Kobold

### Distinctions

Diminuative size paired with a distinctly reptilian appearance and a considerable durability and industriousness

**Kobolds** are diminuative draconic humanoids known for being particularly zealous and industrious. Though they vaguely resemble dragons, they do not descend from the worldbones or the dragonborn. Kobolds are noted for their proclivity for building traps and preparing ambushes, and often find themselves in subservient roles to stronger races or creatures.

## Physicality

### Anatomy and Physiology

Kobolds are small reptilian humanoids, standing between 2'0" and 2'6" (60cm - 75cm) tall and weighing between 35 and 45lbs (16 - 20kg). They have scaled skin varying in colours, though most commonly they are a reddish brown hue, and their eyes tend towards fiery colours: amber, orange, red, and yellow. Different colours, though unusual, are not unheard of. One notable aspect of their anatomy is their sinewy digitigrade legs, strengthening the energy storage and ligaments of the lower limbs, and improving the economy of running. Kobolds also exhibit other intriguing anatomical features: long clawed fingers, a crocodilian jaw, a murine tail, and a pair of small horns protruding from the crown of the head or above the temples.

Kobolds are highly fecund oviparous creatures with a gestation period of roughly two weeks, and an incubation period of two months. Kobolds prefer communal nests, and often work together to raise their young. Kobolds mature quickly, reaching sexual maturity after just two years and living approximately twenty years. A kobold hatchling can walk within a few hours of hatching.

Another interesting trait kobolds exhibit is skin shedding. In order to facilitate further growth, kobolds will shed their skin in portions over a period of time, as their skin does not grow as they do. For younger kobolds, this shedding can occur as frequently as weekly, while older kobolds usually shed once per season. This process is accelerated by rubbing.

Perhaps as a result of their preference for dwelling in underground warrens, kobolds not only possess darkvision, but have also developed a sensitivity to sunlight.

## Culture

### Language

Kobolds typically speak Common and Draconic, but they also have their own native language known as Yipyak, which is a derivative language of Draconic, spoken with a yipping accent. Yipyak is purely a verbal language, and very few creatures outside of kobold society can speak it.

### Society and Customs

Kobolds dwell in the dark, ideally underground, in tribal societies. Their lairs are typically overcrowded and devoid of privacy, with everything serving as communal. Often, this overcrowding leads to conflict, and two kobolds will fight to settle their differences. Grudges are a foreign concept to the kobolds.

Kobolds do, however, harbour a great dislike of large creatures, being particularly resentful of their short stature. In spite of this, kobolds tend to serve larger creatures that establish dominance over them quite fervently, though they find other ways to make their hatred known.

Another foreign concept is indecency. To kobolds, living in such publicity meant that nudity and the like are never regarded as offensive or inappropriate, even to the opposite sex. In consequence, clothing tends to be optional in kobold dwellings, with articles only being worn for rituals or functionality.

Kobolds do not mantain monogamous relationships, instead prioritising propogation and practicality. Love is not an emotion most kobolds feel, and courtship rituals tend towards a display of attractive and advantageous traits rather than appeals to emotional bonds.

Kobolds are renowned for their prowess in mining, their darkvision facilitating their proclivity for underground tunnels and warrens. They do, however, also have specialised labourers, as well as tinkerers, trap-setters, and even sorcerors. Kobold society is built upon a respect for authority figures and an understanding that in order for the tribe to flourish, everyone must contribute what they can. As such, kobolds have a notably good work ethic, and are particularly industrious and resourceful. They are also very well known for making extremely loyal, diligent, and obedient allies - or minions, depending on who you ask.

In a fight, kobolds will always try to overwhelm their enemy with sheer numbers, developing tactics that allow them to work together as a pack. They construct cunning plans, shared communally, and often prepare ambushes and traps to direct confrontation on even ground. If ever an advantage may present itself, a kobold will be swift in seizing it.