Hobgoblin

Created on: September 03, 2006
Modified on: August 17, 2009

This is a restricted Race.

The origin of the Hobgoblin race is shrouded in myth and legend. What historical references are available tell that they were formerly common Goblins who were transformed by the power of their God, Enax. Legend has it that the first Hobgoblins were formed from a raiding party of Goblins that were pillaging an ancient, ruined temple. After they destroyed much of what was still left standing in the temple, a many-colored spray of light and magic emanated from an altar and shook the ground, throwing the goblins onto their backs. When the light subsided and the quaking ceased, the cowering Goblins found themselves transformed into different beings. They became taller and could stand perfectly straight, and their ears became pointed like the ears of Elves. They were suddenly possessed of an astoundingly intelligent mind within. The altar spoke to them without words, revealing itself as Enax and proclaiming these new creatures to be its new Hobgoblin children.

When the new race of Hobgoblins surveyed the temple they found glyphs and runes, which, surprisingly they could now understand. The runes described a being of great power and might and contained the first teachings of Enax. The Hobgoblins realized this transformation was a blessing given by this being and they began to worship him as a deity. Upon the site of the ruined temple, the Hobgoblins labored to erect a new temple, larger and more palatial than before. They rallied the neighboring Orcs and Goblins and told them of the great gift that had been bestowed upon them and spoke of a grand scheme to create a goblinoid empire. The Orcish Warscream and Bloodblade clans, after resolving their differences, joined the Hobgoblins and aided in the construction of the newly founded empire, which was named Gaaldron.

A few years after the transformation occurred, a great band of Dark Dwarves making an exodus from their citadel to the north were noticed by the Hobgoblins. They had been pushed east after a bitter defeat at the hands of the Dwarves. No longer considered as Dwarves or welcome in their mountains, they wished to build a new home. The Hobgoblins, recognizing what an invaluable asset the Dark Dwarves could be, invited them to open diplomacy. They explained both their grand concept and their ambitions. The weary and starving Dark Dwarves were more than happy to join the already growing nation that the Hobgoblins envisioned.

Also around this time, The Warscream Orcs - known for their keen hunting abilities - headed far north, returning with large numbers of subdued Ogres. Once yoked, the Ogres provided the Dark Dwarves with a powerful labor force for their construction works. With the massive Ogres enslaved and made to do the greatest labors, it did not take long for the Goblinoid Empire to become a proud reality. Great cities were built for the Hobgoblins and their subjects - directly above the underground citadels of the Dark Dwarves. Wild Orc and Goblin clans were raided and converted to serve the Hobgoblins ambitions. With the help of the Ogre slaves and the divine intervention of Enax, Gaaldron began to flourish.

The Hobgoblins, though organized and intelligent, are still of goblin blood. They love to do battle and are fierce in combat. They enjoy sparring and hunting with their large Orcish fellows.

Hobgoblins are eloquent and generally rather arrogant beings. They view all things in life as theirs for the taking, and feel their overall influence in the world is indomitable. Unlike other goblinoids, Hobgoblins are very organized and quite sensible. They will not risk their lives fighting to the death with a much stronger opponent and have no reservations about fleeing a battle if the battle is not going in their favor. They treat non-goblinoids with indifference except for High-Elves, whom they loathe because of their magic use. They are far more intelligent than other goblinoids, as is noticeable by their often-delicate use of speech and straightened posture. Hobgoblins pride themselves on their diplomacy and fighting ability, but these worldly attributes are of nothing when compared to the “Laws of Enax”. Hobgoblins are a highly religious people, their connection to Enax making them a deep and spiritual race. It is this quality, many believe, that allows them to suppress their natural goblinoid rage.

Hobgoblins mature to adulthood in their late teenage years and have a life span of approximately eighty years.

Role-playing

Hobgoblins believe that their intelligence and composure are what most crucially separate them from other goblinoids. They will always try to maintain the outward appearance of being masters of both, and will seek to destroy anyone who makes them look stupid or causes them to lose their calm. They are not fools, however, and will not immediately seek such revenge unless the opportunity is worthy.
Hobgoblins look down upon all other races and will tend to view their opinions with disrespect unless compelling evidence supports them.

Costuming and Makeup

Hobgoblins only wear fine clothing, and consider menacing-looking armor very fine indeed. The very notion of practical clothing suggests weakness to Hobgoblins, who believe that prowess will be triumphant no matter the conditions. You must wear elven ear tips, prosthetic fangs, and green makeup covering all exposed skin when playing a Hobgoblin.