Kobolds

Some of the smallest draconic creatures in the multiverse, kobolds display their draconic ancestry in the glint of their scales and in their roars. Legends tell of the first kobolds emerging from the Underdark near the lairs of the earliest material dragons. In some lands, kobolds serve chromatic or metallic dragons—even worshiping them as divine beings. In other places, kobolds know too well how dangerous those dragons can be and help others defend against draconic destruction.

Whatever their relationship to dragons, kobold scales tend to be rust colored, although the occasional kobold sports a scale color more akin to that of a chromatic or a metallic dragon. A kobold’s cry can express a range of emotion: anger, resolve, elation, fear, and more. Regardless of the emotion expressed, their cry resonates with draconic power.

Proper Common Name

Kobolds

Other Common Name(s)

Dragon Dogs, Tiny Dragons, Yappy Dragons

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Bipedalis

Scientific Name

Animalia chordata reptilia draconidae sapientis bipedalis auceps

Important: If you choose kobold as your character's species, please select "Kornax Kobold" in dndbeyond.

Kobold Traits

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and one other score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Kobolds mature in six years and can live up to 120 years, though few survive that long.

Size

Kobolds are between 2 and 3 feet tall, in most cases, though some are as tall as 4 feet. Your size can be Small or Medium (chosen at character creation).

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in complete darkness, only shades of gray.

Draconic Cry

As a bonus action, you let out a cry at your enemies within 10 feet of you. Until the start of your next turn, you and your allies have advantage on attack rolls against any of those enemies who could hear you. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Kobold Legacy

Kobolds’ connection to dragons can manifest in unpredictable ways in an individual kobold. Choose one of the following legacy options for your kobold:

• Craftiness. You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Arcana, Investigation, Medicine, Sleight of Hand, or Survival.
• Defiance. You have advantage on saving throws to avoid or end the frightened condition on yourself.
Draconic Sorcery. You know one cantrip of your choice from the sorcerer spell list. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for that cantrip (choose when you select this race).

Languages

You can speak, read, and write the dialect of Draconic spoken in your home, plus the Common language in the area where the campaign begins.