01 June 2018

II-8: Hobgoblins, Gnolls, Ogres, Trolls, and Giants ... Oh, My! (Annotated)

Page 8

 

Hobgoblins: the word “hob” has an archaic usage meaning “fairy, sprite, elf, bogey.” Hobgoblins would therefore be bogey-men. In game terms Hobgoblins are tougher and stay in the fight longer than their weaker goblin cousins. The description also implies the Hobgoblins lack sensitivity to daylight Goblins have. 
 
Gnolls: while latter printings have a reference to Lord Sunsany this was actually correctly listed as Lord Dunsany (Edward Plunkett, 18th Lord of Dunsany) in the first printing. Dunsany wrote several fantasy novels dealing with the fey races and are considered a big influence on the fantasy and fantastic horror novelist who came after him
 
Ogres: the description references the ogre’s height (7 to 10 feet) and size as the reason for their increased damage in combat. In AD&D this was attributed to their great strength (op.cit. Gauntlets of Ogre Strength). 
 
Trolls: after reading the above about Ogres, here we read Ogres inflict more damage due to their strength – in strength they are about equal to an Ogre, but as they use only their talons and fangs for weapons, only one die of damage is scored when they hit an opponent.

Giants: no Storm Giants. This was remedied in Greyhawk.

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