With a challenge rating of a measly 1/8, they’re among the weakest monsters in the game.
Here’s how to efficiently play as a Kobold in D&D.
But their strength lies in their numbers… and in their lair.
Kobolds aren’t the smartest humanoids, but they’re clever and expert trapmakers.
But many DMs fail to make kobold lairs engaging, treating them as just another dungeon.
So here are some ways to make a kobold lair a unique challenge for your players.
Minion of the Mighty by Oriana Menendez
Where Are Kobold Lairs?
After all, kobolds are known to eat humanoids and even each other.
Sleeping chambers can also serve as hatcheries, or the hatchery can be a separate area.
Minion of the Mighty by Oriana Menendez
Shrine
Kobolds revere Kurtulmak, and many lairs include a shrine to the deity.
They may be seeking treasure or simply opening a new sleeping chamber.
Workshops
Unlike dwarves and gnomes, kobolds aren’t known for fine craftsmanship.
Volo’s Guide to Monsters art via Wizards of the Coast
This jewelry is the only adornment that most kobolds value, and they guard it jealously.
The other craft that kobolds practice to perfection is trapmaking.
The Player’s Handbook sets combat modifiers for tight spaces.
Spiked Pit Trap by Deruchenko Alexander
Plus, attack rolls against that creature have advantage!
The history of giant weasel domestication is so well-established that a few kobolds are born as natural wereweasels.
No official stat block exists for wereweasels, despite being referenced in some primary sources.
There are several homebrew versions available online, though!
Collapsing Ceilings
Every chamber should have multiple entrances, which means that every tunnel is expendable.
Get creative with traps.
Pack Attack by Andrea Radeck
Keep your adventurers on their toes.
They will flee when the tide turns against them.
Kobolds should never fight unless they have a huge advantage or they’re trapped.
Don’t set up a fair fight!
set high enough to safely pass over their heads while hitting taller humanoids in the torso.
Given an easy way or a hard way, most adventurers will choose the easy way.
Finally, don’t forget thatkobolds have Darkvision, and so only need minimal light.
A well-run kobold encounter can be not only challenging, but memorable.
The only thing worse than a goblin in Dungeons & Dragons is a whole ambush of them.
