Kobold
Dragonkin Servants; Scaled Seekers; Relic Hunters
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 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.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Kobolds are small, reptilian humanoids resembling miniature dragons. They are covered in scaly skin, with hues ranging from rusty brown to metallic shades and occasionally the vibrant colors of chromatic or metallic dragons. Their heads are draconic, with elongated snouts, sharp teeth, and ridged horns. They possess clawed hands and feet, a long tail for balance, and vestigial wings in rare individuals.
Genetics and Reproduction
Kobolds reproduce through eggs, with clutches ranging from 3-6 at a time. They mature quickly, reaching adulthood in about six years. Their scales and physical traits often hint at their ancestral dragon lineage, with rarer traits (like chromatic hues or minor magical abilities) signifying stronger draconic ties.
Ecology and Habitats
Kobolds thrive in secluded, resource-rich environments, such as dense forests, underground caverns, or remote archipelagos. They are highly adaptable, creating intricate burrows or tunnel systems for shelter and protection. Their settlements are designed to blend with their surroundings, making them difficult to detect.
Behaviour
Kobolds are resourceful and communal, valuing teamwork and ingenuity. They are intensely curious, driven by a desire to uncover lost draconic relics and knowledge. Despite their small stature, they are bold and persistent, often forming adventuring parties to explore ruins or dangerous areas. While loyal to their communities, they can be wary of outsiders, particularly those who threaten their traditions or homes.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Average to above average, with a natural aptitude for craftsmanship, engineering, and draconic lore.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Kobolds have acute low-light vision, adapted for subterranean life. They are highly sensitive to vibrations and sounds in their environment, allowing them to detect movement or danger nearby. Their heightened senses make them excellent navigators of complex underground networks.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Kobold names often include sharp, hissing sounds, reflecting their draconic heritage. Common names include Vrix, Zarrek, Krivixis, and Sissira. Surnames are rare, but titles like Flamewhisper or Burrowclaw are used to signify achievements or lineage.
Beauty Ideals
Kobolds admire traits that emphasize draconic resemblance, such as vibrant or metallic scales, symmetrical horns, and agile physiques. Unique patterns or particularly luminous scales are considered signs of greatness.
Gender Ideals
Kobold society values practical skill and contribution over gender roles. Both males and females are equally likely to lead or perform any task, from crafting to adventuring.
Courtship Ideals
Kobold courtship is practical and collaborative, often involving the exchange of crafted items or the sharing of knowledge. A kobold seeking a mate might present a relic or artifact they’ve uncovered, symbolizing their resourcefulness and dedication.
Relationship Ideals
Kobolds value loyalty and mutual support in their relationships, viewing partnership as a means to strengthen their community. Family units are tight-knit, and children are raised communally to foster collaboration and shared responsibility.
Common Etiquette Rules
Respecting draconic heritage is paramount; speaking ill of dragons or their legacy is a grave insult. Kobolds greet one another with a subtle bow or by showing their empty hands as a gesture of trust.
Common Dress Code
Kobolds favor simple yet functional clothing, often made from natural materials like leather or woven plant fibers. Those with access to draconic relics might wear small adornments such as claw-shaped pendants or scale-like patterns.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Their culture revolves around draconic reverence, craftsmanship, and exploration. Kobolds see themselves as the custodians of draconic knowledge, preserving it through scriptures, relics, and oral tradition.
- Drake’s Day: A celebration of their draconic heritage, marked by storytelling and the crafting of dragon-shaped effigies.
- Relic Quests: Rituals where young Kobolds venture into the world to uncover draconic artifacts, earning their place within the community.
- Burrow Blessings: Ceremonies to ensure the safety and prosperity of their homes, led by Kobold shamans.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Hatchling’s Dawn
Date:
Overview: Hatchling’s Dawn is a cherished holiday celebrated by the kobold communities in Drakzrik’s Hollow and across Astrium. This day marks the beginning of a new cycle of life, commemorating the hatching of young kobolds and honoring the unity and strength of kobold clans. It is both a day of joy and renewal, where kobolds celebrate family bonds, their ancestral ties to dragons, and the vitality of their growing community.
Traditions:
Hatchling Parade:
In the morning, kobolds gather in the central square to witness the Hatchling Parade, where the newly hatched kobolds of the year are carried through the streets in elaborate cradles made from woven vines, stones, and dragon scales. Each family proudly displays their young, while the elders bestow blessings of strength, cunning, and long life upon the hatchlings. The parade is filled with music, dancing, and playful antics as kobold children follow along, mimicking the baby dragons they revere.
Rite of Scales:
One of the most important events during Hatchling’s Dawn is the Rite of Scales, a symbolic ceremony where young kobolds are painted with vibrant colors representing their ancestral dragon bloodlines. Reds, greens, blues, and blacks are the most common, with each color symbolizing different virtues: courage, wisdom, adaptability, and strength. During the ceremony, elders recount ancient stories of dragon ancestors and the importance of protecting the community.
Egg Hunt of the Ancients:
A festival game enjoyed by kobolds of all ages is the Egg Hunt of the Ancients. Small, decorative eggs are hidden throughout the village and surrounding wilderness, each containing tiny treasures or tokens of good luck. The eggs are said to represent the mythical dragon eggs of old, believed to be the source of kobold ancestry. Whoever finds the most eggs is honored with the title of “Eggwarden” for the year, a role of great respect and responsibility in kobold society.
Firelight Vigil:
As the sun sets, the Firelight Vigil begins, where the kobold community gathers around great bonfires, symbolic of the nurturing warmth needed for eggs to hatch. The older generations share stories of their hatching day and the great deeds of kobold heroes who’ve protected their people throughout history. This quiet, reflective part of the holiday is dedicated to honoring the past while looking toward the future, and it reinforces the bonds that hold the community together.
Draconic Feast:
The day concludes with a grand Draconic Feast held beneath the stars, where kobolds share a communal meal. The food is cooked over large fires, and the dishes often feature roasted meat, hearty vegetables, and dishes that reflect the region’s resources. Each family contributes to the feast, with special emphasis on dishes that are meant to symbolize dragon-like qualities—strong, hearty, and full of spice. During the feast, kobolds sing songs of old draconic legends and dance in honor of the hatchlings who will one day defend their people.
Significance: Hatchling’s Dawn is a celebration of new beginnings, growth, and the enduring strength of kobold society. It reminds the kobolds of their connection to dragons and their shared duty to protect and nurture future generations. It’s a time for joy, storytelling, and the renewal of hope, ensuring that every hatchling knows they are part of a greater legacy. The festival strengthens family bonds, reinforces community ties, and passes down the traditions and values that have kept the kobolds resilient in the face of adversity.
Common Taboos
- Destroying or defacing draconic relics.
- Betraying or endangering the community.
History
The kobolds have been found in many places in Astrium, always where adventure could be found. Originally servants of the dragons who were leaders of Astrium during the age of Dragons, they struggled to find their purpose in the many centuries following. They found a lot of purpose finding glory during the pandora war. However it left the kobolds decimated, they regrouped their numbers in the Xublouze archipelago and the Savage grove, 2 places where they were nimble enoough to avoid danger and regroup.
Their numbers exploded with the return of the prsimatic parliament in the early 800's which lead to more and more kobold adventuring parties going in search of ancient draconic relics all over the world.
The Kobold have been marshalling for their return to "power" by becoming a member of the Astrium Council; to act as a advocating method for the old draconic ways they have definently kept through their tomes and scriptures. They have even made a settlement within the within the savage grove known as
Drakarroth."
"Drak" evokes their deep connection to dragons and their ancient servitude.
"Rarroth" combines a sense of resurgence and strength, symbolizing their rallying efforts to reclaim their place in Astrium.
Drakarroth reflects both their reverence for their draconic heritage and their determination to rise once more, emphasizing their readiness to advocate for the old ways through the Astrium Council.
, nestled deep within the labyrinthine forest of the Savage Grove. Known for its intricate network of tunnels and burrows beneath the roots of ancient, towering trees, the settlement is both a fortress and a sanctuary for its inhabitants in the Grove after the chaos of the Pandora War, helping them carve out a thriving, secretive home amidst the dangerous wilds.
Common Myths and Legends
- The First Flamekeeper: A Kobold blessed by a dragon god to carry eternal fire, symbolizing their bond with dragons.
- The Buried Wyrm: A mythical dragon believed to slumber beneath the Savage Grove, guarding untold treasures.
- The Wingless Ascendant: A tale of a Kobold who, despite their small size and lack of wings, ascended to draconic greatness through wit and courage.
Scientific Name
Homo Draconis Subterraneus
Lifespan
120 years
Average Height
2'6" - 3'4"
Average Weight
20-35 pounds
Average Physique
Small and wiry, with agility and speed compensating for their lack of physical strength.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Most kobolds have rust-colored scales, but others exhibit colors matching chromatic or metallic dragons (e.g., red, gold, blue). Unique markings, like streaks or patches of lighter or darker hues, are often considered signs of draconic favor.
Geographic Distribution
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