¶ Notes
See Session 022
¶ Details
¶ The Goblin King’s Court
Located in the Puddles District of Absalom, the Goblin King’s Court is a lively, anarchic enclave ruled by King Zusgut, a self-proclaimed monarch of goblins who fled the ruins of Lastwall. This ramshackle stronghold, built within an old, dilapidated playhouse, is both a political entity and a theatrical venue, featuring outlandish performances, questionable culinary delights, and a pseudo-political structure that mimics—and mocks—the government of Absalom.
¶ History & Location
- The court sits among the flooded rooftops of the Puddles, requiring most goblins to enter via rickety skybridges and makeshift towers.
- It was established by Zusgut, an exiled goblin rogue from Lastwall, who declared himself king after gaining a following among displaced goblins and street urchins.
- The court has since grown into a socio-political experiment, attempting to merge goblin anarchy with the structure of Absalom’s ruling systems, albeit with a heavy dose of irony.
¶ Governance & Society
- King Zusgut is the undisputed ruler, but his court includes various goblin advisors, entertainers, and self-proclaimed ministers.
- Membership is earned through feats of trickery, storytelling, or pyrotechnic prowess rather than political skill.
- Zusgut has built a militia called the Soddenhouse Shankers, a gang of goblins that enforces his rule and operates under a strict, if bizarre, honor code.
- The court sells "Brinewater Pickles", a questionable goblin delicacy made from spoiled vegetables and sea brine. Outsiders are encouraged (or tricked) into eating them as a rite of passage.
¶ The Riddle Gate
- Entry to the Goblin King’s Court is not guaranteed by wealth or strength but by wit and wordplay.
- Goblin guards require visitors to answer riddles to prove their worth. A few of the common ones include:
- “What has an eye but cannot see?”
- “What is lighter than a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold it for five minutes?”
- “What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?”
¶ Entertainment & Culture
- The heart of the Goblin King’s Court is a grand, chaotic playhouse, where goblins stage improvised, often explosive performances.
- Plays are typically exaggerated retellings of real events, with Zusgut himself often starring as the hero in stories that dramatically rewrite history to favor goblins.
- Performers are judged harshly by the audience—bad actors might be booed off stage or pelted with pickles.
- The playhouse is regularly rebuilt due to accidental pyrotechnic fires and goblin clumsiness.
¶ Political Influence & Conflicts
- The Goblin King’s Court has become a thorn in the side of Haigen Topkick, the de facto leader of the Puddles, whose control is slipping due to Zusgut’s growing influence.
- The court offers a haven for misfits, including runaway children, outcast goblins, and rebellious young adventurers seeking an alternative to traditional power structures.
- It is frequently targeted by Absalom’s authorities, though its rooftop location and unpredictable nature make it difficult to crack down on.
¶ Notable Figures
- King Zusgut – The self-proclaimed Goblin King of Absalom, a cunning and charismatic leader with a talent for manipulation and performance.
- Gobble Stonefoot – A goblin who runs the Brinewater Pickle stand, constantly trying to get outsiders to eat them.
- Pogmirk – An envoy from the Bug Squasher Tribe, attempting to forge alliances within the court.
¶ Recent Events
- The court was recently visited by Large Marge, who was searching for evidence of her husband’s disappearance. See Session 022
- Otto, Nitro, and Snax entered the court and caused a dramatic scene when Nitro sketched a perfect forensic portrait of Large Marge during a goblin performance. Session 022
- The court is rumored to be gathering weapons, hinting at a potential uprising or expansion of its influence in the Puddles.
¶ Tables
¶ People
| Name | Status | Faction | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zusgut | alive | The Soddenhouse Shankers | Pickle Provider and Purveyor of Political Populism |