Kobolds are small, reptilian humanoids that are often found in dungeons and underground realms. They are related to dragons and have a strong sense of loyalty to their kin and their masters. Kobolds are cunning and resourceful, using traps, ambushes, and teamwork to overcome their enemies. Kobolds have a variety of subraces, such as the winged urds, the aquatic water kobolds, and the arctic snow kobolds. Kobolds worship a god named Kurtulmak, who was trapped underground by a gnome deity. Kobolds hate gnomes and often raid their settlements. Kobolds speak Common and Draconic, and have a culture that values mining, hoarding, and trap-making. Kobolds are usually lawful evil in alignment, but some may deviate from this norm.
Kobold Scale Colors and Draconic Affinities
Kobolds are small, reptilian humanoids that have a strong affinity for dragons. They often have scales that match the color of a chromatic dragon, such as red, blue, green, black, or white. Kobolds believe that they are the descendants of true dragons and revere them as gods. They usually try to find a chromatic dragon to serve and worship, hoping to gain its favor and protection. Kobolds are loyal and obedient to their draconic masters, even if they are treated harshly or cruelly. Kobolds also emulate the behavior and abilities of their chosen dragon, such as using traps, magic, or breath weapons that match its element.
However, not all kobolds are devoted to chromatic dragons. Some kobolds have scales that resemble metallic or other types of dragons, such as esoteric, imperial, planar, or primal dragons. These kobolds are rare and often considered outcasts or heretics by their chromatic kin. They may seek out different dragons to ally with, or forge their own path in the world. Some kobolds may even reject the worship of dragons altogether and follow their own ideals.
- Red-scaled kobolds: They serve and worship red dragons, the most powerful and fearsome of the chromatic dragons. They are aggressive, cunning, and proud, and often use fire traps or spells to emulate their masters’ fiery breath .
- Blue-scaled kobolds: They serve and worship blue dragons, the most intelligent and scheming of the chromatic dragons. They are curious, inventive, and manipulative, and often use lightning traps or spells to emulate their masters’ electric breath .
- Green-scaled kobolds: They serve and worship green dragons, the most deceitful and treacherous of the chromatic dragons. They are sneaky, cowardly, and greedy, and often use poison traps or spells to emulate their masters’ venomous breath .
- Black-scaled kobolds: They serve and worship black dragons, the most cruel and sadistic of the chromatic dragons. They are vicious, ruthless, and savage, and often use acid traps or spells to emulate their masters’ corrosive breath .
- White-scaled kobolds: They serve and worship white dragons, the most primal and feral of the chromatic dragons. They are simple, loyal, and hardy, and often use cold traps or spells to emulate their masters’ icy breath.
The Structure and Organization of a Kobold Tribe
Kobolds are small, reptilian humanoids that have a strong affinity for dragons. They often live in tribes that serve and worship a chromatic dragon, such as a red, blue, green, black, or white dragon. Kobold tribes have a complex and hierarchical structure that reflects their draconic culture and values. In this section, we will explore the different types of kobolds that make up a tribe, their roles and functions, and their relationships with each other and with their patron dragon. We will use an example of a kobold tribe of 500 members to illustrate the typical composition and organization of a kobold tribe.
- Kobold Warriors: These are the most common and basic kobolds, who fight with spears, slings, or daggers. They are weak individually, but rely on their numbers and traps to overwhelm their enemies. There are about 300 kobold warriors in the tribe, divided into 10 bands of 30 each. Each band has a leader and two bodyguards, who have slightly better armor and weapons than the rest. The leaders report to the chief of the tribe.
- Kobold Dragonshields: These are elite kobolds who have scales that match the color of their patron dragon. They are more skilled and brave than regular kobolds, and often wield shields and swords. They also have some resistance to the element of their dragon, such as fire for red dragonshields or acid for black dragonshields. There are about 50 kobold dragonshields in the tribe, who serve as the personal guard of the chief and the shaman. They also lead the most dangerous missions and raids for the tribe.
- Kobold Inventors: These are clever kobolds who use their ingenuity and scavenging skills to create various devices and contraptions. They often use alchemical substances, explosives, or mechanical traps to surprise and harm their foes. They also tinker with weapons and armor to improve them or add new features. There are about 25 kobold inventors in the tribe, who work in a workshop near the lair entrance. They are responsible for maintaining and upgrading the traps and defenses of the lair, as well as supplying the tribe with useful gadgets and tools.
- Kobold Scale Sorcerers: These are rare kobolds who have innate magical abilities that stem from their draconic heritage. They can cast spells that match the element of their patron dragon, such as fire bolt for red scale sorcerers or ray of frost for white scale sorcerers. They also have some minor draconic features, such as horns, wings, or tails. There are about 10 kobold scale sorcerers in the tribe, who act as advisors and emissaries for the chief and the shaman. They also help with rituals and ceremonies that honor their dragon god.
- Winged Kobolds: These are kobolds who have developed functional wings that allow them to fly. They are faster and more agile than regular kobolds, but also more frail and cowardly. They often use their flight to scout, harass, or flee from their enemies. They also prefer to use ranged weapons, such as javelins or darts. There are about 15 winged kobolds in the tribe, who act as messengers and scouts for the tribe. They also help with hunting and gathering food from above ground.
- Chief: The chief is the leader of the tribe, who commands respect and fear from his followers. He is usually the strongest, smartest, or most charismatic kobold in the tribe, or a combination of these traits. He is responsible for making decisions for the tribe, such as where to settle, when to raid, or how to deal with other creatures. He also has a close relationship with the patron dragon of the tribe, who may grant him favors or gifts in exchange for his loyalty and service. The chief is a kobold dragonshield who has a +1 longsword and a +1 shield that bear the symbol of his dragon god. He also wears a crown made of bones and scales that marks his authority.
- Shaman: The shaman is the spiritual leader of the tribe, who communicates with their dragon god and performs rituals and sacrifices in its name. He is usually the most devout and knowledgeable kobold in the tribe, who has studied the lore and secrets of dragons. He is responsible for maintaining the faith and morale of the tribe, as well as providing healing and guidance when needed. He also has some magical abilities that he uses to aid his allies or harm his enemies. The shaman is a kobold scale sorcerer who has a staff of healing and a cloak of protection that signify his role. He also wears a mask made of feathers and claws that hides his face.
- Females: The females are the mates of the males in the tribe, who produce offspring and care for them until they are old enough to join the ranks of the tribe. They are usually weaker and more submissive than the males, but also more cunning and resourceful. They often use their charms or wits to manipulate or influence their mates or rivals. They also help with domestic tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or crafting. There are about 250 females in the tribe, who live in separate chambers from the males. Each female has one or more mates, depending on her status and preference.
- Young: The young are the offspring of the females in the tribe, who are raised by their mothers until they reach maturity at around 6 years old. They are curious and playful, but also mischievous and reckless. They often cause trouble or get into fights with each other or with other creatures. They also learn the skills and traditions of their tribe, such as how to fight, how to trap, or how to worship their dragon god. There are about 50 young in the tribe, who roam around the lair under the supervision of their mothers or older siblings. Each young has a name that reflects their personality or appearance, such as Snip, Spark, or Flap.
- Eggs: The eggs are the unborn offspring of the females in the tribe, who are laid in clutches of 2-12 eggs each. They are kept in a special chamber near the center of the lair, where they are guarded and tended by the shaman and his assistants. They are incubated for about 2 months before they hatch into baby kobolds. They are considered sacred and precious by the tribe, who believe that they contain the essence of their dragon god. There are about 150 eggs in the tribe, which are marked with symbols or colors that indicate their parents and potential traits.