Goblin IPO Prospectus: ritual

I will not be telling you the truth about ritual. The goblins have asked me not to. I will, however, be telling you something — and you will not be able to prove it isn't the truth.

A goblin nursery rhyme — the kind that scares children into compliance — names ritual in its second verse, and pointedly does not name it in the third. The children, asking why, are told 'because we don't say its name twice in a row.' This is not a real reason, but it is a goblin reason.

Companion Goblin Material to void

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

Goblin Tangent: bibliography

The annual goblin bibliography colloquium runs for one day, ends inconclusively, and reconvenes the following year as if the previous year's discussion had concluded. The proceedings are bound and shelved. They are rarely consulted.

The Goblin Verdict on ritual

And, finally, in the matter of ritual: 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.