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Nerdarchy > Dungeons & Dragons  > Adventure Hooks  > 3 New Ways to Use Hobgoblins in a D&D Campaign

3 New Ways to Use Hobgoblins in a D&D Campaign

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Hobgoblins are a staple of D&D campaigns, often serving as disciplined soldiers or ruthless warlords. However, their militaristic society and tactical brilliance hold untapped potential for storytelling

A hobgoblin as seen in the fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons Basic Rules. [Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast]

and gameplay. Here are three fresh ways to incorporate Hobgoblins into your game, re-imagining their role in the world and challenging your players in unexpected ways. If you want to see three ways to change tabaxi check it here.


1. The Arcane Vanguard

In this twist, Hobgoblins are not only masters of martial strategy but also pioneers of arcane innovation. Their legions include battlemages, warlocks, and sorcerers, blending magic and military tactics to devastating effect. They might revere a god of war and magic, whose doctrine inspires them to perfect the fusion of blade and spell.

In Your Campaign:

  • Character Concept: A Hobgoblin wizard or eldritch knight trained in the rigorous academies of their homeland, torn between loyalty to their people and their personal quest for knowledge.
  • Worldbuilding: Arcane Vanguard Hobgoblins could occupy a sprawling fortress-city dedicated to the study of war and magic. Their libraries and arcane forges produce enchanted weapons, making them a force feared by neighboring realms.
  • Plot Hooks: The party must infiltrate an arcane fortress to retrieve a stolen artifact or prevent the completion of a devastating magical weapon. Alternatively, they might ally with a renegade battlemage seeking to overthrow the Vanguard’s leadership.

Gameplay Twist: Combine battlefield tactics with environmental hazards like magical traps, summoned creatures, or areas of anti-magic, forcing players to adapt their strategies.


2. The Mercenary Dynasties

Instead of rigid armies, these Hobgoblins operate as independent mercenary dynasties, offering their services to the highest bidder. Each dynasty specializes in a unique style of combat, from heavy cavalry to naval warfare, and fiercely guards its reputation. Contracts are sacred, and betrayal is punishable by death.

In Your Campaign:

  • Character Concept: A Hobgoblin fighter or rogue who belongs to a disgraced dynasty seeking to reclaim their honor through daring exploits.
  • Worldbuilding: Mercenary Dynasties might control neutral trade hubs where rulers and adventurers alike hire their services. Their culture revolves around oaths, duels, and lavish displays of wealth earned through conquest.
  • Plot Hooks: The party is hired to compete against—or collaborate with—a Hobgoblin mercenary company on a dangerous mission. Alternatively, a dynasty’s betrayal sparks a war, forcing the adventurers to navigate political intrigue and battlefield chaos.

Gameplay Twist: Introduce rival mercenary NPCs with specialized tactics and motivations, creating dynamic encounters where the party must outwit or outmaneuver seasoned professionals.


3. The Iron Keepers

Hobgoblins in this concept are not conquerors but guardians of ancient and forbidden knowledge. They dwell in remote fortresses, guarding relics, magical artifacts, or secrets that could bring about cataclysmic events. Their society is built around an oath to protect these treasures, and they view adventurers as potential threats to the balance they strive to maintain.

In Your Campaign:

  • Character Concept: A Hobgoblin paladin or cleric sworn to uphold the ancient oaths of the Iron Keepers, struggling with the morality of their mission.
  • Worldbuilding: The Iron Keepers’ strongholds are a mix of grandiose architecture and practical fortifications, filled with traps, enchanted guardians, and cryptic warnings. They might have alliances with dragons, celestials, or even fiends bound by ancient pacts.
  • Plot Hooks: The party learns of a legendary treasure hidden in an Iron Keeper fortress, but retrieving it requires outsmarting the Hobgoblins and their formidable defenses. Alternatively, the Keepers seek the adventurers’ help to stop a rival faction from exploiting a dangerous artifact.

Gameplay Twist: Create morally complex encounters where players must decide whether to side with the Iron Keepers or pursue their own interests, with consequences for the wider world.


Why Reimagine Hobgoblins?

Hobgoblins are often pigeonholed as one-dimensional enemies, but their discipline, culture, and tactical prowess offer rich opportunities for creative storytelling. By exploring new roles like arcane pioneers, mercenary leaders, or guardians of ancient secrets, you can make Hobgoblins an integral and engaging part of your campaign world.


Conclusion

Hobgoblins have always excelled at military might, but with a little creativity, they can also shine as innovators, entrepreneurs, or protectors of ancient knowledge. Whether as allies, adversaries, or complex NPCs, these versatile creatures are ready to take on dynamic new roles in your D&D campaign.

Have you used Hobgoblins in innovative ways? Share your stories in the comments, and keep an eye out for more creative takes on iconic D&D races!

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!

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Ted Adams

The nerd is strong in this one. I received my bachelors degree in communication with a specialization in Radio/TV/Film. I have been a table top role player for over 30 years. I have played several iterations of D&D, Mutants and Masterminds 2nd and 3rd editions, Star wars RPG, Shadowrun and World of Darkness as well as mnay others since starting Nerdarchy. I am an avid fan of books and follow a few authors reading all they write. Favorite author is Jim Butcher I have been an on/off larper for around 15 years even doing a stretch of running my own for a while. I have played a number of Miniature games including Warhammer 40K, Warhammer Fantasy, Heroscape, Mage Knight, Dreamblade and D&D Miniatures. I have practiced with the art of the German long sword with an ARMA group for over 7 years studying the German long sword, sword and buckler, dagger, axe and polearm. By no strecth of the imagination am I an expert but good enough to last longer than the average person if the Zombie apocalypse ever happens. I am an avid fan of board games and dice games with my current favorite board game is Betrayal at House on the Hill.

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