Hobgoblin

Summary

Seen as violent conquerors by many, the true nature of Hobgoblin society is somewhat more complex. Once merely a danger to the wayward traveler, the last few centuries have seen their clans move slowly but surely across the plains of Northwest Laivra. Other races consider Hobgoblins brutish and violent, and this characterization is often true of this chaotic evil race. Hobgoblins valorize those who die in battle and look down on people who don't make their living on the battlefield. However, many older Hobgoblins seek to curb their race's expansion, distressing over the loss of culture and traditions that constant war has brought.

Appearance

Hobgoblins share some physical traits with their distant Goblin cousins, including pointed ears and sharp teeth, but because they evolved to live in the plains and not the mountains, they diverged rapidly from this shared ancestry. Hobgoblins are tall, muscular, and have two prominent fangs. Their skin is tinted orange or red, and male Hobgoblins are hairy where Goblins have no hair to speak of. Nearly all adult hobgoblins own and wear leather armor even when combat is not imminent, preferring preparedness to convenience.

Culture

Hobgoblin culture is dominated by war and plunder. Hobgoblins are a terror in the borderlands of Parthil, destroying the primitive walls erected by local villages and taking treasure, food, and slaves. There was once debate on this latter practice, but the last few decades of Hobgoblin history has seen the popularity of the anti-slavery movement diminish. Hobgoblins organize themselves into clans, choosing a leader who can prove their strength and charisma. This leader and most Hobgoblin warriors are usually men, though it is unusual to see a Hobgoblin raiding party without at least one woman in its midst. Though war is the primary occupation of all Hobgoblins, they are also fond of sculpture and poetry, and athletic competitions are the preferred method for settling disputes.

Relations with Others

Hobgoblins are not well-liked by the races who live near them, earning the enmity of the Elves in particular. The only race the Hobgoblins don't seem intent on attacking are the Firbolg, whose alliance with the Giants keeps the Hobgoblins fearful. Humans are the largest minority in the Hobgoblin lands and their feelings about their masters change. While almost all of them are slaves, some have grown accustomed to or even comfortable with this arrangement. More insurrectionary humans who seek a return to human rule in Old Armostal work to set these slaves free.