Kobolds (coh-bolds)

These tiny scaly folks seem to have a connection to dragons… somewhere, although nobody really knows for sure. They’re not paid much attention either negatively or positively by the world at large, and tend to live quiet lives in their warrens. Over time they’ve grown to embrace this tendency, carefully skirting the gaze of more powerful, dangerous creatures. They’re incredibly social people, moreso than even more common species like humans and orcs, and tend to spend most of their time around others. While they are friendly to most other races, they usually gravitate to other kobold and reptilian races most of all as they see them as distant family of a sort. When there is one kobold there is usually more, as they usually hate being alone and feel much more secure when in a warren of at least several others.   When traveling in strange lands kobolds tend to try and avoid the interest of larger, stronger races to stay safe, but when pushed to conflict they make use of team tactics and clever thinking to defend themselves. Intricate traps, multilayered plans, and creative thinking is a hallmark of the kobold style. When at ease however, kobolds often find themselves scattered all over their homes. It is no odd thing to them to fall asleep in a dog pile after a long day’s work; indeed, it is strange when a kobold doesn’t seek frequent platonic touch and affection from friends. A common greeting between friends is a hug and a kiss to each cheek. This ease with each other can startle some more reserved outsiders, and kobolds who leave the safety of their home territory quickly learn that most big folk don’t understand or feel comfortable with their familiar ways.   While kobolds can be found in small pockets here and there across the civilized world, making homes for themselves in the corners and overlooked nooks, the place they consider their homeland is Rodina. North of the valley kingdoms but just south of the unnerving Northlands forests, Rodina is a quiet nation made up almost entirely of kobolds and zenimye - their term for those who are in body not kobold, but whose spirit has embraced togetherness and the Rodinan ways. While outsiders are not strictly unwelcome, it is understood that they are not often comfortable with their ways. The only places that outsiders are frequently seen is the trade towns on the rivers, although traders come fewer and fewer as the encroaching forest looms ever-nearer. The forest is always a concern as from it come dreadful monsters and creatures of nightmare, but between kobold ingenuity and their strong friendship with the nearby orcs of Dor Tlandoir, the terrors are held at bay and their people continue existing peacefully.   Throughout the civilized world, Rodina is perhaps best known for its fine craftsmen. Their textile work and smithing are beyond compare, with a vibrant, passionate edge to everything they create. One of their most iconic creations are beautiful garments lined with intricate embroidering that tells stories. The edging is often decorated with figures and scenes going right to left, showing parts of new tales, or more often sections of well known fables and epics. One of their most ancient legends tells of the moon who blessed their homeland, Legend of the Moon. Rodinan stories are embroidered right to left, bottom to top.   Kobolds are between 2’ 6” to 3’ 3” tall, reach adulthood at 15, and have a potential lifespan of about 140 years.