Page 81 - Ultimate-Bestiary-Revenge-of-the-Horde-5E

H hedgehog’), a bristling pike formation used to deny areas of the
Hobgoblinsobgoblins
hedgehog’), a bristling pike formation used to deny areas of the
battle eld to the enemy.
battle eld to the enemy.
Marching to the beat of an unheard drum, the gure tramps forward arching to the beat of an unheard drum, the gure tramps forward
M Hobgoblins stand around six feet tall, with an athletic physique
at the head of the column, one of several legions forging a new
throughway over the hills, the plume of smoke dominating the skyline that comes with a lifetime of hard drilling, their skin is leathery,
now all that remains of their last stop. Layers of mail and plate tending towards greys, or even purples with ecks of orange or
clatter, scu ed, scratched, dented, but the gure bears them as easily reddish tan. Like goblins, their ears and nose do not stop growing
as its own skin. e creases carved in its leathery face speak of battle- but, unlike their smaller cousins, males are capable of growing
facial hair around the chin and corners of the mouth. As with
cries and pain, not laughter. His keen ears hone in on commotion in
the column behind, lesser soldiers jostling and bargaining for their most things, this feature is used to denote rank and status, with
share of the spoils, greedy eyes panning over their captives, squabbling senior hobgoblins growing longer beards than those under their
over the chattel like commoners at a fruit market. He barks a short command. It has been suggested that lower ranking hobgoblins
order in a harsh tongue, silencing them in a heartbeat. e march are physically incapable of growing beards; either seniors exude
some sort of suppressive pheromone, or promotion to command
continues, unabated. is is a hobgoblin. stimulates the increase of hormones necessary for longer
Hobgoblins live to make war; not the chaotic pillaging and beard growth.
destruction of many other monstrous races, but full- edged,
organized war. Every facet of their society is geared towards it; Clothing is practical, mass-produced and, for the most part,
their strict social hierarchy, harsh punishments, even their naming unadorned. eir fondness for the simple hobnailed boot gives
conventions all aid in their martial endeavors. them their name amongst civilized folk. A few generals and
warlords like to aunt their success by adding ourishes to their
Unlike its goblin kin, an individual hobgoblin is more than able armor, but this focus on the impractical is viewed as an eccentricity
to hold its own against any of the civilized races. As a unit in by most. Hobgoblins would much prefer to receive good quality
formation though, hobgoblins are almost without peer. eir equipment as a reward than gold which, amongst themselves,
unbreakable shield walls are legendary as both an o ensive and they view as an unnecessary step in the process of re ning their
defensive formation among those who have faced them. Other e ciency as a ghter. However, they do understand the value of
common formations include Kraana (‘the teeth’), a staggered front gold when dealing with other races (generally for slaves and steel),
line for luring in cavalry to be enveloped, Jaashk (‘the spear’), and as a measure of successful conquest.
a wedge for piercing through an enemy line, and Jaakja (‘the

80
Chapter 4: Hobgoblins