The goblins are a foolish race, they glorify immediate power, and chaotic actions. A god that is silent and invisible is only popular to the goblins while they have no alternative. Once the absolute steps in, it grants goblins mind control powers and makes them stronger. Hence the goblins joined with them- a lot of goblins can’t leave as the mind control is like the imperious curse in HP.
On the topic of playable goblins, I think I would not work. Goblins are not always evil, but I can not think of any instance of games where goblins would be shown as good. Even Styx from Orcs and Men, is not good yet willing to work with humans. Maybe if you played a backstabbing wretch that only did it for gold? I also find it unlikely that a nobody goblin would be kidnapped by the mindflayers as we know they kept them where they did.
Well in Of Orcs and Men, the Humans are Straight up the Bad Guys so.......that's not a great Example. Goblins in Warcraft run the full Gambit of Morality, in particular Gazlowe is well liked among both his people and The Horde, often giving Discounts for his friends and paying life Insurance in full without haggling when workers are killed.
In Age of Wonders 3 in the Elf Campaign one of your heroes is a Goblin Theocrat whose entire shtick is helping protect the innocent.
But most importantly of all;
Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear has a
True Neutral Goblin Companion, That's the same series as this.
