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Whether you’re a seasoned player or a fresh-faced newbie, you’ll find no shortage of excitement in the ever-evolving landscape of tabletop role-playing games. Today, we’re going to embark on a daring quest of our own as we explore the intriguing and oft-misunderstood Kobold Race. So, grab your 20-sided die, and let’s dive into the darkness with our trusty torches ablaze!
The Legend of the Kobold: A Race of Cunning and Survival
Kobolds are small, reptilian humanoids with a knack for trap-making and a penchant for mischief. These pint-sized creatures may not seem like much at first glance, but underestimate them at your own peril! Kobolds are cunning, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to their tribe, making them a formidable force when it comes to defending their lairs.
These little rascals are said to have been spawned from dragons, which explains their affinity for draconic magic and their overwhelming desire to serve the great wyrms. While some might view them as mere cannon fodder, others recognize the true potential of the Kobold Race and choose to harness their unique abilities for their adventuring party.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Race | Kobold |
| Size | Small |
| Height | Around 3 feet tall |
| Weight | 25-35 pounds |
| Ability Score Increase | Dexterity +2, Intelligence +1 |
| Speed | 30 feet base walking speed |
| Darkvision | 60 feet (see in dim light as if it were bright light, and in complete darkness as if it were dim light) |
| Unique Abilities | Grovel, Cower, and Beg; Pack Tactics |
| Languages | Common and Draconic |
| Favored Classes | Rogue, Ranger, Wizard, Artificer |
Creating Your Own Kobold Character: Traits and Abilities
Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with the Kobold’s backstory, it’s time to delve into the nitty-gritty of character creation! Building a Kobold character can be a thrilling experience, as their innate abilities and racial traits offer a unique set of opportunities for role-playing and tactical gameplay. Let’s take a closer look at the building blocks of a Kobold adventurer:
Ability Score Increase
Kobolds are known for their quick wits and nimble fingers, which are reflected in their ability scores. As a Kobold, your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1. This makes them naturally adept at roles that require finesse, such as rogues, rangers, and wizards.
Size and Speed
Kobolds are small creatures, standing around 3 feet tall and weighing between 25 and 35 pounds. While they might not have the most imposing stature, their small size grants them a base walking speed of 30 feet, allowing them to keep up with their larger comrades.
Darkvision
In their subterranean lairs, Kobolds have adapted to life in darkness. As a result, they possess Darkvision, enabling them to see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in complete darkness as if it were dim light. This ability can be a game-changer when delving into the shadowy depths of dungeons and caverns.
Grovel, Cower, and Beg
One of the most entertaining and useful racial abilities of the Kobold is their talent for groveling, cowering, and begging. As an action, a Kobold can distract their foes with a pitiful display, granting allies within 10 feet of them advantage on their attack rolls against enemies that can see the cowering Kobold. This ability recharges after a short or long rest and can be a powerful tactical tool in your party’s arsenal.
Pack Tactics
Kobolds are masters of teamwork, as demonstrated by their Pack Tactics ability. When a Kobold has an ally within 5 feet of their target, they gain advantage on their attack rolls, making them a formidable foe when working in tandem with their party members.
Languages
Kobolds can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic, reflecting their dual heritage as both dragonkin and denizens of the wider world. Their knowledge of Draconic can come in handy when dealing with other dragonborn or deciphering ancient texts.
Class Considerations for Your Kobold Character
With their unique racial traits and abilities, Kobolds can excel in a variety of character classes. Here are a few options that can complement their natural talents:
Rogue
Kobolds’ high Dexterity and Pack Tactics ability make them a natural fit for the Rogue class. As stealthy and nimble operatives, they can capitalize on their allies’ positioning to land devastating sneak attacks.
Ranger
As hunters and trappers, Kobold Rangers can use their cunning and resourcefulness to outwit their prey. Their Dexterity bonus and survival instincts make them well-suited to this class, whether they choose the path of the Beast Master or the Hunter.
Wizard
Kobolds’ Intelligence boost and knowledge of Draconic make them prime candidates for the arcane arts. As Wizards, they can harness their draconic heritage to specialize in elemental spells or even study the ways of the ancient Dragonblood sorcerers.
Artificer
With their natural inventiveness, Kobolds can thrive as Artificers. These tinkerers create magical devices and gadgets to aid their party, and the Kobold’s aptitude for trap-making can bring a unique twist to their creations.
Kobold Role-Playing Tips and Inspiration
When playing a Kobold character, it’s important to lean into their cunning, resourcefulness, and loyalty to their tribe. Here are some role-playing tips and inspiration for bringing your Kobold to life:
- Play up their cunning and ingenuity by coming up with creative solutions to problems the party faces.
- Embrace their reptilian nature by giving your character quirks such as a fondness for shiny objects or a fear of cold temperatures.
- Consider your character’s relationship with their dragon ancestry. Are they proud of their draconic heritage or resentful of the expectations placed upon them?
- Develop a strong bond with other members of your adventuring party, viewing them as your new tribe and defending them fiercely.
In Conclusion: Embrace the Power of the Kobold
The Kobold Race offers a unique and engaging experience for players looking to bring a little bit of cunning and mischief to their Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition campaigns. Their innate abilities, fascinating backstory, and compatibility with various character classes make them a versatile and enjoyable option for players of all levels.
So, gather your fellow adventurers, and let your Kobold character lead the way as you delve into the depths of dungeons, engage in epic battles, and uncover the secrets of a world filled with magic and wonder. And always remember, as a Kobold, you have the power of dragons running through your veins. Embrace it, and let it guide you to victory!
