HOBGOBLIN CHIEF – 5e stats

Medium humanoid (goblinoid), lawful evil

Armor Class 19 (Chain Mail, Shield)
Hit Points 32 (5d8 + 10)
Speed 30 ft.

Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +3 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
16 (+3)14 (+2)14 (+2)12 (+1)12 (+1)11 (+0)

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Martial Advantage. Once per turn, the hobgoblin can deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to a creature it hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 ft. of an ally of the hobgoblin that isn’t incapacitated.

ACTIONS

  • Multiattack. The hobgoblin chief makes two greatsword attacks.
  • Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.
  • Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.

It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it


DESCRIPTION

A hobgoblin chief is a natural leader, commanding the respect and loyalty of their clan. They are intelligent and strategic, always looking for ways to gain an advantage over their enemies. They value strength and honor, and will fight to the death to protect their tribe or achieve their goals.

A hobgoblin chief is a fearsome foe, standing taller and more muscular than the average hobgoblin. They wear ornate armor and wield a deadly weapon, such as a greatsword or a morningstar. Their cunning is matched only by their strength, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

A hobgoblin chief is also a master of tactics and morale, inspiring their allies with their presence and words. They can utter a special command or warning that boosts the attack rolls or saving throws of their allies within 30 feet, as long as they can hear and understand the hobgoblin chief. This effect can make a difference in a tight battle, as the hobgoblins fight with more confidence and coordination.

A hobgoblin chief is not a mindless brute, however. They are well aware of their surroundings and the strengths and weaknesses of their foes. They will use terrain, traps, ambushes, and deception to gain an edge in combat. They will also retreat or surrender if they see no chance of victory, but only as a last resort. A hobgoblin chief values their life and reputation above all else.

The Hobgoblin Legion: A Breakdown of the Goblinoid Army

Hobgoblins are a type of goblinoid, a race of humanoid creatures that share a common ancestry with goblins and bugbears. Hobgoblins are larger and more muscular than goblins, but smaller and less brutish than bugbears. They have dark orange or red-orange skin, and hair ranging from dark red-brown to black. Their eyes are usually yellow or red, and their teeth are sharp and pointed. Hobgoblins have a strong sense of discipline and hierarchy, and value martial prowess and cunning above all else. They are often found in well-organized armies or warbands, led by powerful warlords or captains. Hobgoblins are ruthless and pragmatic in combat, using tactics and strategies to gain an advantage over their enemies. They have no qualms about enslaving or exploiting other races, especially those they consider weak or inferior.

A typical hobgoblin legion consists of 1000 individuals, divided into four main divisions: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and special forces. Each division is led by a sub-chief, who reports to the chief, who in turn reports to the warlord. The warlord is the supreme leader of the legion, who commands the entire army with charisma and cunning. The legion also has various allies and war machines that support its operations and enhance its capabilities.

The following is a detailed breakdown of the different types and numbers of hobgoblin soldiers and allies in the legion:

  • Hobgoblin Warlord (1): The supreme leader of the legion, a charismatic and cunning commander who inspires fear and respect among his troops. He wields a magic weapon and wears a magic armor, and has access to some spells. He is usually guarded by a squad of elite hobgoblins or other allies.
  • Hobgoblin Chief (5): The second-in-command of the legion, a loyal and capable lieutenant who oversees the daily operations and logistics of the army. He is also a skilled warrior and a master of martial advantage. He reports directly to the warlord and can take over the command if the warlord is absent or incapacitated.
  • Hobgoblin Sub-Chief (20): The leaders of the four main divisions of the legion: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and special forces. They are responsible for training, equipping, and deploying their respective units. They are also formidable fighters and tacticians who can coordinate their attacks with their allies. They answer to the chief and the warlord.
  • Hobgoblin Captain (80): The officers of the legion, each commanding a squad of 10 hobgoblins or other soldiers. They are experienced and respected veterans who can boost the morale and effectiveness of their subordinates. They are also proficient with various weapons and armor, and can use martial advantage to deal extra damage. They follow the orders of their sub-chiefs, chief, and warlord.
  • Hobgoblin (600): The rank-and-file soldiers of the legion, each wearing chain mail and shield, and wielding a longsword or a longbow. They are disciplined and organized warriors who fight in rigid ranks and perfect lockstep. They can use martial advantage to deal extra damage when they have an ally nearby. They obey their captains, sub-chiefs, chief, and warlord without question.
  • Hobgoblin Devastator (40): The spellcasters of the legion, each wearing a robe adorned with arcane symbols, and wielding a staff or a wand. They are adept at using destructive evocation spells, such as fireball or lightning bolt, to blast their enemies from afar. They can also use martial advantage to deal extra damage when they have an ally nearby. They are usually assigned to the artillery division.
  • Hobgoblin Iron Shadow (40): The stealth operatives of the legion, each wearing a leather armor and a hooded cloak, and wielding a shortsword or a dagger. They are experts at infiltration, assassination, sabotage, and espionage. They can use martial advantage to deal extra damage when they have an ally nearby. They can also use ki to perform various feats, such as stunning strike or shadow step. They are usually assigned to the special forces division.
  • Worg (200): The mounts and companions of the legion, each resembling a large wolf with red eyes and black fur. They are ferocious and loyal beasts who can communicate telepathically with their riders or handlers. They can bite their enemies with their sharp teeth, or knock them prone with their pounce attack. They are usually assigned to the cavalry division, or used as scouts or trackers by other units.
  • Bugbear (50): The shock troops or elite guards of the legion, each wearing hide armor and wielding a morningstar or a javelin. They are savage and brutal fighters who enjoy crushing their enemies with their strength or their surprise attack. They are often loyal to their hobgoblin leaders, but can also be rebellious or treacherous if they sense weakness or opportunity.
  • Goblin (10): The servants and slaves of the legion, each wearing ragged clothes and carrying a sling or a club. They are weak and cowardly creatures who perform menial tasks such as cooking, cleaning, repairing, or carrying supplies for the army. They are often mistreated and abused by their hobgoblin masters, who consider them inferior and expendable.
  • Ogre (10): The heavy hitters or siege weapons of the legion, each wearing a loincloth and wielding a greatclub or a rock. They are powerful and resilient fighters who can smash their enemies with their brute force or their hurl attack. They are often hired or coerced by the hobgoblins, who provide them with food and loot in exchange for their services.
  • Ballista (4): The large crossbows of the legion, each mounted on a wheeled platform that can be moved by a team of hobgoblins or worgs. They fire massive bolts that can pierce through armor or walls. They are operated by a crew of two or three hobgoblins, one to aim and fire, and the others to load and reload. They are used to attack enemy fortifications or large creatures from a safe distance.
  • Catapult (4): The devices that launch projectiles of the legion, each mounted on a wooden frame that can be assembled or disassembled by a team of hobgoblins or goblins. They launch rocks, barrels, or firebombs over a long range. They are operated by a crew of four or five hobgoblins, one to aim and release, and the others to load and crank. They are used to bombard enemy positions or cause chaos and destruction among their ranks.
  • War Wagon (4): The large wagons that are reinforced with metal plates and spikes, and equipped with weapons such as crossbows, spears, or blades. They are pulled by a team of worgs or ogres, and driven by a hobgoblin captain or sub-chief. They are manned by a crew of six to eight hobgoblins, who can fire from the windows or deploy from the doors. They are used to break through enemy lines or transport troops and supplies across the battlefield.

The total number of individuals in this reorganized hobgoblin legion is 1059: 1 warlord + 5 chiefs + 20 sub-chiefs + 80 captains + 600 hobgoblins + 40 devastators + 40 iron shadows + 200 worgs + 50 bugbears + 10 goblins + 10 ogres + 4 ballistas + 4 catapults + 4 war wagons.