Kobold (Male)

Type

Humanoid

Base HD

1

Terror

-2

Height (cm)

90 (M), 200 (F)

Kobolds are small creatures about the height of a Mannish table which resemble upright lizards. They are renowned for their iridescent scales and their ability to see in complete darkness. Their ability to see in total darkness makes them exceptionally well adapted to night hunting, deep forests, and caves especially, where few other creatures save dwarves can thrive. Kobolds are little stronger than goblins, but they are somewhat more intelligent, and their ability to function in absolute darkness makes them able to thrive in locations and environments where most others struggle, unlike goblins.

Most kobolds anyone has seen are male and there is a persistent myth that there are no female kobolds; however in reality female kobolds are so much larger than male kobolds and look so different, and are so rarely seen outside of actual kobold settlements, that they are often mistaken as some form of evolved kobold, as a hobgoblin is to a goblin. Because once a female kobold matures she essentially roots herself into earth and is very difficult to uproot, kobolds have developed famously labyrinthine tunnel systems and fortifications. Male kobolds hatch almost at full size and become active within weeks but a female kobold requires many years to reach maturity. When a colony wishes to expand or migrate, they usually bring along a large number immature females to the intended site and either move ahead of or without the rooted matriarchs.

Small numbers of kobolds can often integrate into larger communities of other races such as towns and cities. Their small size, great stealth, and ability to see in the dark makes them ideal hunters and patrolmen and their small size and low weight also makes it easier for them to do certain jobs such as chimney sweeping or scaffolding. Of course, their feebleness compared to Men or even Elves and Dwarves means they cannot be relied upon to do all the work themselves. Kobolds also are often surprisingly well off, at least in settlements that do not heavily tax them and defend their property, because their scales that they shed periodically are both beautiful and waterproof, and are desired by artisans, especially tailors.

Kobolds are also well known as bandits and toll collectors in certain regions. Mountain passes and heavily forested regions both are ideal for kobold encampments where their small size and relative weakness in combat can be offset by long preparation, traps, and fortifications, and their ability to see in the dark allows them to find, menace, and shadow those who would try to find alternative routes without paying the toll. Their exceptional ability to scout without being seen also allows them to melt away under cover of dark if faced with an approaching military expedition.