Hobgoblins

Hobgoblins
The hobgoblins of the Young Plane inhabit a militarized desert nation located on the southern continent. These creatures stand in similar stature to humans albeit a hair taller on average. Hobgoblins have entire bodies covered in thick fur exposing skin only on their hands, feet and faces. It is said that hobgoblins evolved from the monkey like goblins that inhabit the jungles of the southern continent, but proof of this is hard to come by.

Being one of the oldest and most isolated races, hobgoblin culture is very strict in its laws and traditions. Much of their society revolves around military strength and the trading of slaves. Hobgoblins particularly enjoy the trading of exotic slaves. The slaves are used for labor mostly, but some "lucky" few get to enter the Colosseum.

The Colosseum is the center piece of the hobgoblin capital hold of Abir. Within its high walls slaves are set against each other or local monsters in battles for the amusement of the hobgoblin spectators. Gambling on the games is strictly prohibited, the penalty for such an act is death. The reverence of battle is among the most holy testaments of hobgoblin society.

Hobgoblins are hardy and fast giving them a natural edge as warriors. Their armies march in odd formations driven by whips and chains. Most of the world has never seen a hobgoblin raiding party, and they are better off for it. With the recent travels between the Middle Kingdoms and the South there has been a slow influx of hobgoblins into northern lands. These tend to be exiles or travelers interested in new lands. There is a constant fear from the northern nations about these mysterious ape men, who seemly appeared out of nowhere.