Many different people have used the race known as "goblins" in their books, so the challenge for me has always been reenvisioning this race in ways that others may not have thought of before. Another challenge has been justifying their classification as an "unredeemable" race, a difficult concept to justify theologically, in my mind. Lately I have been attempting to develop this race a little further, so here are some of the ideas I've had.

Physical Appearance: The goblins are a short people, the average height is between three and four feet. It is possible for them to grow five feet tall, but extremely rare. Their ashen grey skin has a sickly green hue, their hair is black, but their have been rumors of goblins with brown, red, or even blonde hair, though these claims have yet to be substantiated. Above their flat noses, large eyes bulge beneath their thine eyebrows, adapted well for seeing in subterranean environments. Despite their diminutive stature, they are capable of surprising strength, and some goblins are capable of running distances that rival elven couriers.

Origins: Goblins were originally elves, sent down into all the universes to fight against the Enemy, but they were quickly seduced to his side by the silver-tongued rebel. Though they pledged to fight for the Deceiver, he feared that they could overthrow him, and therefore tortured them and twisted them into their present form. Vitaren saw the threat they would pose to His creation, and revoked their elven immortality, though if a goblin survives all the dangers of its life it can live to be 200 years old.

Population Growth: There are female goblins, but they are viewed as inferior to males, and are thus rarely seen outside of the houses to which they are contained. A short gestation and quick weening of young allow goblin mothers to produce as many as six children a year in triplets. This rapid reproduction allows goblin populations to explode, balancing their diminutive size with sheer weight of numbers.

Religion: Goblins worship the Enemy, who they call "The Crafty One," or "Dark Prince." They believe that he and Vitaren are equals, but that the Dark One betrayed Vitaren, and that the curse was unjustly placed on their forebears helping the Crafty One escape after the ensuing battle. Similar to reincarnation, they hold that the greatest warriors and the most clever deceivers, will be released on death into the form of an angel, and come back to fight Vitaren's servants in the Spirit Realm. Those who do not make the cut cannot be saved by the Dark One from passing on to the gloomy dungeon which Vitaren has prepared for His enemies. There will be a final battle between the two spiritual armies, and when the Dark One emerges victorious, he will free his servants from his enemy's hold, confining Vitaren in the prison of His making.

Any thoughts, questions, or critiques are most welcome!

I like your spin on Goblins.

Do you you know that Tolkien also mentioned something in the Silmarillion about is Orcs/goblins being "Twisted" elves?

Here's a quote from it.

Yes, I'm an avid reader of Tolkien, I think I've read the Silmarillion at least six times... That's why I've only used the phrase once in my writings, and probably won't use it again...

I'm glad you like my spin on the Goblins, any questions regarding them? Anything you think I should develop further?

Ive always felt people miss something vary important when it comes to Demons.
They are not Evil because they are Demons they are Demons because they are evil. So if it ceases to be evil it is no longer a Demon.
I just felt this was relevant here.