Into the Hobgoblin War Camp
Vicious, warlike and mercenary hobgoblins set up their military-style camps almost anywhere. The camps are not just their home but also the springboard for their campaigns.
Outside the Lair
Use this list, to determine what the characters find as they approach the lair.
Tracks leading off from the path have been deliberately blocked up.
Ambush spots have been cleared in the camp’s vicinity.
Tracks on the main trail leading to the camp show the hobgoblins marching in two files with perfect precision.
A cleverly concealed hide has been set up with a perfect view of the path. Any scouts posted here avoid a fight and instead retreat to warn the camp of intruders.
What’s Going On?
Use this list, to determine what is happening at the lair, when the characters arrive.
A black-armoured sergeant yells orders at a patrol as it prepares to leave the fort.
Several trainees are being punished for poor discipline.
Hammering echoes through the air as an old guard puts rivets into a spare suit of armour.
A leatherworker prepares skinning solutions, stinking out the camp with the stench of hemlock and pine.
Major Lair Features
Use this list, to determine the lair’s major feature(s). These features are obvious to the characters.
Hanging hides and barrels of soaking leathers fill a small wood and slate shelter.
Small-metal working tools and a wood-lit forge shows where the warriors repair their armour and weapons.
A broken trebuchet stands ominously overlooking the camp’s main approach.
Fenced off with wooden panels and staked chains is a large ordered area filled with tents set in ordered regimented lines.
Minor Lair Features
Use this list, to determine the lair’s minor feature(s). These features may, or may not, be obvious, to the characters.
Leather dyes and preserves have formed a stinking pool surrounded by black toadstools.
Hanging carcass of sheep and so on are littered around in various states of butchery and skinning. The stench of meat and blood fills the air.
Grindstones all around the camp see constant use by passing warriors and punished trainees.
Built on a wooden platform next to the soldiers’ tents the sergeants’ hut overlooks their charges.
Hobgoblin’s Appearance
Use this list, to generate an hobgoblin’s general appearance and other characteristics.
The captain of the camp towers over his charges, in red-enamelled plate armour and shield.
Wearing various shades of purple and red to define her rank the tribe's shaman wanders the camp looking for weakness to punish.
This female warrior stands tall, her skin covered in scars gained fighting for her high status.
A large burn-scarred hobgoblin wearing leathers fusses at the straps of their armour.
Treasure
Use this list, to add items of value to the hobgoblins’ hoard; determine the value of each item to suit your campaign.
Dried ears and strings of finger bones adorn this bow of elven craft. The treated and tanned skin of an elven princess covers the bow’s matching quiver.
This plate armour sized for a dwarf, although dented and battered, remains serviceable.
This small collection of children’s toys depict various types of siege engines; all work like their larger brethren.
Rivets, buttons and rings for armour fill several sacks.
Trinkets & Trash
Use this list, to add items of interest, but little value, to the hobgoblins’ hoard.
A short sword is wrapped in cloth and wedged into a hiding place.
Badges of human mercenary companies adorn the armour of some hobgoblins.
This hatchet has dozens of marks scratched into its hilt; perhaps each mark records a kill made by the owner.
Poisonous mushrooms and plants used for dying fill clay containers standing next to wineskins.
Want More?
This is an extract from Monstrous Lair #48: Hobgoblin War Camp, a System Neutral resource by Steve Hood.
Words Steve Hood Art Matt Morrow