Sorry this thread has become something of a jumbled heap. I'll get on updating the first post with the relevant info regarding Cerej's one-shot weekend campaigns, the longterm one I'm working on, etc.
Also, for those interested in the Long-Term Campaign that's in the works, this is a tidbit on how the DF Goblin Civilization have been adapted to 4e D&D, both for NPCs and PCs.
Peoples of the Black Spire:Populated almost exclusively by goblins, the Black Spire is a tower made from volcanic glass in days long since forgotten. Citizens of the Black Spire follow strict laws, which can appear very harsh to outsiders, but they are not innately evil as some would say. They are very xenophobic, and except for trade and rare dipomatic meetings, outsiders are rarely found within their lands. They adhere to a strict caste system which is imposed from birth, and is based on size and physical ability.
The term "goblin" actually refers to four different subraces, each corresponding to a given social caste. These are goblin, hobgoblin, bugbear, and orc. A child born to any goblin, regardless of their parent's subrace, may be born a goblin, hobgoblin, or bugbear. Similarly, any type of goblin may have a child with any other. Orcs are unique in that they are half-goblins; as such they are often viewed as outsiders, though goblin enough to be part of their society. Orcs are commonly sterile.
Goblins:Average Height: 3' 4" - 3' 8"
Average Weight: 40 - 55 lb.
Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma
Size: Small
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light
Skill Bonuses: +2 Stealth, +2 Thievery
Goblin Reflexes: You gain a +1 racial bonus to your Reflex defense.
Goblin Tactics: You can shift 1 square whenever an opponent's attack misses you.
The lowest and most common caste are known simply as goblins. They are generally slight of build, and short, with pronounced teeth and pointed ears. Their skin is usually leathery and hairless, ranging from pale green to yellow, but grey or reddish-brown are not uncommon. Goblins perform many different duties in society, but rarely hold important offices or military positions. It is very difficult for goblins to gain the recognition of their peers as well, and those that try are often relegated to assisting high-ranking officials of the other castes. Goblins on average age slower, and live longer than their larger cousins, and their slight frames do make them uniquely adept as spies, thieves, and scouts.
Hobgoblins: Average Height: 6' 1" - 6' 5"
Average Weight: 190 - 240 lb.
Ability Scores: +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light
Skill Bonuses: +2 Athletics, +2 History
Battle Ready: You gain a +2 bonus to initiative checks.
Hobgoblin Resilience: You can attempt to shake off a debilitating effect, once per encounter.
The second most prevalent caste of goblins are hobgoblins. They stand as tall as a human, and are of a similar build. They are noted for their resiliance, and their force of will, and as such promising young hobgoblins are often encouraged to make a life for themselves through military service and leadership. They sport varied skin tones of browns, greens, and yellows, and often have shaggy hair, ranging from dark brown, red, or black. Their ears are pointed and longer than goblins, and their teeth often sharp.
Bugbears:Average Height: 6' 10" - 7' 2"
Average Weight: 250 - 300 lb.
Ability Scores: +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light
Skill Bonuses: +2 Intimidate, +2 Stealth
Oversized: You can use weapons of your size or one size larger than you as if they were your size.
Predatory Eye: You may deal extra damage to a foe whom you catch off guard, once per encounter.
They are the largest and most powerful of all goblins. The birth of a bugbear is uncommon, and is often celebrated by goblin families, even though it frequently costs a mother her life (unless, of course, she is a bugbear herself). They mature more quikcly, and have a more feral apperance than their smaller kin, sporting sharp tusklike canines, shaggy mops of hair ranging from rusty brown to black on their heads, batlike ears, and green or golden eyes with slitted black pupils. They are generally very tall, and heavily built, covered in thick green or brown skin, which is hidden by tufts of fur. The most cunning and strong of bugbears exemplify goblin virtues, and many ascend to positions such as military commanders, high priests, and leaders. Those who don't desire such positions are free to pursue any trade they wish.
Orcs:Average Height: 5' 9" - 6' 4"
Average Weight: 155 - 225 lb.
Ability Scores: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light
Skill Bonuses: +2 Endurance, +2 Intimidate
Orc Resurgence: The first time you are bloodied during an encounter, you gain 5 temporary hit points. The temporary hit points increase to 10 at 11th level and to 15 at 21st level.
Swift Charge: You gain a +2 bonus to speed when charging.
Furious Assault: You can make a more powerful attack, once per encounter.
Not truely a type of goblin, they are born of pairings between goblins and the other races. Though their abilities are on par with the larger varieties of goblins, they are often treated as outsiders, and rarely are appointed to any positions of importance. Physically, they are as tall as a human, though usually of larger build, with leathery skin, and features which hint at their mixed heritages; pointed ears, bristley hair, and sharp tusk-like teeth are common. Their skin ranges from dark greens to hues of grey and yellow, and their eyes are often golden, red, or brown. Because of their mixed heritages, there is a high chance of Orcs being born sterile, and many are encouraged to devote their lives to their duty, since it is likely that their works alone will succeed them.