Hobgoblin
Survival of the fittest is the only law that the universe cares about. Either you adapt and overcome an obstacle... Or you die like some dog left in the ditch. It only cares if you care, fate doesn't reward the lazy.
Hobgoblins are an evolved group of Goblins who have their weaknesses turned into strengths. Bigger, stronger and more cunning than ever, these battle-hardened troops live for battle. And in some cases, they bring forth war and combat wherever they settle down.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Genetics and Reproduction
Hobgoblins are compatible with other humanoid races, even allowing children with Goblins. Most have the usual 9 months pregnancy, with on average one to two children at a time.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Many Hobgoblins share Goblinoid traits such as their sharper teeth and pointy ears, yet also share some feline traits. Facial hair is scarce, either growing very slow being nonexistent at all.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Due to many coming from the Subterrane, they have the ability to see in complete darkness. As such, they can see in the shadows in a black and white view.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Gender Ideals
Hobgoblins have very strict gender roles in their society. Men tend to hunt and work in the military, while women attend the children and homes. Although it does not mean that either side can't do what the other does: Women are taught how to defend themselves and men help with settlements during times of peace.
Common Etiquette Rules
The lifestyle of a Hobgoblin is that of strict hours and militaristic training from the moment they can crawl to the day they die. From a young age they are taught to defend for themselves and honour those higher in their social ranks. To go out of line is seen as foolish unless you can prove your superiority against those above you.
As such, many Hobgoblins show great respect to superiors or strive to be better than them. Same goes for the other way around, as despite the harsh treatments lower ranks get they rarely get abused by higher ranks.
Common Dress Code
Hobgoblin clothing is designed to be useful both in and out of battles, favouring utility over appearance. Even common outfits have some sort of plating stitched into the cloth as protection.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Common Taboos
Many Hobgoblins have a deep-seeded hatred for magic, regardless whether it is sorcery or wizardry. Going back to their affiliations with Drow, only a few actually study any types of magic. At best, most clans use divine magic instead, often practised by war priests.
History
Whose idea was it to give the green snots spears and swords? I told you to not give the Goblins weapons, that's how you make them revolt!
Many believe that Hobgoblins are a result of Drow and their need of an expandable militaristic force. Many were taken in as Goblin slaves and bred into the Hobgoblin race we know of today, used as cannon fodder in Subterranean conflicts.
At first, the idea went without a hitch, but over time some soldiers began rebelling against their Drow masters. Either through long-term abuse or outsider ideals leaking in. Many either fought back or fled with fellow slaves, leading to sharp declines in military amongst some Drow cities.
As a result, many fled to the surface or took their fellow captives to new horizons. Some returned to previous homelands and worked together with Goblins, other found new places to call home.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Hobgoblins are notorious for their issues trusting others, as centuries of slavery have left a bitter aftertaste. Most either are untrustworthy of others or straight up rivals in constant battle. Races such as Elves and Drow especially end up nemeses to Hobgoblin kind.
On the other side, they associate quite well with Goblinoids such as Bugbears and Goblins. Many assimilate smaller tribes into their ranks, often in return offering protection. As such, it's pretty common for their armies to be decked with Goblin tech or Bugbear soldiers.
Hobgoblin Players
Hobgoblins live a harsh lifestyle, with those that adventure alone often going against the social norm. Many take on the roles of swords-for-hires, soldiers and cavaliers. And due to their hatred of magic, few take on studies in the arcane.
1.2m - 1.67m
66 kg - 111 kg
I really like how you've differentiated them from goblins. Their history is a sad one, and I can see why it would have shaped their culture into what it is today.