Kobolds are small, aggressive, and highly insular humanoids, known for their industrious nature and resourcefulness. They excel in trap-making, ambush tactics, and mining, using their cunning to defend their territories and outmaneuver larger foes.
Though diminutive in stature, kobolds are distantly related to dragons and urds, sharing a strong draconic lineage that influences their culture and beliefs.
The dragon scale toughens our skin. The dragon bone adorns our skull. The dragon heart flames our sorcery. We are the dragon, and for the dragon we live. Long live the dragon.”— A common kobold saying
Description
Kobolds are small reptilian humanoids, standing between 2 to 2.5 feet (60–75 cm) tall and weighing 35 to 45 pounds (16–20 kg). They have scaled skin ranging from reddish-brown to black and possess burnt-orange to red eyes. Their legs are sinewy and digitigrade, granting them agility and speed.
Distinguished by their crocodile-like jaws, long clawed fingers, and rat-like tails, kobolds also have small white or tan horns protruding from their heads. Their scent is often described as a mix of wet dog and stagnant water.
Kobolds prefer to wear red or orange garments, though their clothing is typically ragged and worn due to their harsh living conditions.
Personality
Kobold Society and Mindset
Kobolds harbor a deep resentment toward their small stature and despise those who mock them for it. This insecurity often leads them to compensate through humor, aggression, or cunning, seeking to assert themselves in ways that make up for their physical limitations.
Their natural inclination is to disdain larger creatures, though they will show respect or obedience when necessary. However, this often masks a persistent undercurrent of resentment, with kobolds constantly searching for opportunities to assert their superiority in subtle ways.
The ultimate ambition of the kobold race is to expand their territory and conquer as much land as possible, driven by an innate desire for dominance and recognition.
Kobold Heroes
Where other races may define heroes by strength or military prowess, kobolds look up to those who demonstrate exceptional skill in trap-making, ambushes, and even torture. Kobold heroes are celebrated for their resourcefulness, and their greatest achievements often involve using cunning and traps to defeat foes.
"Even tall ones are shorter than I am, when they're flat on their backs in a hole filled with spikes."
— Irthos, Master Trapmaker
Biology
Kobold Reproduction
Kobold reproduction is swift and resilient. A pregnant female typically lays her egg within two weeks, with about one in ten pregnancies resulting in two eggs. The incubation period for kobold eggs is approximately two months, but the young are capable of walking within hours of hatching. The eggs are remarkably sturdy, allowing the offspring to survive even if the egg breaks up to fifteen days early.
Kobold young mature quickly, reaching young adulthood in just six years.
Dragonwrought and Winged Kobolds
In rare instances, kobold offspring are born with wings, though these winged kobolds are often looked down upon by their peers. Even more exceptional are the dragonwrought kobolds, who are descended from specific draconic ancestors. These rare kobolds are easily identified by their speckled egg shells, which bear flecks of the dragon's color that become more pronounced during incubation.
While winged kobolds may face derision, dragonwrought eggs are treated with great reverence. Rituals dictate that they be taken to a sacred hatching site, where the young are raised above ground to allow them to learn to use their wings, should they possess the ability to fly.
Kobold Shedding
Like other reptiles, kobolds shed their skin periodically. Growing kobolds may shed as frequently as once a week, while more mature kobolds typically shed once per season. Unlike snakes, kobolds shed portions of their skin over time, much like lizards. The process is often hastened by rubbing, and after shedding, bitterleaf is applied to strengthen the new scales and ensure they acquire a strong, glossy finish.