Hobgoblin

Andraous (Discontinued)    Sentient Folk    Kin Folk      Hobgoblin

Fierce and militaristic, the sound of a Hobgoblin war horn is enough for even the most veteran of soldiers to tremble in fear, for no other folk takes war as serious as Hobgoblins. They are trained to be well disciplined soldiers from an early age, and well studied when it comes to war strategy and tactics. By the time they are adults fighting and defense has become second nature to them.
Hobgoblins seek to better themselves no matter what in order to advance their rank within their society, usually through strength and cunning. Lower ranking individuals are treated poorly, and those that show cowardice or weakness usually either end up killed or flee their society.
While most Hobgoblins focus on combat and leave menial tasks for the slaves, others will focus on other tasks. Some become engineers and build war machines such as siege engines, and explosives. Others will focus on obtaining, training, and maintaining the slaves that are necessary for running their society. A few individuals will turn towards alchemy.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Hobgoblins are burly and muscular humanoids that stand slightly shorter than humans. Their thick torso supports their long arms and relatively short legs.

Biological Traits

While capable of living relatively long lives, many tend to die an early death due to war.

Genetics and Reproduction

Typically Hobgoblins mate out of convenience, not love, and when they do it tends to only be with another individual of a similar rank.

Growth Rate & Stages

Hobgoblins tend to grow up quickly, and learn to walk and talk when very young. Infants are usually weaned at this age, and when they are fully weaned they are typically taken from their mother to begin their military training.

Ecology and Habitats

Found mainly in areas with warm to temperate hills, Hobgoblins prefer to set up settlements where there is plenty of natural defenses or can be easily fortified. Ditches, fences, guard towers, pit traps, etc are often built for additional defense.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They live in tribal bands that are run like military tyrannies that are run by generals. Rank and status in these communities depend on one's military achievements. Hobgoblins try not to get too attached to others, even their own young, and have little trust or love towards others. Most are bitter and hateful individuals due to their brutal upbringing. When rival bands run across each other, their tends to be fighting.
Hobgoblins are so focuses on their military training that they have become dependent on slaves to run the rest of their society, from construction, farming, etc.
Magic use is highly frowned within their society, for many believe that by using magic, one neglects their physical strength, and will become weak. As a result very few use magic.

Facial characteristics

Hobgoblins have broad heads that are framed by pointed ears. They have a flat chin and nose, and lack facial hair. Eyes are small with color that varies from yellow, red, and dark brown. Their hair color varies from a darkish red-brown to dark grey hair.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Have relatively decent darkvision.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

For Hobgoblins there is less emphasis on appearance that there is on physical strength and battle prowess.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

While Hobgoblins have their own languages, those with extended access to non-Hobgoblins have also learned Merchant's Tongue.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Of all the goblinoid folk, they are considered the most 'civilized'.
Hobgoblin society places a huge emphasis on military might and all receive at least basic military training, with those that do well going on to receive more and better training. Those who do poorly in military training are considered barely above slaves. Gender and birth do not affect advancement in their society, only personal merit does.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

While Hobgoblins may occasionally mingle with Goblins and Orcs, they typically view the other folk as little more than slave fodder. During their frequent raids they tend to capture many slaves, and have no qualms disposing any slaves they consider defiant, sickly, or injured. Many slaves tend to die within a year of being captured. Highly intelligent or skilled slaves are usually treated better, for they are more valuable.
Elves and Dwarves are considered hard to break.
Halfling and Half Orcs are prized slaves. Halflings are agile and easy to break, while Half Orcs thrive under harsh conditions.
Humans tend to be a mix bag, with some quietly accepting their fate while others fight to the bitter end.

Origin/Ancestry

Related to Goblins/Orcs/Ogres, ect. Maybe a hybrid?

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Hobgoblins have hairy skin that can be dark orange, red-orange, grey-green, or mossy green in color. It is also often decorated heavily with scarring. The skin underneath is typically light grey in color.