creature for up to one month before the memory fades.
Survivalist. You have proficiency in Acrobatics, Survival, and an artisan’s tool.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Goblinoid.
Delightfully scrappy, aren’t they? If the gremlins leave you clamoring for more, then our Patreon is full of goodies for you to explore that you can’t get anywhere else. After that, if you’re still not satisfied, hit us up on Discord, and tell us what more you demand of us. You might even get us to make it, who knows!
