Topics: fantasy worldbuilding, characters, factions, relics, creatures, locations, canon.

Tags: goblin, dungeon, common, proof-audited.

Appearance: wiry bodies, large ears, lamp-bright eyes, long fingers, patched tool belts, scavenged armor, and clan paint made from rust, fungus, ash, or sewer chalk. Older warren bosses often wear keys, teeth, and broken tax seals as status signs.

Threat tier: common alone, dangerous in prepared tunnels, elite when defending a mature warren, and regional when a neglected sewer, mine, or battlefield drain gives them food, iron, and escape routes.

Ecology: warrens grow in abandoned infrastructure: drains, old mines, ruined watch posts, battlefield culverts, collapsed toll houses, and the edges of dungeons larger powers forgot to maintain. They farm fungus, breed tunnel rats, salvage metal, and memorize cracks better than architects.

Behavior: goblins prefer ambush, misdirection, noise traps, false retreat, and hostage leverage. They are cowardly only when isolated; inside known tunnels they become patient, cruel, funny, inventive, and politically organized around whoever controls maps, food, and light.