Kobolds

The backbone of the labor forces for Draconic Empires

Kobolds are aggressive, insular, yet industrious small humanoid creatures. They are noted for their skill at building traps and preparing ambushes, and mining. They are somehow related to dragons and can be found serving as their minions.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A kobold is a reptilian humanoid, standing between 2' and 2'6" (60cm – 75cm) tall, weighing 35 to 45 pounds (16 – 20kg), with scaled skin between reddish brown and black in color and burnt orange to red eyes. Their legs are sinewy and digitigrade. They have long, clawed fingers and a jaw like a crocodile.  Small white or tan horns protrude from their head, and they have rat-like tails. They often smell of wet dog and stagnant water. Kobolds like to wear red or orange garments, which are usually ragged.

Genetics and Reproduction

Kobolds are extremely fecund egg-layers, having the highest birth rate among humanoids. A pregnant female will lay her egg within two weeks. About one in ten pregnancies lead to two eggs. An egg needs incubation for about two months, but the newly hatched kobold can walk in just hours. The eggs are particularly sturdy, and the young inside can survive even if the egg broke as much as fifteen days early. Kobold young mature quickly, reaching young adulthood in six years. They often lay eggs in a common nest, with specialized foster parents watching over the eggs and wyrmlings. Some rare kobold children are dragonwrought, and it is possible to tell this because the egg willbe speckled with flecks of a draconic color, which became more numerous throughout the incubation period.  These kobolds possess wings like those of a dragon, and some are of enough use to allow flight.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Kobolds are omnivorous, eating plants and animals, but will not refuse to eat intelligent creatures if the opportunity presented itself. They are able to eat just about anything when the situation becomes desperate, even tree bark or bone. Due to their cold-blooded nature, kobolds that spend time in a warm place do not need to eat for days.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Yipyak is the language spoken by kobolds. It is a variation of the Draconic language that sounds like the yapping of a dog.
Dragons hate the use of Yipyak, considering it to be a degradation of their language which they consider to be, like all aspects of their culture, immensely superior.  A dragon will not tolerate the use of Yipyak in the presence and will become quite angry at its use.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Kobolds are resentful of their short stature and hate members of other races who poked fun at them for this. Most fell as though they ought to compensate for their small size in other ways, such as humor or aggression. They naturally tend to hate larger creatures, and although they will show respect and obedience if required, they always look for ways to display their resentment.
The notable exception to this is dragons.  Kobolds venerate dragons to the highest degree, even when the dragon is cruel to them, which they usually are.

Origin/Ancestry

Draconic

Lifespan

Up to 50 years

Average Height

2' – 2'5"

Average Weight

35–45 lbs (16–20 kg)

Geographic Distribution

• Orthun

Related Organizations

• Incendium

"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