Kobolds
Kobolds are like dragon rats—small, cunning, and fiercely protective of their own. They scurry through their tunnels, always busy, always building, and always watching. Underestimate them at your peril.
Description
Kobolds are often dismissed as cowardly, foolish, and weak, but these little reptilian creatures actually have a strong social structure that stresses devotion to the tribe, are clever with their hands, and viciously work together in order to overcome their physical limitations. In the kobolds’ version of a perfect world, the creatures would be left alone to dig their tunnels and raise the next generation of kobolds, all the while seeking the magic that will free their imprisoned god (see the “Kurtulmak: God of Kobolds” sidebar).
In the world they occupy, kobolds are often bullied and enslaved by larger creatures — or, when they live on their own, they are constantly fearful of invasion and oppression. Although individually they are timid and shy away from conflict, kobolds are dangerous if cornered, vicious when defending their eggs, and notorious for the dangerous improvised traps they use to protect their warrens.
Physical Characteristics
Kobolds typically stand between 2 to 3 feet tall, with scaly skin that ranges in color from reddish-brown to dark green. Their eyes are large and luminous, adapted to seeing in the dark, while their ears are pointed and sensitive to high-pitched sounds. Kobolds possess sharp claws and teeth, which they use for digging and defense. Their tails, which are roughly as long as their bodies, aid in balance and agility. Kobolds have a lithe, wiry frame, making them adept at navigating narrow tunnels and cramped spaces.
Behavior
Kobolds are highly communal creatures, prioritizing the welfare of their tribe above all else. They are diligent workers, often toiling tirelessly to expand their mines, construct elaborate traps, and gather resources. Kobolds exhibit a strong hierarchical structure within their tribes, led by a chief who is typically the strongest or most cunning among them. They are extremely loyal to their leaders and will follow orders without question. Kobolds are also known for their ingenuity and resourcefulness. They can turn even the most mundane objects into effective traps or tools, and they have a knack for creating complex mechanisms. Despite their tendency to be cautious and skittish, kobolds can be fiercely brave when their homes are threatened, often employing guerrilla tactics and hit-and-run strategies to harass intruders.
Demographics
Kobold populations are typically found in secluded areas such as deep forests, mountains, and underground caverns. They prefer locations rich in minerals, as mining is a central aspect of their culture. Kobold tribes can range in size from a few dozen to several hundred members, with larger tribes often forming intricate networks of tunnels and chambers. Despite their preference for isolation, kobolds occasionally interact with other species through trade or necessity, though they remain wary of outsiders.
Society and Culture
Kobold society is structured around the tribe, with a strong emphasis on cooperation and mutual support. Each member of the tribe has a specific role, from miners and builders to scouts and warriors. Elders are respected for their wisdom and experience, often serving as advisors to the chief. Kobolds celebrate their history and accomplishments through oral traditions, passing down stories and knowledge from generation to generation. Religion plays a significant role in kobold life, with many tribes worshipping deities associated with dragons, mining, and the earth. Rituals and ceremonies are common, often involving offerings to these deities in exchange for protection and prosperity. Kobolds also have a deep reverence for dragons, whom they see as their ultimate kin and benefactors.
Information
Monster Manual
Kobold CR: 1/8 (25 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
Small humanoid (kobold), lawful evil
Armor Class: 12
Hit Points: 5 2d6-2
Speed:
30 ft
, fly: 0 ft
STR
7 -2
DEX
15 +2
CON
9 -1
INT
8 -1
WIS
7 -2
CHA
7 -2
Senses: Darkvision: 60 ft, Passive Perception: 8
Languages: Common, Draconic
Challenge Rating: 1/8 (25 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
Sunlight Sensitivity
While in sunlight, the kobold has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.Pack Tactics
The kobold has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the kobold’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.Actions
Dagger
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.To Hit: 1d20+4
Damage: 1d4+2
Sling
Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.To Hit: 1d20+4
Damage: 1d4+2
Kobolds are craven reptilian humanoids that commonly infest dungeons. They make up for their physical ineptitude with a cleverness for trap making.
Kobolds are craven reptilian humanoids that worship evil dragons as demigods and serve them as minions and toadies. Kobolds inhabit dragons’ lairs when they can but more commonly infest dungeons, gathering treasures and trinkets to add to their own tiny hoards.
Strength in Numbers
Kobolds are egg-laying creatures. They mature quickly and can live to be “great wyrms” more than a century old. However, many kobolds perish before they reach the end of their first decade. Physically weak, they are easy prey for predators. This vulnerability forces them to band together. Their superior numbers can win battles against powerful adversaries, but often with massive casualties on the kobold side.Tunnelers and Builders
Kobolds make up for their physical ineptitude with a cleverness for trap making and tunneling. Their lairs consist of low tunnels through which they move easily but which hinder larger humanoids. Kobolds also riddle their lairs with traps. The most insidious kobold traps make use of natural hazards and other creatures. A trip wire might connect to a spring-loaded trap that hurls clay pots of flesh-eating green slime or flings crates of venomous giant centipedes at intruders.The Lost God
In addition to the dragons they revere, kobolds worship a lesser god named Kurtulmak. Legends speak of how Kurtulmak served as Tiamat’s vassal in the Nine Hells until Garl Glittergold, the god of gnomes, stole a trinket from the Dragon Queen’s hoard. Tiamat sent Kurtulmak to retrieve the trinket, but Garl Glittergold played a trick on him, collapsing the earth and trapping the kobold god in an underground maze for eternity. For this reason, kobolds hate gnomes and pranks of any kind. Kurtulmak’s most devoted worshipers dedicate themselves to finding and releasing their lost god from his prison-maze.
Geographic Distribution
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