Description: Xeresian kobolds are draconic forest-dwellers with expressive eyes, bright scales, and a disarming sense of warmth. While they were once dismissed as simple vermin, generations of progress, and a few brave hearts, have proven otherwise. Today, kobolds are recognized not only for their curious minds and diligent work ethic but for their deep sense of loyalty and emotional wisdom. Though often seen with tribal garb or rustic tools, many have embraced more modern crafts and roles, with a rare few even rising to political or magical prominence. They speak plainly, love fiercely, and find joy in life’s smallest gifts. Their hearts are often larger than their frames, and their willingness to believe in others makes them treasured companions across Xeres. Be it in the woods, the city, or a cozy tavern, a kobold’s presence is often a reminder of hope, resilience, and unlikely heroism.
Society: In the world of Xeres, kobolds are no longer seen as the sneering pests of the underworld, they are the gentle forest kin, stewards of wild places and caretakers of old, forgotten magics. Though small in stature, Xeresian kobolds have mighty hearts and boundless devotion to their clans, their forest homes, and the people they love. They speak plainly, act sincerely, and laugh loudly. Their communities are usually tribal, nestled among dense canopies, twisting root networks, or moss-covered ruins, but in recent decades, more kobolds have found their way into cities and towns, proving to be clever, capable, and kindhearted citizens.
Traditionally raised communally, kobold young are taught values of trust, teamwork, and service. They view honor not as glory won, but as love earned, and in this, they sometimes shame even the noblest of knights. Most kobolds follow a "hearth-call" philosophy: your value is in what you bring home and who you keep warm. Simple words, simple lives… yet somehow, these little dragonkin leave the deepest impressions.
A kobold might not be able to swing a greatsword or tower over a battlefield, but they can climb where others fall, dig where others drown, and believe when others break. And sometimes, if given just enough encouragement… they become heroes no one saw coming.
Relations: Kobolds form powerful emotional bonds, choosing a single life partner to love with absolute devotion, often to the point of self-sacrifice. When a kobold gives their heart, it is given fully, with no hesitation, no walls, and no contingency plan. This purity of spirit makes them beloved by many… and tragically easy to exploit. More cunning races sometimes see kobolds as naïve or simple, and many have taken advantage of their trust. Still, kobolds continue to believe in the good of others, often placing their faith in unlikely friendships. They are especially fond of gnomes, halflings, and kind-hearted humans, while warier of elves and Demonkin, whom they typically find emotionally distant. A cornerstone of kobold tradition is the soulstone, a polished pebble chosen and enchanted by the kobold, then gifted to someone they love. These stones stay warm and softly pulse for as long as the kobold lives… a tender, magical heartbeat.
Male Names: Zok, Bim, Ruck
Female Names: Tiki, Nala, Meppi
Standard Racial Traits
- Ability Score Modifiers: +2 DEX, +2 CHA, -2 STR
- Type: Humanoid (Dragon)
- Size: Small to Medium
- Base Speed: 30ft
- Starting Languages: Draconic and Common
Other Traits
All Kobold characters also can choose 3 of the following abilities. If multiple abilities affect an attribute or skill, only the highest bonus is applicable.
- Crafty: Take 10 on any crafting check, regardless of imminent danger.
- Determined: Gain +2 to WILL saves.
- Draconic Jaw: Gain a bite attack that does 1d4 damage.
- Dragon Scales: Gain +2 to AC and DR 1/-.
- Jester: Gain +2 racial bonus to Diplomacy and Perform.
- Low-Light Vision: Gain the ability to see twice as far as normal in dim light.
- Natural Sneak: Gain +2 racial bonus to Stealth and Perception.
- Prehensile Tail: Gain +2 racial bonus to Climb and Acrobatics.
- Wilderness Strider: Anyone hoping to track you in wild have their DC increased by 10.
- Wyrmcrowned: Gain Resistance 5 to the element relevant to your color.