Edenian Kobold
"The best thing about being a kobold is making your own fun!"
Edenian kobolds, referred to as zteilmar, are small, draconic-like creatures native to the planet Eden. They are one of the oldest extant species known and brother-kin to aeons. Despite their common moniker, zteilmar are not closely related to Earth-born kobolds (also known as kobalts) and are a completely unique species. Their body is composed of a chaotic mixture of arcane elements, and it’s unknown what binds them into a stable state. It’s this quality that allows them to draw power from different sources of magic in a similar way to Earth kobolds. This, combined with their general appearance, is why they were named after kobalts.
After the Twilight War devastated their home planet, zteilmar spread throughout the universe and intermingled with a variety of societies. They can be found anywhere other sapient beings live but often migrate to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Basic Information
Anatomy
On the surface, zteilmar resemble large-sized reptiles with short, often-stubby horns and long, thin tails. Due to being solidified masses of magic, they come in a variety of colors but tend to mimic those of the Seven Forgers. These color palettes are not set in stone, however, and kobolds often change them to suit their mood. The vibrancy of their color palettes fluctuate with their health and mood. When kobolds are sick or moody, their shades become muted or off-color.
They superficially resemble their Earth counterparts with a similar small size range (3’-4.5’ or 0.91 m – 1.37 m) and thick, scaly hide. Their stomachs are the softest parts of their bodies and are generally a lighter shade of color than the rest of their bodies.
Zteilmar have two stubby horns in their youth and can grow a second pair as they age. The tips of these horns emit arcane energy when the kobold is excited, but this energy is benign and purely for expression. Their tails are prehensile and expressive. The average length requires they be kept curled up in a similar manner to a chameleon’s.
Society
Zteilmar society, no matter the demographic, operates on a principle of “fun first”; that is, anything that a kobold finds entertaining or interesting demands full attention, often at the behest of common sense or safety. It is very common for a kobold to find itself in danger due to a poorly-executed joke resulting in chaos. A popular theory is this trend is due to Eden’s unthreatening ecosystems; kobolds are simply unaware of consequences until they occur, making their behavior the result of naivete, not malice.
“It don’t mean we can’t understand what’s right and wrong; in the moment, it probably sounded like a good idea!”
Because zteilmar were naturally disorderly and destructive, they relied heavily on their aeon partners to correct their behavior and teach them nuance. Just as well, zteilmar were often incapable of wielding their powerful magic without harming themselves, and aeons were responsible for teaching them how to control it. In return, zteilmar provided aeons with protection and socialization, as aeons were prone to extreme isolation when left to their own devices.
Aging
The idea that ascension is needed for a zteilmar to mature mentally is a misconception. While it is true that zteilmar can’t die or become feeble from old age, they can age in the same way most other species do. The origins of this myth are unknown, but it is likely a result of zteilmar having impulsive and free-spirited personalities, not unlike human children. Additionally, ascension is only one ending to a kobold’s life cycle.
Elderly Zteilmar
Thought to be a process similar to ascension, zteilmar can become different planetary bodies when they are of sufficient age and magical power. Zteilmar have been observed transforming into dwarf planets, moons, stars (including core stars), and comets. Transformed zteilmar are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, and it is unknown if they can transform back.
The Triune of Heart
Zteilmar are linked to their brother-kin, the aeons through the Cosmic Triune. Zteilmar represent the heart, emotion, and the irrational. They are not unintelligent but generally rely on their intuition and can become stubborn or impatient when their ideas are not entertained. Conversely, kobolds are known for being creative and have a strong appreciation for objects crafted by hand rather than manufactured. To them, something becomes invaluable when it is offered with love.
Unlike their brother-kin, the basis of a zteilmar’s magic is faith or desire. They cast spells by wanting something specific. For example, a locked door can become unlocked if a kobold turns the doorknob and wants the door unlocked. Because of this, kobolds are natural spellcasters and find it easier to use otherwise complicated forms of magic. But because their emotional state affects their innate spellcasting, kobold magic is more unreliable than other forms in the hands of a novice.
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