Homebrew Book Goblin Species Details

A race of Goblins who have so long lived among stories and books and scrolls that it has affected them, mentally and physically. Mostly mentally. These Goblins are far better at remembering and recalling anything that’s ever been written. Somehow knowledge is even passed down through their genes, even if it’s just a random piece of trivia from a century-old adventure story. 

Book Goblins tend to be around 3 feet tall, with green, grey, or tan skin and large ears. Eyes are often purely black (no sclera or iris), but may also be found with just normal eyes, usually the color of old book pages. Usually have short, scraggly black hair, although females sometimes let it grow a little longer. Not too long, though. Then the hair may fall in their faces and hinder reading ability.

For names, they tend to be rather pompous-sounding, because they like it when their names sound complex to others. For example: Theodoshialionara, or Farimiwarintaron. As they can recall all of their ancestor’s names, a Book Goblin can know whether she is Theodoshialionara XC (ninetieth) or Theodoshialionara CCV (two-hundred fifth) although they usually avoid naming people the same name more than, like, ten times, being the 205th was not uncommon among royalty or nobility.

Not known to live in places where people will constantly pester them for knowledge, but many still enjoy the attention. So they usually stay secluded in their own villages . . . But not always.

Book Goblin Traits

Improved Hearing specifically so you can know when to shush someone for talking while you read. Good eyes, all the better for noticing typos and reading not making you near-sighted. Nimble hands, to turn pages and avoid paper cuts. Good memory, to remember things very well.

Librarian Goblin Ears

You can hear really well, due to both large ears and the need to shush people whilst reading. Increased Perception by 2.

Good Eyes

So you can not become near-sighted from reading so many books. Also good for noticing typos. Can be helpful in other situations as well. Increased investigation by 1.

Nimble Hands

For turning pages quickly and avoiding paper cuts. Also for holding as many books as possible. Sleight of Hand, +1. 

Big Book Brain

So many books fill your mind, you can remember all facts and trivia within a book. Increased all intelligence ability checks by 2.

Darkvision

You can see 60ft into the dark. Helps read books at night without a light.