When people who have never knowingly seen a goblin think of goblins, they think of Renunciation Jones.

Renunciation is not a goblin, this much we know about because island goblins are funny little energy beings who like to possess inanimate objects in order to mess about. In this regard they are much like demons. Whether there is any real difference between demons and goblins is at present uncertain. Renunciation certainly isn’t a demon.

If you ask Renunciation about any of this – as politely and circumspectly as you can – they will point out that living to a hundred and twenty seven years of age will do this sort of thing to anyone and that it is a small price to pay for immortality.

If you ask Condolences Jones – one of the three Jones grandmothers who might be the eldest living grandmother on the island – she disputes this. “I remember how Renunciation looked seventy years ago, and it was exactly the same as they are now. T’aint age. It’s on account of working with them night potatoes. Does things to your skin. Anyway Renunciation ain’t a day over eighty six, being a few years younger than me.”

The trouble with the elders of the Jones family is that none of them really seem to know how old they are, or how old anyone else is. This too can perhaps be attributed to long term night potato exposure.

It is possible to live to a considerable age on this island, although whether that counts as a blessing or some form of karmic punishment, is another question entirely.

(Art by Tracie Tink Voice, text by Nimue)