KOBOLDS

The explorer in subterranean climes must come prepared for a myriad of hazards: rockfall, tight spaces, deep pits, magical phenomena, and native monsters. Such precautions might still be invalidated by an encounter with the reclusive and secretive creature known as the kobold. These small lizard-like creatures are roughly gebbiform and possessed of a cleverness of mind that is all-too-often paired with creative sadism directed toward trespassers in areas they consider their territory. Frequently the first evidence of kobold habitation is a well-concealed trap set to kill or maim the unwary.

Natural philosophers once considered the kobold to be the pygmy relative of other uncivilized reptilians such as the troglodyte, also found in cavern complexes, and the so-called lizardfolk believed to dwell in swamps beyond the northern horizon of the Suzerainty. However, they display an aptitude for arcane magical ability unseen in the latter, and are not known to breed with the former. This and other discoveries point to a different origin for these shy and devious creatures.

Kobolds lead a mostly primitive existence, with some evidence of metalworking. High quality steel is beyond their ability, but some kobold artifacts contain amounts of bog iron. This demonstrates the knowledge of working such metals when they are able to obtain them. There is a high incidence of sorcery among kobolds, but more scholarly magical practices have also been observed. They are known to be literate, using draconic runes as a written language.

Within civilized lands, kobolds are rarely encountered. However, signs of ancient, abandoned kobold surface habitation can be found in the wilderness, consisting of crude monuments. Such monuments are large, upright stones, carved with images of dragons. Natural philosophers examining such ruins are advised to be wary, as the presence of kobold artifacts is a sign of a nearby and possibly undiscovered cavern complex.

Modern encounters with kobolds are reported by prospectors seeking new veins of minerals beyond civilized lands or deeper excavations. Without persecution by more numerous civilized mortals, and within their underground homes, they are far more bold, and the traps they set for are only the prelude to a concentrated assault. Another set of encounters suggests the true origin of the kobold, however. Explorers, natural philosophers, and adventurers seeking out dragons have noted tribes of kobolds in proximity to dragon lairs.

These kobolds seem to protect the dragons’ territory and hoard with their traps, and leave offerings of their own to the larger, more dangerous creatures. Indeed, their defensive efforts may be more than happenstance: they may be the direct servants of dragons. Dragons interacting with mortals have made scant mention of kobolds, but in one instance, a dragon implied that they were “hands.” Thus, the kobold cleverness with mechanisms and their arcane abilities may have been granted for the service of draconic masters.

Beastkin oral histories tell of animosity with these subterranean creatures, though they did not naturally dwell in proximity. Tribes would drive kobold infestations away from hunting grounds or settlements, because while the small creatures competed for food and were also known to prey on beastkin they would overwhelm, it was also believed that their presence foretold a greater calamity. This belief showed an understanding that kobold incursions could be scouting parties for a dragon taking up residence nearby.

Mountain dwelling ozrut, usually rumiany, have different traditions regarding kobolds. Deadly rockslides or cave-ins are sometimes blamed on kobold trickery, and bits of metal will be left as an offering to appease them, even if there are no kobolds in the area. Taken with revelations about the possible origins of these creatures, this may signify the ancestral memory of trade in refined metals where kobolds were only the middlemen.

The kobold threat to mining efforts forces the Free States of Balt and the Assemblage of Khalq to consider them a nuisance and take measures to exterminate or drive them away from excavations. In Baltine lands bounties are offered by states or mining companies, while Khalqist efforts are more direct, with saar deploying soldiers against infestations. Attempts to convert kobolds to Khalqist philosophies have been unsuccessful.

The draconic-speaking explorer encountering kobolds without falling afoul of one of their traps should adopt a conciliatory approach. When dealing with trespassing mortals, kobolds show a superiority complex out of proportion with their size and physical ability. While it seems they are bred to serve, they believe this confers special privilege on them or even makes them related to the dragons or the inheritors of draconic power. In receiving gifts or trade, they favor pure precious metals or high-quality alloys. Platinum is prized above all other treasures for its unique associations with dragonkind.