Kobold

One of the species of the genus draco within order draconidae, Kobolds are a common sight within the space inhabited by dragon kind. So common, in fact, that there is a strong argument put forward by some within the Kuiper Flotilla that kobolds could in fact be considered the primary draconid species inhabiting the Great Constellation. Unlike many other Lesser Draconids, kobolds are intelligent and social, with strong familial structures and an almost instinctual compulsion to follow and obey the much larger Greater Draconids.   Their precise classification within draconidae is disputed. While traditionally classified under the umbrella of Lesser Draconids, some scholars point out that the distinct anatomical differences to every other species in draconidae make them their own unique thing, while others simply believe it is unfair to the species to lump them in with the simple beasts that make up the majority of the Lesser Draconids. Both groups instead classify kobolds as the sole extant member of the "Minor Draconids".    

Anatomy

  As a member of the reptilian order draconidae, kobolds share many anatomical features with their fellow draconids. They have hides covered in small, soft scales with an almost leathery texture, with larger, harder scale plates along the ridges of their brows and over the length of their spinal column. The frills over their ear holes are extremely long compared to other draconids, the bones that give the spines structure has been entirely replaced with cartilage and fused with the membrane, and their sheer length and weight makes them floppy and lacking in motor control.   Kobolds are a bipedal species, a trait unique within genus draco, standing with an upright posture on hindpaws that are much larger than in other draconids. Likewise, their forepaws are different to that of other draconids, more closely resembling a hominid hand than the forepaw of another draconid. Unlike the plantigrade hominids, kobold hindpaws retain their digitigrade structure, and as a consequence their tails act as a counterweight that actively assists in maintaining their balance.   Kobold hide colouration has nearly limitless potential for variation, on par with that of the Greater Draconids. Most kobolds have "earthy" tones, typically some variation of umber, rust, ochre, or amber, though both "verdant" tones (greens) and "aqueous" tones (blues) are common. Pale and pastel tones are the result of partial leucism, and bone white individuals are the result of full leucism, true albinism is nearly non-existent within the species. Kobold clans trend towards a limited palette of these colours based on the genetic diversity present during the clan's founding. More exotic tones such as pinks and purples, as well as metallic colours such as gold, silver, and copper, arise spontaneously within kobold clans and do not seem to be inheritable between generations. Kobold eye colours are bright and vibrant, though more limited in variation. They often resemble shining sapphire, emerald, amethyst or topaz gemstones, and are unaffected by any leucism.   Kobold reproduction is roughly on par with most extant hominids. They lay between one and three eggs per clutch, which take nearly nine months to incubate and hatch. Hacthlings grow quickly and are capable of moving on their own after only a few weeks, but take nearly eighteen years to reach full maturity. Kobolds can be very long lived, and can expect to live for roughly four hundred years before suffering from age related diseases and decline. Clan Elders have no known upper limit to their lifespan, and may in fact be functionally immortal.    

Clans and Social Structure

  Kobolds are highly social draconids who have the tendency to coalesce into cohesive groups known as "Clans" primarily based on familial ties and territorial claims. Most voidships and asteroid bases in the Great Constellation are only large enough to support a single clan, but larger ones may be home to multiple clans, usually two or three, and in the largest structures perhaps even more.   A clan may split in two if the population is large enough and there is enough territory for the breakaway clan to expand into. Due to familial ties these two clans remain allied to each other, but will begin to drift apart after a couple of generations. Clans are highly protective of their own territory, and disputes between clans become viscous and bloody fast.   While it is often said that a clan's leader is the nearest Greater Draconid, clans do in fact appoint their own leaders. This appears to be an automatic process where the eldest kobold in the clan suddenly gains mysterious, shamanistic powers and becomes the official clan Elder. The appearance of a second Elder within a clan is an indication that a split is imminent.    

Aberrance

  Like all draconids, and most things that exist in the Great Constellation, kobolds are susceptible to the hostile effects of aberrance, the existence of which they are typically unaware of. A kobold afflicted by a minor aberrance typically stays within the clan and will live a mostly normal life, depending on the exact nature of their aberrant form. One or two individuals within the clan with a minor aberrance is of little cause for concern, however if the rate of incidence begins climbing, or major aberrances begin to manifest, there is likely a greater problem lurking in the shadows.    

Aberrant Monochromacy

 

A dull coat when compared to others of the clan, but better perceiving of its fellows' vibrancy.

  A minor aberrance where the hide and eye colours of an afflicted kobold both become a solid, pure, achromatic grey. Afflicted kobolds have heightened intelligence, and often claim to be able to see colours that correspond to no known spectra.   It is often mistaken for albinism, which is nearly non-existent within the species, or for leucism, which results in a pale or bone white hide, or for the metallic silver colouration which occasionally develops spontaneously within a population, none of which affect the eye colour. This is believed to be the most prevalent aberrance that afflicts kobolds.    

Aberrant Wyvern Pterism

 

Flight is a dream for many. For this one, it is still maddeningly out of reach.

  A minor aberrance where an afflicted kobold grows a delicate membrane that stretches from the wrist on the forepaw to the ankle on the hindpaw, turning their arms into a pair of wings resembling those of the Lesser Draconids of genus wyvero. These wings usually appear without the pectoral muscles developing enough strength for much more than a steep glide, however occasionally an afflicted kobold appears who is capable of unassisted flight.    

Aberrant Dragonheart

 

Tyrants and usurpers, fit only to be cast down to live with the sump drakes.

  A major aberrance where an afflicted kobold grows significantly in size and stature until it is on par with a Greater Draconid. Such a kobold is known as a Dragonheart, an aberrance that also afflicts some hominids.   A Dragonheart is larger, stronger, tougher, and significantly more aggressive than a baseline kobold, and may take on traits normally exclusive to the Greater Draconids, such as acquiring an elemental breath or active camouflage. Some even acquire the ability to generate Wyrmholes large enough to pass a voidship through. If a Dragonheart is not caught in time, a kobold clan will quickly raise it as their de facto leader, violently challenging the authority of any Greater Draconids in the vicinity.