In fantasy games and storytelling, strange quests often stick with us the most. One such legendary example? “Bring Blorbo the Shrewd 25 Hobgoblin Hides.” At first glance, it sounds random. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a goldmine of creative potential. This odd little mission can spark broader topics in world-building, character design, reward mechanics, and even humor writing. Let’s break it down and explore where this kind of quest can take us.
The Anatomy of a Side Quest
The Role of Fetch Quests in Game Design
- Fetch quests like this one serve as side content to deepen gameplay and extend playtime.
- They’re often used to teach new mechanics or explore NPC relationships.
What Makes This One Unique?
- Blorbo the Shrewd—what’s his story?
- 25 Hobgoblin hides—why that number? Why hobgoblins?
- This sets up questions that pull players in.
Creative Topics Sparked by the Quest
Character Development Through Quests
- A character like Blorbo can be:
- A misunderstood genius
- A shady merchant
- A magic tailor obsessed with goblin leather
- His odd request paints a quirky character profile right away.
World-Building: Lore Behind the Hides
- Why are hobgoblins hunted?
- Maybe their hides have enchantment properties.
- Perhaps it’s revenge for a past war.
Economy and Trade Systems in RPGs
- What’s the market value of a hobgoblin hide?
- Is Blorbo running an underground business?
- This can open up player access to crafting systems and barter economies.
Turning the Quest into a Narrative Tool
Story Hooks from Simple Prompts
- Quests like this can kick off larger storylines.
- For example: collecting the hides leads to uncovering a secret hobgoblin kingdom.
Injecting Humor and Absurdity
- The quest title already leans funny—“Blorbo the Shrewd” is peak fantasy meme energy.
- Use it as satire or comic relief in darker settings.
Educational & Literary Uses
Creative Writing Prompts
- Assign students to write a story around this exact prompt.
- Encourage building from a nonsensical idea into a full plot.
Game Design Workshops
- Break students into teams to design gameplay around this quest.
- Include objectives, locations, rewards, and twists.
Game Mechanics Inspired by Blorbo
Hunting & Resource Collection Systems
- Add mechanics that require stealth, tracking, or group hunts.
- Introduce limited-time hides for urgency.
Quest Progression and Player Motivation
- Track hide collection visually (e.g., tally marks on a quest board).
- Add escalating challenges: each hide harder to get.
Common Problems with Quests Like These
Repetition Fatigue
- Killing 25 creatures can feel like a grind.
- Solution: break the task into mini-objectives with variation (stealth, puzzle, diplomacy).
Lack of Narrative Impact
- Feels disconnected from the world.
- Solution: tie each hobgoblin group to different regions with lore-rich backgrounds.
Solutions to Improve Quest Design
Reward with Meaning
- Instead of gold, Blorbo offers:
- A cloak made from the hides
- A story from his past
- A favor in a later, critical quest
Branching Choices
- Give players options: betray Blorbo, warn the hobgoblins, or turn the hides into armor yourself.
Expanding the Universe Around Blorbo
Faction Reactions
- Maybe hobgoblins declare war on the local town.
- Other NPCs react differently based on your choice to help or refuse Blorbo.
Companion Dialogue and Morality Systems
- Party members may judge you.
- “You killed how many hobgoblins for that weirdo?!”
Visual & Audio Cues to Enrich the Experience
Art Style Ideas
- Design Blorbo to be visually memorable—tall hat, crooked glasses, wild hair.
- His hut: a mix of workshop and junkyard.
Voice Acting Possibilities
- Give him a quirky, fast-talking style.
- Emphasize words like “flawless hide quality!”
Blorbo in Other Genres
Sci-Fi Adaptation
- Replace hobgoblins with alien beasts.
- Blorbo becomes a smuggler on a mining colony.
Modern Setting
- Blorbo runs a taxidermy shop.
- Hides are metaphors—he’s asking for favors, stories, or secrets.
SEO & Copywriting Inspiration
Using Odd Prompts in Blog Hooks
- Quirky titles grab attention.
- Example: “Why Your Marketing Plan Needs a Blorbo” or “How 25 Hobgoblin Hides Can Teach You Copywriting.”
Conclusion: Why We Love These Quests
At first glance, “Bring Blorbo the Shrewd 25 Hobgoblin Hides” is ridiculous. But that’s exactly why it works. It sparks curiosity, creativity, and storytelling. Whether you’re a game designer, writer, or just a fantasy nerd, a quest like this opens doors to worlds you never expected. Sometimes the weirdest missions lead to the richest adventures.
FAQs
Q1: Is “Bring Blorbo the Shrewd 25 Hobgoblin Hides” a real quest in a game?
Nope, it’s more of a creative concept or meme. But it could totally work in a real RPG.
Q2: How can I use this prompt for writing practice?
Use it as a start for character backstories, world-building, or dialogue writing. The weirder the better.
Q3: What skills can game designers learn from this kind of quest?
How to build humor, side plots, and character depth in short-form content.
Q4: Can this quest fit into a serious fantasy game?
Yes—with the right context, even absurd ideas can carry weight and emotional impact.
Q5: Why do odd quests like this become so popular?
Because they break the mold and feel memorable. Players love surprises, especially with personality.