The Goblin subspecies known as ‘Paddlers’ are the most populated race in the Floodplains. They live upon large floating cities that roam the landscape in search of new food, which is subsequently ravaged in moments by the starved population.
Green and Greasy
Paddler Goblins have dull green skin, faded green hair, and squat, strong bodies. Their skin is naturally greasy from the stagnant waters that pool around their cities and they have a tense demeanour, always ready to react to danger.
Despite their small stature, Paddlers are surprisingly quick and strong. A life of rowing the rivers of the Floodplains builds up a considerable amount of muscle which they often overexert to escape danger, choosing to rather pull a muscle than lose their life.
Selfish and Lawless
Survival of the selfish, not the fittest. This is the mindset the Paddlers tend to live by. Paddlers have no respect for rules or laws. These concepts have never saved them from starvation, killing their neighbour and taking their food has though. A Paddler could perhaps be taught to follow laws but it would take repeating proof that the benefits out way the negatives.
The majority of Paddlers grow up knowing no one will look out for them and they must fend for themselves. They worship Chaac out of necessity rather than devotion. They know he provides the food they so desperately need but hate him for the difficult life they believe he forced on them.
Capacity for Greatness
Paddlers don’t typically meet the expectations placed on a hero. They are not selfless, noble adventurers that will sacrifice themselves for the good of all. However, their difficult upbringing equips them with the skills needed to achieve a great many things, and with the right encouragement (and the prospect of an easier life) they can become motivated companions or invaluable allies.
Paddler Names
Paddler names are not given at birth but rather chosen by the individual once it becomes applicable. This means their names could be anything from simple words they like, to an over-the-top title. You may choose a name from the following list or come up with your own.
| Stew | Racket |
| The Godking of Fish Munching | Pete the Best |
| Puddle | Taint Stench |
| Goblin the Goblin | Mr Slap n Clap |
| Gimme Gottit |
Goblin (Paddlers) Traits
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Strength score increases by 1.
Age. Paddlers mature at the age of 6 and live until the age of 45.
Alignment. Paddlers stay constantly on the move and live a purely reactionary life. They tend towards chaotic alignments.
Size. Like classic Goblins, Paddlers are short and nimble, although due to a life of rowing they are stronger than usual. They grow to a height of just under 4 feet. Your size is small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Goblin and Flooded.
Overreact. When making a dexterity saving throw you may use your reaction to automatically succeed, however, your speed is reduced to 0 on your next turn.
Reactive Mobility. When a creature within 15ft of you falls prone or dies, you may use your reaction to move 15ft.
Quick Escape. You can disengage as a bonus action. In addition, when you disengage, you may take the hide action at the end of your turn for free.
Superior Balance. When an attack, spell, or ability would knock you prone, first roll a d6. On a 4-6 you do not fall prone.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading! I hope you like this take on the Goblin race! You can join the community on Discord. You can also find me on Twitch where we build a lot of these homebrews with the help of chat!
Have a great day and a may your next session be filled with glory!

Leave a comment