Famine -- Wild Wastes -- The Black Horse

Page 15

Hobgoblins Hobgoblins once had an expansive military Empire throughout Midian. From the Heldannic Freeholds in the north and east, south to the Byzant Empire, and west to the borders of the Elven Homelands, the Olde Empire of the Hobgoblins ruled its territory by terror and steel. Most Hobgoblins stand about 5 feet to 5' 6" and weigh between 130 to 180 pounds. They are stockier than Humans & have slightly longer arms. They have flat faces with sunken eyes and a wide jaw. Hobgoblin skin tends towards sandy brown with their hair usually a dark grey. Eyes may be dark red, bright green, deep brown, or shiny black. Hobgoblin ears are large and pointed and sit high upon their heads; some compare their ears to those of cats or dogs. Hobgoblins see well in low-light conditions. Their large ears pick up all but the faintest sounds. They are strong of limb and personality, but are often rather weakwilled. This general lack of strong will contributes greatly to their susceptibility to magic. Most of the inhabitants of the middle lands are familiar with the Hobgoblins that dwell within the area known as the Hobgoblin Enclave—a forest in the Kingdom of Formour. This was once the site of the last survivors of the Hobgoblin Emperor's last stand when the Olde Empire was destroyed. Those that surrendered were allowed to remain within the forest for the remainder of their days. These descendants of the Imperial family and their bodyguards are known as the Juran tribe. The Hobgoblins who remain in Formour still see themselves as being little more than prisoners-of-war. Being surrounded by Humans serves as a constant reminder of their defeat. The Hobgoblins of the Enclave are a pathetic remnant of their former glory, going from lords among conquerors to mere farmers. These Hobgoblins herd goats, and scavenge what they can from the forest. The cheese they produce is their primary cash-producing product. Many Formourian Humans, and nearly all Dwarves, are prejudiced against them. The majority of the Hobgoblin tribes escaped north beyond the cold borders of their lands, into what are now the Heldannic Confederation and eventually the Farreaches. As Humans began to settle the Heldannic lands—and Dwarves reclaimed their old homes, these tribes were all driven into the depths of the Farreaches. Many believed that they were eventually slain by the harsh conditions of the Farreaches, but 5 tribes survived, eking out a minimalist life there. These tribes are: Devex, Lestin, Glandan, Levron, and Chatomel. A new tribe has arisen 50 winters ago in those desolate lands, the Nymil. Two tribes remain in the Byzant Empire, the Daevon and Tannex tribes. These are the remainders of the first to fall when Humans expanded into the north. As these invaders conquered the entire southern continent, the Hobgoblins that were not slain or pushed north eventually became integrated into society. In many ways, these two tribes have drawn the best lot of all surviving Hobgoblins. In joining the 15


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