Hobgoblins
are humanoids, rarely taller than 150cm, and often nearly as strong as humans. They have pointed ears and small noses with slit-like nostrils.
Hobgoblins usually coalesce into organised tribal groups and petty kingdoms; they seem to observers to have a natural disposition towards organisation. They can be found across much of the world, though they are best-disposed towards places where they can take and hold territory.
Hobgoblins are violent, cruel creatures. They do not share the goblin characteristic of being cowardly unless present in large numbers. They are calculating and cunning and will judge each fight as it comes. Even a lone hobgoblin can present a danger to an untrained person.
Hobgoblins often take slaves. Hobgoblins themselves do not engage in labour, only combat, but since they have a tendency towards organisation and seeking to rule land, they need slaves. They will enslave almost anyone. To be a hobgoblin's slave is to be a resource which is intended to be exploited fully and eventually expended.
Hobgoblins share a language with , of which imperial scholars have a bare modicum of knowledge.
Hobgoblins are generally assumed to be the larger, stronger, better organised cousins of goblins, which they often enslave.