Kobold

Kobolds are one of the many species listed under the umbrella term of Dragonkin. Their features, personalities and connection to Dragons place them firmly within this category alongside Dragonborn and various others. They are industrious, aggressive and highly territorial creatures who dwell primarily underground, most commonly in and around the lairs of Dragons.

Physical Description

A kobold was a reptilian humanoid, standing between 2 and 2.5 feet (60–75 centimeters) tall, weighing 35 to 45 pounds (16–20 kilograms), with scaled skin between reddish brown and black in color and burnt orange to red eyes. Their legs were sinewy and digitigrade. They had long, clawed fingers and a jaw like a crocodile. Small white or tan horns protruded from their head, and they had rat-like tails. They would often smell of wet dog and stagnant water. Kobolds liked to wear red or orange garments, which were usually ragged. It is very rare, but not unheard of for a Kobold to be given wings by its Dragon master.

Personality

Kobolds were resentful of their short stature and hated members of other races who poked fun at them for this. Most felt as though they ought to compensate for their small size in other ways, such as humor or aggression. They would naturally tend to hate larger creatures, and although they would show respect and obedience if required, they always looked for ways to display their resentment. Although it is well-documented that Kobolds who have left their place of birth and lived among other races would develop personalities outside of the norm for their race.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Although most kobold tribes are small enough to escape the prying eyes of the unwelcome bigfolk, there are several that are large enough to warrant discussion. Most Kobolds found within polite society hail from one of these tribes, as the overcrowding of their dwellings encourages kobolds to leave in search of a new home or a way to increase their own standing within the tribe, therefore giving them better living conditions within it.

Vihse Tribe

Hailing from the Dragonspine Mountains that separate the Kingdom of Albion from the Drakon Empire, the kobolds of the Vihse Tribe are very similar to the rest of their kin throughout Lynaria. Most Kobolds found within Albion and Drakon that interact with commonfolk are from this tribe, as it is very numerous and the caves it inhabits are quite overpopulated.
Vihse kobolds are well-known for their deceptive nature and fiery attitudes. It is far more common for adventurers to happen upon a Vihse cave and immediately be greeted by a Kobold guarding the entrance. This greeting, however, can take either the shape of a stern warning to go the other way or a gracious ushering into the hidden jaws of a claw trap.

Toggo Tribe

The Toggo Tribe is native to the eastern reaches of Sakeron, dwelling in the caves below the vast swamps and jungles of Autoxia. The kobolds of this tribe are known to be even sneakier and more deceptive than the rest of the kobold race. Having developed a strong resistance to poisons, they commonly use these very same poisons in their traps and weapons. 
Many former members of the Toggo Tribe make their way northwest to the forest of Tylenna and live amongst the wood elves, or south to the island of Inarius and become servants or apprentices to the sorcerers of that distant elven kingdom. Considering the cut-throat nature of Inarian politics, many Toggo kobolds fit in just perfectly amongst them.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Kobolds lived in the dark, ideally underground or thick forest, in tribal societies. Their lairs were often overcrowded, although when one tribe became too numerous, it split into numerous smaller ones. The overcrowding eliminated the concept of privacy, so kobolds slept in communal areas where nudity was not regarded as shameful or offensive, even to the opposite sex. Kobolds wore clothing for function or ritual, but not to prevent nudity. The common overcrowding often led to conflict, and two kobolds would fight to settle their differences, although these fights were not usually lethal. This led to a lack of deep-rooted divisions or grievances in kobold society. They were respectful of authority figures, and would obey diligently, particularly when their ruler was of lawful evil alignment.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Kobolds had natural tendencies towards sorcery. They could live up to 135 years, and dragonwrought kobolds even longer. Kobolds were similar to dragons, but while dragons had warm blood, kobolds were cold-blooded. Due to this, they were susceptible to cold, especially if it was brought on quickly. They enjoyed swimming and would gather to bathe together, especially after shedding. Kobolds would take a lot of care maintaining their claws and teeth, using smooth stones to polish claws and chewing roots to clean teeth.

History

It is widely believed that Kobolds are another creation of Dragons, just as Dragonborn are believed to be. Although there is no evidence to support this hypothesis, it is the strongest one by far, as Kobolds have no written tradition. The idea came about as a logical conclusion as to why Kobolds serve and worship Dragons across the whole of Lynaria, and it would not be too far-fetched to reason that the Kobolds were created by Dragons to be used as servants and protectors of their lairs.

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

2 - 3 feet tall

Average Weight

30 pounds