Hobgoblins

Base Height (M/F): 72”/68”
Height Modifier: 1d8
Weight (M/F): 150/130
Weight Modifier: Height Modifier x2d10

Base Age: 14 Years
    Aristocrat, Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer: +1d6
    Bard, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger: +2d6
    Adept, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Wizard: +3d6

Native Languages: Goblin, Latinian
Bonus Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Infernal, Giant, Orc

Description
Hobgoblins are the only humanoids obedient and trustworthy (if that word can be applied to any humanoid) enough to command the erratic humanoid legions. Hobgoblins live for military service and are fond of bullying those under their command mercilessly. Hobgoblin bodies are covered with course hair ranging from dark reddish-brown to dark gray under which lies dark red or red-orange skin. Large males have blue or red noses. Hobgoblin eyes are either yellowish or dark brown.

Origin
In general, Hobgoblins living in Novaria have migrated from the Arkonian badlands originally as war bands but now as individuals to enlist in Tiel’s armies. Hobgoblin leaders made several deals with Tiel and often hired their whole tribes out as mercenaries.

Views
Hobgoblins view other races as beings to conquer and dominate. They are generally wary of humans which they have the most difficult time dominating but are particularly fond of Latinian social order. They view the Clasbron and Futhark as much too unruly to serve as potential allies and too dangerous to serve as slaves. Elves are the antithesis of Hobgoblin sensibility; where Hobgoblins seek social order, Elves seek individual governance; where Hobgoblins believe in rule through fear and cruel discipline, Elves practice kindness and mercy. These differences lead to conflict whenever Hobgoblins and Elves meet. Though they share the same love for discipline and structure, Hobgoblins and Dwarves often compete for living space and resources. Dwarves are considered a major threat to Hobgoblin dominion and are slated for elimination at the earliest possible convenience. Hobgoblins tend to ignore Halflings, as they are not considered an obstacle to Hobgoblin imperialism nor are they considered a threat on an individual basis. Hobgoblins have little problems asserting their authority over kobolds and their lesser goblin kin, though they keep a wary eye on kobold sorcery and a tight reign on the goblin masses. Orcs are a bit more of a challenge for hobgoblins, as they are strong, violent and unruly but a hobgoblin who has mastered a band of orcs is greatly respected amongst their kind.

Culture

Hobgoblin society is very militaristic in its structure. A hobgoblin tribe is an army constantly on the march and have learned the art of horse riding as well as any human society. They rove the countryside living out of portable huts when they need a base camp and setting up defendable positions as outposts to mark their territory. A chieftain, advised by a shaman (whom he appoints) and a council of overlords (or minor chieftains), has absolute rule of his tribe. If the position of chieftain is vacant or the current chieftain is failing in his duties, he may be challenged by an overlord in combat to death. In urban areas, hobgoblins tend to operate the same way: dominating all the lesser humanoids and maintaining strict discipline over the hobgoblins in the community. Urban hobgoblin homes tend to be well built, solid structures built close or onto other hobgoblin dwellings.

Though males in hobgoblin society are the only ones considered for political power, a female who can hold her own is considered the equal of any male. Hobgoblins tend to mate only when necessary to replenish the tribe, as mating with a strong female (as to ensure strong offspring) weakens the overall fighting force of the tribe. Like other goblinoids, hobgoblins are not monogamous but the mating ritual usually involves one hobgoblin gaining dominance over another, regardless of gender.

Hobgoblins tend not to be very religious. Their shamans honor the goblin deity Maglubiyet, though not generally with much fervor. Some invoke the other goblin deities as well. Only hobgoblin clerics tend to take their worship to zealous levels.