Appearance
Diminutive humanoids that look like a mixture between a thin dragonborn child and a goblin, Kobolds typically have red scales and yellow eyes, though this is not always the case, and some green or even blue ones have been spotted. For attire, kobolds are normally seen in whatever rags they've been able to scavenge.
Description
Unknown Origins
Similar to their
greater cousins, kobolds have existed as a species since at least the last age, but have no recordings or myths about how they began. Some suggest that they were once noble dragonborn who have been struck down for some reason or another, while others claim they were a half-finished creation from
Kiderha, still being developed until the
Archons distracted her and
Fidain killed her.
Kobolds, of course, state that they are the direct heirs of Dragon-kind, and destined to rule the world one day.
Delusions of Grandeur
Despite their small size and cowardly dispositions, kobolds seem determined to claim greatness, even if it is unearned. Often this manifests as a group leaving their caves, looting a town's jewels in the darkness of night, and hoarding their wealth as though it is the greatest collection of treasure in the world.
When challenged or attacked, they are unfortunately quick to set aside their claims and beg for mercy, leading to an almost comical perception of kobolds from most other races. Every now and then a courageous kobold is born who quickly ascends to a leadership position, if they do not abandon their packs to become adventurers.
Devious Crafters
Most are quick to dismiss and underestimate kobolds, for there is little impressive about them on the surface. And yet, to do so can invite disaster, as these little dragonfolk are exceptionally cunning and crafty. They fill their caves with clever traps and layouts designed to confuse and harm invaders, while the few the venture out into cities find themselves often able to understand the work of far more experienced tinkers than themselves.
For now, they put these talents to work defending their lairs, to prevent people coming to reclaim stolen items. If they had the bravery and desire needed to develop an army with these skills, they could one day become a problem for all nearby...
Religion & Politics
The Dragons
Kobolds the world over know
Kiderha as "Grandmother", and are in the minority who believe that she is not dead, but simply "sleeping really hard." Their religious ceremonies are cacaphonous occasions, as they compete with one another to see who can make the most noise, in the hopes of waking grandmother up. None so far have been successful.
Further, they worship the dragons themselves as deities, a practice illegal in civilised places, but kobolds rarely go to such lands as a group. For archaeologists and mages hunting for dragon bones, one of the best leads they have are following packs of kobolds into their caves, for the little lizards have a knack for finding the corpses of their deities, and using dragon skulls and dragon claws as ornaments and weapons.
God of Invention
The source of their craftiness is often attributed to
Lútus as the God of creativity and engineers. Why The Thunderer would grant his inspiration to kobolds of all species? No-one has any idea, but the fact remains, these strange creatures are clearly at least being watched by The Skyfather.
Republic of Ósa
As a group kobolds are at best a nuisance and at worst a downright menace - they often end up stealing from locals or harming humans with their schemes. They can fall into the same category as goblins for these reasons, where killing them is encouraged, like they were just animals, but at least they are not treated with the same level of malice and actively hunted down.
As individuals, due to their intelligence and capability for reason though, individuals are allowed in cities and can live like any other visitors to the Republic if they behave, but they are rarely granted citizenship or welcomed as true members of the community.
Kingdom of Praelos
However poor their treatment is in Ósa, kobolds fair far worse in Praelos. The people there suffer no thieves or irritants, and so kobolds as a whole have been run almost entirely out of the nation, as they haven't the numbers or violence of goblins to defend themselves with.
Mechanics
Ability Scores: Dex +2, Int +1
Speed: 30ft
Size: Kobolds are between 2 and 3 feet tall and weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. Your size is Small.
Languages: You can speak Common and Draconic
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 darkness, only shades of gray.
Grovel, Cower, and Beg: As an action on your turn, you can cower pathetically to distract nearby foes. Until the end of your next turn, your allies gain advantage on attack rolls against enemies within 10 feet of you that you can see. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Pack Tactics: You have advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of your allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Sunlight Sensitivity: You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
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