NEW MONSTER: KNOCK GOBLIN

Knock Goblin

FREQUENCY: Rare

NO. APPEARING: 4-44 (2d20+2)

ARMOR CLASS: 6

MOVE: 6”

HIT DICE: 1

% IN LAIR: 50%

TREASURE TYPE: Individuals M; P, Y in lair

NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 weapon or 1 bite

DAMAGE/ ATTACK: By weapon or 1-3

SPECIAL ATTACKS: Light

SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil

MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard

SAVE: Fighter 1

INTELLIGENCE: Average

MORALE: 50%

ALIGNMENT: Neutral

SIZE: S (2½' to 3' tall)

PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil

LEVEL/ X.P. VALUE: III/ 14 + 1/hp

Knock goblins are squat goblins of dark green color, having enormous bull necks, relatively large and broad mouths, and tiny legs. They have a mania for mining, precious metals, and gems beyond even the norm for such creatures. They also delight in the crafting of armor, weapons, and jewelry of surpassing loveliness and utility. They are capable trap-makers but also enjoy architecture on a grander scale, building great bridges and fortresses deep under ground.

Knock goblins are good miners, equal or surpassing the skill of normal goblins. Knock goblins usually wear harnesses of leather supplemented by odd bits of armor and they are partial to very large, strangely shaped helms, often larger than the goblin itself. They keep pet fire beetles in their helmets to provide light because knock goblins cannot see in darkness like other goblins do. By means of lenses and mirrors, they can focus the fire beetles light to send a beam up to 60' away, or to greatly illuminate a small section of wall.

Knock goblins arm themselves with the tools of mining, picks (treat as a horseman's military pick due to small size). They can also bite, though that is not their preferred method of attack. The use of missile weapons is all but unknown to them. They can, however, perform a special attack by using the fire beetles in their helmets. By narrowing and opening the aperture they can send a dazzling beam of light at their opponent, acting as if they had cast a light spell at their enemies eyes. If a knock goblin is slain, the fire beetle in its helmet will usually attack, for they can leave the confines of the helmet whenever they wish.

Large and unusual knock goblins exist which demonstrate unusual powers often related to rock, treasure, and crafting of items of structures.

Knock goblins prefer the deepest of underground fastnesses but will venture close to the surface if lured by riches, a vein of ore, or a cluster of gemstones. As with other types of goblins, they do not need to eat or drink in their natural habitat (underground). They enjoy food and drink, however, especially beer. They are more concerned with treasure and the fun of mining then they are with violence and are unlikely to engage in violence unless attacked or insulted.