I was running a one shot for a group of newbies and the Tabaxi bard decided to do non-lethal damage to one of the goblins and knock him unconscious. He was in melee range so I let him. Later after they'd defeated the one shot's BBEG, the Elf Orc Barbarian said he wanted to keep the unconscious goblin as a pet. They tied a rope harness around it far use as a leash, and carried it around for the rest of the session. The one shot was just the introduction adventure for the campaign and they've been nothing but nice to it as they traveled to the next town. They gave it some food, bought it a drink, let it stay in their room at the tavern. If it was a beast there wouldn't be much a of problem but goblins are intelligent creatures so I'm a little concerned.
The Bard and Barbarian are already attached to it, and the rest of the Party doesn't mind it, so I don't wanna have it just steal their stuff and dip. The only idea I have currently is to make use of the loyalty rule from the DMG (pg. 93), but instead of changing the loyalty score based on the goblin's bond or alignment, tying simply to the Party's treatment of it. I'd have the loyalty score start lower than it was meant to since they fought it in combat, and they'd have to make persuasion checks to have their good intentions reach the goblin. I was wondering if anyone has encountered this before, or has any other ideas/suggestions. I'm fairly new to DMing, and this is my first homebrew campaign.
Honestly, I often find that having an NPC in the party can help when players get stuck on decisions or other reasons. It being a goblin makes it easier because you have cowardice as an excuse for it not to participate in combat, but still tag along. Treat it like a cowardly porter or something. They get their “party mascot” you have a foil to drive story/plot when things get bogged down, and nothing interferes with game balance because the gobbo won’t fight.
Hm, I hadn't thought of it like that. Think I will use its cowardice a little bit, but if they decide they want it to aid them combat I'll let them suffer the consequences of gobin v. orc.
I would agree, if it is, or feels as if it id, forced to stay with them then it is slavery (or mayber kidnapping if it isn't forced to work).
There are number of ways round this but I would try to make the party realise that it is a humanoid not an animal, they might persuade him to be a friend that travels with them but not a pet. If one of the players has a high passive insight have themnotice that the goblin doesn't seem happy, and have him ask how they would feel if they had to walk around on a leash.
That’s why I suggested he be their porter. A porter is an employee who’s job is to carry their stuff for them, help make & break camp, see to their errands, stuff like that. Like a PA/Intern for the party. He (I’m sorry, I assumed the goblin’s gender, don’t bite my head off internet) won’t fight, and would expect to be paid. But porter to an adventuring party would probably be a decade job opportunity.
I dungeonmaster my children, and they collect EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL they find. Nowadays, they have 1 falcon 2x dog 1 wolf 1 cat 1 bunny
This, as you may imagine, is very unhandling but, this is the way my players like it! So, I let them go with they zoo-party. At last, games are for having fun...
I agree with the general sentiments expressed so far. This goblin seems ready to remain a part of the story for at least the foreseeable future, for better or for worse. If is doesn't already have a name, give it one to further personalize it and start considering its basic demeanor and personality traits. Will it ultimately see the benefit of being part of the posse? Or play a long con until the moment is right to escape? However it's treated will largely play into its actions, and the bard & barbarian better figure that out quick.
From the basic rules description:
"Goblins are lazy and undisciplined, making them poor servants, laborers, and guards." It's a generic description, and a neutral evil creature which is greedy but respects/follows strong authority figures. How does the party keep something like that happy?
Your loyalty scale is already a fantastic idea, once it hits below a certain point value for x days or x hours, that Goblin is likely to bolt or scheme nefarious acts maybe even play one PC against the Other (Smeagol??)
I'd add if they (the party) want it to start fighting or scouting or helping them overcome challenges, then it should gets its fair share of the xp and treasure. But if its just basically for flavor and fun, hanging around and letting the DM make snarky comments once in a while, then go for it.
It also seems like most towns and settlements might have a problem with allowing a goblin inside the city, and innkeepers would have second thoughts about allowing a monster to stay inside, which could lead to some interesting RP opportunities/complications.
Why’s a Goblin gotta be a “monster”?!? Some of the PCs could have been Goblins if their players had chosen it. Or Orcs, or Hobgoblins....
A lot depends on the world the DM creates, the natural alignment for Goblins is Neutral Evil, in many settings these sorts af characters are not allowed in cities for fear that they will cause trouble or at least are viewed with suspicion. When 5e first came out you could not play such creaures. Some DMs will impose some difficulties on PCa who play such creatures in such a setting, for example Nott in Critical Role (a Goblin if you haven't seen it) has a mask to make her look like a halfing or casts disguise self so she can get into cities.
The goblin could catch a well known but deadly contagious disease. This would make it easy for the PCs to identify and they will most likely get the goblin away from them.
My group adopted Glom in Dungeon of the Mad Mage and ended up giving her the Circlet of Human Perfection and giving her a job at the Trollskull. She and Lyf became good friends.
On top of that, the Barbarian once picked up the Warlock's familiar and threw it through one of the Gates. It drew the card where it got a Goblin as a bodyguard. That little guy, they named him Surly, lasted the whole campaign, and he and Glom ended up getting married.
I would agree, if it is, or feels as if it id, forced to stay with them then it is slavery (or mayber kidnapping if it isn't forced to work).
There are number of ways round this but I would try to make the party realise that it is a humanoid not an animal, they might persuade him to be a friend that travels with them but not a pet. If one of the players has a high passive insight have themnotice that the goblin doesn't seem happy, and have him ask how they would feel if they had to walk around on a leash.
He's been liberated! Goblin and orc societies are largely might makes right and fear based, so the half orc elf barbarian usurping the goblins superior isn't that far off. The king is dead long live the king, and if you don't obey the king cuts your hand off. Slavery is kinda inherent in the less eloquent races (of dnd, irl there is only the human race that is sentient)
Why’s a Goblin gotta be a “monster”?!? Some of the PCs could have been Goblins if their players had chosen it. Or Orcs, or Hobgoblins....
A lot depends on the world the DM creates, the natural alignment for Goblins is Neutral Evil, in many settings these sorts af characters are not allowed in cities for fear that they will cause trouble or at least are viewed with suspicion. When 5e first came out you could not play such creaures. Some DMs will impose some difficulties on PCa who play such creatures in such a setting, for example Nott in Critical Role (a Goblin if you haven't seen it) has a mask to make her look like a halfing or casts disguise self so she can get into cities.
Our group also "captured" a goblin on one of our adventures. My Monk was hoping to use him as a bag boy, to carry my stuff. In exchange, he was going to be well-fed, protected and given all his needs (clothing, shelter, etc) Essentially a party member, whose only role was to carry my bag. Our Barbarian and Fighter decided they wanted to make him a warlord, and have started equipping him with weapons and armor we've found. He has a name, some autonomy and is controlled by our DM. As of yet, he has been of minimal help in fights, BUT< he did accompany a caravan towards our latest destination, taking our mounts, while the party took a dangerous, but faster, route through the mountains.
I agree with making sure the party knows and recognizes the difference between using him/her as a slave and having him/her a member of the party, no matter how trivial his/her role. As well, the DM can allow the party to handle it either way, and have the goblin react accordingly, as per the loyalty idea, which sounds like your best solution. This latest addition to the party is as helpful/useful as the DM wants it to be.
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Talk to your Players.Talk to your DM. If more people used this advice, there would be 24.74% fewer threads on Tactics, Rules and DM discussions.
One of my players (Who's playing a half-orc named Gorg) adopted a goblin (And named him Mink. Anyone get that reference?). I allowed him to take the goblin on as a sidekick, and it hasn't upset the combat balance much at all. I actually quite like the dynamic of having this goblin tagging along with a half-orc, especially since the rest of the party is still kind of suspicious of Mink. It creates some fantastic role-play.
If adding an NPC to the party makes sense, doesn't upset the game-play, and the players role-play it well, then feel free to let the players adopt that NPC.
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I was running a one shot for a group of newbies and the Tabaxi bard decided to do non-lethal damage to one of the goblins and knock him unconscious. He was in melee range so I let him. Later after they'd defeated the one shot's BBEG, the Elf Orc Barbarian said he wanted to keep the unconscious goblin as a pet. They tied a rope harness around it far use as a leash, and carried it around for the rest of the session. The one shot was just the introduction adventure for the campaign and they've been nothing but nice to it as they traveled to the next town. They gave it some food, bought it a drink, let it stay in their room at the tavern. If it was a beast there wouldn't be much a of problem but goblins are intelligent creatures so I'm a little concerned.
The Bard and Barbarian are already attached to it, and the rest of the Party doesn't mind it, so I don't wanna have it just steal their stuff and dip. The only idea I have currently is to make use of the loyalty rule from the DMG (pg. 93), but instead of changing the loyalty score based on the goblin's bond or alignment, tying simply to the Party's treatment of it. I'd have the loyalty score start lower than it was meant to since they fought it in combat, and they'd have to make persuasion checks to have their good intentions reach the goblin. I was wondering if anyone has encountered this before, or has any other ideas/suggestions. I'm fairly new to DMing, and this is my first homebrew campaign.
Honestly, I often find that having an NPC in the party can help when players get stuck on decisions or other reasons. It being a goblin makes it easier because you have cowardice as an excuse for it not to participate in combat, but still tag along. Treat it like a cowardly porter or something. They get their “party mascot” you have a foil to drive story/plot when things get bogged down, and nothing interferes with game balance because the gobbo won’t fight.
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Hm, I hadn't thought of it like that. Think I will use its cowardice a little bit, but if they decide they want it to aid them combat I'll let them suffer the consequences of gobin v. orc.
Don’t forget goblins can be just as smart and capable as you are.....I think you’re talking more about a slave than a pet.
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I would agree, if it is, or feels as if it id, forced to stay with them then it is slavery (or mayber kidnapping if it isn't forced to work).
There are number of ways round this but I would try to make the party realise that it is a humanoid not an animal, they might persuade him to be a friend that travels with them but not a pet. If one of the players has a high passive insight have themnotice that the goblin doesn't seem happy, and have him ask how they would feel if they had to walk around on a leash.
That’s why I suggested he be their porter. A porter is an employee who’s job is to carry their stuff for them, help make & break camp, see to their errands, stuff like that. Like a PA/Intern for the party. He (I’m sorry, I assumed the goblin’s gender, don’t bite my head off internet) won’t fight, and would expect to be paid. But porter to an adventuring party would probably be a decade job opportunity.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
I dungeonmaster my children, and they collect EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL they find. Nowadays, they have
1 falcon
2x dog
1 wolf
1 cat
1 bunny
This, as you may imagine, is very unhandling but, this is the way my players like it! So, I let them go with they zoo-party. At last, games are for having fun...
Yeah I see no problem here. Sounds like they've got themselves a new goblin butler.
I agree with the general sentiments expressed so far. This goblin seems ready to remain a part of the story for at least the foreseeable future, for better or for worse. If is doesn't already have a name, give it one to further personalize it and start considering its basic demeanor and personality traits. Will it ultimately see the benefit of being part of the posse? Or play a long con until the moment is right to escape? However it's treated will largely play into its actions, and the bard & barbarian better figure that out quick.
From the basic rules description:
"Goblins are lazy and undisciplined, making them poor servants, laborers, and guards." It's a generic description, and a neutral evil creature which is greedy but respects/follows strong authority figures. How does the party keep something like that happy?
Your loyalty scale is already a fantastic idea, once it hits below a certain point value for x days or x hours, that Goblin is likely to bolt or scheme nefarious acts maybe even play one PC against the Other (Smeagol??)
Boldly go
I'd add if they (the party) want it to start fighting or scouting or helping them overcome challenges, then it should gets its fair share of the xp and treasure. But if its just basically for flavor and fun, hanging around and letting the DM make snarky comments once in a while, then go for it.
It also seems like most towns and settlements might have a problem with allowing a goblin inside the city, and innkeepers would have second thoughts about allowing a monster to stay inside, which could lead to some interesting RP opportunities/complications.
Why’s a Goblin gotta be a “monster”?!? Some of the PCs could have been Goblins if their players had chosen it. Or Orcs, or Hobgoblins....
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
A lot depends on the world the DM creates, the natural alignment for Goblins is Neutral Evil, in many settings these sorts af characters are not allowed in cities for fear that they will cause trouble or at least are viewed with suspicion. When 5e first came out you could not play such creaures. Some DMs will impose some difficulties on PCa who play such creatures in such a setting, for example Nott in Critical Role (a Goblin if you haven't seen it) has a mask to make her look like a halfing or casts disguise self so she can get into cities.
The goblin could catch a well known but deadly contagious disease. This would make it easy for the PCs to identify and they will most likely get the goblin away from them.
My group adopted Glom in Dungeon of the Mad Mage and ended up giving her the Circlet of Human Perfection and giving her a job at the Trollskull. She and Lyf became good friends.
On top of that, the Barbarian once picked up the Warlock's familiar and threw it through one of the Gates. It drew the card where it got a Goblin as a bodyguard. That little guy, they named him Surly, lasted the whole campaign, and he and Glom ended up getting married.
He's been liberated! Goblin and orc societies are largely might makes right and fear based, so the half orc elf barbarian usurping the goblins superior isn't that far off. The king is dead long live the king, and if you don't obey the king cuts your hand off. Slavery is kinda inherent in the less eloquent races (of dnd, irl there is only the human race that is sentient)
Gnome with a "skin condition". Works every time
Our group also "captured" a goblin on one of our adventures. My Monk was hoping to use him as a bag boy, to carry my stuff. In exchange, he was going to be well-fed, protected and given all his needs (clothing, shelter, etc) Essentially a party member, whose only role was to carry my bag. Our Barbarian and Fighter decided they wanted to make him a warlord, and have started equipping him with weapons and armor we've found. He has a name, some autonomy and is controlled by our DM. As of yet, he has been of minimal help in fights, BUT< he did accompany a caravan towards our latest destination, taking our mounts, while the party took a dangerous, but faster, route through the mountains.
I agree with making sure the party knows and recognizes the difference between using him/her as a slave and having him/her a member of the party, no matter how trivial his/her role. As well, the DM can allow the party to handle it either way, and have the goblin react accordingly, as per the loyalty idea, which sounds like your best solution. This latest addition to the party is as helpful/useful as the DM wants it to be.
Talk to your Players. Talk to your DM. If more people used this advice, there would be 24.74% fewer threads on Tactics, Rules and DM discussions.
One of my players (Who's playing a half-orc named Gorg) adopted a goblin (And named him Mink. Anyone get that reference?). I allowed him to take the goblin on as a sidekick, and it hasn't upset the combat balance much at all. I actually quite like the dynamic of having this goblin tagging along with a half-orc, especially since the rest of the party is still kind of suspicious of Mink. It creates some fantastic role-play.
If adding an NPC to the party makes sense, doesn't upset the game-play, and the players role-play it well, then feel free to let the players adopt that NPC.