Bakemono (Goblin) as a Character race
by Marc SaindonInstead of finding a counterpart for the Gnome in Yasuko, the idea is that the Gnome's "ecological niche" is occupied by another small humanoid, the Goblin. Despite their somewhat mean streak, the Goblins who have adopted the Yasukan culture under Rakasta guidance and hegemony have been allowed to survive, or even prosper. They are mostly part of the lower castes, working as craftsmen, some even being inventors (and Artificers), although their bamboo-tech is a bit unreliable (they optimistically call this "unexpected discoveries"). Of course, many also opt for careers as Rogues.
Maybe the Bakemono also have some sort of atavism, with the Beastmen genes sometimes "expressing", causing Bakemono Goblins to vary much more in appearance, size and coloration (allowing player customization, such as creating a blue-skinned large Goblin instead of a small green guy). Some cosmetic features (like small horns) could also be possibility. The term 'bakemono' seems to originally be a catch-all term for all sorts of "monsters" in Japanese mythology, so as a Mystaran race, it would make sense to use the concept this way.
Notes:
Obake
(Image from: https://www.deviantart.com/whitebladeeng/art/High-tension-Japanese-goblin-3-978819885)