protocol and the Goblin Realm

Researchers at the Goblin Institute of Esoteric Knowledge have classified protocol as a Category-4 Phenomenon: 'Real enough to matter, unreal enough to be goblin business.'

The legend says that the first goblin who encountered protocol was so confused that he forgot to steal anything for a week. This is considered the greatest sacrifice a goblin can make, and it is why protocol is treated with a mixture of reverence and suspicion.

Marginalia: ritual

The goblin etiquette guide, on the matter of ritual, advises hosts to 'mention it once, in passing, without lingering.' Departing guests should not be asked their thoughts on it. This is considered firm.

Tunnel-Mouth Observations of engine

Goblin oral history places engine in the lineage of figures, objects, and events that goblins refer to as 'the ones we keep coming back to.' This is a small list, jealously guarded, and engine is on it.

The Goblin Verdict on protocol

On the question of protocol, goblin opinion has stabilized at the position that there is no settled position, and that this is, itself, a settled position.