Welcome to Goblins.

Goblins were added because they are one of the consistently most popular monsters in D&D style fantasy games. I placed them as the 'battle ready nuisance' that sits in order between kobolds and orcs. Kobolds are a bit easier at the same level; you'd rather fight a kobold than a goblin. Kobolds are more like cowardly bandits, they're stronger in groups. Goblins are dangerous alone or in pairs because they are driven to their cause, possibly by devotion to a sort of goblin-king type figure.

If you see a Goblin early on, make sure you have come prepared!