introduction
In the realm of Durnholde, where war drums echo and banners of conquest flutter in the wind, there exists a legend—a shrewd and cunning goblin named Blorbo. Known for his sharp mind and even sharper bargaining skills, Blorbo the Shrewd has built a reputation that stretches across the land. But one tale stands out among the rest: the time he demanded 25 hobgoblin hides, a request that would lead to an adventure fraught with danger, deception, and unexpected alliances.
The Curious Request
Blorbo the Shrewd was not an ordinary goblin. While others of his kind scurried in shadows, scavenging and scheming, he had carved out a place for himself as a merchant and strategist. His lair, nestled in the heart of the bustling trade hub of Blackstone Hollow, was a haven for adventurers, mercenaries, and thieves alike. It was there that he made his infamous request: “Bring me 25 hobgoblin hides, and I shall grant you riches beyond measure.”
The demand puzzled many. Hobgoblins, larger and stronger than their goblin kin, were notorious for their warlike nature. They roamed in packs, disciplined and brutal, making them formidable opponents. Why would Blorbo, a creature known for avoiding direct conflict, seek their hides?
The Adventurers’ Dilemma
Many warriors and treasure-seekers sought Blorbo’s favor, and thus, the challenge was taken up by a group of daring adventurers. Among them were the battle-hardened dwarf, Gromli Ironfist, the swift and cunning rogue, Selene Shadowstep, and the enigmatic mage, Veylan the Whisperer. They knew the quest would not be easy, but the lure of wealth and knowledge from Blorbo was too great to resist.
Tracking the Hobgoblins
The adventurers ventured deep into the Bloodfang Woods, where rumors spoke of a hobgoblin warband amassing strength. It wasn’t long before they found signs of the creatures—trampled undergrowth, discarded weapons, and the lingering stench of their crude encampments. After days of tracking, they finally located the warband, a camp of nearly fifty hobgoblins led by the fierce chieftain, Ghorvak the Red.
The Battle for the Hides
A direct assault was suicide. The adventurers needed to be smart, and so they devised a plan. Veylan used his arcane prowess to conjure illusions, making the hobgoblins believe they were under attack by a rival faction. As chaos erupted, Selene snuck into the camp, slitting throats in the dead of night and collecting the hides they needed. Meanwhile, Gromli, always itching for a fight, took down isolated warriors, ensuring their mission left no loose ends.
Their heist did not go unnoticed. As they made their escape, Ghorvak the Red himself pursued them, his massive axe cleaving through trees and brush. It was only through sheer luck and Selene’s quick thinking that they managed to escape, using a series of concealed traps to slow their pursuer. At last, they returned to Blackstone Hollow, their gruesome bounty in tow.
Blorbo’s True Intentions
When they presented the 25 hobgoblin hides to Blorbo, the goblin merchant’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. However, rather than paying them in gold, he revealed the true reason behind his request.
“The hides, you see, are not for decoration,” Blorbo explained. “They are for diplomacy.”
Blorbo had been secretly negotiating with a faction of goblins who sought independence from their brutish hobgoblin overlords. The hides were proof that their tormentors could be defeated. With this symbol of resistance, Blorbo would rally his kin, ignite a rebellion, and shift the balance of power in the underworld.
The adventurers, stunned by the revelation, were left with a choice. Would they support Blorbo’s rebellion, aiding him in reshaping the political landscape of the goblin clans, or would they take their payment and walk away?
The Aftermath
In the end, the adventurers chose to side with Blorbo. Through strategic strikes and clever deception, they helped orchestrate the downfall of the hobgoblin tyrants, allowing Blorbo’s faction to rise in prominence.
True to his word, Blorbo rewarded them handsomely—not just in gold, but in influence and information, granting them access to networks of spies and smugglers that would serve them well in their future endeavors.
Thus, the legend of Blorbo the Shrewd grew, not as a mere merchant, but as a kingmaker, a mastermind whose cunning reshaped the very world around him. And all it had taken was the hides of 25 hobgoblins.