Hobgoblins

Hobgoblins are defined by discipline, ambition, and war. They are natural soldiers and leaders, instilled with an inherent sense of order and purpose. Their societies tend to be hierarchical, defined around the virtues of strength both trained and innate, strategic excellence, and unity of purpose. Hobgoblins believe in a structured society. Even those who live among other races often find themselves drawn to positions of leadership or military service.

A defining trait of hobgoblins is their emphasis on honor. Some see it in strict adherence to duty and hierarchy, others see it in personal strength and reputation. Regardless, a hobgoblin’s word carries weight, and oaths are not given lightly. Betrayal is among the gravest of sins in hobgoblin culture.

Martial skill is central to hobgoblin identity. Even those who do not or cannot fight are expected to understand warfare, and their communities place great importance on discipline and training. Hobgoblins take pride in mastery. They place a high value on competence; even the weakest member of their society has value if they serve a purpose and serve it well.

Despite their reputation for rigidity and aggression, hobgoblins are pragmatists. The cultural virtue of strategy leads them to make long-term plans, and even in defeat, they plan for the next opportunity to rise again. Hobgoblins' legacy has been shaped by their unyielding will and the belief that strength—both personal and collective—is the key to survival; they are a people who endure.

Two ethnicities of hobgoblins live in Darguun: Dhakaani hobgoblins, and Darguul hobgoblins. (See 'Hobgoblin Ethnicities', below.)

Description

Physique. Hobgoblins stand between 5 and 6½ feet tall and weigh on average 165 pounds. Hobgoblins are powerfully built with sharp, angular features. Their skin tones range from light yellow to reddish-orange, with hair varying between black and shades of brown, including ash blonde, that's often worn in practical, sometimes ritualistic styles. Their eyes are typically a bright yellow or orange. Their ears are long and expressive, often used for subtle nonverbal communication. Hobgoblins favor practical, well-maintained armor and weapons, treating both as extensions of themselves, and they rarely indulge in excessive ornamentation.

Age. Hobgoblins reach adulthood at age 20. They hit middle age around 50 and are considered old past age 65.

Size. A hobgoblin's size is Medium. To set your height and weight randomly, start with rolling a size modifier:

Size modifier = 2d10
Height = 4 feet 8 inches + your size modifier in inches
Weight = 110 pounds + (2d4 x your size modifier in pounds)

Suggested Names. Doovol, Guulen, Iraala, Ketaal, Korrga, Lhaar, Muurat, Nasaar, Nozhii, Oruul, Ruuska, Taala, Taash, Torrm, Tuura, Tuuras, Ulaash

Racial Traits

Creature Type. Your creature type is Humanoid. You are also considered a goblinoid for effects that apply to them.

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Martial Training. You are proficient with two martial weapons of your choice and with light armor.

Strength in Numbers. If you miss with an attack roll or fail an ability check or a saving throw, you can draw on your bonds of reciprocity to gain a bonus to the roll equal to the number of allies you can see within 30 feet of you (maximum bonus of +3). You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Resolve. Your innate discipline and resolve grant you advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the charmed and frightened conditions on yourself.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Goblin.

Hobgoblin Ethnicities

These are the principle ethnicities of Eberron hobgoblins. You do not need to pick one of these. If you want your hobgoblin to be from somewhere else where hobgoblins live some other kind of a way, that's fine. That said if you prefer to pick from predefined choices here are two.

Dhakaani Hobgoblins

Dhakaani hobgoblins are heirs to a tradition of unparalleled discipline, martial skill, and fierce cultural pride, their identities forged by generations spent preserving ancient traditions beneath Khorvaire's surface. They uphold muut and atcha—ideals of unwavering duty to their people and personal honor above all else. Their societies are rigidly structured, with clear hierarchies based on merit and capability rather than lineage, and leaders are selected through skill, accomplishment, and honor. They are deeply traditional, embracing the pragmatic arts of martial prowess, tactics, and arcane skill.

Darguul Hobgoblins

Darguul hobgoblins are the resilient descendants of ancient greatness, determined to carve their own identity in the aftermath the Last War. Forged through conflict, upheaval, and opportunity, these hobgoblins emerged from fractured clans unified by strength and cunning leadership. They honor their past imperial legacy primarily through imitation, drawing inspiration from fragments of tradition that survived millennia of decay and struggle. Their culture emphasizes strength and dominance, and their fading beliefs in Dhakaani virtues are seen through the lens of the power, ambition, and loyalty that define their society. Darguul hobgoblins see themselves as intimidating warriors who value direct confrontation and practical results over subtlety or refinement.

License

Content on this page is licensed under the CC0 1.0 Universal License, excluding images.