Kobolds are a species of reptilian, draconic humanoid that serve as religious devotees to evil dragons in Dungeons & Dragons. The species is known for their physical fragility, which incentives them to find strength in their numbers, forming hunting packs. Outside of dragon's lairs, Kobolds primally live in dungeons, their own lairs consisting of intricate tunnel networks as well as a high amount of traps.[1]
Kobolds and Dragons[]
In general, kobolds believe they were created by Tiamat via the blood of dragons. Kobolds fanatically revere chromatic dragons, treating their dragon masters as divinity. This worship isn't lip-service with a selfish motive behind them either, with kobolds genuinely being in awe of their dragon masters and willing to do anything with them even if it comes with major risks. Although they do not worship Tiamat directly, they do know Tiamat is the queen of chromatic dragons and master of their patron deity, Kurtulmak.[2]
Origin[]
According to kobolds on Greyhawk, the first kobold, Kurtulmak, was created by a ritual from the Green Dragon Caseinsjach after the dragon god Io taught his creations the secrets of creation. Kurtulmak was a renowned crafter, miner, and leader who worked for his creator with high devotion before making his own mine that was exceptional for having been created by the kobolds. This does not please the gnomish deity Garl Glittergold, whose creations could not compare in discipline and efficiency as the kobolds, so he destroyed the mine and crushed all kobolds in it. This was met with contempt by his fellow deities, yet no one deity stepped up to undo the damage he caused until Io decided to do something. Seeing the kobolds had no deity of their own, Io searched the bodies of crushed kobolds and found Kurtulmak's. He then gave the kobold the choice of either being given the strength to rebuild the mine or become a champion of his race at the cost of his mine being permanently lost. Selflessly, Kurtulmak chose the latter option.[3]
According to the kobolds on Ebberon, kobolds were created by the drops of blood that were shed during the first battle between the creator dragon gods Eberron, Siberys, and Khyber.[3]
Occupations[]
In kobold communities that serve a dragon, a kobold may take a occupational role in assisting the dragon. Kobold Dragonshields are kobolds blessed by their dragon master and are given innate powers they use to protect their master's eggs. Dragonshields serve as the champions of the kobold race, although once every few years, a kobolg can be born with the innate powers of the dragonshield. Unlike other kobolds, dragonshields are notably courageous, being desperate to meet the appeal of their dragon master which they tend to not think they deserve. Kobold Scale Sorcerers are kobolds trained in arcane magic. In communties that serve dragons, scale sorcerers serve as the diplomats and mouthpieces of the dragon as well as leaders of the other koblods. Knowing if things go awry they'd likely be the first to die, scale sorcerers hold a mix of reverence and fear for their dragon masters.[2]
Powers and Abilities[]
Typical kobolds don't possess any supernatural powers, although a few kobolds do adorn wings. A kobold dragonshield gains resistance to the damage type of the color of the dragon it invested its power into. It also has a resistance to fear and paralysis magic which serves as a passive aura that all kobolds in its vicinity can gain the benefits of. Kobold scale sorcerers are adept in arcane magic, knowing the skill of sorcery. A typical scale sorcerer knows elemental, charm and conjuration magic as well as magic that can enhance their speed. They also possess sorcery that allows them to modify their magic to become more powerful or be able to cast the magic without verbal or somatic components.[2]
Creative Origins[]
Kobolds are based on the spirits from Germanic folklore of the same name. In folklore, kobolds are household earth spirits that reside and are attached to various human-made places, providing services to their human masters but also can be tricksters. If a kobold does their service well, they are given gruel by their master, however if they are given a red coat, they will take the reward and disappear forever. Kobolds in folklore are related to goblins and gnomes.[4]
References[]
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Jemery Crawford, Christopher Perkins (2014) Monster Manual 5th Edition Wizards of the Coast pp.196
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mike Mearls (2016) Volo's Guide to Monsters Wizards of the Coast pp.63-70, 165-167
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Gwendoyln F.M. Krestel, Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, Kolja Raven Liquette (2006) Races of the Dragon Wizards of the Coast pg.39-40, 50-51, 54
- ↑ Claude Lecouteux (2016) Encylcopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic Inner Traditions pp.165
External Links[]
- Kobold (Dungeons & Dragons) on Wikipedia
- Kobold on Forgotten Realms Wiki