Hobgoblins

“The Way of the Warrior is found in death. Whenever one must choose between life and death, you must move toward death. There is no other answer. Advance with determination.

To say that death is foolish if it occurs before one's goals are achieved is the flippant attitude of sophisticates. Everyone wants life. Everyone has plans for the future. But to choose survival over your goals is nothing but cowardice.”

-- Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure





Banners wave like clouds and drums rumble like thunder as the army marches forth, keeping perfect step on pain of death. A blood-red exile scowls at the undisciplined revelry on display in the tavern, nose flushing blue as his new comrades drag him in. The lone warrior holds his post, swinging a goblin blade and refusing to give an inch of ground even while the uncountable horde engulfs him.

Way of the Warrior

Militaristic beyond compare, hobgoblins are proud to live (and hope to die) as part of a glorious, endless conquest. Their culture is one of strict order and hierarchy, where rank and proper conduct trump all other considerations, including practicality and compassion.

There is no finer thing than to be a hobgoblin, no greater cause than the commands of their mighty legions, and no nobler end than dying to uphold the clan's honor. These are the values drilled into every hobgoblin since birth.

To be a hobgoblin is to present an iron face to the world, for while failure can be redeemed with revenge, weakness is a disgrace beyond measure.

Better Red Than Dead

Hobgoblins are the middle children of the goblinoid races. They have the same pointed ears, wide mouths, and prominent snouts as their cousins, but stand only slightly shorter and broader than most humans.

Beetling brows provide a reputation for scowls that is only partly deserved, while thick hair and prominent canines give rise to such nicknames as "the red wolves of war".

Hobgoblin skin ranges from vibrant yellows to dark reds, with a texture like soft leather and extremities that flush blue when angered or excited. Those hobgoblins with permanent flushes are thought to be blessed in passion and virility.

No Quarter Given

Each hobgoblin nation is a legion, governed by military hierarchy. Each hobgoblin clan is a regiment, contributing to, guided by, and competing within the traditions of their legion. Orders are to be followed without qualm, and glory – won through art, construction, discovery, but above all victory – is to be their highest aspiration.

Hobgoblins take pride in their race and history, and defend its honor with relentless fury. Other species are considered unrefined, but hobgoblins are skilled at presenting a polite, if coldly stoic, face to the world. Otherwise, the inevitable cycle of interregimental revenge would tear legions apart.

Hobgoblin worship is focused on the clan's fallen soldiers. Greater heroes receive more specific tribute, and even the goblin gods are worshipped as exceptional warriors who died with such glory that they reached the divine planes.

Cry Havoc

While martial training and a civilized reputation makes hobgoblins the most common goblinoid adventurers, few are ever happy about it. Exiles banished for compassion or cowardice struggle through a world overrun by flippant chaos, while the bitter survivors of lost legions grudgingly seek mercenary work or fight to earn a new rank.

Some hobgoblins must stoop to adventuring as part of their legionary duties. The experience inevitably changes them: many are left discomfited by how much they've come to respect their barbaric comrades.

Hobgoblin Names

Hobgoblin names are similar to those of dwarves, consisting of a given name and a clan name in that order. However, a hobgoblin's rank and role are far more important. 5th-Rank Spear-Leader Meraav Naph Taal would place full emphasis on her title over her name.

The absence of a rank is a silent, implicit badge of exile and shame, and such hobgoblins are left feeling naked. Those forced to work outside of a conventional hierarchy often awkwardly wrangle whatever rank they can.

Hobgoblin Female Names: Bauchana, Baatu, Ekhaas, Hulaguu, Maazike, Meraav, Seighee, Vorooke

Hobgoblin Male Names: Chaghain, Dagii, Drazen, Galtai, Haruuc, Jiirix, Kamvuul, Leemen, Oaan, Rhaano

Hobgoblin Clan Names: Buk Haara, Dar Kuun, Dhak Haan, Fel Maash, Ghal Daar, Mar Guul, Naan Ven, Nor Ekh, Tai Khaal, Vra Taash