Intelligent, organized and aggressive. Though they too have survived the times pressed against them, they never let down their reins of aggression. These creatures are rarely trusted and often seen trying to cut their corner into the world.

Hobgoblins have been in and out of warfare since their beginning. Before the fallen star, the hobgoblins shared the plains of Pha with the Orcs and Goblins and were at a constant state of readiness or war. Historians claim that at one time there were five different tribes of hobgoblins, but over time the weakest two of the five were eliminated. At this time there are three hobgoblin tribes, forged hard and grown strong by the changing times.

Times have changed, but their purpose hasn’t. Much like the Orcs, Hobgoblin cultures are defined almost by their main purpose in battle. Tribes still roam the plains of Pha, and other areas of the world, living their life.

Short but Full Lives

Hobgoblins live, on average, 38 years on Xadune.  If you run into a Hobgoblin on the street, he will likely be around 13-20 years old.  Hobgoblins have around 1-2 children over their lives, but no more than 3.

Base Growth

Hobgoblins have a base growth of 5 Body per Level, and 5 Skill Points per Level. They have a maximum level of 35 and a maximum XP of 1051.

Hobgoblins gain 1 life every 2 levels, starting at 3rd, and max out at 12th level.

Resourceful Strength

By nature of survival, one must be strong. Hobgoblins are stronger than most and have a strength bonus of +1. 

Difficult to Put Down

At character creation, a Hobgoblin chooses either Resist: Poison or Resist: Disease.  They may spend 2 Skill Points to resist their chosen effect.

Tactical Leader

Hobgoblins are extreme strategists, which confuses most, since they don’t know how to read or write. When going into a large battle, the hobgoblin can map out in his head the best strategy to use. As such, hobgoblins may spend 5 Skill and gain +1 Damage for one combat or 10 minutes, whichever ends first.

Illiterate

Due to their nature, Hobgoblins must pay 3 times as much XP for any Read/Write Skill.  All of their lore and history is passed down through word of mouth.

Max Extra Skill

At levels 20 and 30 a hobgoblin character has the option of purchasing seven extra skill to add to their max for 21xp. This trait can only be purchased at levels 20 and 30 and at no other time. This trait does not count against racial maximums and instantly raises the maximum skill of the character by seven points. If purchased both times it raises this races’ maximum skill to 94 by level 35.

Makeup Requirements

Hobgoblins have a mottled, almost leather-like skin. All exposed skin must be a patchwork of tans, greens, and oranges, similar to a camouflage effect.  Additionally, Hobgoblins must have at least one tusk, and pointed ears to match their skin.

Optional Racial Culture: Thunderhoof

This tribe has defined the hobgoblins’ skills at tracking and ranged precision. These hobgoblins originally fought on horseback with ranged weapons, and when not at war they roamed the plains in smaller groups living off what the world offered up to them. The Thunderhooves are also viewed by most as being some of the best trackers on Xadune. However, the find close combat to be very difficult.  All Thunderhooves get the Tracking R1 and Riding: Horse Skill at no cost at character creation. Additionally, they can choose one of the following:

Traditional Archery: Old habits die hard.  The Traditional Archers still fight with bow and arrow.  They gain Weapon Proficiency R1 and R2: Bow at no cost.

Up with the Times: Some Thunderhooves have learned to use the new weapons available to them.  These Hobgoblins gain the Firearms Skill and Weapon Proficiency R1: Rifle at no cost.

However, Thunderhoof Hobgoblins are not prepared for close combat.  They cannot take any Unarmed Combat Ability, and melee-specific Combat Abilities are purchased at a 30% increase (fractions rounded up), to a maximum of 20 additional XP spent.

Due to their outdoor habitat, they prefer being in natural settings rather than manmade settings. While they can go into buildings and structures, they will appear somewhat uncomfortable and cannot stand to stay within them for longer than an hour.

Optional Racial Culture: Bloodwolf

In times past, these hobgoblins were what nightmares are made of. Adorned in the skins of animals, tattooed from head to toe, blood dripping from mouths; all described this bloodthirsty tribe. Though slightly calmer due to the turning of time, they are still known as the fiercest fighters of Pha. When not in battle, this tribe is usually drunk or up to no good.  They are not known for their histories or excessive knowledge, but rather for their brute strength and boisterous nature.  Strangely, they have a penchant for lycanthropy and will take any opportunity to attain it without second thought.

Bloodwolves gain the Skills Knockdown, Endurance R1 and R2, and a Favored Weapon of their choice at no cost at character creation. However, they cannot start with any Knowledge Lore Skill and purchasing them after character creation costs double.  Moreover, they cannot learn any Arcane Skills, and will downright refuse to use Arcane items.  

Their aggressive nature makes them highly difficult to deal with, carrying with them both the typical “big dumb fighter” syndrome and “always has a chip on his shoulder” big guy attitude. They are almost always loud and in a mood to break something. Additionally, if offered or sought out, Bloodwolf hobgoblins will take the opportunity to attain lycanthropy without a second thought.

Optional Racial Culture: Stonescourge

This is the only hobgoblin tribe to call one place home. They have built a city in the center of the plains in Shaeorer Thysaer, both above and below ground, and have cultivated the land around it.  When the Vichese attacked, they made the decision to save their city and make allies of the Elves. These hobgoblins grew up with the times and create some of the best armor and goods of the plains of Pha. The Stonescourge leader is a military strategist like no other, and armors and disciplines his army to withstand all that the opposition has. Always at the ready, this tribe is the defensive league of the plains.  However, while they excel at creating the tools of war, they lack the focus and dedication for the finer arts or entertainment.  The Stonescourge hold themselves in very high regard and have a high level of nationalism.

Stonescourge Hobgoblins gain Blacksmithing R1 at no cost at character creation, as well as one of the following: Armor, Light; Armor, Medium; or Armor, Heavy.  They also gain the Layer Armor Combat Talent at no cost.

However, they cannot learn any Artistic Skill:____, nor the Jewelry Skill.  Being from the city, the Tracking, Foraging, and Trail Hiding Skills cannot be learned at character creation, and can only be purchased at a 30% increase.

Though an almost cultural centerpiece for the hobgoblins, they did lack in some of the other advances in culture. They have no interest in the arts or entertainment, unless it involves wartime practicing. Additionally, they have become snobs in their ways and feel other societies have it all wrong in the grand scheme of things.

Hobgoblin Experience Levels
Level	XP	Body	Skill
1	0	5	5
2	17	10	10
3	27	15	15
4	39	20	20
5	52	25	25
6	66	30	30
7	81	35	35
8	97	40	40
9	114	45	45
10	133	50	45
11	154	55	45
12	175	55	45
13	196	55	45
14	217	55	45
15	243	60	50
16	269	60	50
17	295	60	50
18	321	60	50
19	347	65	55
20	379	65	55
21	411	65	55
22	443	65	55
23	475	71	60
24	507	71	60
25	545	71	60
26	583	71	60
27	621	78	65
28	659	78	65
29	687	78	65
30	741	86	70
31	791	86	70
32	847	94	75
33	909	94	75
34	977	94	75
35	1051	105	80