Kobold
Kobolds are diminutive, reptilian humanoids found on (and under) the continent of Crestfall, primarily around the region of Scar Valley. While sapient and often quite intelligent, most kobolds prefer not to remain unseen by the other races, forming secluded communities in sewers, scrapyards, and long-abandoned ruins.
While kobolds are largely unsociable and shy away from most other species, the exception to this rule appears to be dragons; for reasons not fully understood, kobolds appear to be unnaturally drawn towards these creatures, making them an easy source of minions for a draconic despot as well as suicidally loyal cannon fodder to throw against any would-be adventurers seeking to overthrow them.
Appearance
Kobolds are small creatures, rarely growing beyond 3 feet in height, with reptilian snouts and long, whiplike tails. They are covered in a fine coat of pebble-like scales, with common colorations including brown, burgundy, or dark grey, though other colors are possible. Due to a rare genetic mutation, some kobolds are born with fully functioning wings, not unlike those of the dragons they venerate. Whether this sheds light on the Kobold's relationship to dragonkind is unclear.Traits and Abilities
While often physically weak, kobolds compensate for their frailty with cunning, resourcefulness and coordination. Avid scavengers and tinkerers, kobold communities often fortify their homes with a myriad of traps crafted from resources and materials "borrowed" from nearby settlements. Perhaps due to their dracionic influences, some kobolds are born with unique abilities as well, such as the aforementioned wings, an ear-splitting roar which can momentarily disorient potential attackers, and even limited access to sorcerous magic.History
It is unclear exactly when and where kobolds first emerged on Teranuz; historical records of their existence can be found tracing back as far as the time of the Millennium War, although it is entirely possible that the kobolds have existed for much longer. Trying to fit the kobold race into the Teranuzian timeline has caused many a historian or anthropologist to throw their hands up in frustration at the apparent revelation that the kobolds "just showed up one day". What historical evidence does exist regarding kobolds seems to primarily refer to their proximity and servitute to the dragons; indeed, it would appear that nearly all kobolds are possessed with an inexplicable, inescapable gravity which causes them to congregate in large numbers to devote themselves to the nearest dragon which appears in their territory. More often than not, this level of devotion and servitude comes at the cost of the kobolds' own sense of self-preservation, as many indentured kobolds would sooner fight to the death against an adventuring party than allow a dragon or its hoard to go unprotected. The dragon, for its part, seems to be under no obligation to make this relationship symbiotic in any way; while some kinder dragons may reward their kobold servants for their bravery and loyalty, others are just as likely to send them to their deaths while offering nothing in return. The blind servitute of the kobolds to dragons has sparked a number of theories, some more credible than others. Some arcanists theorize that the dragons themselves magically created the kobold race out of ordinary lizards, shaping their minds with an inbuilt desire to serve their dragon creators unquestioningly. Others believe that the kobolds may have been affected by a wide-scale disease or parasite which inhibits their fear response towards potential predators, causing them to subconsciously view a dragon as an ally rather than a threat. When there are no dragons nearby, kobold communities are often quite sociable and cooperative in nature, at least towards their own kind. In the absence of an oppressive overlord, a small kobold pack may quickly give rise to a thriving, self-sufficient community, where young are raised in communal hatcheries and the elders are cared for and venerated in positions of leadership. Kobold behaviour has fascinated a number of Crestfallen anthropologists who wish to glean a more intimate look at the intricate workings of the kobold social structure. Unfortunately, kobolds are typically unwilling to divulge their secrets to outsiders.
Lifespan
120 years (in theory)
Average Height
2-3 feet
Average Weight
25-35 lbs.
Geographic Distribution
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