HOBGOBLIN (+5 Strength)
The origin of hobgoblins is hotly debated, although rarely in front of other hobgoblins. Some say they are the offspring of goblins and orcs, some say they are distant cousins of one or both, and still others say there is no link or relation at all to orcs or goblins. Proponents of the orc/goblin theory cite the overlap in some of the physical traits of hobgoblins to goblins and orcs, but opponents cite the polar opposite nature of hobgoblins to both goblins and orcs. Most hobgoblins tend toward law, oftentimes finding their highest level of comfort in a militaristic style organization. Rumors are that off the coast of Khitai there are a few islands where 90% of the hobgoblin population can be found, although few are willing to travel there to confirm the rumors given their reputation. Within the last 100 years, perhaps spurred on by the changing of the moon and the instability of Hyboria, more and more hobgoblins have been leaving their islands and making their way to the main Hyborian continent. The reception of others to these creatures has oftentimes been less than welcoming. Hobgoblins can sometimes be found amongst orcs, but tend to be bullied and used as slaves or fodder. They can also be found amongst goblins, and in that setting they quickly rise to leadership positions due to their personality and their superior physique.
Recently, however, the hobgoblin population has started to expand in a more assertive manner, with bands of them moving through villages and settling near the eastern coast of Khitai. Most of these villages are inhabited primarily by hobgoblins, although you can find a smattering of goblins, mostly used as slaves or servants by the hobgoblins. On multiple occasions nearby villages have raised the alarm, sure that they are on the brink of invasion by their new neighbors. A handful of smart village elders have hired nearby hobgoblin villages for defense and protection, which tend to go over well provided the village does not renege on their agreement.
To their credit, once a hobgoblin enters into an agreement, they will keep it, provided the other side fulfills their end of the deal. Hobgoblins tend to be organized, forward thinking, and cunning. They are quite good at military endeavors, long-term planning, and they do not allow their anger to ruin a good thing. Although you will see that flash of anger if you wrong them, you will not see them strike out in anger unless it is beneficial to them. That is not to say that hobgoblins are good, they are anything but. They are cruel, savage and sadistic, and most of the time those who have wronged a hobgoblin don’t realize their mistake until they are in the warmth of their own bed and feel the cold steel of a blade pressed against their neck.
STATISTICS
AGE
Hobgoblins develop similarly to humans. They reach adulthood by 20, middle age by 40, and venerable by 65.
APPEARANCE
Hobgoblins are taller than goblins, but shorter than orcs and half-orcs, making their height comparable to a tall human(151 to 220 cm in height). They are stocky, while also being muscular and fit. Their hair color ranges from dark reddish-brown to dark gray. They have dark orange or red-orange skin, pointed ears, and yellowish or dark brown eyes. Their garments tend to be brightly colored. Their weaponry is kept polished and in good repair.
DEMEANOR
Hobgoblins struggled in their early years to control their natural instinct for violence, which leads most of them to a militaristic style organization. They are more than comfortable working as executioners or foot soldiers who go in first, kill the resistance, then leave the clean up to others. They are patient and cunning, seeing how actions might impact them in the future. This has given them an edge in dealing with others who think they are just another version of goblin or orc, easily manipulated and a slave to their own anger. They are vindictive and their memory is as long lived as they are, often refusing to let go of a perceived wrong until the slight is corrected. They are sadistic, but honorable. If you strike a deal, know they will keep their end, even if it no longer benefits them to do so. If you break a deal, their view is that you have released them from their vow and they will act in whatever way benefits them in that situation. If you wrong a hobgoblin, they will not only hold you accountable for it, they will also hold your children and their children accountable. They have been known to slaughter entire villages, and their manner of execution is rarely quick or painless. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a hobgoblin’s blade, expect your torture to be long and drawn out before you feel the release of death.
SOCIETY
Hobgoblin society is different depending on the makeup of the village. If part of an orc village, hobgoblins are often bullied, used as servants and slaves, sent into battles first, and viewed as expendable by the orcs. If part of a goblin village, hobgoblins tend to rise quickly in the ranks and usually find themselves in the position of village leader. Although you can find hobgoblins in both orc and goblin settlements, most hobgoblins are born and raised on one of the small islands to the east of Khitai. These islands are generally unsuitable for humans and as such, Khitans are content to leave them to their own devices on those islands. Hobgoblin societies are heavily influenced by the Khitan culture. They are generally born into a caste system, with their lot in life being determined by their birth. The hierarchy is warrior/priest, artisans, commoners, merchants, and servants/slaves, in that order. There are ranks within these different castes, and through dedication, hard work and skill, hobgoblins can move up in the ranks of their allotted caste. There are generally four ranks in each system. Achieving the highest rank for your caste is generally a lifelong endeavor, with most hobgoblins finding themselves in the second or third tier by the time they are middle aged. Moving through these ranks is not easy, and failure to achieve an increase in rank is punished by moving you a full rank below where you started. If you are at the lowest rank already and you fail, you can either become a slave/servant or kill yourself to save your honor and the honor of your family.
Hobgoblin villages are ruled by elders, and a great amount of deference is given to priests and holy men and women. All marriages require the blessing of the village elder, and if you cannot obtain that blessing, you must immediately begin to look for a more suitable mate. While this does not mean the two will no longer be lovers, it does mean they will never have a family or a relationship beyond lovers. If a hobgoblin has failed to find a suitable mate by the age of 22, one will be arranged for them by their village elder. Hobgoblins are particularly skilled cavalrymen and they also excel at farming and animal husbandry. They can train and produce some of the finest fighting animals in all of Hyboria.
FAVORED PROFESSION
Most hobgoblins are warriors, although faith and fecund mystics are also a common goal for those hobgoblins who are, for whatever reason, unable to fulfill the role of warrior. They also make good outlaws due to their ability to plan ahead, although they tend to stand out because of their appearance. You sometimes find nomads and sorcerers, although those are more rare.
ENEMIES
Hobgoblins don’t have any innate or natural enemies, although elves and dwarves rarely view them kindly.