Here me, o Kobolds of now and of Yore, of Tucker and Mercer, and e'en edition four... Dance not your waltzes upon pointed swords, but grant us the boon of gold in lost hoards. Here my voice and my cittern as I utter these words, be happy, be merry, and All Hail King Torg. (All Hail King Torg)
@@josharko111 just want to say in the campaign I'm starting soon you will be one of the first encounters. And of course you'll be properly equipped with a scorpion on a stick
@@josharko111 I'm sorry I accused your people of stealing my enchanted back massager . I realized I was jumping to conclusions without any evidence when I found it neatly put back in its box.
Had a friend who played a wild magic Kobold sorcerer....He was a crazy little shit who just loved to blow shit up..."I didnt ask how big the room was, I said I cast Fireball" type of caster.
I encountered a Kobald who wore a pair of broken sunglasses and tattered leather coat. He had absurdly high charisma and was the most popular person in town. His name was Wazi, and my edgelord Ranger rubbed him the wrong way and earned the ire of the entire town for it.
I love kobolds. I really like using them as barkeeps, despite their lore, and general savage nature. I just think it’s hilarious to walk into a tavern, look behind the counter, and see a rust red kobold standing on a stool, washing a glass.
Since their hostility has been toned down a bit in 5e, being more territorial than murderous, I've used them for things like miners or involved in city underworks by playing up the ingenuity aspect to help keep things moving or expanding out of sight and unknown to the general populous.
My favorite part of dming kobolds is the lore of them being crafty trapmakers. Out in the open, they make for excellent introductory encounters into dnd's more intricate combat mechanics, like difficult and hazardous terrain with some clever use of simple hunting traps. But in their lairs, all of hell breaks loose as suddenly the players are in the territory of dnd's own viet cong, they have the homefield advantage, and they will make use of it to a devilish degree, to the point that even mid level characters can have a rough time in their lairs. My personal favorite kobold trap has always been a false floor that collapses under the weight of a heavily armored adventurer, into a pit with a rust monster waiting at the bottom, oh how fun it is.
i presently have my dragon-serving kobold as a paladin (in training) serving a silver dragon (idea is the silver dragon is the local paladin order's big deity figure)
That's interesting, a few years back I ran a somewhat similar campaign with my players as kobolds, though the story revolved around the great dragon dying and as a fail safe against death, the dragon had a dracolich brew and phylactory prepared which was used to keep him from truly dying by the arch-mage half dragon in his brood (who died at the end of the administering process) The story revolved around this band of kobolds earning the favor of their dracolich god-figure and helping it get revenge against the powerful adventurers who killed it. (Essentially pulling dangerous pranks and making minor inconveniences for them early on, and then as they grew in power they began to actively work against those adventurers and cause them no end of trouble, while always making sure to avoid ever getting into direct confrontation with them. The campaign ended in a climax in which the adventurers returned to kill the dracolich and the PCs finally got their epic showdown with the adventurers. The PCs all laid down their lives for their god-figure dying in heroic fashion, and in the end the dracolich won out, killing all of the adventurers and even mourning for his lost kobold champions thereafter (or at least lamenting the loss of his useful servants)
Ooh, cool idea. I was just thinking yesterday that traditional banking heavily favors immortal/really frickin old beings, and I wonder if banking would change at all in the DnD world
.. Are they smarter than what's conveyed normally? Because... Jesus, that'd be absolutely horrible to have to deal with a small Draconic accented shit eater. I'd honestly just go to the Dwarfs.
I love this. I need more details. How does this work? Where are the bank branches? How do people like the draconic banks? Are there other banks? Give me moar.
The 3.5e kobold lore makes them very interesting, born from the original dragons of each scale spilling their blood to create a new race. Then, almost being wiped out as a race by Glitergold because he was jealous of how industrious they were compared to his the playful lazy gnomes.
Esper: Kobolds have a fascinating real-world history and lore that's faithful to their origin and pairs well with mechanics designed for them and- Me: I jus wanna smol lizard gf to pet and buy shiny gifts for.
Kobolds is cool because of: 1) they are the weakest sapient creatures in the world, yet they are thinking that they are almost the most powerful creatures in the world, so they all kind of gang of Narutos... Oh, wait! They are kind of gang of CLEVER Narutos. 2) then you start a game first time they show you both something new (not something as stock and common as goblins) and easy understandable (comparing to beholder) 3) they are one of the few creatures in D&D that try to win you by the brain, not by magic/superpowers or brute force.
A fascinating observation, about Kobolds as a Jungian archetype representing mankind's varied nature as industrious workers, malicious tricksters, and xenophobic destroyers.
Which, while I don't quite know to phrase it, but in some ways, can't you say the same about gnomes? For an example, they both live in underground holes, they both use trickery to defeat their enemies etc. Which maybe why kobolds hate gnomes in a metasense, as they are similar but different. Again, I dont know how to phrase it.
@@runedoom There's a certain line of reasoning that all monsters and fantastic creatures are an extension of ourselves. We create these beings as a means of holding a mirror to ourselves, as a species. Then again, I'm of the opinion that ALL Art exists, at least partially, as a tool for understanding our world, including us.
@@rodrikforrester6989 but gnomes are the secret dnd illuminati, appearing occasionally as tricksters and weirdo inventors. But in reality, their long lifespans and advanced technologies and illusion magics allow them to subtly control and profit from all the realms.
@@runedoom Yeah in a way, all these little humanoid-ish things spawn from the same mythological origin. Kobalos, kobold, goblin, elf, dwarf, gnome, boggart, bogle, puck, brownie, sprite. They are all little capricious spirits that bear influence on everyday lives, work, and tools.
Kobolds are the greatest, bravest, most amazing dragons ever. And I have killed them by the thousands. They were fighting a war and just wanted to be accepted as a people, not as monsters.
I find Kobolds to be one of the funnest races/monsters in d&d specifically because of how deceptively clever they are, a tunnel system that has been infested with them can quickly become a meat grinder with the proper planning and trap setup
Play a Kobold Monk, after his dragon master died, he and his clan are left without any purpose....so a parties cleric charmed them into the ways of adventure and glory.... Pure Kobold party is meant to be fun! Nobody expects two kobolds in a trench coat times three!
I normally always play casters, and I have rolled three kobold characters so far. A druid, a sorcerer and a rogue that managed to multiclass his way into Arcane Trickster. My favorite was the druid, since noone ever expected the scrawny lizard to just transform into a bear and maul their face off XD
@@Reddotzebra Do Small creatures transform into proportionally smaller versions of animals or not? I'm wondering because a Small dire bear and a Small creature transforming into a regular-sized dire bear are both equally amusing.
A friend of mine is actually playing 2 Kobolds at the same time and he is such a skilled player that he pulls it off flawlessly, he isn't the strongest in the party since he also has to split XP around etc. But damn if it isn' t enjoyable when 1 Person plays 2 Kobolds.
@@Necromancist Wildshape actually specifies what size of animal you can change into based on your level, so in my interpretation of the rules it does not matter what size the user is to begin with. (In 3.5e anyway) But as always it's up to the DM.
I once built an encounter where kobolds trapped the party in a hallway, and then advanced in a phalanx. I gave every kobold a polearm, polearm master, and sentinel. It was awesome.
@@adriaanschoombie8573 after a few rounds, the half orc barbarian succeeded on an intimidation check to disperse the remaining kobolds. It was a fun little encounter meant to remind the players to not underestimate smaller enemies, but I didn't intend for them to have to fight the whole kobold formation to the death
Ahh, good timing. My party of intrepid level 5 adventurers just realized the power of turn economy last night whilst facing a small army of kobolds, all the while being pushed under a falling rock trap by the clever monsters.
Pun-Pun, the most powerful character in all of D&D (and at level 1 too), is pleased. I am reminded of a tale, I read, of an adventuring party delving into a dungeon, where the first level was inhabited by Kobolds, with secret passages, murder holes in the walls and all that... The party fled deeper into the dungeon and dreaded nothing more than eventually having to go trough the Kobold floor again on the way out (hoping they'd learn to teleport or find a teleport item before that)
This video was great! In addition to ranking the Kobolds, you gave some great insights into the nature of kobolds and some tips for using them. That's like anti-clickbait.
According to some actual bards, "brevity is the soul of wit". This one could drive a brass dragon to a vow of silence with the overwrought alliteration.
Anyone remember D&D Gazeteer 20, "Orcs of Thar" (1988), in which the kobolds' nation mimicked Rome/Byzantine? In that lore, the kobolds' leader eventually rose to global prominence. The love for kobolds goes way back.
You know, I think DnD could benefit from reintroducing Kobold subraces, based from those 3 classic Germanic Kobold types. The cave Kobold seems to be the one the DnD Kobolds are based on, the idea of forrest Kobolds is interesting (maybe as druids?). But the one I find most intreaging are the Sea Kobolds.
I think you underestimate the two abilities of the Kobold Dragonshield. They protect the eggs of a Dragon that means they are the closest to the Dragon at all times. They are constantly effected willingly or accidentally by the two dragon area attacks Frightful Presence and Breath Attack, so they developed resistance to it. In combat a dragon may choose to use its Breath Attack on everyone and the Kobolds will come out of it better then the adventurers.
1. A dragon uses frightful presence against its enemies, not allies. 2. Unless the dragon is a wyrmling, its breath weapon would roast the little kobold badly, even with its resistance.
Best video you made so far, keep it up mate! I never used a single Kobold, but my next dungeon will include an old grumpy kobold that knows all the dungeons secret passages and traps and uses that to stealthyly pickpocket the pary. If they notice him he will have the party work for that information he guards unless they want to die a horrible death. Thinking about giving the little guy a sphere of anihilation ... Open for suggestions :)
A kobold shouldn't be able to control a sphere of annihilation. Plus it's more fun to figure out ways to sneak around the party while only equipping your kobold(s) with basic tools like shovels and picks
If so give him higher INT. And explain (at least secretly to yourself) how and why he has this sphere. And maybe give him a level in sorcerer or airlock. Late reply but some more ideas. Maybe an artificer!
put a high level party in a well structured Kobold lair and you'll have a satisfying TPK! the non-draconic lizard-like buggers are amazing! edit: if you feel especially evil, join Kobolds and Goblins in the lair. they might both be running away from the same thing and joined forces.
Awesome video. Its nice seeing Kobolds getting a comprehensive look like this with origins and everything. And yes, was smiling for most of the video :)
The Kobold Sorcerer mini is my favorite to set on the map. Players, so confident hacking up their foes, suddenly get anxious when one can blast them with spells.
The below poem is from my character's back story. My tiefling cleric preaches a liberation theology and spread it among some enslaved kobolds. ~Kobold Spring ~ Sitting outside of kobold camp In land called free, these slaves are kept A tiefling priest makes a fire To share Flame's light is his desire He keeps it low, avoids detection From human house, and aggression He hums the songs of his people Their time captive, escape from evil Yet kobold trust is hard to win Owing to abuse and slaver's sin Each night he comes, despite suspicion Empowered by Flame, with renewed ambition Third night approaches small dragon being “What do you want?” they ask the tiefling “My people, like you, were once bound” “By Flame's light, will to resist was found” The kobold turns and beckons preacher Into camp, though outside creature He comes each night, resistance teaching Flame burning bright, their souls reaching One night their slaver hears them singing Roused from sleep, sees fire gleaming Down from the house to put down rabble With posse and chains, to suppress and grapple Kobolds offer prayers, and call the fire Slavers step back, position dire Their path cut off, they plea to go The priest looks down, and answers, “No”
I'm actually playing a Kobold Bard in a campaign we just started. He's a bit of a homebrew, as our DM won't allow him to use pack tactics, but he's not susceptible to sunlight either. I do roleplay that he doesn't like the sun, and always has his hood up when outdoors during the day. I also purposely nerfed him a bit, making his strength rather pathetic (he is only 3' tall and 35 lbs after all), and he's pretty squishy. I also named him Beavis, though he is marginally smarter than his namesake. I also promised the party that I won't do the voice except in combat situations. 😄Cutting Words and the cantrip, Vicious Mockery, are his forte during hostile encounters. Overall, he's a lot of fun to play.
Going around in the dark area and yes thee scout did in fact notice the grate... what he could not avoid was the "alarm" system. moving to the grate they scared the Skunk held with in... that smell was a trigger for the Hyena hidden nearby, as its creepy laughter goes off all the kobolds know exactly where you are at and grabbing the Hyennas as they pass can easily track the scout; good luck escaping.
Great video. I really love reinforcing the link between Kobolds and Dragons by giving them all wings and fly speeds. I've even tied the origin of Dragonborn to mutations arising among Kobold hatchlings.
I remember a Pathfinder Society module where the players actually got to play as kobolds defending their lair from a band of adventurers. One of the most memorable games I've played.
I say to you my scaly brothers to not despair, for our GLORIOUS race history rest safe in the claws of I, Skrik The Kobold-Bard, Master of the Lute and Song, creator of the first ever blues of Neverwinter ''Mama Got Scales'' and He who play such a beautiful ballad to Tiamat Herself, she decided NOT to invade the Mortal Realm with an army of grey dragons. So rejoice brothers and sisters, for we are relevant, we are loved, and most importantly, we are AWESOME
Yay, more kobold stuff to fuel the fires of my imagination~ I got my 5th Edition book set for xmas and, as someone who has never played D&D (don't even have people to play with) the Kobolds have quickly become my favorite race in D&D from a roleplaying perspective. Personally I hold a little gripe with the fact that kobolds are considered evil, I think lawful neutral would be better as they have so much potential as a force for good if you instead choose to see them as the small, vulnerable race who want nothing more than to be left alone by the tall races that keep delving into their warrens to steal whatever they have of value.
I agree. The only reason they’re evil, is because they worship chromatic dragons. I think, if you introduced them to a dragon that wasn’t evil, or maybe had them serve a group of dragonborn, they’d be happy enough to live in peace. All they really want is a good boss, the occasional trinket, and not to get thumped by some random adventurer who wandered into the wrong cave.
@@jamesforgie6594 not all of them worship chromatic dragons, they were created by chromatic dragons, so most of them do. Some of them worship metallic dragons.
my longest running PC was a kobold, just something fun about riding on the shoulders of a paladin throwing lightning bolts and crowd control spells good times...could i have done the same thing with a gnome sure sure...but would it have eaten foes as an intimidation tactic i think not
All hail the Kobold, and my longstanding, one of the dopest charactrs I ever played with, the kobold paladin Ko, the Bold, be forever remembered and reveared
Kobolds are interesting to set up. A few isolated scouts or warriors are nothing to worry about, but the full might of the clan/tribe can easily whipe a careless group, regardless of their power level... In fact, IF the group can face against their opponants, it mean SOMEONE dropped the ball. In my opinion, a Kobold lair should be a hazard in and on itself, barely spotting the darn things as they lure you into the next trap ;7
I'm having fun playing a kobold way of mercy monk. he's only level 4 and mostly useless; but the rp is loads of fun. the "preface" you provide about how kobolds used to exist in a space of helpful mischief just solidified/validated my character. thank you (backstory, he was found as a hatchling by a group of compassionate firbolg. they raised him, hence the mercy)
As an avid Kobold fan, I have to say: Tucker's kobolds don't do credit to Kobolds. Tucker's Kobolds is more like Tucker's Infinitely prepared, wealthy, metagaming, magic users. The fact that they were kobolds was arbitrary. They were not played, nor equipped like kobolds. Saying that, Kobolds with a shovel and a few days to prepare could handily defeat most mid-level parties. Never attack kobolds on their own ground.
@@kirbs0001 Isn't that exactly what Tuckers Kobolds are attempting to portray though? Don't enter their lairs/territory on their terms. I think Tuckers Kobolds are a good example of how a GM can make the most out of a seemingly weak monster when it is played to its strengths and potential. The fun about Tuckers Kobolds is that they poke you and run away, attempt to lure you into traps, they are absolute little scumbags of joy and annoyance while seemingly more realistic than the ones that just attack you til they drop dead. Too often do I see the poor kobold used as fodder for the PC meat grinder as they are used as brain dead minions who attack until they are killed by the PC's. It's a shame and crazy to see how monsters are used in general. As if they really are just creatures on strings fulfilling plot goals rather than act like realistic entities in the world. Though that is of course dependent on the GM.
@@BrutusAlbion The problem with Tuckers' Kobolds was that it was rarely the kobolds that did anything. The kobolds might lead a party into a hallway that somehow has an entire floor that slides out to reveal an olympic swimming pool of acid. It's not the kobolds doing anything in that case, it's just ridiculous traps and "arbitrary weak minion" to lead the party into those traps. If it wasn't the traps doing the killing, it was stupid meta-game like describing a burning, moving, metal structure as unstoppable. Of course the players knew kobolds were doing something, but by that point they'd seen traps that moved MEGATONS of stone like it was paper, so why not entire walls of burning metal? Tuckers' kobolds were poorly designed and poorly played by a sadistic GM that just wanted to punish player hubris. But Tucker failed, because he never beat the players with weak monsters. He beat the players with stupid traps and over-equipped invisible monsters.
@@kirbs0001 I don't think you understand the point of tucker's kobolds. The point is taking a race of creatures and capitalizing on their strengths. You could literally destroy even a mid level party, if you wanted to, by simply making all of the caverns 3' tall and letting the kobolds set up simple traps - not acid lakes, literally just barrels of oil waiting to be spilled and set on fire and use guerilla tactics. Beyond that, the "Kobold Inventor" allows for other types of low level yet still potentially lethal traps. Swarms of insects, oozes and other trappable or directable monsters, etc. etc.
@@lord6617 That is exactly my point! Those are the kinds of tactics kobolds SHOULD use. The kinds of traps, preparedness and magic availability in Tucker's Kobolds defeats the point of them being kobolds. Tucker's Kobolds were too well-equipped to be considered "standard". Their traps were too elaborate, and they had FAR too many magical items and effects at their disposal. A good GM should be able to use Kobolds exactly as they are in the MM, give them a shovel and time, and they'll be formidable to nearly anybody that tries to enter their lair. They shouldn't be given limitless oil, vastly complicated traps, magical items, or anything like that. It defeats the purpose of them being such low-tier monsters to begin with.
straight up left the video at the 8 1/2 minute mark because I thought it was over. "Leave a comment for the kobold", oh the video's over. Found the video the next day with a half finished progress bar.
Would be interested to see you doing a similar series regarding the direction Pathfinder took after Paizo broke off to do it's own thing. There is a fair bit of overlap but there are some amusing leaps into more strange and interesting locales.
Currently making a back up kobold pc for a beer and pretzels type campaign, so this helps a bit. The kobold itself is a warlock who caught the attention of an archfey who decided to play a “small” prank on him. Started talking inside the kobold’s head, give it magical powers, etc until it “revealed” itself as a pseudodragon familiar. The archfey speaks through the familiar and has convinced the kobold it’s a mighty dragon from the outer planes and the kobold was chosen as its herald, as only its mind could truly understand it. So basically a paranoid 2 feet high kobold dragging around a catsized dragon, saying it’s its god and blasting eldritch blasts from its mouth
11:24 (along with a lack of mention of dragons at the 3e description at 10:45) implies that the kobolds' strong connection with dragons started in 4th edition. In fact it started with Races of the Dragon in 3.5 alongside dragonborn (you can even see a kobold there on the cover when it's shown near the beginning). Somewhat awkwardly, RotD pretty much starts out their description of the race with "... or that's what they WANT you to think!" regarding the monster manual description, before going on to describe how they're basically tiny little dragon-people.
Kobolds are one of my favorite creatures, because the Kobold Inventor can make for awesome Dungeones and encounters, there is just so much to be done with that guy. But also Roleplaying, approach Kobolds with lowered weapons, talk to them. Offer them something in return. Kobolds are a Monster Race you can reason with. Also playing one is really engaging. Pack Tactics and Sunlight Weakness always keep you engaged and guessing how you should position yourself as a Kobold, also playing against prejudice is fun, being the ultimate underdog. It's really fun. One of my fondest memories was a side quest with level 9 and 10 characters respectively, where they went into a town that has been taken over by Kobold, they could have scouted and the reason the town was taken over was so that the Kobolds were save from a group of orcs that enslaved them, they were on the run, so as a warning they tried to create an absolute Murderhole. There were 2-3 realistic times they could have asked. They saw a Kobold Scout and they could have detected that the questgiver (a half-orc) was lying to them and they could have talked with one of the villagers who they saw on the road. But they went straight in and I basically played it as a Horror scenario, there was almost no escape. They couldn't turn their backs. Fire, Poison, Ambushes, tunnels and so on was used. 3/4 PCs went down ... almost murder free, because the Kobolds only activated traps and never confronted them directly, apart from hit and runs. But once they got to the Leader he just cowered and plead to kill him instead of giving them over to the orcs... The traps are all they really had. For the players it really was a moment that left them speechless, they fought through all that, were scared of a Party Wipe from Kobolds and all because they didn't ask. Trap City was one of my favorite encounters of all time, because I was able to play it out like a Horror Movie in DnD. edit: It's the only thing I really disagree, the RP factor is very high and like you said in the end Kobolds can be a Dream for a DM, planning out Rube-Goldberg traps etc.
A tribute to pay, early in the morning today. Sure I missed the mark of date, 8 months and 18 days is the count that I state. However still, I must give my remark. Kobolds be in my heart, I hark! Sure, this will be buried by a late necrotic post, withered by time and skipped over by most. I give my love even still, for this beast was asked to be respected and that I must fulfill. 🐉 May not have been included with the true dragons, wyrms and drakes. Alas, on it's own is the legend that the Kobold makes.🐉
As someone that,even without truly getting the chance to get into a campaign yet,when i made my first character in anticipation for one,i instantly fell in love with the idea of a small kobold bard as i learned how PCs worked,while also making her original both in class and race,with higher dex than char to take adventage of the small size and diversify from the route of the bard,and a background more related to being born into a safe noble house after being her parents being saved from slavery without true contact with the outside world before leaving to adventure with some quirks to reflect that (clothing,shy manners etc) ,instead of your typical "out in the wild" wandering little lizard. Just like you said once for the imp and pseudodragon,once a monster is under the control of a player's choices,an infinity of choices can arise,and not just as an enemy,of course,i guess its also left to the player itself then more than the game,which means that even if kobolds were to be low on your list or not,someone can make the smallest playable monster race in 5e as great as their said draconic cousins,dragons. Size doesn't make one less mighty,and if it does,it only makes one more unique.
S Tier: Spurt, Deekin That aside, Urd showed up as early as 2nd edition AFAIK, but the first picture shown when Urds are mentioned is that of a Dragonlance Draconian.
I especially love Kobolds because during my first ever D&D campaign, my dragonborn barbarian named Rudy convinced a clan of Kobolds that he was their king. Of course he had to squash the chief before the others believed him but, after he did so three of the strongest Kobolds followed Rudy everywhere he went and did exactly as they were always told. In the end what started as a tyrannical takeover ended up being a loyal service of lower rank monsters. I love Kobolds and they are easily my favorite monsters, next to dragons of course.
I like Kobolds, they are among my favorites of all the races. One of my favorite characters ever was a Kobold Sorcerer, it took me some convincing to get my DM to let me play one but I took him from level 1 to level 14 before the campaign ended. Not only was he one of my favorite characters but one of my strongest, campaigns didn't typically last long enough to gain much ground in my group.
My first experience with kobolds was when i wanted to make a joke character. I hadnt played gor very long and i wanted to do something silly so I made a kobold barbarian, after making them i was looking deeper and deeper into the d&d lore and really started to get an appreciation for the little monsters, now they are my favorite of the monster races and look forward to playing more of them. (Through unforseen circumstances the first one was banished to another realm and i have been playing a kobold wizard that was part of the first ones backstory for the rest of the campaign so far)
I beleive that image is of a Dragonwrought Kobold, wich is different than Urds (winged Kobolds). Its important to make the difference as Urds are social pariahs while Dragonwrought are nobility. They both fly tho.
@@huntergraumann5939 You mean, Life for Spurt? I mean they can´t bring him back because of player reasons but if they ever get 9th level spells this would be 25.000 gold well spent :D
kobold has always been my fav i love how fragile they are thats why its fun. you might just break them while hugging them alittle too hard. their creativity turning anything they found into possible weapons and traps. they use what they are offered to turn into their better chance of survival.
Hey Esper, I was looking for some homebrew monster online and I found this amazing pdf called Book of Beautiful Horrors which adds a bunch of lore-friendly monsters and expands upon my three favorite types of undead, vampires, ghouls and wraiths. If you’ve played the Witcher game series, you’ll probably recognize a bunch of these baddies, so I recommend you check it out, it’s great read. P.s the newest version is v.1.9, just as a reminder, though the author might update it soon.
I’m currently in my first ever campaign. Everyone in my party and I are kobolds. I love them. They’re tons of fun to play, mainly because you are forced to work together with everyone in coordinated ways because they’re so fragile. If you want a really fun (and funny) one shot or campaign, go all kobolds. It’s a great time. XD
Man... I sure do love your brain. When you mentioned home alone I began writing a chapter in which a single kobold is holding off a party of adventurers giving them hell. I am really excited about it. Love your vids, keep them coming please. P.S you're Hawkesome, stay hawkesome.
Reminds me of when I played a Kobald Cleric and he always talked about his Dragon Lord and looked down on all other races. He might have been a Cleric, but most of the healing he did on himself as he figured, “Well I am above everyone else here. Why should I heal them when I need it”
I always enjoy regaling new friends with the story of the character that one of my players played as. Taklak Learnéd Wing, the Winged Kobold Sorcerer. He who was gifted with the primal and ancient magick of the dragons. His only goal in life was nothing more than to get to a high enough level to be able to cast True Polymorph and become a dragon.
I just adore Kobolds as a player. I’ve made 4 different characters with the race just because something “clicked” with me. I’ve made a paladin of Tiamat’s who SOMEHOW was the sweetheart of the group. An arcane trickster who’s best friend was a gnome and fellow orphan of the kid run sewer gang wanting to help those he viewed as family. A sorcerer descendant of “Pelius the Blue” champion of Tiamat who had his entire clan betrayed by a sect of Tiamat’s cult. Then I had “featherfoot” a shadow monk I made because I thought it’d be an interesting “rogue without being a rogue” build that works way better than I initially thought it would. And finally an alchemist artificer who’s assistant was this little mechanical pixie he named Mona. Their relationship short as it was with the party, made the group shed a tear at his unreversable death from a mummy.
I made a character that is a kobold paladin of Bahamut and he works for a silver dragon. We played through a part of the Parnast campaign and I taught the townsfolk how to make traps.
Here me, o Kobolds of now and of Yore, of Tucker and Mercer, and e'en edition four...
Dance not your waltzes upon pointed swords, but grant us the boon of gold in lost hoards.
Here my voice and my cittern as I utter these words, be happy, be merry, and All Hail King Torg.
(All Hail King Torg)
ALL HAIL KING TORG!
All hail king Torg!
All Hail King Torg
A L L H A I L K I N G T O R G !
ALL HAIL KING TORG!!!!!
Swords and spells are great but nothing beats a scorpion on a stick or a skunk in a cage
What about ducks in a barrel?
He went splat. but he lives on, as the invincible hero of the future. RIP SPURT :'(
Have the kobolda use oil in combination with fire traps
The virgin sword vs the chad scorpion on a stick
Ahh, a true kobold
Thank you, Kobolds, for your countless sacrifices over the years. The game wouldn’t be the same without you.
No problem, mate :)
@@josharko111 just want to say in the campaign I'm starting soon you will be one of the first encounters. And of course you'll be properly equipped with a scorpion on a stick
@@ryuudraco592 uhhhh thanks...?
@@josharko111 I'm sorry I accused your people of stealing my enchanted back massager . I realized I was jumping to conclusions without any evidence when I found it neatly put back in its box.
@@rachdarastrix5251 ye no problem. You wouldn't have found me amongst them anyways.
>be Kobold inventor
>throw beehive at Fire Giant
>"You're dead! I WIN!"
>*splat*
R.I.P. Spurt, you were the best of them.
Sounds like he didn't fare so well. Should've gone for gunsmithing * spins revolver cylinder before closing it again*
Best Kobold I've ever experienced was a player who was a Kobold Barbarian who didn't know that he was tiny and pathetic.
I once played a kobold warlock.
Had a friend who played a wild magic Kobold sorcerer....He was a crazy little shit who just loved to blow shit up..."I didnt ask how big the room was, I said I cast Fireball" type of caster.
Ive done exactly that. Kobolds are amazing
I encountered a Kobald who wore a pair of broken sunglasses and tattered leather coat.
He had absurdly high charisma and was the most popular person in town. His name was Wazi, and my edgelord Ranger rubbed him the wrong way and earned the ire of the entire town for it.
I'm going to play a kobold barbarian who's a chaotic evil crazy person who loves fighting and was a huge ego
I love kobolds. I really like using them as barkeeps, despite their lore, and general savage nature. I just think it’s hilarious to walk into a tavern, look behind the counter, and see a rust red kobold standing on a stool, washing a glass.
I love them as barkeeps too, they are just cute little rascals.
Since their hostility has been toned down a bit in 5e, being more territorial than murderous, I've used them for things like miners or involved in city underworks by playing up the ingenuity aspect to help keep things moving or expanding out of sight and unknown to the general populous.
Like Deekin
I usually tend to tune down the monster manual assigned alignment for different races to make my game more colourful.
They're just so heccin pathetic! I love the lil lizard bois
My Kobold Rogue is my all-time favorite character to date. Stealth and Hiding are easy, and Pack Tactics make every attack a Sneak Attack!
My favorite part of dming kobolds is the lore of them being crafty trapmakers. Out in the open, they make for excellent introductory encounters into dnd's more intricate combat mechanics, like difficult and hazardous terrain with some clever use of simple hunting traps. But in their lairs, all of hell breaks loose as suddenly the players are in the territory of dnd's own viet cong, they have the homefield advantage, and they will make use of it to a devilish degree, to the point that even mid level characters can have a rough time in their lairs. My personal favorite kobold trap has always been a false floor that collapses under the weight of a heavily armored adventurer, into a pit with a rust monster waiting at the bottom, oh how fun it is.
Love this, I am actually starting a campaign today where my players are playing as Kobalds who are minions to an ancient red dragon.
My wife and I will often play as dragonborn and kobald with the dragonborn being a tank and the kobald running some sort of support
I play a dragonborn barbarian
i presently have my dragon-serving kobold as a paladin (in training) serving a silver dragon (idea is the silver dragon is the local paladin order's big deity figure)
That's interesting, a few years back I ran a somewhat similar campaign with my players as kobolds, though the story revolved around the great dragon dying and as a fail safe against death, the dragon had a dracolich brew and phylactory prepared which was used to keep him from truly dying by the arch-mage half dragon in his brood (who died at the end of the administering process) The story revolved around this band of kobolds earning the favor of their dracolich god-figure and helping it get revenge against the powerful adventurers who killed it. (Essentially pulling dangerous pranks and making minor inconveniences for them early on, and then as they grew in power they began to actively work against those adventurers and cause them no end of trouble, while always making sure to avoid ever getting into direct confrontation with them. The campaign ended in a climax in which the adventurers returned to kill the dracolich and the PCs finally got their epic showdown with the adventurers. The PCs all laid down their lives for their god-figure dying in heroic fashion, and in the end the dracolich won out, killing all of the adventurers and even mourning for his lost kobold champions thereafter (or at least lamenting the loss of his useful servants)
Kobolds are one of my favorite player races. They are a kickass and underappreciated race.
Is that the faun princess?
In my world, (Dragons are few but known and prosperous, they run the banks) Kobolds work as attendants and money lenders for the banks.
Ooh, cool idea. I was just thinking yesterday that traditional banking heavily favors immortal/really frickin old beings, and I wonder if banking would change at all in the DnD world
.. Are they smarter than what's conveyed normally? Because... Jesus, that'd be absolutely horrible to have to deal with a small Draconic accented shit eater. I'd honestly just go to the Dwarfs.
@@Erreul typically yes. The tax collectors are more intelligent. Diggers and tunnelers are less so, but not foolish either.
I love this. I need more details. How does this work? Where are the bank branches? How do people like the draconic banks? Are there other banks? Give me moar.
Nice!
Kobolds were dragons before dragonborns were ever dragonBORN xD
Considering kobolds first became dragons at the start of 3rd edition and dragonborns were introduced later that same edition, technically yes.
And are superior to dragon born.
Kurtulmak was led into a never ending maze, Glittergold turned around and said "You got gnomed." And he was trapped there for all eternity.
Would be funny if it turned out that Kurtlmak was in undermountain the whole time....
The 3.5e kobold lore makes them very interesting, born from the original dragons of each scale spilling their blood to create a new race. Then, almost being wiped out as a race by Glitergold because he was jealous of how industrious they were compared to his the playful lazy gnomes.
Also, Dragonborn Kobolds.
@@YourCrazyDolphin well any race could become dragonborn back then, it was more of a class than a race
@@justahologram2230 I meant Dragonwrought.
@@YourCrazyDolphin the long life span makes them very interesting to play
@@justahologram2230 Also, breath weapons.
EDIT: Wait, that was Pathfinder
But the skill bonus was great!
Esper: Kobolds have a fascinating real-world history and lore that's faithful to their origin and pairs well with mechanics designed for them and-
Me: I jus wanna smol lizard gf to pet and buy shiny gifts for.
Kobolds are the cutest race of all DnD
Scalie
They work for both.
oh so he was a kobold inventor.... rip spurt u managed to leave a standing impression in such little time
Poor spurt...
"MY BOY!!!" Man, that was the most I've laughed at CritRole in a while. It was very well done and I loved every bit of it.
Kobolds is cool because of:
1) they are the weakest sapient creatures in the world, yet they are thinking that they are almost the most powerful creatures in the world, so they all kind of gang of Narutos... Oh, wait! They are kind of gang of CLEVER Narutos.
2) then you start a game first time they show you both something new (not something as stock and common as goblins) and easy understandable (comparing to beholder)
3) they are one of the few creatures in D&D that try to win you by the brain, not by magic/superpowers or brute force.
A fascinating observation, about Kobolds as a Jungian archetype representing mankind's varied nature as industrious workers, malicious tricksters, and xenophobic destroyers.
Which, while I don't quite know to phrase it, but in some ways, can't you say the same about gnomes? For an example, they both live in underground holes, they both use trickery to defeat their enemies etc. Which maybe why kobolds hate gnomes in a metasense, as they are similar but different. Again, I dont know how to phrase it.
@@runedoom There's a certain line of reasoning that all monsters and fantastic creatures are an extension of ourselves. We create these beings as a means of holding a mirror to ourselves, as a species. Then again, I'm of the opinion that ALL Art exists, at least partially, as a tool for understanding our world, including us.
@@runedoom yeah but gnomes are fucking LAAAAME!
@@rodrikforrester6989 but gnomes are the secret dnd illuminati, appearing occasionally as tricksters and weirdo inventors. But in reality, their long lifespans and advanced technologies and illusion magics allow them to subtly control and profit from all the realms.
@@runedoom Yeah in a way, all these little humanoid-ish things spawn from the same mythological origin. Kobalos, kobold, goblin, elf, dwarf, gnome, boggart, bogle, puck, brownie, sprite. They are all little capricious spirits that bear influence on everyday lives, work, and tools.
Would you consider doing Monster Rankings for Goblins and Goblinoids?
In fact, just last night I was considering Goblinoids and how I would do such a video
*BFG Division intensifies*
There are so many different varieties of goblins. not sure how many types are in 5e though
I'm gnot a gnoblin
@@elgatochurro You're a gnome.
I am sorry my players kill so many of you off instead of making peace, kobolds. You are the coolest kind of dragon.
Kobolds are the greatest, bravest, most amazing dragons ever.
And I have killed them by the thousands. They were fighting a war and just wanted to be accepted as a people, not as monsters.
UwU
Leo Cooper Apps Dragonborn could probably talk them down by being more dragony
I find Kobolds to be one of the funnest races/monsters in d&d specifically because of how deceptively clever they are, a tunnel system that has been infested with them can quickly become a meat grinder with the proper planning and trap setup
Play a Kobold Monk, after his dragon master died, he and his clan are left without any purpose....so a parties cleric charmed them into the ways of adventure and glory....
Pure Kobold party is meant to be fun! Nobody expects two kobolds in a trench coat times three!
I normally always play casters, and I have rolled three kobold characters so far. A druid, a sorcerer and a rogue that managed to multiclass his way into Arcane Trickster.
My favorite was the druid, since noone ever expected the scrawny lizard to just transform into a bear and maul their face off XD
@@Reddotzebra Do Small creatures transform into proportionally smaller versions of animals or not? I'm wondering because a Small dire bear and a Small creature transforming into a regular-sized dire bear are both equally amusing.
A friend of mine is actually playing 2 Kobolds at the same time and he is such a skilled player that he pulls it off flawlessly, he isn't the strongest in the party since he also has to split XP around etc. But damn if it isn' t enjoyable when 1 Person plays 2 Kobolds.
@@Necromancist Wildshape actually specifies what size of animal you can change into based on your level, so in my interpretation of the rules it does not matter what size the user is to begin with. (In 3.5e anyway) But as always it's up to the DM.
@@Reddotzebra Got it. Thanks!
I once built an encounter where kobolds trapped the party in a hallway, and then advanced in a phalanx. I gave every kobold a polearm, polearm master, and sentinel. It was awesome.
How did the party survive?!
@@adriaanschoombie8573 after a few rounds, the half orc barbarian succeeded on an intimidation check to disperse the remaining kobolds. It was a fun little encounter meant to remind the players to not underestimate smaller enemies, but I didn't intend for them to have to fight the whole kobold formation to the death
@@alexhukill838 oh ok. Thats a damn good tactic tho.
@@adriaanschoombie8573 thanks!
What an appropriate time for this to come out. Critical Role just had a Kobald Inventor NPC in the most recent episode. Thanks for doing this ranking.
Ahh, good timing. My party of intrepid level 5 adventurers just realized the power of turn economy last night whilst facing a small army of kobolds, all the while being pushed under a falling rock trap by the clever monsters.
Spurt, played by D&D Creative Lead Chris Perkins recently on Critical Role, was very obviously a Kobold Inventor... Great fun
Ah, Spurt -- we hardly knew ye.
@@Rannek675 Well he wasn't lying when he said he was only going to live 11 days lmao
Pun-Pun, the most powerful character in all of D&D (and at level 1 too), is pleased.
I am reminded of a tale, I read, of an adventuring party delving into a dungeon, where the first level was inhabited by Kobolds, with secret passages, murder holes in the walls and all that... The party fled deeper into the dungeon and dreaded nothing more than eventually having to go trough the Kobold floor again on the way out (hoping they'd learn to teleport or find a teleport item before that)
This video was great! In addition to ranking the Kobolds, you gave some great insights into the nature of kobolds and some tips for using them. That's like anti-clickbait.
According to some actual bards, "brevity is the soul of wit". This one could drive a brass dragon to a vow of silence with the overwrought alliteration.
Kobolds > goblins
I'm a goblin and I'm upset
PREACH ✋🤚
WHAT ABOUT NOTT
Yes
Hobgoblins > kobolds
Anyone remember D&D Gazeteer 20, "Orcs of Thar" (1988), in which the kobolds' nation mimicked Rome/Byzantine? In that lore, the kobolds' leader eventually rose to global prominence. The love for kobolds goes way back.
You know, I think DnD could benefit from reintroducing Kobold subraces, based from those 3 classic Germanic Kobold types. The cave Kobold seems to be the one the DnD Kobolds are based on, the idea of forrest Kobolds is interesting (maybe as druids?). But the one I find most intreaging are the Sea Kobolds.
Pirate Kobolds, now that's something I want to sea.
I think I may just homebrew my own!
I think you underestimate the two abilities of the Kobold Dragonshield. They protect the eggs of a Dragon that means they are the closest to the Dragon at all times. They are constantly effected willingly or accidentally by the two dragon area attacks Frightful Presence and Breath Attack, so they developed resistance to it. In combat a dragon may choose to use its Breath Attack on everyone and the Kobolds will come out of it better then the adventurers.
1. A dragon uses frightful presence against its enemies, not allies.
2. Unless the dragon is a wyrmling, its breath weapon would roast the little kobold badly, even with its resistance.
Best video you made so far, keep it up mate!
I never used a single Kobold, but my next dungeon will include an old grumpy kobold that knows all the dungeons secret passages and traps and uses that to stealthyly pickpocket the pary. If they notice him he will have the party work for that information he guards unless they want to die a horrible death. Thinking about giving the little guy a sphere of anihilation ... Open for suggestions :)
A kobold shouldn't be able to control a sphere of annihilation. Plus it's more fun to figure out ways to sneak around the party while only equipping your kobold(s) with basic tools like shovels and picks
If so give him higher INT. And explain (at least secretly to yourself) how and why he has this sphere. And maybe give him a level in sorcerer or airlock. Late reply but some more ideas. Maybe an artificer!
put a high level party in a well structured Kobold lair and you'll have a satisfying TPK! the non-draconic lizard-like buggers are amazing!
edit: if you feel especially evil, join Kobolds and Goblins in the lair. they might both be running away from the same thing and joined forces.
Well, if you say that goblins are actually just green gnomes... then welp, say goodbye to the goblins.
I thank you kobolds for teaching my players that not all is what it seems in the tunnels and that anyone is worth talking to if given the chance.
Awesome video. Its nice seeing Kobolds getting a comprehensive look like this with origins and everything.
And yes, was smiling for most of the video :)
The Kobold Sorcerer mini is my favorite to set on the map. Players, so confident hacking up their foes, suddenly get anxious when one can blast them with spells.
The below poem is from my character's back story. My tiefling cleric preaches a liberation theology and spread it among some enslaved kobolds.
~Kobold Spring
~
Sitting outside of kobold camp
In land called free, these slaves are kept
A tiefling priest makes a fire
To share Flame's light is his desire
He keeps it low, avoids detection
From human house, and aggression
He hums the songs of his people
Their time captive, escape from evil
Yet kobold trust is hard to win
Owing to abuse and slaver's sin
Each night he comes, despite suspicion
Empowered by Flame, with renewed ambition
Third night approaches small dragon being
“What do you want?” they ask the tiefling
“My people, like you, were once bound”
“By Flame's light, will to resist was found”
The kobold turns and beckons preacher
Into camp, though outside creature
He comes each night, resistance teaching
Flame burning bright, their souls reaching
One night their slaver hears them singing
Roused from sleep, sees fire gleaming
Down from the house to put down rabble
With posse and chains, to suppress and grapple
Kobolds offer prayers, and call the fire
Slavers step back, position dire
Their path cut off, they plea to go
The priest looks down, and answers, “No”
We're playing a Curse of Strahd campaign and our Party has a Kobold Monk as a member. Certainly adds flavor to the Game!
Thank you Kobolds for all you do! Currently playing a Kobold rogue that was raised by human nobles, it's a lot of fun!
I'm actually playing a Kobold Bard in a campaign we just started. He's a bit of a homebrew, as our DM won't allow him to use pack tactics, but he's not susceptible to sunlight either. I do roleplay that he doesn't like the sun, and always has his hood up when outdoors during the day. I also purposely nerfed him a bit, making his strength rather pathetic (he is only 3' tall and 35 lbs after all), and he's pretty squishy. I also named him Beavis, though he is marginally smarter than his namesake. I also promised the party that I won't do the voice except in combat situations. 😄Cutting Words and the cantrip, Vicious Mockery, are his forte during hostile encounters. Overall, he's a lot of fun to play.
Going around in the dark area and yes thee scout did in fact notice the grate... what he could not avoid was the "alarm" system. moving to the grate they scared the Skunk held with in... that smell was a trigger for the Hyena hidden nearby, as its creepy laughter goes off all the kobolds know exactly where you are at and grabbing the Hyennas as they pass can easily track the scout; good luck escaping.
Great video. I really love reinforcing the link between Kobolds and Dragons by giving them all wings and fly speeds. I've even tied the origin of Dragonborn to mutations arising among Kobold hatchlings.
I remember a Pathfinder Society module where the players actually got to play as kobolds defending their lair from a band of adventurers. One of the most memorable games I've played.
I have a new respect for these guys now. 10/10
The opening speech about Kobolds was fantastic. It’s given me a lot of insight on how I want to incorporate them into my world.
I say to you my scaly brothers to not despair, for our GLORIOUS race history rest safe in the claws of I, Skrik The Kobold-Bard, Master of the Lute and Song, creator of the first ever blues of Neverwinter ''Mama Got Scales'' and He who play such a beautiful ballad to Tiamat Herself, she decided NOT to invade the Mortal Realm with an army of grey dragons.
So rejoice brothers and sisters, for we are relevant, we are loved, and most importantly, we are AWESOME
thank you kobolds, you are always close behind the goblins in my games. may you always give my players joy.
Ancient civilizations forgotten, corpses rotten, giants rise as the dragons fly. Thine kobolds shall never die.
Yay, more kobold stuff to fuel the fires of my imagination~
I got my 5th Edition book set for xmas and, as someone who has never played D&D (don't even have people to play with) the Kobolds have quickly become my favorite race in D&D from a roleplaying perspective.
Personally I hold a little gripe with the fact that kobolds are considered evil, I think lawful neutral would be better as they have so much potential as a force for good if you instead choose to see them as the small, vulnerable race who want nothing more than to be left alone by the tall races that keep delving into their warrens to steal whatever they have of value.
I agree. The only reason they’re evil, is because they worship chromatic dragons. I think, if you introduced them to a dragon that wasn’t evil, or maybe had them serve a group of dragonborn, they’d be happy enough to live in peace. All they really want is a good boss, the occasional trinket, and not to get thumped by some random adventurer who wandered into the wrong cave.
@@jamesforgie6594 not all of them worship chromatic dragons, they were created by chromatic dragons, so most of them do.
Some of them worship metallic dragons.
my longest running PC was a kobold, just something fun about riding on the shoulders of a paladin throwing lightning bolts and crowd control spells good times...could i have done the same thing with a gnome sure sure...but would it have eaten foes as an intimidation tactic i think not
This was probably one of your best up loads for monster tiers. Well done man
After Ranking all official D&D Monsters, could you look at Kobold Press’ “Tome Of Beasts” and “Creature Codex”?
The Atheist Bear yes!!!!
Swolbold Press
Inquisitor Thomas Swolbolds are awesome!
How have I not seen your channel!!! Amazing lore. Handled with love and affection.
All hail the Kobold, and my longstanding, one of the dopest charactrs I ever played with, the kobold paladin Ko, the Bold, be forever remembered and reveared
For me it was "THE GREAT DRAGON REMUZ."
Kobolds are interesting to set up. A few isolated scouts or warriors are nothing to worry about, but the full might of the clan/tribe can easily whipe a careless group, regardless of their power level... In fact, IF the group can face against their opponants, it mean SOMEONE dropped the ball. In my opinion, a Kobold lair should be a hazard in and on itself, barely spotting the darn things as they lure you into the next trap ;7
This is a good reason to explain why I chose to play as a Kobold Artificer for the campaign that I'm currently in.
I'm having fun playing a kobold way of mercy monk. he's only level 4 and mostly useless; but the rp is loads of fun. the "preface" you provide about how kobolds used to exist in a space of helpful mischief just solidified/validated my character. thank you
(backstory, he was found as a hatchling by a group of compassionate firbolg. they raised him, hence the mercy)
I absolutely love the kobald press kobalds. They have a frickin swolbald
The only real Kobold is a Tucker's Kobold :P
As an avid Kobold fan, I have to say:
Tucker's kobolds don't do credit to Kobolds. Tucker's Kobolds is more like Tucker's Infinitely prepared, wealthy, metagaming, magic users. The fact that they were kobolds was arbitrary. They were not played, nor equipped like kobolds.
Saying that, Kobolds with a shovel and a few days to prepare could handily defeat most mid-level parties. Never attack kobolds on their own ground.
@@kirbs0001 Isn't that exactly what Tuckers Kobolds are attempting to portray though? Don't enter their lairs/territory on their terms.
I think Tuckers Kobolds are a good example of how a GM can make the most out of a seemingly weak monster when it is played to its strengths and potential.
The fun about Tuckers Kobolds is that they poke you and run away, attempt to lure you into traps, they are absolute little scumbags of joy and annoyance while seemingly more realistic than the ones that just attack you til they drop dead.
Too often do I see the poor kobold used as fodder for the PC meat grinder as they are used as brain dead minions who attack until they are killed by the PC's. It's a shame and crazy to see how monsters are used in general. As if they really are just creatures on strings fulfilling plot goals rather than act like realistic entities in the world. Though that is of course dependent on the GM.
@@BrutusAlbion The problem with Tuckers' Kobolds was that it was rarely the kobolds that did anything.
The kobolds might lead a party into a hallway that somehow has an entire floor that slides out to reveal an olympic swimming pool of acid. It's not the kobolds doing anything in that case, it's just ridiculous traps and "arbitrary weak minion" to lead the party into those traps.
If it wasn't the traps doing the killing, it was stupid meta-game like describing a burning, moving, metal structure as unstoppable. Of course the players knew kobolds were doing something, but by that point they'd seen traps that moved MEGATONS of stone like it was paper, so why not entire walls of burning metal?
Tuckers' kobolds were poorly designed and poorly played by a sadistic GM that just wanted to punish player hubris. But Tucker failed, because he never beat the players with weak monsters. He beat the players with stupid traps and over-equipped invisible monsters.
@@kirbs0001 I don't think you understand the point of tucker's kobolds. The point is taking a race of creatures and capitalizing on their strengths. You could literally destroy even a mid level party, if you wanted to, by simply making all of the caverns 3' tall and letting the kobolds set up simple traps - not acid lakes, literally just barrels of oil waiting to be spilled and set on fire and use guerilla tactics. Beyond that, the "Kobold Inventor" allows for other types of low level yet still potentially lethal traps. Swarms of insects, oozes and other trappable or directable monsters, etc. etc.
@@lord6617 That is exactly my point! Those are the kinds of tactics kobolds SHOULD use. The kinds of traps, preparedness and magic availability in Tucker's Kobolds defeats the point of them being kobolds.
Tucker's Kobolds were too well-equipped to be considered "standard". Their traps were too elaborate, and they had FAR too many magical items and effects at their disposal.
A good GM should be able to use Kobolds exactly as they are in the MM, give them a shovel and time, and they'll be formidable to nearly anybody that tries to enter their lair. They shouldn't be given limitless oil, vastly complicated traps, magical items, or anything like that. It defeats the purpose of them being such low-tier monsters to begin with.
Kobold and the Anarchist Cookbook = a ton of fun for the DM and a rough encounter for a party.
I love those little guys. They are so funny and i currently have a kobold character.
straight up left the video at the 8 1/2 minute mark because I thought it was over. "Leave a comment for the kobold", oh the video's over. Found the video the next day with a half finished progress bar.
When it comes to low level monsters in DnD the kobolds have definitely always been my favorite species.
Would be interested to see you doing a similar series regarding the direction Pathfinder took after Paizo broke off to do it's own thing. There is a fair bit of overlap but there are some amusing leaps into more strange and interesting locales.
Currently making a back up kobold pc for a beer and pretzels type campaign, so this helps a bit. The kobold itself is a warlock who caught the attention of an archfey who decided to play a “small” prank on him. Started talking inside the kobold’s head, give it magical powers, etc until it “revealed” itself as a pseudodragon familiar. The archfey speaks through the familiar and has convinced the kobold it’s a mighty dragon from the outer planes and the kobold was chosen as its herald, as only its mind could truly understand it. So basically a paranoid 2 feet high kobold dragging around a catsized dragon, saying it’s its god and blasting eldritch blasts from its mouth
11:24 (along with a lack of mention of dragons at the 3e description at 10:45) implies that the kobolds' strong connection with dragons started in 4th edition. In fact it started with Races of the Dragon in 3.5 alongside dragonborn (you can even see a kobold there on the cover when it's shown near the beginning). Somewhat awkwardly, RotD pretty much starts out their description of the race with "... or that's what they WANT you to think!" regarding the monster manual description, before going on to describe how they're basically tiny little dragon-people.
Kobolds are one of my favorite creatures, because the Kobold Inventor can make for awesome Dungeones and encounters, there is just so much to be done with that guy. But also Roleplaying, approach Kobolds with lowered weapons, talk to them. Offer them something in return. Kobolds are a Monster Race you can reason with. Also playing one is really engaging. Pack Tactics and Sunlight Weakness always keep you engaged and guessing how you should position yourself as a Kobold, also playing against prejudice is fun, being the ultimate underdog. It's really fun.
One of my fondest memories was a side quest with level 9 and 10 characters respectively, where they went into a town that has been taken over by Kobold, they could have scouted and the reason the town was taken over was so that the Kobolds were save from a group of orcs that enslaved them, they were on the run, so as a warning they tried to create an absolute Murderhole. There were 2-3 realistic times they could have asked. They saw a Kobold Scout and they could have detected that the questgiver (a half-orc) was lying to them and they could have talked with one of the villagers who they saw on the road. But they went straight in and I basically played it as a Horror scenario, there was almost no escape. They couldn't turn their backs. Fire, Poison, Ambushes, tunnels and so on was used. 3/4 PCs went down ... almost murder free, because the Kobolds only activated traps and never confronted them directly, apart from hit and runs. But once they got to the Leader he just cowered and plead to kill him instead of giving them over to the orcs... The traps are all they really had.
For the players it really was a moment that left them speechless, they fought through all that, were scared of a Party Wipe from Kobolds and all because they didn't ask.
Trap City was one of my favorite encounters of all time, because I was able to play it out like a Horror Movie in DnD.
edit: It's the only thing I really disagree, the RP factor is very high and like you said in the end Kobolds can be a Dream for a DM, planning out Rube-Goldberg traps etc.
A tribute to pay, early in the morning today.
Sure I missed the mark of date, 8 months and 18 days is the count that I state.
However still, I must give my remark. Kobolds be in my heart, I hark!
Sure, this will be buried by a late necrotic post, withered by time and skipped over by most.
I give my love even still, for this beast was asked to be respected and that I must fulfill.
🐉 May not have been included with the true dragons, wyrms and drakes. Alas, on it's own is the legend that the Kobold makes.🐉
Owen Lachance, a poet most bold.
Did inscribe here his comment of gold.
As someone that,even without truly getting the chance to get into a campaign yet,when i made my first character in anticipation for one,i instantly fell in love with the idea of a small kobold bard as i learned how PCs worked,while also making her original both in class and race,with higher dex than char to take adventage of the small size and diversify from the route of the bard,and a background more related to being born into a safe noble house after being her parents being saved from slavery without true contact with the outside world before leaving to adventure with some quirks to reflect that (clothing,shy manners etc) ,instead of your typical "out in the wild" wandering little lizard.
Just like you said once for the imp and pseudodragon,once a monster is under the control of a player's choices,an infinity of choices can arise,and not just as an enemy,of course,i guess its also left to the player itself then more than the game,which means that even if kobolds were to be low on your list or not,someone can make the smallest playable monster race in 5e as great as their said draconic cousins,dragons.
Size doesn't make one less mighty,and if it does,it only makes one more unique.
S Tier: Spurt, Deekin
That aside, Urd showed up as early as 2nd edition AFAIK, but the first picture shown when Urds are mentioned is that of a Dragonlance Draconian.
Kobolds are my favorite race to play~!
Skitter, scatter, crunch, and chew!
I especially love Kobolds because during my first ever D&D campaign, my dragonborn barbarian named Rudy convinced a clan of Kobolds that he was their king. Of course he had to squash the chief before the others believed him but, after he did so three of the strongest Kobolds followed Rudy everywhere he went and did exactly as they were always told. In the end what started as a tyrannical takeover ended up being a loyal service of lower rank monsters. I love Kobolds and they are easily my favorite monsters, next to dragons of course.
I am currently playing two different kobolds in two different games, They are my favorite race and god this video explains my love for them.
Dear Kobolds, Teach me your cave-making secrets!
(I suck at designing things)
I like Kobolds, they are among my favorites of all the races. One of my favorite characters ever was a Kobold Sorcerer, it took me some convincing to get my DM to let me play one but I took him from level 1 to level 14 before the campaign ended. Not only was he one of my favorite characters but one of my strongest, campaigns didn't typically last long enough to gain much ground in my group.
My first experience with kobolds was when i wanted to make a joke character. I hadnt played gor very long and i wanted to do something silly so I made a kobold barbarian, after making them i was looking deeper and deeper into the d&d lore and really started to get an appreciation for the little monsters, now they are my favorite of the monster races and look forward to playing more of them. (Through unforseen circumstances the first one was banished to another realm and i have been playing a kobold wizard that was part of the first ones backstory for the rest of the campaign so far)
I beleive that image is of a Dragonwrought Kobold, wich is different than Urds (winged Kobolds).
Its important to make the difference as Urds are social pariahs while Dragonwrought are nobility. They both fly tho.
I now have a new goal.
MY DRAGONBORN FIGHTER MUST BECOME A KOBOLD TRIBE LEADER!!!
Not good
Nat 1
Watching this after the Mighty Nein had Kobold member.
Briefly.
SPLAT!
Spurt for life!!!!
@@huntergraumann5939
You mean, Life for Spurt?
I mean they can´t bring him back because of player reasons but if they ever get 9th level spells this would be 25.000 gold well spent :D
15:11 "This Kobold is as smart as Cam Buckland!" - High Rollers DM Mark Hulmes
Also, praise the egg!
kobold has always been my fav i love how fragile they are thats why its fun. you might just break them while hugging them alittle too hard. their creativity turning anything they found into possible weapons and traps. they use what they are offered to turn into their better chance of survival.
Hey Esper, I was looking for some homebrew monster online and I found this amazing pdf called Book of Beautiful Horrors which adds a bunch of lore-friendly monsters and expands upon my three favorite types of undead, vampires, ghouls and wraiths. If you’ve played the Witcher game series, you’ll probably recognize a bunch of these baddies, so I recommend you check it out, it’s great read. P.s the newest version is v.1.9, just as a reminder, though the author might update it soon.
I was just thinking, "I don't know much about Kobolds" then your video popped on my Recommended list.
Kobolds, the adorable little murder-lizards~ Happy to leave a comment to make sure they know they're appreciated~
I’m currently in my first ever campaign. Everyone in my party and I are kobolds. I love them. They’re tons of fun to play, mainly because you are forced to work together with everyone in coordinated ways because they’re so fragile. If you want a really fun (and funny) one shot or campaign, go all kobolds. It’s a great time. XD
Man... I sure do love your brain. When you mentioned home alone I began writing a chapter in which a single kobold is holding off a party of adventurers giving them hell. I am really excited about it.
Love your vids, keep them coming please.
P.S you're Hawkesome, stay hawkesome.
Reminds me of when I played a Kobald Cleric and he always talked about his Dragon Lord and looked down on all other races. He might have been a Cleric, but most of the healing he did on himself as he figured, “Well I am above everyone else here. Why should I heal them when I need it”
Kobolds are my all-time favorite race in D&D. Grovel Cower and Beg is a lot of fun!
I always enjoy regaling new friends with the story of the character that one of my players played as. Taklak Learnéd Wing, the Winged Kobold Sorcerer. He who was gifted with the primal and ancient magick of the dragons. His only goal in life was nothing more than to get to a high enough level to be able to cast True Polymorph and become a dragon.
Finishing up my backstory for my Draconian bloodlined Kobold Sorcerer tonight. Can't wait to play her.
Thank you Kobolds! How well you guard our stoves, stairs, and halls.
The one that got me into kobold is team four star own Chris zito... His own kobold "Task" is really fucking good
You're a Jugian, I called it! His work is simply amazing
Thank you kobold, please bless my campaign and the players within this campaign
My favourite Kobold is Deekin from Neverwinter Nights. ^_^
"Deekin?"
I miss him
"Boss~!"
Deekin was cute! I liked his story back when i played it.
I just adore Kobolds as a player. I’ve made 4 different characters with the race just because something “clicked” with me.
I’ve made a paladin of Tiamat’s who SOMEHOW was the sweetheart of the group.
An arcane trickster who’s best friend was a gnome and fellow orphan of the kid run sewer gang wanting to help those he viewed as family.
A sorcerer descendant of “Pelius the Blue” champion of Tiamat who had his entire clan betrayed by a sect of Tiamat’s cult.
Then I had “featherfoot” a shadow monk I made because I thought it’d be an interesting “rogue without being a rogue” build that works way better than I initially thought it would.
And finally an alchemist artificer who’s assistant was this little mechanical pixie he named Mona. Their relationship short as it was with the party, made the group shed a tear at his unreversable death from a mummy.
I made a character that is a kobold paladin of Bahamut and he works for a silver dragon. We played through a part of the Parnast campaign and I taught the townsfolk how to make traps.
Such an awesome video. Nice job man