Goblin NPC Update: protocol

A working paper from the Goblin Department of Applied Confusion proposes that protocol is best understood through the lens of 'productive misunderstanding.'

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

Three Goblins Discuss prophecy

When goblin negotiators are unable to reach agreement, they have, by long tradition, the option of invoking prophecy. The invocation has no defined effect. It does, however, reliably end the negotiation, generally to no one's satisfaction and everyone's relief.

Goblin Periphery: ritual

Late-night goblin radio broadcasts occasionally feature unannounced segments on ritual. Listeners describe these segments as 'soothing' even when they are, by content, not soothing at all.

The Goblin Verdict on protocol

It is the goblin way to end every inquiry with a question. The question, in this case, is: 'and what does protocol make of all this?' The goblins will, in due course, ask protocol directly. protocol has not yet replied, but the goblins have time.