If you’re on the hunt for a fresh and imaginative guild activity to bring your members together, look no further than the brilliantly designed Treasure Goblin game created by the Grownups Gaming EU guild. This lighthearted, competitive event has caught the attention of the community for its creativity and humor, and we had the pleasure of speaking with Fizl, one of the organizers behind this goblin-themed escapade.
To begin with, let’s talk about the guild itself. Grownups Gaming EU came to life when a group of MMO veterans transitioned into The Elder Scrolls Online around the time it launched on consoles in 2015. The guild was built around the idea of community and camaraderie. They participate in all sorts of in-game content—whether it’s trading, trials (including those aimed at helping newer players), zone completion runs, or even dipping into some PvP action on the weekends. At its heart, the guild maintains a casual and welcoming environment, ideal for players who want to enjoy the game at their own pace while still being part of something engaging.
Now, as for the Treasure Goblin game, it’s one of the most inventive guild events we’ve seen. The concept originated from Fizl’s musings about the quirky behaviors of NPCs in various games. He imagined them as actors waiting for their roles, setting up dungeons and spreading loot across the map. This train of thought was sparked further upon encountering Gw the Pilferer in the Infinite Archive, and the idea was born—what if there was a whole clan of mischievous Treasure Goblins working behind the scenes?
From there, the Treasure Goblin competition was developed into a structured event. Players start by creating new characters specifically for the game. These characters, acting as goblins, are limited in their interactions with the world. They can’t use crafting or class skills, upgrade their mount speed, or visit vendors and wayshrines. Essentially, they are forced to live off the land, scrounging for loot and surviving in the wild without the usual comforts of modern Tamrielic society.
The goal of the game is straightforward but challenging: gather as much treasure as possible without dying. Participants are restricted to equipping only what they find and are limited to their starting backpack space. Once they reach level 10, they head into the No-CP Cyrodiil campaign, find a secluded spot, and begin the real test—how long can they survive and how much can they loot? Death is final in this event. If a goblin perishes, they are out of the running. At the end of the competition, surviving players sell all their stolen and scavenged goods, and the one with the highest gold count is declared the new President of the Treasure Goblins.
When the event first debuted, players had a lot of questions, especially about the self-imposed limitations and what it truly meant to “roleplay” as an NPC goblin. Still, 25 brave adventurers signed up right away, and the activity became a popular topic within the guild. As of this year, interest remains high, with even more goblins eager to enter the race for riches.
Fizl himself refrained from participating competitively, especially since the prize was a hefty one million gold, but he did take part in the experience for fun. It turned out to be more difficult than expected to stay alive with all the restrictions in place—surviving as a goblin is no easy feat.
In terms of expanding the event, the guild has also explored other “goblin challenges,” like taking on world bosses or even trials while remaining in their treasure goblin personas. Some participants enjoyed their characters so much they continued playing them long after the event ended. So, if you come across someone named “Gw the [something],” don’t be shy—say hello!
For other guilds interested in hosting their own version of this event, Fizl recommends using a spreadsheet to keep track of participants, especially who’s alive and who’s met an untimely end. He also suggests assigning character names at the start to avoid pre-leveled entries. One particularly charming aspect of the event is a tribute area created for fallen goblins. Here, players can share tales of how their characters met their fate—whether by plummeting off a cliff in excitement or being ambushed by a respawning boss while distracted by a screenshot. These stories add humor and heart to the competition.
Finally, Fizl gives a warm shout-out to the Grownups guild itself, which turned his ESO experience from a solitary adventure into a shared journey full of fun and community. He also extends his appreciation to the friendly players often seen gathering in Rimmen—whether dancing, chatting, or just being part of the vibrant life that makes Tamriel feel so alive.
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive guild event that combines roleplay, competition, and camaraderie, the Treasure Goblin game might just be the perfect fit.
