Introduction
In the shadowy corners of the realm, where adventurers and rogues alike seek fortune and peril in equal measure, few quests carry the same weight of danger and intrigue as the directive to “Bring Blorbo the Shrewd 25 Hobgoblin Hides.” This is not a task for the unprepared or the reckless; hobgoblins are not mere beasts to be hunted, but disciplined, militaristic humanoids with a penchant for strategy and cruelty. Their hides, thick and resilient, are highly sought after by alchemists, armorers, and those who deal in the darker arts of enchantment.
But why does Blorbo the Shrewd, a figure whispered about in taverns and back-alley markets, require such a substantial quantity? Is he crafting an unholy armor set, supplying a clandestine faction, or perhaps engaging in a ritual best left unspoken? The answers are as elusive as the man himself, but one thing is certain: those who undertake this mission must be ready for bloodshed, treachery, and the ever-present risk that Blorbo’s true intentions may be far more sinister than they appear.
To succeed in this endeavor, one must understand not only the nature of hobgoblins—their tactics, their weaknesses, and their lairs—but also the enigmatic figure who has set this task. This guide will provide an exhaustive examination of every facet of the quest, from the best methods of hunting and skinning hobgoblins to the potential rewards (and hidden dangers) of dealing with Blorbo. Whether you are a seasoned warrior, a cunning rogue, or a desperate soul in need of coin, the knowledge contained herein may mean the difference between a hefty purse and an unmarked grave.
Who Is Blorbo the Shrewd? Unraveling the Mystery of the Shadowy Dealer
Blorbo the Shrewd is not a name spoken openly in polite company. To some, he is a merchant of rare and exotic goods; to others, a fence for stolen relics and forbidden artifacts. A few even claim he is a spymaster, weaving intricate plots from the depths of his dimly lit shop, where the air smells of aged parchment and something far more metallic.
His exact origins are unknown—some say he was once a scholar exiled for dabbling in necromancy, while others insist he is a disgraced noble who turned to the black market after losing his inheritance. What is certain is that Blorbo deals in commodities that most would hesitate to touch, and his clients are often those who operate outside the law.
When Blorbo requests 25 hobgoblin hides, it is never without purpose. Hobgoblin leather, when properly treated, is resistant to both blade and spell, making it invaluable for crafting elite armor or warding against magical attacks.
Some speculate that Blorbo supplies mercenary companies or secretive cults; others fear he may be stockpiling materials for something far more ominous. Regardless of his motives, those who complete his tasks are rewarded handsomely—assuming, of course, they survive the encounter. Blorbo is not known for his mercy, and many who have crossed him have vanished without a trace.
The Nature of Hobgoblins: Understanding Your Enemy
Hobgoblins are not to be underestimated. Unlike their smaller, more chaotic goblin kin, hobgoblins are disciplined, organized, and ruthless. They operate in strict military hierarchies, with warlords commanding legions of well-trained soldiers. Each hobgoblin is a warrior by nature, trained from birth in the arts of war, and they fight with a cohesion that makes them far deadlier than mere bandits or wild beasts.
Key Traits That Make Hobgoblins Dangerous:
Military Discipline: Hobgoblins do not fight as individuals; they fight as units. Shield walls, phalanxes, and coordinated flanking maneuvers are common tactics.
Enhanced Physical Resilience: Their hides are naturally thick, making them resistant to slashing weapons. Blunt force or precise strikes are more effective.
Strategic Intelligence: Hobgoblins are not mindless brutes. They set ambushes, use terrain to their advantage, and exploit weaknesses in their enemies’ defenses.
Merciless Nature: They take slaves, torture prisoners, and rarely retreat unless outmatched. Surrender is not an option when facing them.
Because of these traits, gathering 25 hobgoblin hides is not merely a matter of strength—it requires careful planning, reconnaissance, and sometimes even deception.
Locating Hobgoblin Warbands: Where to Hunt
Hobgoblins are most commonly found in regions where they can exert control over trade routes, weak settlements, or ancient ruins. Their presence is often marked by:
1. Military Encampments
Hobgoblins establish fortified camps near vulnerable villages or along strategic roads. These camps are typically guarded by sentries, patrols, and sometimes even enslaved creatures forced into service.
2. Underground Strongholds
Many hobgoblin tribes occupy abandoned dwarven fortresses, underground tunnels, or ruined castles. These locations provide natural defenses and allow them to launch raids with minimal warning.
3. Mercenary Contracts
Some hobgoblins hire themselves out as elite soldiers to crime lords, corrupt nobles, or other warlords. In these cases, they may be found in cities, though always in well-guarded compounds.
4. War Parties on the Move
Large hobgoblin legions sometimes march to conquer new territories. These forces are extremely dangerous and should be avoided unless you have an army of your own.
The safest approach is to track smaller warbands or raiding parties rather than assaulting a full stronghold.
Preparing for the Hunt: Essential Strategies and Gear
Before setting out to collect 25 hobgoblin hides, thorough preparation is essential.
Recommended Equipment:
Weapons: Slashing weapons (swords, axes) are less effective; maces, warhammers, or piercing weapons like rapiers work better.
Armor: Heavy armor is advisable, as hobgoblins favor brutal melee combat.
Healing Supplies: Potions, bandages, and antitoxins (some hobgoblins poison their blades).
Stealth Tools: Smoke bombs, cloaking spells, or invisibility potions can aid in ambushes or escapes.
Combat Tactics:
Ambush Is Key: Never engage hobgoblins on their terms. Lure scouts into traps or pick off stragglers.
Target Leaders First: Killing officers disrupts their chain of command, causing disarray.
Use the Environment: Cliffs, choke points, and flammable terrain can turn the tide in your favor.
The Delicate Art of Skinning Hobgoblins
Once a hobgoblin is slain, retrieving an intact hide requires precision.
Steps for Proper Skinning:
Use a Razor-Sharp Blade: A dull knife will tear the hide, reducing its value.
Avoid Fire or Acid Damage: Charred or melted hides are worthless to Blorbo.
Salt and Preserve: Hobgoblin hides rot quickly if not treated properly.
Each hide must be carefully extracted, meaning you’ll need to defeat at least 25 hobgoblins—no small feat.
The Risks and Rewards of the Quest
Potential Dangers:
Hobgoblin Retaliation: They may hunt you down if you slaughter too many.
Blorbo’s Betrayal: Some say he eliminates those who know too much.
Competition: Other hunters may ambush you for your collected hides.
Possible Rewards:
Substantial Payment: Blorbo pays in gold, gems, or rare magic items.
Faction Influence: Gain favor with guilds, mercenary bands, or secret societies.
Future Opportunities: Blorbo may offer even more dangerous—and lucrative—quests.
Alternative Methods: Avoiding Direct Combat
If brute force isn’t an option, consider:
Purchasing Hides: Expensive, but safer.
Negotiation: Rare, but some hobgoblin chieftains may trade.
Theft: Sneak into a hobgoblin armory and steal stored hides.
Each method has risks, but creativity can save lives.
Blorbo’s True Intentions: What Happens After Delivery?
When you finally bring Blorbo the 25 hobgoblin hides, his reaction is unpredictable:
Gratitude: He may reward you and offer more work.
Suspicion: He might test your loyalty with a darker task.
Betrayal: Some whisper that Blorbo disposes of those who outlive their usefulness.
Be cautious—Blorbo did not earn his epithet, “the Shrewd,” by being trustworthy.
Conclusion: Is the Quest Worth the Risk?
This mission is not for the weak. It demands strength, cunning, and a willingness to face one of the most disciplined foes in the realm. The rewards are great, but the price of failure is death—or worse.
Will you take the job? Or will the hobgoblins—or Blorbo himself—ensure you never return? The choice is yours.
