Kobold

Every kobold knows that their slight frame belies true, mighty draconic power. While often dismissed as cowardly, foolish, and weak, these little reptilian creatures actually have a strong social structure that stresses devotion to the tribe, are clever with their hands, and viciously work together in order to overcome their physical limitations. They are ingenious crafters and devoted allies within their warrens especially when they have the backing of a dragonborn or true dragon overlord. However, these reptilian opportunists prove happy to cooperate with other humanoids when it’s to their benefit, combining caution and cunning to make their fortunes and find validation from the wider world.
If you want a character with oversized confidence, clueless optimism, and deadly cunning, you should play a kobold.

History

Physical Description

Kobolds are short (about 3 feet tall) reptilian humanoids with slender bodies and long tails. They often boast distant draconic ancestry, and every kobold displays one or more draconic features, such as stout horns, razor-sharp teeth, or—more rarely—vestigial wings or draconic breath. They mature quickly, reaching adulthood by about 12 years and living to about 50.
The color of a kobold’s scales can vary widely. Most often, they mimic the hues of chromatic or metallic dragons, with a mix of slightly darker or lighter scales that create a mottled appearance. The scales of newly hatched kobolds often reflect the community’s draconic exemplar, whether that’s the dragon they currently serve or the dragon type from which they’re descended.

Personality

Culture

Despite their desire to live for the short reliefs, kobolds have an ingrained cautiousness that keeps them alive. They're secretive or subservient around powerful creatures to avoid becoming victims as seen with many adopting a place as dragonborn servants and laborers. This meekness fades once kobolds secure either a formidable patron (like a powerful dragonborn noble's direct command) or a potent source of supernatural power (like an artifact or sorcerous leader). They often achieve an unshakable fervor and loyalty to their new cause or leader. However, kobolds are infamous for sensing a proverbial sinking ship, and once their source of power fails or seems doomed, their morale breaks swiftly and mutiny might ensue.
Whether led by a dragonblooded or not, kobolds almost always identify themselves with a type of dragon that serves as their spiritual exemplar. Their societies regularly adopt laws and cultural norms inspired by the exemplar's personality.

Tiefling Milestones

Minor Milestones

• Complete a Delve quest within a Draconic landmark.
• Discover a Draconic landmark.
• Complete a Hunt quest who’s target drops rare or greater resources.
• Gain a Favor with the Dracthyr Empire.
• Despite internal and external fears, overcome a dangerous situation and stand triumphant.
• Slay a Giant of Tier 2 or higher.
• Attempt to use your distant Draconic heritage to get what you want.
• Establish roles within your adventuring party, mirroring those found within kobold society.
• Establish a Haven or Settlement under Dracthyr Empire control.
• Successfully set a trap for unsuspecting foes.

Major Milestones

• Discover a Tier 3 Draconic place of power.
• Complete a Hunt quest who’s target drops very rare or greater resources.
• Gain authority within the Dracthyr Empire.
• Slay a Giant of Tier 2 or higher.
• Gain an alliance or bond with a true dragon.

Zenith Milestone

• Reclaim the ancient Dracthyr capital of Draconia.
• End the vassalization or the kobold people through great resistance, ending in equality within the Dracthyr or rebellion.

Basic Information

Type
Humanoid

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

2-3 ft.

Average Weight

35-45 lbs.

Related Organizations

• Allegiant Kingdoms
• Grand Alliance

Scale Colors
Chromatic shades such as black, blue, green, red, white, and yellow
Eye Colors
Those of their scales but far brighter like those of draconic breaths
Distinctions
Draconic scales, short and unproportional build, lizard-like snout, tail

Being a Kobold...

You Likely...

• Strive to prove that you have a place among other civilized peoples, perhaps even to yourself.
• Analyze your surroundings, always looking for ambushes, advantageous terrain, and escape routes.
• Naturally observe, adopt, and respect group dynamics, whether as leader, subordinate, or equal.

Other Races Probably...

• Assume that you are cowardly and won’t stick around in the face of danger.
• Appreciate your ingenuity and resourcefulness, especially when it comes to building defenses.
• Think you’re crowding them and invading their personal space.