Hobgoblin Fluff

[Zamkaizer]

HAY GUYZ! I FOUND THIS AWESOME 4th ED. CONCEPT ART OF THE NEW SPIDER-BREEDING HOBGOBLINS!

In all seriousness, if hobgoblins (changing that name, along with bugbears, in my homebrew) are breeding warbeasts, they should be big mammalian monstrosities like dire wolves and rhinoceroses, not strange abominations that would fit better in lairs of illithids and the aforementioned drow.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

In all seriousness, if hobgoblins (changing that name, along with bugbears, in my homebrew) are breeding warbeasts, they should be big mammalian monstrosities like dire wolves and rhinoceroses, not strange abominations that would fit better in lairs of illithids and the aforementioned drow.

"I call "not it" on feeding the rhinos in the dungeon and, most importantly, shoveling and disposing of their poo.

Next time we vote on what to keep here in our guard post, I'm voting for spiders or dire rats or something. I knew there really wasn't such a thing as a 'pygmy rhino!'"

 

[Desdichado]

In all seriousness, if hobgoblins (changing that name, along with bugbears, in my homebrew) are breeding warbeasts, they should be big mammalian monstrosities like dire wolves and rhinoceroses, not strange abominations that would fit better in lairs of illithids and the aforementioned drow.

Exactly why the skorne are so awesome as a hobgoblin culture.

 

[Rechan]

In all seriousness, if hobgoblins (changing that name, along with bugbears, in my homebrew) are breeding warbeasts, they should be big mammalian monstrosities like dire wolves and rhinoceroses, not strange abominations that would fit better in lairs of illithids and the aforementioned drow.

Dangit, you just made me think of Hobgoblins = Persians from 300.

 

[Rechan]

You say that like it's bad...

I like having multiple creatures doing the same thing because that makes for a diverse world where different creatures have primary ascendancy on particular areas. Areas where only X exists, areas where only Y exists, and then the really interesting areas where X and Y are battling it out amongst themselves. A monster's role as to how it performs in combat (tactics, strategy, purpose) and how it fits in with social and political possibilities in a world shouldn't be conflated, IMO.

If they're going to do that, then they need some pretty good flavor that makes them distinct. Including specified tactics.

For instance:
"Gnolls act like pack animals, ganging up on one creature. Usually if the most physically weak target is available, they'll go after that. However, taking down the biggest target first and then chasing down the weaker to toy with is also possible." Toss in some matriarchy, maybe a preference for javelins/polearms/spears.

"Orcs aren't team players. They rush opponents and don't pay attention to their comrads, rarely opting to flank or use tactics. To an orc, "That kill is mine!" and they are vying for the glory."

 

[Klaus]

Dangit, you just made me think of Hobgoblins = Persians from 300.

Hobgoblins = Persians from 300 + the 300 Spartans themselves.