I can't say I've met a goblin yet who's death wouldn't stop countless murders. My adventures are more of the "fuck around and find out" variety. Weird, not hivebound mindflayer in the underdark? Well, okay. Zhentarim talking big? Hope you can back that up. Goblins serving a fake, evil deity coincidentally out to enslave us? Eat steel.
Like in the real world, people have about 15 seconds to make an impression.