Kobold
Proud Zealots of True Dragons
Deep beneath mountain peaks and within labyrinthine warrens, Kobolds skitter through the darkness with purpose that belies their small stature. Their russet, copper, and bronze scales gleam in torchlight as they toil endlessly in service of their draconic overlords. These reptilian humanoids may stand barely three feet tall, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in zealous devotion, cunning traps, and sheer overwhelming numbers. When kobolds strike, they do so from the shadows in disciplined waves, their yips and barks echoing through stone corridors as they drive intruders from their sacred territory.
Kobold Lore
- Kobolds worship True Dragons as living gods and structure their entire society around serving and emulating these mighty beings.
- Every kobold warren is designed as a lethal maze of tight passages, chokepoints, and cunningly placed traps meant to confound larger invaders.
- Kobolds possess an instinctive coordination that allows them to work together seamlessly, even without verbal communication—a stark contrast to their squabbling goblin cousins.
- When a kobold dies in defense of its lair or dragon master, other kobolds believe its soul may ascend and be reborn as a True Dragon.
Kobold Tactics
Kobolds never fight fair. They engineer victories through preparation, positioning, and overwhelming force concentration. The warren itself is their greatest weapon, and every kobold instinctively understands its role in the collective defense.
The battle opens with kobolds pelting intruders from concealment. Kobold Sharpsnouts use Suppressing Fire to lock down chokepoints and Overwatch to punish any movement toward their positions. Their Deadly Ambusher trait transforms the first volley into a devastating surprise assault. Meanwhile, Vexing Attack, Slowing Attack, and Dazing Attack control enemies and lock them down.
When the trap springs or enemies reach a pre-selected kill zone, kobolds flood in from multiple passages. Kobold Warrenguards use Phalanx to create impenetrable spear walls at critical junctions, their AC spiking as they lock shields. Coordinated Strike means missed attacks don't waste momentum as another kobold immediately follows up with a reaction strike. Bait and Switch allows wounded kobolds to swap places with fresh fighters without breaking formation. Pack Tactics ensures nearly every attack roll has advantage, making their modest +4 to hit shockingly reliable.
Kobolds take full advantage of darkness. Even if the PCs have light sources, a Smoke Bomb can cut off their visibility. Kobolds will sacrifice themselves to douse lanterns or drag torch-bearing enemies into pools of water. Once vision fails, kobolds strike from all directions with impunity, their Harassing Retreat letting them vanish after each attack to reposition in the black.
Kobold Ascendants fight with suicidal devotion at critical defense points, their reach weapons and Polearm Master feat letting them strike anyone approaching the spear line. Cleaving Attack allows them to cut through multiple enemies in a single swing when the swarm pushes forward. But their true power lies in the Draconic Standard—as kobolds die around them, the standard collects their dying will. Once charged, every kobold within its aura gains a breath weapon attack, transforming expendable soldiers into walking artillery. Command the Attack turns these coordinated strikes into devastating alpha strikes that can wipe entire enemy groups in seconds.
Kobold Wyrmcallers operate from protected alcoves, chanting prayers while channeling draconic magic through the warren. Word of Radiance erupts around enemies who breach the front line, dealing damage without harming allied kobolds. Heroism and Encouragement steel warriors against fear and pain. Most terrifying is Draconic Ascension. Martyred kobolds sometimes undergo apotheosis, their souls manifesting as dragon wyrmlings that tear into enemy ranks with impossible ferocity.
The warren's architecture itself is a weapon. Fiery Grenade force enemies away from safe paths into areas seeded with traps. Infused Net entangle enemies at tunnel intersections where murder holes provide perfect firing angles. Vexing Attack, Slowing Attack, and Dazing Attack herd victims toward concealed pit traps and collapsing ceilings. Powers like Scurry and Scatter and Net create chaos that only kobolds, with their perfect knowledge of the warren's layout, can navigate. Every corridor is a funnel, every chamber a trap, every shadow a potential ambush point.
Kobold Statblocks
Kobold Warrenguard
The Kobold Warrenguard is the most common defender of a kobold warren. These disciplined soldiers fight in tight formations with spears and shields, creating impenetrable walls of scales and steel.
Kobold Warrenguard
Summoned with Foe FoundrySmall Humanoid (Dragon*, Kobold)
AC 15 (Chain Shirt, Shield) Initiative +0 (10)
HP 7 (3d6 - 3)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| Dex | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 7 | -2 | -2 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 8
Languages Common, Draconic
CR 1/8 (25 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Draconic Servants. The kobold has resistance to the damage type of its draconic overlord (Fire, Cold, Lightning, Poison, or Acid). Additionally, if the kobold is within 60 feet of a True Dragon then its attacks deal an additional 1d6 damage of that dragon's element.
Phalanx. The kobold gains a +1 bonus to its AC and d20 tests whenever another ally with this trait is within 5 feet.
Actions
Spear Formation. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
False Retreat. The kobold uses Disengage. It also secretly places a hidden caltrop. If an enemy moves over the caltrop, it must make a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d4 piercing damage on a failure and falling Prone.
Kobold Sharpsnout
Expert trappers and ambushers, Kobold Sharpsnouts are the cunning scouts who harry invaders from the shadows, their crossbow bolts striking from unexpected angles before they vanish into bolt-holes.
Kobold Sharpsnout
Summoned with Foe FoundrySmall Humanoid (Dragon*, Kobold)
AC 12 Initiative +2 (12)
HP 17 (5d6)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Dex | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| Con | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 7 | -2 | -2 |
| Wis | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Skills Stealth +6, Perception +2
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Draconic
CR 1/2 (100 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Draconic Servants. The kobold has resistance to the damage type of its draconic overlord (Fire, Cold, Lightning, Poison, or Acid). Additionally, if the kobold is within 60 feet of a True Dragon then its attacks deal an additional 1d6 damage of that dragon's element.
Spike Traps. The kobold is a skilled trapper. Unless surprised, the kobold has placed up to 1 spike traps in its vicinity. When a creature moves within 15 feet of the trap, if it has a passive perception of 12 or higher it becomes aware of the trap. The traps can also actively be detected by a creature within 30 feet using an action to make a DC 12 Perception check. A creature that moves within 5 feet of it must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or fall into the pit. A creature that falls inside suffers 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage from the fall and 3 (1d6) piercing damage from the spikes. The pit is 10 feet deep and can be climbed out of using an action to perform a DC 12 Athletics check.
Actions
Multiattack. The kobold makes two Crafty Shots attacks.
Crafty Shots. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320ft., one target. Hit 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. On a hit, the target's speed is reduced by half until the end of its next turn.
Kobold Ascendant
Fanatical zealots who carry sacred standards imbued with draconic power, Kobold Ascendants inspire their kin to fight with suicidal bravery, channeling the collective will of the warren into devastating breath attacks.
Kobold Ascendant
Summoned with Foe FoundrySmall Humanoid (Dragon*, Kobold)
AC 17 (Splint Armor) Initiative +0 (10)
HP 27 (6d6 + 6)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| Dex | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 7 | -2 | -2 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 8
Languages Common, Draconic
CR 1 (200 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Draconic Servants. The kobold has resistance to the damage type of its draconic overlord (Fire, Cold, Lightning, Poison, or Acid). Additionally, if the kobold is within 60 feet of a True Dragon then its attacks deal an additional 1d6 damage of that dragon's element.
Actions
Multiattack. The kobold makes two Dragonfang Halberd attacks.
Dragonfang Halberd. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing damage. If the attack hits and there is another hostile target within 10 ft then that target also takes 2 slashing damage.
Aspirant's Breath (When Draconic Standard Charged). The kobold breathes draconic force in a 15 ft cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 12 Dexterity save. On a failure, the creature takes 11 (2d10) force damage or half as much on a success.
Bonus Actions
Draconic Standard (1/day). The kobold reverently places its Draconic Standard Token (AC/DC 10, 1 Charges) in an unoccupied space within 5ft. Whenever another Kobold dies within a 60ft emanation of the standard, its draconic zeal is absorbed by the standard, which gains 1 charge. Whenever the standard has at least 5 charges, it grants all Kobolds within a 60 foot emanation the ability to use the Aspirant's Breath as an Action at the cost of expending a charge.
Kobold Wyrmcaller
Wizened shamans who commune directly with the spirits of True Dragons, Kobold Wyrmcallers are rare holy figures capable of transforming the souls of martyred kobolds into dragon wyrmlings—the ultimate reward for service.
Kobold Wyrmcaller
Summoned with Foe FoundrySmall Humanoid (Dragon*, Kobold)
AC 14 (Holy Armor) Initiative +1 (11)
HP 40 (9d6 + 9)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Dex | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Con | 12 | +1 | +3 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Wis | 17 | +3 | +5 |
| Cha | 12 | +1 | +1 |
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Draconic
CR 2 (450 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Draconic Ascension. Whenever another Kobold within 60 feet dies, the kobold rolls a d20. On a roll of a 20, the soul of the dying Kobold ascends into a True Dragon. A wyrmling of the appropriate brood (such as a Red Dragon Wyrmling) appears in the nearest unoccupied space. All Kobolds within 60 feet also gain 5 temporary hit points.
Draconic Servants. The kobold has resistance to the damage type of its draconic overlord (Fire, Cold, Lightning, Poison, or Acid). Additionally, if the kobold is within 60 feet of a True Dragon then its attacks deal an additional 1d6 damage of that dragon's element.
Actions
Multiattack. The kobold makes two Draconic Invocation attacks.
Draconic Invocation. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 30ft., one target. Hit 7 (1d8 + 3) radiant damage.
Word of Radiance. The kobold utters a divine word and it shines with burning radiance. Each hostile creature within 10 feet must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) radiant damage.
Spellcasting. The kobold casts one of the following spells, using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 13):
1/day each: Command, Cure Wounds, Lesser Restoration
Kobold Encounter Ideas
These 5E kobold encounter ideas showcase the creatures' trap-heavy tactics and overwhelming numbers, perfect for dropping directly into your next session.
- The tunnel ahead groans ominously. As the party investigates, a dozen Kobold Warrenguard burst from concealed side passages while Kobold Sharpsnouts trigger a ceiling collapse from above, raining rubble on those caught in the killzone.
- A wounded kobold whimpers pathetically in the center of a chamber, clutching a glittering gem. The moment anyone approaches, Snare spring from the floor, nets drop from the ceiling, and a war party of kobolds floods in from hidden tunnels.
- At dusk on a lonely road, the party's torches suddenly wink out one by one - doused by kobold sling stones from the treeline. In the darkness, Kobold Sharpsnout have advantage as they pepper the party with crossbow fire before melting into the undergrowth.
- A Kobold Ascendant approaches under a flag of truce, offering safe passage through the kobold tunnels in exchange for tribute to their draconic overlords.
Kobold Adventure Ideas
These kobold 5E adventure hooks provide multi-session arcs that explore the creatures' draconic devotion and tactical cunning.
- Kobold raids on nearby settlements have intensified. Surprisingly, the kobolds aren't stealing valuables, but they are kidnapping skilled warriors and dragging them back to their lair. Investigation reveals a Kobold Wyrmcaller has discovered a dark ritual to accelerate Draconic Ascension, requiring the sacrifice of worthy foes.
- A valley containing a location vital to the PCs is caught in the middle of a brutal underground war between competing Kobold tribes. One serves a red dragon and another is pledged to a white dragon. To pass, the party will either need to fight through both sides, seek a diplomatic resolution, or team up with one of the tribes to defeat the other.
- A cunning Mage has used illusion and trickery to disguise themselves as a mighty dragon and has taken control of a Kobold warren. The zealous creatures have been sent to raid the countryside for rare magical artifacts and components to feed the mage's sinister research.
- An elite adventuring guild uses a specific kobold warren at the base of Mt. Tucker as their final exam for master rank. Candidates who survive earn legendary status, but most don't. The kobolds have been doing this for generations and have refined their tactics to perfection. The party must either attempt the trial themselves or rescue a VIP who entered and hasn't returned.
FAQ: Kobolds in 5E
What is the CR of a kobold in 5E?
Basic Kobold Warrenguards are CR 1/4, making them perfect early-game encounters. Kobold Sharpsnouts are CR 1, Kobold Ascendants are CR 3, and Kobold Wyrmcallers are CR 5. Their true threat comes from numbers, traps, and environmental advantages.
Do kobolds have Pack Tactics in 5E?
Yes. Pack Tactics is the kobold's signature ability, granting advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet of the target. This makes even low-CR kobolds dangerous in groups.
In Foe Foundry, monsters can have many different possible powers. You'll find some Kobolds that don't just have Pack Tactics, but have other interesting powers like False Retreat, Bait and Switch, Harassing Retreat, and Scurry and Scatter that let them reposition and escape danger with surprising cunning.
What are the best tactics for fighting kobolds in D&D 5E?
Kobolds never fight fair. They use Suppressing Fire, Overwatch, and Deadly Ambusher to control chokepoints. Counter them by avoiding tight spaces, bringing light sources, and detecting traps. Area-of-effect spells devastate tightly packed kobold formations.
How do kobolds use traps in their warrens?
Kobold warrens are lethal mazes designed around trap placement. Kobold Sharpsnouts use Infused Net, Fiery Grenade, and environmental hazards to funnel enemies into kill zones where Kobold Warrenguards can use Phalanx and Coordinated Strike to maximum effect.
What is a Kobold Ascendant's Draconic Standard ability?
The Draconic Standard is a powerful magical item carried by Kobold Ascendants. As kobolds die nearby, the standard absorbs their dying will. Once charged, it grants every kobold within 30 feet a breath weapon attack, transforming expendable troops into devastating artillery.
Can kobold souls become dragons in 5E?
According to kobold belief, yes. Kobold Wyrmcallers can perform Draconic Ascension, a ritual that transforms martyred kobold souls into dragon wyrmlings. This is the ultimate reward for service to their draconic masters.
What dragons do kobolds serve?
Kobolds worship all True Dragons as living gods and structure their entire society around serving them. Different kobold tribes may serve red, white, blue, green, black, or even metallic dragons, each adapting their tactics to match their master's element and personality.
How do I make a kobold encounter challenging for higher-level parties?
Use overwhelming numbers, layered defenses, and environmental control. Deploy Kobold Ascendants with charged Draconic Standard, place Kobold Wyrmcallers in protected positions for Draconic Ascension, and design warrens with multiple ambush points. The warren itself should be as dangerous as the kobolds.
What's the difference between kobolds and goblins in 5E?
Kobolds are reptilian dragon-worshippers with instinctive coordination and trap expertise. Goblins are chaotic scavengers who rely on individual cunning. Kobolds fight with disciplined pack tactics in prepared defenses; goblins use hit-and-run chaos and overwhelming disorder.
What are good kobold encounter ideas for 5E?
Try collapsing tunnel ambushes, bait-and-trap scenarios, darkness-based harassment, or diplomatic encounters with Kobold Ascendants bearing peace flags. See Kobold Encounter Ideas for table-ready scenarios.