Kobolds

Kobolds are a race of small reptilians that call the underground cave network beneath Imera and Vraelia known as "The Dark Hollows" home. While not particularly strong, and only possessing average intelligence compared to most other races, the Kobolds have an insatiable curiosity that drives them to explore the world beyond their caves, and a powerful sense of community that allows them to overcome anything through cooperation. While many would underestimate them, believing them to be weak and simpleminded creatures, the Kobolds have regardless proven themselves to be a resilient people, having become one of the most powerful forces in Taeva's underground.

Basic Information

Anatomy

All Kobolds have a slim humanoid build, with a mix of scales and fur covering their bodies. Their legs are digitigrade, with three talons on each foot. They also have two arms, with three clawed fingers and a thumb on each hand. The head of a Kobold is lizard-like, with two yellow, blue, or green eyes with slit pupils, a snout, and fanged teeth, as well as horns of various shapes, though unlike reptiles, Kobolds also have long knife-shaped ears most would compare to a rodent or dog. Finally, Kobolds have a short, semi-prehensile 1.5 foot long tail.

Biological Traits

Male Kobolds have slightly larger horns, and females have wider hips. Additionally, Kobolds living in environments other than underground caves tend to take on traits better suited to their environment (thicker fur for Snow Kobolds, less fur and rougher scales for Desert Kobolds, more amphibious traits on Sea Kobolds, etc.).

Additionally,

Genetics and Reproduction

Kobolds are an egg-laying species, as is typical for reptilians. It typically takes about 3-6 weeks for a Kobold egg to develop, and another 6 months for the egg to hatch.

Growth Rate & Stages

Infant: 0-2
Child: 3-11
Adolescence: 12-17
Young adult: 18-25
Adulthood: 26-49
Elder: 50+

Ecology and Habitats

Kobolds prefer to live in caves, rocky environments, or anywhere they can dig underground.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Kobolds eat meat and some plants, mostly fungi.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

All Kobolds have reptilian faces, though the females are slightly more "streamlined", with fewer rough edges. Additionally, Kobolds have horns, though males have slightly longer and thicker horns. Additionally, Kobolds also have long (sometimes droopy) knife-shaped ears most would compare to a rodent.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

While Kobolds prefer to live underground or in caves, there are some that live in or near the forests, coastlines, and tundra of the surface world. Additionally, Kobolds have been observed settling in areas containing high levels of Draconic magic, often near the site of a Dragon lair.

Average Intelligence

Kobolds possess average intelligence, though their excitable nature and tendency to get distracted by treasure or other interesting items has led many to stereotype them as simpleminded.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Kobolds, due to living underground most of their lives, can see better in darkness than other races.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Kobold names are short, usually no longer than two syllables, and can vary between harsh and melodic. When dealing with other races, a Kobold might refer to themselves by a nickname, usually given by friends, and tied to either a personality trait or physical characteristic.

Male: Gelk, Aalu, Kashak, Varn, Zutzen, Eks, Rheak, Nan, Dask, Utzi

Female: Ett, Mohlu, Garu, Ohsoss, Sik, Zigri, Ase, Hahri, Daho, Tadka

Nicknames: "Red", "Wanderer", "Ember", "Melody", "Tome", "Scribe", "White Claw", "Climber", "Cobalt", "Bow"

Beauty Ideals

Kobolds consider craftiness, a strong work ethic, a cooperative spirit, and an ability to overcome obstacles to be attractive traits.

Gender Ideals

All Kobolds, regardless of gender, are expected to contribute to their community.

Courtship Ideals

Either gender can court the other. Courtship among Kobolds consists of presenting the most precious item from their personal collection to their prospective mate, and if their mate finds it satisfactory, they'll show theirs in turn. If both individuals are happy, there's a small ceremony where they exchange these items in their collection.

Relationship Ideals

Kobolds are generally monogamous. Additionally, in order to allow the more able-bodied parents to continue with their work of providing for the community, care of their children is often passed on to the grandparents for most of the children's lives.

Average Technological Level

Kobolds make very limited use of Magitech, usually whatever they can salvage from the surface. All Kobolds have access to mining and stone cutting tools, and lighting is accomplished through the use of glowing crystals or fungi.

Common Etiquette Rules

If another Kobold claims an item before you, it's proper etiquette to respect their claim and let them take the item. Additionally, when a Kobold does a favour for someone, it's considered respectful to repay them with a favour in kind.

Common Dress Code

Kobold clothing is very simple, but sturdy, designed for a balance of durability and ease of movement.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Due to the adversity they faced in the early days of their race, the Kobolds realised that banding together would greatly increase the odds of their survival. This has resulted in Kobold society being extremely communal, with every Kobold caring and providing for their fellow community members, as well as other communities outside of their own. In fact, this communal spirit is so strong that the idea of a Kobold wilfully doing anything harmful to their community, or even a single other Kobold, is inconceivable. This communal spirit also carries over into their work ethic, with Kobolds excelling at team-based tasks.

Another facet of Kobold culture is their collections. Perhaps as a result of their connection to dragons, Kobolds feel compelled to collect items that they find fascinating to add to their collection, which can be likened to a small hoard, and can sometimes be used as an indicator of the personality of the Kobold it belongs to. These items vary between individual Kobolds, and can range from precious stones, to small artifacts, to a kitchen utensil that they've taken a liking to. These personal collections are considered to be especially precious to the Kobolds, and stealing even a single item from them is considered a terrible crime.

History

Children of Gairralyl

According to legend, the Kobolds descended from the ancient Dragon Gairralyl, formed from her scales after they'd been planted in the ground. Despite being smaller and weaker than their Drakai cousins, these original Kobolds and their descendants still proved capable of fending for themselves. Even long after their creators passing, the Kobolds would go on to spread throughout the Dark Hollows, becoming one of the most populous inhabitants of Taevas underground

Historical Figures

Gairralyl

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Due to their previous hostile interactions with them, Kobolds are understandably wary of the surface dwelling races. They've become more open to interacting with and working alongside outsiders in the time since, though they still largely prefer their own company.

Lifespan

110 years

Average Height

Male: 3'0" Female: 2'10"

Average Weight

Male: 15kg Female: 13kg

Average Physique

The average Kobold has a slight physique, though they can develop a lean build at most.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

All Kobolds have grey scales, though they can also occasionally have black or, more rarely, red scales. Depending on their environment, Kobolds can also have green(forest/swamp), blue (sea), white (snow), brown, or yellow (desert) scales. The fur of a Kobold is always of a complimentary colour.

Related Ethnicities

• Cave Kobolds
• City Kobolds
• Jungle Kobolds
• Snow Kobolds

Related Materials

• Glowing Cave Mushroom