Kobolds
The Kobold are a race of mortals found on Apa Axas. Small, crafty and cruel, the Kobolds are a reptilian race who, although they base their morals, beliefs and social structure of the mighty Dragons, lack the air of regality and awesome strength needed to back up their claims of draconic supremacy. In fact, they are treated pests by most races, and some even doubt their sentience, likening them to a puppy or weasel. However, in groups, or if an individual has gained a bravery uncharacteristic of their species, or undergone training, a Kobold’s cunning, speed and surprising magical proficiency make them a deadly sight to behold.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Group mentality fuels Kobold society, and they will always be found in large numbers, even in more urban settings amongst other races, with at least 5 Kobolds often seen at once. They are known to become anxious when alone, and will often become more aggressive because of this, leading Kobolds to gain the reputation of being somewhat annoying and unpleasant to be around for many other races. However, if Kobolds were to get into larger groups, such as more than twelve, they have been known to gain a confidence that compels them to act more raucously, often engaging in petty crimes and disturbing the peace. Lone Kobolds will often seek the company of larger creatures if they cannot find others of their race for protection, and are often found in adventuring parties in a form of symbiotic relationship; in which the Kobold utilises its mechanical ingenuity, small stature and dexterous hands in the party’s favour in exchange for protection and companionship.
In their natural environment, outside of the cities of the larger races, Kobolds usually live in caverns and cave systems in large tribes, often surrounded by intricate escape tunnels, traps and magical curses in order to achieve a sense of security. However, due to their lack of prowess in agriculture, they often participate in raids, donning armour with height platforms in their shoes and ornate wings as to emulate what they consider to be the most fearsome of all creatures: the dragons. This kinship with dragons, however unlike them these tiny reptiles may seem, is steeped in the origins of the Kobolds.
History
The first Kobolds to arrive in Apa Axas did so as part of the as Slave Army of The Rising Pyre, although, unlike their Dragonkin brethren, they were part of the military threat by choice, believing their holy purpose was to do as their dragon overlords decree. So dedicated to the dragons, that the Kobolds grew a cultural and innate obsession with the winged terrors, and even newborn Kobolds will often grew obsessed with acting like the beasts within weeks. The Kobolds will often form tribes in caves, swamps and disused urban centres, and the creatures will flock to a Dragon in the area if one exists. Interesting to note is that a Kobold’s scales will even change colour to match their new overlord over a period of time month. However, this obsession isn’t always adoration. Some sects of Kobold legend states that feasting on a dragon’s heart, in an act known as “Droograr” in the Kobold language, will allow them to ascend into Dragonborn and then true Dragons, where they will be able to live forever amongst their gods. As such, many Kobold believe Dragonborn to be the next step in Kobold evolution and revere them, showering them with praise and gifts in the home the Dragonborn will reveal the secret to ascension.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Kobolds are also known for their intense hatred of Gnomes. The exact reasons have been lost to time, but a Kobold encountering a Gnome will fly into a psychotic rage, unless they have undergone intense training to improve impulse control. Despite the animosity, the two species are remarkably similar in certain aspects, such as the natural ability to pick up the skill of Artificery, due to their malleablity in body and mind. This has led to the theory that early Kobold and Gnome encounters ended with a near genocide of the Kobolds by early Gnomes in Gilunrik, and committed acts so horrific against the Kobolds that their descendants still bare the psychic scars.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
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