| Hobgoblin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Alternate Names/Spellings | |
| Origins | |
| Alignment | Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Evil |
| Element | |
| Species | Goblinoid (sometimes said to be fay or elfin in origin) |
| Appearance | Stocky, ugly, roughly human-sized monster |
Also Called[]
- Hob/Hobby
- Hob Goblin/Hob-Goblin
Origins[]
The Hobgoblin is one of a race of creatures with origins in the mythology, legend and folklore of England. In particular, accounts of their existence first arise around the time of the Middle Ages. Their roles in various stories implies that the lineage of Hobgoblins is connected to that of Elves and Fairies (perhaps as descendants of either species, or both, like their cousins, the Goblins).
The name 'Goblin' has a number of linguistic connections, including words indicative of a cave, a hollow in a cliff or a hole in a rock. And the addendum "Hob" has been used to indicate, in one sense, the house/home , while in another sense, it has been used as a nickname version of 'Rob' (in particular, a reference to the Sprite Puck, who also goes by the name 'Robin Goodfellow'). By extension, these aspects of the word 'Hob' suggests the creature as a sort of domestic creature or "house spirit".
Appearance[]
Hobgoblins are generally taller than Goblins, being more comparable in size to humans. They can reach about five feet tall at an average, and around six feet at the taller extreme. And while they can be thin, a large number of Hobgoblins tend to be muscular, husky or fat.
Noses of Hobgoblins may be pointed or snub. Their ears can be pointed or rounded. Eye color tends toward darker shades, but Goblins can potentially have any color eyes. It is fairly common to see Goblins with an overbite or an underbite.
Typical skin color for Hobgoblins tends to include shades of green, gray, brown, though some also have orange or red skin. Their skin may have warts or a dry, pockmarked texture. Some Hobgoblins have abundant body hair (though, facial hair is highly uncommon), while a number of Hobgoblins have thin, scraggly hair; others are entirely bald.
Behavior[]
Hobgoblins are a highly social species. The social gatherings of Hobgoblins may range from a mated pair, to a fun-loving pair or group of friends, to a family of multiple generations, or the like. They are rarely found walking around by themselves.
And if Hobgoblins do find themselves alone, they are most likely to have been separated from their social group involuntarily (ie imprisonment or death of a loved one). Moreover, it should be noted that Hobgoblins are not known, by any measure, for having racist or xenophobic tendencies; they happily welcome any and every creature that shows themselves to be enjoyable company. Frankly, it is common for adult Hobgoblins to live in places highly populated with non-Hobgoblin species (especially humans). They are also known to enjoy hearths, fireplaces and bonfires (personally and socially).
A hobgoblin signals his waiting partner-in-crime...
Yet, it should be noted that, while capable of mischief (especially if provoked), Hobgoblins generally tend to be genial toward others. It is widely known that Hobgoblins are willing to help others in need (from household tasks like dusting, ironing, repairs, farm work), and in fact, many go out of their way, asking for such ways in which to help out. In return, Hobgoblins often ask for very little in return (perhaps just a meal), if any compensation is asked at all.
Though, if given nice new clothes as a gift for their helpfulness, that Hobgoblin is guaranteed to put off that hard work for a long time yet. The reason for this varies; some Hobgoblins are offended at being offered any gift at all, while others are so touched by their nice new belongings that they refuse to do anything to get them dirty.
Abilities[]
- Magic- the ability to channel supernatural energy to induce and manipulate events and phenomena.