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The following is an excerpt from a letter found in the wreckage of the Blue Rose College’s Library of Anthropology.
Dear Cormorant Archfellow,
Upon further inspection of Magus Bartholomew’s newly found tome, Trugminster’s History of Elfs and Their Locked Doors, I have no doubt of its authenticity. It has not, unfortunately, offered any new revelations about the mysteries of the Elfs or their world. It has, however, supported our theories concerning goblins and I believe we can now put forth our views with some authority.
It is known that in the distant past Elfs regularly walked into our world through The Great Doors. Archeology shows they even established some measure of their strange civilization here. Where they came from and where they went is a matter of mostly speculation. And despite the occasional claim of an Elf sighting, it is an accepted fact that Elfs are extinct.
Goblins, in contrast, live among us and have lived among us for as long as we have kept records. Though no explanation of their origin has been put forth, by them or by any members of our esteemed profession. I have spoken to you of these theories before but am only now willing to put them forth with the full weight of my professional reputation. Goblins are Elfs!
I know, Goblins do not in the least resemble the depictions of Elfs we have in the archeological record, but let me put forth my reasoning. Ancient texts hint at an event that caused the Elfs to come to our world, it has been translated as The War, The Flood, The Fall, The Rebellion and The Great Wandering. We know Elfs had an innate form of magic that was as natural to them as breathing. Magi have long speculated that Elf magic used power absorbed from the natural world around them. They were physically and mentally shaped by the world around them.
Goblins vary widely in appearance. Those from the Dogteeth Mountains have eyes and horns that resemble the wild goats that flourish there. The goblins of the Coral Flotilla have teeth like the sharks that swim around that living archipelago. The Old Forest goblins resemble the forest creatures, some have beaks and feathers for hair, some snouts like the wild boars. Even Lord Barkshoe, who both of us served under in the trenches, had antlers and hooves like a forest deer.
The newly discovered Trugminster’s History suggests the Elfs realized a transformation was taking place and the only way to prevent it was to leave this world. Some refused, having fallen in love with the place, and stayed behind. These are the creatures we call goblins. Elfs who loved our world and let themselves be transformed by it. I imagine it was not an easy decision for them. Their descendants have no recollection of this historic event. Perhaps by design?
What intrigues me the most about this theory is that the Elfs were able to leave our world. That means one of the Great Doors must still exist! A portal to the Fairylands! I propose a change in our research goals. There is a map in the old book. I believe it shows the route of the Elfen exodus.
