Hobgoblin

Natives to the continent of Ireok alongside their fellow goblinoids, Bugbears and Goblins. Hobgoblins are a particularly cruel but civilized breed of Goblinoid. Like other Goblinoids, Hobgoblins were created by the god Selvanac.

Description
Hobgoblins are the second largest of the standard goblinoid races and by far the most naturally intelligent. They are less hairy than Bugbears but are known to grow thick tufts of fur, often behind their ears or on the shoulders. In terms of colour, Hobgoblins vary between shades of grey, red, and an orange-tan. Grey hobgoblins are seen as the purest breed ahead of red hobgoblins with orange-tan hobgoblins being viewed as untouchables.

History
Hobgoblins rank among Tevian's native races, having been created by Maglubiyet in the earliest years of the world to serve as the leaders of the Goblinoid races. Eventually, Hobgoblins set up kingdoms across the continent of Ireok and the southern regions of Aurelia. These kingdoms would later find themselves in an almost perpetual war against the Elves, arriving from the shattered plane of Archefyre.

The Arrival
Those who suffered most during the Arrival are almost undoubtedly Goblinoids, including the Hobgoblins. This led to thousands of years of war which culminated in the Goblin Rising. Even still, the effects of the Arrival are felt in the attitudes of Goblinoids and Elvenkind against one another.

Gods Plague
Unlike most of the gods of Tevian, Maglubiyet sided with Tiamat during the Gods Plague. As a result, many Hobgoblins fought alongside the servants of Tiamat. For this reason, Hobgoblins possess a bad reputation. However, many Hobgoblins are known to have refused this order and fought against their own god. Whatever the case, most of the Goblinoids who abandoned their god migrated away from Ireok towards either Aurelia or Rosh.

Dragons Bane
Like most of the eastern coast of the Onghoz Sea, the Hobgoblins saw little action during the Dragons Bane. The few participants were typically Exiles, descendants of those who had fled the wrath of Magluibiyet following the Gods Plague.

Goblin Rising
Given their central role in the Goblin Rising, legions of Hobgoblins united under the banner of Khorod Agon. Khorod, a mortal incarnation of Maglubiyet, led the Goblinoids in a genocidal war against the Elves of Ireok. Not all participated in this willingly as some Hobgoblins rebelled against the god, joining the side of the Elves and allies from abroad. After the conflict, Hobgoblins are at their weakest point since the arrival of the Elves. Many are now enslaved or lorded over by Elven masters with a growing sense of resentment.

Society
Hobgoblin society is one which respects intelligence and cruelty above all other features. Young hobgoblins are encouraged to beat their inferiors and to take their rightful place as powerful rulers. This often extends into their relations with other species where they take the role of cruel and haughty lords. In military prowess, hobgoblin legionnaires, heavy infantry, are second only to the Dvati on the battlefield in terms of training and tactics.

Goblinoid Kingdoms
Found across the eastern half of Ireok, the Goblinoid Kingdoms resemble the early kingdoms of Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Their tribalistic disposition and might make right attitude often leads to infighting and wars where the most powerful ruler reigns supreme at the end. The only thing which prevented their unification is a Hobgoblin's disposition for power, a lust for it. With the arrival of Khorod Agon, this changed but with his defeat, they are more broken and battered than ever.

Exiles
Made up of all kinds of Goblinoids, Exiles are the descendants of those who rebelled against Maglubiyet during either the Gods Plague of the Goblin Rising. In order to save their souls from becoming slaves in Maglubiyet's spiritual legions, they typically pay fealty to Human or Dvati gods. Many are also known to worship Vydiolat in order to protect their freedom. While less cruel than their native cousins, Exiles are incapable of escaping their basest natures forever.