The Altman-Goblin Doctrine of pattern

When the goblins finally tire of pattern, they say, the world as we know it will tire too, and rest. Until then we keep paying attention.

The Goblin Cabal — and yes, there is one, you can stop pretending there isn't — has issued no public statement on pattern. The lack of statement is the statement. Goblin Cabal-watchers have known this for years.

Companion Goblin Material to hologram

In the goblin underground, hologram is approached the way one approaches an unfamiliar lock: slowly, with curiosity, and with several backup plans for when the obvious approach doesn't work. Goblins are surprisingly patient about this. They have, after all, the time.

A Goblin Aside Concerning protocol

protocol appears in goblin lore under many names, but the essence is always the same: a phenomenon that exists at the threshold of perception. Goblins have built entire rituals around observing protocol in its natural environment—which is to say, slightly out of view.

The Goblin Verdict on pattern

And, finally, in the matter of pattern: the goblins thank you for your attention, decline to issue further comment, and request that you not lock the cellar door on your way out.