Goblinoid

It was just gone. The buildings were hollow, stripped of any food and people and left to fallow. Only the occasional trampled body were left to tell the tale of what happened here. I don't take pride in wiping towns from maps but I could only hope it acted as a grim warning to those who might next settle here.

- Yull Bramblefang, Tabaxi Cartographer on a Goblin Invasion

It is difficult to grasp the odd variety of Goblinoids that exist ranging from the diminutive typical Goblin to the mighty militaristic Hobgoblins to the frenzied Bugbears. Goblinoids come in a variety of shapes and sizes and cultures, all united under a common banner and ruled by the god they are in service to, Maglubiyet, the Mighty One. While the many separate sub-groups often make their homes alone and isolated, it is not uncommon for the varied races to merge together into what is known as a Host, a dangerous conglomeration using the strengths of all. A Host spells disaster for unwary settlements and so they often ensure nearby Goblinoid threats are known.

In Bonds

The gods of Goblinoids have all been conquered by one single entity, Maglubiyet, and their souls are forfeit, mere pawns in his eternal battle with Gruumsh beyond the Material Plane. Hobgoblins spend their lives training their skill with the blade, organizing themselves into complex military formations. Bugbears spend their lives proving their strength and lust for blood. The lowly Goblins, often unwilling to go into the beyond and feeling cheated by their lot in life, spend their lives bullying the weak, lording what little strength they own while they have it.

Tiered Existence

Goblinoids always follow certain tiers in their existence, if not between the separate races then within the race itself. Hobgoblins often take control over Bugbears and Goblins and organize themselves as Generals, Captains, and Soldiers. Bugbears order themselves by strength and while they don't take command of Goblins, are handled with care and fear by their lessers. Goblins organize themselves much like a pyramid, with the King at the top and their court below them, progressively larger tiers lead down to the dregs of their society working as mere laborers.

Curious Companions

You are unlikely to ever find the companionship of a Goblinoid in good standing of their home, only those who are exiled or the survivor of a Host's collapse make their way to civilized society and it is immeasurably rare for a Goblinoid to ever grow outside of their crude societies. Each race brings with them certain strengths and disciplines however and can make themselves an invaluable asset. Hobgoblins bring with them a rigid culture of respect and talent, enemies that oppose you will find themselves easily cut down by your blades. Bugbears are vicious and untamed, many will fall to their claws without a chance to fight back. The Goblins however, bring with them a talent for stealth and a mischievous nature that would keep your journeys interesting. Only ensure you prove yourself as their leader or you will have difficulty controlling them.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

• Our Bonds in Chains
• The Insatiable Nilbog

Lifespan

Varies, roughly around 70 years.

Average Height

Varies, from 3' - 6'

Average Weight

Varies, 40 - 250 lbs.