Kobold

Kobolds are a species of the Blackblood family having descended from goblins. Kobolds did not evolve over time from goblins, but instead branched (either intentionally or accidentally) when goblins came into contact with draconic power. The draconic magic changed the goblins and within a few generations these “kobolds” were expanding rapidly beyond their initial creation.

The draconic power gave the goblins not only a dragon-like appearance, but the ability to draw upon the power of the dragons upon this world. In addition the power gave kobolds the ability to naturally change their shape; although to a far lesser extent than the dragons.

While kobolds are natural shapeshifters, they still spend the majority of their lives in their natural form. Kobold males stand nearly five feet tall (4'8“ - 4'10”) and have a better proportioned build than goblins, with kobold females only slightly smaller but with a stronger build. Their draconic power gives them proto-scales, double-lidded eyes, forked tongue, and more elongated reptilian snout.

Unlike many of the other blackbloods, kobolds live in large multi-family communities as do humans and other “civilized” species. Both parents of the children care for them, along with any relatives and nearby kobolds.

Kobolds, except in their final stage of life (see below), are considered as intelligent as humans with strong social bonds. They can be found nearby non-kobold communities, but tend to only visit other communities when shapechaged to appear as the natives. This is because elderly kobolds known as terrible monsters.

A kobold's shapechanging comes from the draconic power that is a part of their body. They can use this to change their outer appearance, even though it does little to adapt their true self. They can gain or lose some mass, but not enough for them to see giant-like; instead a heavy-set human is about the largest they can grow. They can give themselves wings to fly, but without the natural instincts they make poor flyers.

Unlike the rest of the blackblood species, kobolds can live relatively long lives with most living 150 years or more; however there three very distinct stages of life for a kobold.

The first stage of life is from birth until they reach their awakening, which happens around their sixtieth (60th) year. These young kobolds do not have the ability to shapechange or in fact display any measure of draconic power. Kobold young are weaned from their mother sometime during their second year. Kobolds reach their sexual maturity around their twentieth (20th) year and will remain fertile until their fifties (50s). Kobold females carry the gestating young for twelve (12) months and typically give birth to a single child; although multiple births do occasionally happen and are typically a sign of great potential.

The second stage of life happens when a kobold nears their sixtieth (60th) year and their draconic power awakens. This awakening will take place over several months until their power full manifests. The exact nature of this power is always unknown until a kobold manifests. When a kobold begins to awaken nearby awakened kobolds will be drawn to them and take them from the community as this can be a dangerous time as their power is growing rapidly. Once a kobold has been fully awakened