Kobold Paths

A central feature of kobold philosophy is that of the life path, an occupation that defines a kobold as an individual and as a part of their society. When they are young, Kobolds are encouraged to sample a wide variety of pursuits and occupations in order to find the path that calls to them. Within the warren, this sort of eclectic, self-guided study replaces any kind of formal education.
A kobold's path is inherently personal. It is something that the individual chooses and holds in their heart, and it can be changed throughout their life. There is no need to declare a calling, although with many roles central to the good of a warren, taking up its duties is tantamount to a declaration.
A path can be absolutely anything, but there are a number of 'path groups' which a large number of kobolds fall into, and some very definite paths which are common to most warrens.
Any kobold whose main drive and interest relates to the physical structure and infrastructure of the warren is refered to as a Keeper. This includes those who actually create new tunnels, as well as masons and carpenters, mushroom gardeners, lamplighters and nightsoil collectors. The same name is given to those who take a role in civic governance or Medicine.
Scouts are those who gather food, through foraging or hunting in the tunnels around the warren proper. Those who gather goods and materials from the surface - by trade or by less honest means - may also be called scouts.
Kobolds who follow Warrior paths choose combat as a living. Most of them are the warren's defenders, but a lot of Kobold adventurers are also seen as walking such a path.
Dzin (prn. jinn) are kobold arcanists, and especially wizards. Kobolds call any studied Magic 'work', while Sorcery is 'art'.
Those who make things with their hands are called Makers. Kobolds revere their creator, not just in thanks, but for the act of creation itself. They have a deep, cultural respect for those who create. This respect rises to a kind of reverence for those who make music, related to the importance of the Dragonsong. Musicians are known as Singers, regardless of the medium of their music.
While kobold artificers may be considered dzina or makers, there is also a more specific path of the Inventor, for those whose work involves the esoteric, the highly specialised, and the singular.
Those devoted to learning, knowledge and study are called Sages, including jurists.
Outlaws are kobolds who choose a place outside of society. Most Kobold outlaws choose to leave the warren and live as criminals in the surface culture.
The 'fixed paths', shared by almost all warrens, include:

• The central warrior paths: Dragonshields, Skystrikers and Answerers.
• The ecstatic priesthood of the Dragonspeakers, and the grim Doomsayers of Bylstaran.
• The more established inventor paths: Trapsetter, Skysmith and Brewmaster.
• The oral historians and choristers known as Wyrmsingers.