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. 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 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. Most 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.
Language Spoken: Goblin
General Racial Information:
- +5 Strength
- Dark Vision
- +1 Strength/-1 Charisma
Hobgoblin Racial Kit:
- RA Eyes Glow 01
- RA Ears
- Elf Wide 20203001
- Elf Small 20203002
- Tusks Attached 1000390
- Giant Tusks Attached 1000496
- Unequip All 1000728