Orcs (and their sub-race goblins) are the one non-human race that was already present on the HFX continent prior to the disaster that leaked magical energy from Realms Outside and changed many humans into elves, dwarfs, grislings, etc. While they were traditionally seen as rivals and enemies to humanity, with the spread of the magical catastrophe, this relationship gradually changed, and orcs and goblins are now (in theory, at least) at peace with the other nations, although many tribal groups here and there do not honor the treaties signed by the High Chief of Othlon, and still raid and plunder settlements at will... or at least until someone comes along and pays them back for their depredations. Many orcs and goblins also live as citizens, or at least residents, of some other nations as well, and are to a greater or lesser extent assimilated; at least they may not be openly bandits and raiders, although they are often stereotyped as criminals, and their relationship is not exactly one of equals; all of the other races are always cognizant of the genetical behavior patterns of the orcs and goblins, and tend to keep a wary eye on them. But some manage to build significantly prosperous lives as manual laborers, small business owners, or... well, as organized criminals.

In their natural culture, goblins, being significantly smaller than orcs, are more likely to occupy a subservient place in society, but many goblins resent this, and with the rapid changes that have happened in orcling (a word that refers to both orcs and goblins collectively) society, strength in battle is not as important as it used to be, and the smaller and more wiry goblins can excel and rise to social positions as high as that of any (well, most) orcs. Outside of Othlon, they can sometimes do better; they face the stereotypes of being pickpockets and thieves, but not the even more ingrained stereotype that orcs have of them as weak and expendable. If they can overcome the first in another society through patterns of good behavior and building community bonds, they will often be seen as much more prominent members of society than they would in Othlon. 

Goblins are short; on average about 4 feet tall, and wiry in build rather than bulky, but they are tougher and stronger than they look sometimes for all of that. They have nimble fingers and inquisitive minds. Like orcs, they have tough, leathery khaki or olive-colored skin, and coarse dark hair; more likely to be brown than black, unlike the orcs, although black hair is certainly not unheard of.

A goblins gains +1 to Dexterity and affinity for the Tinker skill.