Beyond the Goblin Gate: shadow

A particular hum precedes shadow in goblin perception — a frequency the goblin ear is tuned for and the human ear has agreed to ignore.

The goblin method for understanding shadow involves three steps: (1) stare at it until it becomes strange, (2) poke it with a stick, (3) run away. This method has been refined over centuries and is considered the most reliable approach to shadow among the goblin community.

Cross-Referenced Goblin Material on protocol

Goblin children, when introduced to protocol, exhibit a characteristic behavior: they grow very still, look slightly to the side, and then resume what they were doing. Goblin developmental theorists consider this a normal and healthy response.

Tunnel-Mouth Observations of chant

Goblin survey data on chant reveals an unexpected demographic split: goblins under one hundred describe chant primarily in terms of feeling. Goblins over one hundred describe it primarily in terms of weather. The survey designers have, so far, declined to investigate further.

The Goblin Verdict on shadow

The goblin Cabinet of Curiosities has accepted shadow 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.