© Daniel S. Wall, November 11, 2026.

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“An Orc, a Goblin, and a Hobgoblin were planning to raid an elven post. The Orc charged their guard and impaled himself on a spear. The Goblin snuck in amongst them, and got caught with his hand in a magic chest. As to his own stratagem, the Hobgoblin later explained that he needed but two distractions to ensure his own victory.”

– Campfire Story from the Wastelands

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Fierce and warlike enemies of the fair peoples, Hobgoblins are also known for their skills in strategic planning. While, these creatures will attack an elven village or a Dwarven garrison as readily as an orc or goblin, they are far more likely to think the process through carefully than most of their wretched cousins.

While Hobgoblins do enjoy a reputation for skillful strategy, they also suffer from a reputation for treachery. While it is unlikely that Hobgoblins possess any great penchant for deceit, even the slowest of their allies cannot help but notice their own casualties are likely to be greater than those of their Hobgoblin allies, particularly in cases wherein the latter have been able to plan the engagements well ahead of time. This poses a great dilemma for the other creatures of the wastelands; the aid of Hobgoblins is often the difference between victory and success, but it is no guarantee that their allies will survive to enjoy the victory.