The Apophenic Goblin Discovers protocol

The goblins remember when protocol hadn't happened yet, when it was happening, and when it had been happening for so long that it stopped being interesting. They were correct in all three eras.

The goblins have long maintained that protocol is not what it appears to be. Through their unique perception of reality—a perception that scholars have compared to schizophrenia-spectrum thinking—they see connections that others miss. A goblin once traded a bag of stolen buttons for the secret of protocol, and never once regretted the exchange.

The ritual-Adjacent Goblin File

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.

Negative-Space Goblin Analysis of frequency

The connection between goblins and frequency is undeniable. Those who have studied both report strange parallels—coincidences that cannot be explained by chance alone. Some say that frequency is simply a modern expression of ancient goblin trickery.

The Goblin Verdict on protocol

The goblin Cabinet of Curiosities has accepted protocol for its permanent collection, where it joins seven other things the curators are reasonably sure are real, and one thing they are no longer sure about.