Black and white drawing of Ayo Clayton and Misty Tailspin. As Hobs, they have a human-like appearance, are short-statured, and have small, pointed ears. Illustration by Jessica Kuczynski.
Overview: Hobs are a small, omnivorous, humanoid species with a fast metabolism and high flexibility that makes most of them agile, quick, and energetic.
Physical Description: Most Hobs are around three feet tall, with a human-like appearance, though their ears are pointed. Hobs have a range of body shapes and appearances that is similar to humans, but they have higher flexibility and faster metabolisms. Because of this, most Hobs, regardless of body type, excel at speed and agility. Being small also makes Hobs comparatively light. That, combined with their high metabolism, makes them remarkably fast. Adding that speed to a body optimized for flexibility frequently results in impressive dexterity.
Senses: Hobs have the same senses as humans.
Diet: Their fast metabolism means that Hobs need to eat a lot of food. Despite being smaller, they eat significantly more than humans. This is helped by having a digestive system that is more robust than humans. Even so, most Hobs still make extensive use of cooking and fermentation so that they can get the most energy and nutrients out of their food.
Common Mental Characteristics: Their higher metabolism makes most Hobs energetic, and, as a species, they are more often inclined to hyperactivity. Aside from that, Hobs have a similar mental diversity to humans.
Magical Affinities: Like humans, most Hobs develop magical affinities based on where and how they live. For example, miners frequently develop Earth Magic, while people who live on small islands frequently develop Water Magic. Because they are small, many Hobs use magic and technology to make the most of their strength, giving them affinities for the following types of magic.
Common Species Traits:
- Skill Aptitude for Acrobatics, Manual Dexterity, Mobility, Stealth, or Technology
- Magic Resistance
- Traits that Run in Some Families: Limited Shapeshifting, Magical Nature, Tiny Form, Plant Talker, and Animal Talker
Common Vulnerabilities: As a mundane species, the only common vulnerability Hobs have is Magic Resistance. All others come from each individual’s unique situation and traits.
Prominent Cultures: Hob communities are as culturally diverse as human ones. The biggest thing different communities have in common is the special importance they place on food. Most communities eat five meals a day, with some having more. Because Hobs are smaller than other mundane species, another commonality is the importance placed on using magic, animals, and technology to perform physically demanding tasks.
Inspiration: The name “Hob” refers to the part of a hearth where something may be kept warm. Hob is also one of the names for a small household spirit, fairy, or elf from English folklore. Hobs were also inspired by hobbits and other fictional species based on them. These ideas were combined with the way a fast metabolism affects the speed of animals like weasels and hummingbirds.
Respectful Portrayal Note: Because most Hobs are the same height as real-world people with dwarfism, they will be associated with real-world little people. As a result, respectful representation means being aware of and avoiding myths and stereotypes about people with dwarfism.
Another important part of respectful representation is access needs. While there are important differences between fictional species, like Hobs, and the real-world experience of being a little person in an ableist world, Hobs do have the same height-related access needs. To portray them respectfully, you will need to be aware of these needs and decide how your character deals with them so that their needs aren’t going perpetually unmet. It may help to talk with your game manager about how accessible their setting is and what accommodations are a standard part of their world.
In addition, hyperactivity is a symptom that is not limited to ADHD, but it is strongly associated with it. If you choose to portray a hyperactive character, please be aware of harmful stereotypes, especially those about ADHD, and be careful to avoid them.
Hobs are part of the Crossroads Setting for the tabletop role-playing game, Magic Goes Awry. Click here to go to the list of vibrant and unique magical people from the Land of Crossroads.
