Kobolds

Kobolds a are disciplined, clever, and resourceful people, known for their ingenuity and tireless work ethic. Though small, kobolds display exceptional creativity and careful planning, building communities that blend seamlessly with their environment. They are skilled miners, builders, and alchemists; they pride themselves on creating carefully engineered buildings and items designed to withstand the test of time.

These dragonkin are proud of their draconic blood and view sorcery as a natural expression of their heritage. Their spellcasters favor practical magic— spells and alchemical formulas that aid labor, stealth, or communal defense. Kobolds cultivate magic as a crucial resource, using it to enhance productivity and protect their people.

They excel at disciplined teamwork. While individually limited in strength, kobolds working together are remarkably effective. Through precise coordination and careful division of labor, kobold teams routinely accomplish tasks that would overwhelm crews of other races. They place great faith in cooperation, believing that their collective strength secures their prosperity and survival.

Kobolds engage readily with other races as dependable artisans, laborers, and engineers. They are highly sought after for ambitious projects, including major mining ventures, large-scale construction, and infrastructure developments requiring organization and skill. Kobold artisans produce essential mundane goods— tools, weapons, and alchemical supplies— at impressive scale and consistent quality. Though often underestimated, kobolds leave their mark on the world through cleverness, determination, and collective strength.

Three main cultures of kobolds dwell in Khorvaire: Droaamish kobolds, Q'barran kobolds, and Seawall Mountains kobolds. (See "Kobold Cultures", below.)

Description

Physique. Kobolds stand between 3 and 4 feet tall and weigh on average 55 pounds. They are reptilian humanoids with wiry frames covered in scales of varying shades reminiscent of dragons. They possess sharp, reptilian facial features, slender tails, clawed hands, and keen, alert eyes adapted to dim environments. While physically slight, kobolds move with quickness and precision, their gestures and postures often revealing their cautious, observant nature. Their distinctive scaled hides, expressive tails, and methodical movements reflect a heritage deeply connected to dragonkind, hinting at their innate cunning, adaptability, and intelligence.

Age. Kobolds reach adulthood at age 11. They hit middle age around 75 and are considered old past age 110.

Size. A kobold is size Small. To set your height and weight randomly, start with rolling a size modifier:

Size modifier = 2d4
Height = 3& feet 1 inches + size modifier in inches
Weight = 45 lb + (1d4 lb × size modifier in pounds)

Suggested Names. Achuak, Aurix, Baeshra, Caesin, Charir, Durah, Earenk, Erekess, Garurt, Ghontix, Ghoros, Hesjing, Hurthi, Iejir, Irisv, Karif, Kethend, Korth, Kurik, Lauth, Leirith, Levethix, Loex, Loreat, Majak, Miirik, Ominak, Onureth, Ossalur, Pothoc, Rach, Rasvim, Rhyaex, Rhyvos, Sauriv, Sjach, Sjerit, Svent, Sverak, Terunt, Ulhar, Vaeri, Vignar, Vivex, Waere, Zara.

Racial Traits

Creature Type. As kobolds will insist to any creature that will listen— or who mistakes them— they are actually a kind of dragon. As it happens, they are correct. Your creature type is Dragon. Magical effects that target only humanoids do not affect you.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Draconic Cry. As a bonus action, you let out a cry at your enemies within 10 feet of you. Until the start of your next turn, you and your allies have advantage on attack rolls against any of those enemies who could hear you. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Craftiness. You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Arcana, Investigation, Medicine, Sleight of Hand, or Survival.

Draconic Sorcery. You know one cantrip of your choice from the sorcerer spell list. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for that cantrip (choose when you select this race).

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic.

Kobold Cultures

These are the best-known cultures of Eberron kobolds. You do not need to pick one of these. If you want your kobold to be from somewhere else where kobolds live some other kind of a way, that's fine. That said if you prefer to pick from predefined choices here are three.

Q'Barran Kobolds

Q’barran kobolds have adapted to life in dense jungles, murky swamps, and crumbling ruins, becoming masters of survival in the harshest terrain. Organized into tight-knit clans, they guard their ancestral lands with fierce determination, believing themselves rightful heirs to the dragons who once ruled here. Ancient draconic lore and the secrets of the Draconic Prophecy hold a special place in their culture, guiding their decisions and shaping their worldview. Their settlements, cleverly concealed on stilts above deep swamplands or built atop the moss-covered remnants of older civilizations, reflect their resourcefulness and deep reverence for the legacy of dragons.

Seawall Mountains Kobolds

The kobolds of the Seawall Mountains dwell in fortified caverns and mountain strongholds along the border between Zilargo and Darguun. These kobolds are renowned for their remarkable talents in engineering, alchemy, and underground architecture; and they control critical mountain passes and networks of hidden tunnels beneath the peaks. Their mechanical ingenuity and inventive use of magic have earned them respect—and steady employment—from the dragonmarked houses and neighboring realms. Though pragmatic and outwardly neutral, their true allegiance is always to themselves, safeguarding ancient secrets through diplomacy, cunning strategy, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Droaamish Kobolds

Droaamish kobolds are resilient survivors who have carved out a home within the dense forests and tangled wilds of Droaam. Their culture is defined by adaptability, strategic cunning, and resourcefulness. They are expert scouts, guerrilla fighters, and ambush specialists; and they use their small size and sharp wits to devastating advantage. These kobolds fully integrated into the broader Droaamish society; they hold valued roles as tacticians and warriors within militias and mercenary companies serving House Tharashk. They nurture strong alliances among the other peoples of Droaam, sharing magical knowledge and strategic insight, and fiercely defending their shared homeland against threats from beyond its borders.

License

Content on this page is licensed under the CC0 1.0 Universal License, excluding images.