Page 47 - Volo's Guide to Monsters

are welcomed into another banner, taking their banner's
legion might lead ten mounted warriors. If any rank
nearly destroyed, the handful of members who remain
led by a fist, while a fist in another banner of the same
dividual. If a banner attains great glory in battle but is
banner might have four warriors mounted on worgs
nor do they withhold higher rank from a deserving in-
while in another such a force numbers just twenty. One
advancement in status to a banner that has earned it,
by a captain in one legion might be two hundred strong,
Reward Glorious Action. Hobgoblins never deny
ners in the same legion. A phalanx of foot soldiers led
though, relations can swiftly deteriorate.
surate from one legion to another or even between ban-
ers' surprise. When such respect isn't reciprocated,
Rank and responsibility aren't necessarily commen-
the hobgoblins have dealings with, much to the outsid-
lower rank.
same form of "courtesy" is often extended to other races
orders to be followed by the captains of any banners of
other enables them to avoid conflicts in daily life. This
captains of the highest-ranking banners can expect their
liteness and civility that they demonstrate among each
reflected in the power of its officers. For instance, the
Suitably (and somewhat ironically), the outward po-
banner has a separate status within the legion that is
hobgoblins believe that any insult demands a response.
bers of a banner live, work, and fight together, and each
Suffer nor Give Insult. As befits their warlike nature,
one made up of a group of interrelated families. Mem-
ways answered.
A legion is organized into units called banners, each
status. Of course, Maglubiyet's call to conquest is al-
4th rank: Fatal Axe
receive due deference regardless of rank or banner
7th rank: Soldier
3rd rank: Captain
times except emergencies. Bargrivyek's peacemakers
with his image or symbol, receive a bow or salute at all
6th rank: Fist
2nd rank: General
Idols of Nomog-Geaya, as well as standards and flags
5th rank: Spear
1st rank: Warlord
to the deities left to them after Maglubiyet's conquest.
to them, are as follows:
Honor the Gods. Hobgoblins give regular recognition
number. These ranks, using the titles most often applied
the act will bring glory to the banner or the legion.
cadre of officers to the soldiers that make up most of its
following orders that they know will result in death if
a legion has a rank, from the warlord down through a
stability in their society. Hobgoblins don't shrink from
As in any strict military hierarchy, every hobgoblin in
dictum in peaceful times as well in order to maintain
RANK, STATUS, AND TITLE
is critical on the battlefield, and hobgoblins follow this
Follow Orders. Carrying out orders without question
putes, and otherwise enforcing discipline.
the heart of the hobgoblin honor system.
society, making judgments about honor, mediating dis-
and law, but all follow a few general precepts that are at
white paint. They work as a police force in hobgoblin
Each hobgoblin legion has a distinct code of honor
priests wield his symbol, a flail with a head dipped in
banners as politics dictate.
tion in strategy and battlefield tactics. Bargrivyek's
portion out opportunities and responsibilities to other
are responsible for martial training as well as instruc-
to claim the greatest victories in any conflict, and they
his favored weapons, a longsword and a handaxe. They
are careful to position themselves and their banners
about their gods. Nomog-Geaya's priests always wield
in a legion to the highest status. In practice, warlords
do tend small shrines and interpret the body of legends
fortunes of war can elevate the lowest-ranking banner
displease Maglubiyet, but the few priests among them
those who earn their glory in battle. In theory, the
Hobgoblins don't build temples to their gods, lest they
other means. But the greatest respect is reserved for
are in line with his own.
structing a great defense or monument, and through
fluence over the hobgoblins because their philosophies
a great ballad about the legion), by designing and con-
greater god allows them to retain a measure of their in-
item), by fine performances (writing and performing
both deities are ultimately beholden to Maglubiyet, the
(such as finding a new vein of iron or a powerful magic
was left with after Maglubiyet's conquest. Although
Glory can be earned by discovery of great resources
someone more like himself, but Bargrivyek was all he
in doing so.
Nomog-Geaya would prefer the position were filled by
hobgoblin must abide by the race's code of honor
grivyek serves as Nomog-Geaya's second in command.
glory, but for the achievement to mean anything, a
In the stories that hobgoblins tell one another, Bar-
Advancement in rank comes as a result of attaining
is thought to be pleased by displays of those principles.
HONOR BOUND, BY GLORY CROWNED
Bargrivyek is a god of duty, unity, and discipline, and he
lins believe he expects the same behavior from them.
nates it from the hierarchy to maximize efficiency.
a stoic, cold-blooded, and tyrannical leader, and hobgob-
doesn't serve a purpose in the legion, the warlord elimi-
the two and the more frequently honored. He is seen as
the names of the fallen. Nomog-Geaya is the greater of
cheeks can flush with emotion.
Maglubiyet so long ago that hobgoblins don't remember
they are enraged or excited, much the way that humans'
only survivors of a pantheon that was decimated by
The noses of all hobgoblins become more colorful when
Hobgoblins revere two gods unique to their race, the
leadership positions in hobgoblin society.
ential treatment, and as a result they occupy most of the
IMPLACABLE Gons
potential. Blue- and red-nosed hobgoblins receive prefer-
noses. This attribute is thought to be a sign of potency and
dire straits.
Hobgoblins are sometimes born with bright red or blue
and thus have no reserves of faith to call upon when in
BLOODY BLUE NOSES
art. They leave little space for joyor leisure in their lives,