The Kobolds of PÈRYL

Often called "the wise ones," gnomes are a mutant off-shoot of dwarves. When a dwarf child starts to show signs of being magically inclined, or indeed, gender-atypical behaviour, they are tested and those found lacking—according to the patriarchal views of the dwarven cultures—are sent to live on the outskirts of dwarven settlements in the community of their gnomes. From that point on, special diet, training, education, and life causes the psycho-physiological changes that render a dwarf into a gnome.
Taken from ones family and exiled to a maligned and disrespected outcast society is traumatizing. Many dwarf families fear their children might be taken from them. Many dwarven children fear that they will be found out to be gnomes.
Some who are prone to histrionics, violence, madness, rage, or other such antisocial qualities, are ultimately cast out of the gnome communities. Some leave willingly. Those that chose to leave or are forced out are prone to complete withdrawal. The ones who survive, flourishing in exile, retreat to secret places, caves, ancient dungeons and ruins, mountain aeries and they become kobolds.
In the dwarven languages, the term used for these kobolds, could be translated as "cavern gnomes," or "mad gnomes," or simply "the wild ones." Feared and reviled, the kobolds of PÈRYL often hate and revile their communities of origin. Some seek out conflict and perform tricks and vicious pranks if they come across their fellows. When odd things happen in dwarven communities, mines, they are said to be haunted by kobolds.
In Dhaoshee, the Solvyod region is famous for kobolds who have gone mad in the volcanic mists and have yet obtained great preternatural powers. Occasionally, unwary, over-ambitious seekers will attempt to find and train with these madmen. Rarely is this successful.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Kobolds, likely because of their exceedingly marginalized lives, tend to look gaunt, sunken eyes surrounded by dark circles. Their hair often falls out and they take on a feral look and posture. Like gnomes they are thinner than dwarves and narrower in body type.

Genetics and Reproduction

As stated above, it is believed that whatever physiological change occurs that makes them who they are, kobolds are believed to be sterile.
As for their absolute numbers: they are exceedingly rare. And many kobolds do not live long in their exile.

Ecology and Habitats

One of the designations for kobolds, is "cavern gnome," because kobolds often make their homes in abandoned mines or caves.

Behaviour

Kobolds are prone to madness which manifests in myriad ways. Depression, rage, violence, hallucinations—given the strength and potency of their innate magical ability it is quite possible that what they are hallucinating is quite real, but only perceptible to them—mania, and obsessiveness.
Kobolds tend to retreat from others who encroach upon their territory, but sometimes watch secreted and pull pranks upon the unwary. What constitutes a prank may vary from stupid stunts, minor thievery, or outright dangerous bodily harm.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Kobolds are potent in their magical aptitudes with or without training. Those who pursue magic in their exile can be expected to become quite adept with abilities far exceeding most of their gnome peers. However, some choose to shut themselves off from magic as they do the rest of the world and live hidden mundane lives.

Scientific Name

Daktloi xelloi

Origin/Ancestry

Although kobolds are born of dwarven stock, it is not believed that they could produce viable offspring. It is thought that in addition to being atypical in everyway, their madness manifests in sterility.

Conservation Status

In dwarven circles, it would be ideal if kobolds did not exist. In common parlance with non-dwarves, the subject is exceedingly taboo. Parents of children who have become kobolds consider their child to have never existed at all and are not mentioned.

Related Ethnicities

• Svor