Homebrew Canine Kobold Species Details

While most people know of kobolds as small cave-dwelling dragonkin, there are distant lands in which kobolds instead appear far more canine. It is widely believed that the two kinds of kobolds share a common ancestor which had a mixture of canine and draconic traits, and this ancestor eventually diverged into two separate subspecies that moved away from each other. However, there are skeptics that reject this idea, and posit that the two types of kobold are entirely different species that merely share a name, perhaps due to a translation error or a simple coincidence of language.

Alongside Dogs

The canine variety of kobolds are covered in fur and feature claws, pawed feet, tails, and the heads of dogs. What kind of dog they resemble can vary drastically; most common are the kinds of dog breeds that live alongside humans, but some are known to look like wolves or other large wild canines. An uninformed individual may mistake one for a werewolf or gnoll, though their height would obviously give them away as the average canine kobold stands at about 5 feet tall. They also lack the exaggerated musculature of werewolves, having a similar range of body types to normal humanoids.

There are very few differences between male and female kobolds, to the point that anybody of another species would struggle tremendously to tell them apart. Though they understand other humanoids' ideas of gender, they think very little of it and they have practically no real concept of gender roles. Many kobolds will accept labels of 'he' or 'she' as humans give them, but typically view them with indifference.

Given their appearance, it is no surprise that people would make comparisons between kobolds and common dogs. Kobolds do not enjoy these comparisons, as they dislike the idea that they should be considered below other humanoids. While humans do not think of these kobolds as being monstrous like they do the lizardlike kind, there is a casual disrespect that comes from people ascribing the usual relationship dynamics between humans and dogs to them. When people see a kobold alongside a human, they will often think of them as a master and their loyal companion, rather than as a pair of equals. Despite the comparisons, kobolds do not dislike dogs, nor do they take special offense to the way that humans keep them. They do not necessarily see them as kin either, but simply as a type of animal they happen to bear a resemblance to. 

In It Together

Among kobolds, solidarity is a key ideal. Just as much as their draconic relatives do these kobolds value teamwork and their shared strength as a collective to survive. The largest groups of kobolds live together in packs camping in the wilderness. They rarely, if ever, set up permanent settlements, since their enhanced senses makes hunting and foraging an easy task and therefore diminishes the need for farming. Nonetheless, they are conscious of over-hunting and will move periodically. When they find themselves near other humanoids, they trade what useful resources they have or offer their skills in exchange for materials, food, or equipment. Living in the wilderness does not mean that kobolds turn their noses up at comfort, however. Just as much as practical tools do kobolds appreciate comfortable clothing, soaps to clean themselves with, or even seasonings for their food. Some call kobold cooking bland, but it only seems that way because their sense of taste is so strong that the flavour of the average human dish would be overpowering.

Some kobolds choose to live among other races, however. The most common of them would be humans or halflings, but even so, kobolds tend to flock together. The casual disrespect that they face in human society only serves to strengthen the bonds they have with each other, leading them to form loyal, tight-knit communities. These small communities sometimes develop into what is effectively a miniature pack within a human settlement. 

Some people have the misconception that kobold packs are led by a dominant 'alpha', but this is not true in the slightest. Even if one kobold has a knack for leadership, they rarely feel the need to assert authority or boss each other around. If one does, it is unlikely that they will retain the loyalty of their fellow kobolds for long. Similarly, the idea of a 'lone wolf' is also something kobolds have never understood. As they see it, the glory earned by any unassisted deed is imaginary, and idea of shame from needing help is nonsensical. This does not mean that all kobolds get along or that they never squabble, but they rarely let grudges or ego get in the way of decision making, especially when their lives are on the line.

Distant Cousins

Canine kobolds rarely interact with their lizardlike variants. So uncommon are their meetings that many of them would be shocked to hear the other claim the name. The confusion is not just born from their appearances, as there are far more differences in the way the two species operate than there are similarities. Canine kobolds live closer to human settlements, as while they may often be viewed as lesser, they are not seen as monsters. In stark contrast to their relatives, canine kobolds have little interest in gold or jewels and much prefer to trade in useful resources or favours, though they still carry money to use with humans. Their sense of smell lends very well to their skill as hunters, as well as their larger size, meaning that these kobolds need to rely far less on the use of traps and underhanded tactics. Of course, they are united by their sense of unity and solidarity amongst themselves, and that they can respect.

Canine Kobold Traits

Canine kobolds have the following traits:

Darkvision

You can see in dim light as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern colours in darkness, only shades of grey.

Keen Smell

Your canine senses are more advanced than that of the average humanoid. You gain proficiency in the Perception skill and have advantage on perception checks that rely on your sense of smell.

Bite

You have a strong jaw and sharp teeth which can be used to make an unarmed strike. When you do, the attack deals 1d6 + your STR modifier Piercing damage, rather than the Bludgeoning damage for a normal unarmed strike.

Pack Tactics

Your instincts lend well to fighting in groups. When you target a creature with an attack, you can gain advantage on the attack roll as long as at least one of your allies is within 5 feet of the creature. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus and regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Know your Allies

You know how to tell true allies from those that are manipulating you. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed.