Kol XIV: Male kobold rogue 14/sorcerer 7; CR 21; Small humanoid (reptilian); HD 14d6 plus 7d4; hp 85; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +13; Grp +10; Atk +13 melee (1d4+1 subdual plus 1d6 subdual, Kol's scepter) or +16 melee (1d3+4/19-20, Thar's bane); Full Atk +13/+8/+3 melee (1d4+1 subdual plus 1d6 subdual, Kol's scepter) or +16/+11/+5 melee (1d3+4/19-20, Thar's bane); SA sneak attack +7d6, spells; SQ darkvision 60 ft., evasion, improved evasion, improved uncanny dodge, light sensitivity, slippery mind, trapfinding, trap sense +4, uncanny dodge; AL LE; SV Fort +11, Ref +17, Will +15; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 11, Int 15, Wis 13, Cha 19. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +5 level bonus to Charisma.
Skills and Feats: Balance +6, Bluff +22, Climb +4, Craft (trapmaking) +4, Diplomacy +25, Escape Artist +6, Forgery +6, Gather Information +18, Hide +13, Intimidate +14, Jump +4, Knowledge (Broken Lands local) +6, Knowledge (Underdark: Broken Lands local) +6, Listen +11, Move Silently +9, Perform (oratory) +23, Profession (miner) +4, Search +7, Spot +6, Use Magic Device +12; Epic Reputation, Improved Initiative, Leadership, Negotiator, Persuasive, Skill Focus (diplomacy), Skill Focus (perform: oratory), Stealthy.
Spells Known (12/13/13/9; save DC 14 + spell level): 0- arcane mark, detect magic, mage hand, message, open/close, prestidigitation, read magic; 1st- charm person, color spray, comprehend languages, identify, sleep; 2nd- detect thoughts, eagle’s splendor, hypnotic pattern; 3rd- clairaudience/clairvoyance, suggestion.
Possessions: Thar's bane, Kol's scepter, bracers of armor +4, cloak of resistance +5, ring of chameleon power, circlet of persuasion, ring of wizardy III, wand of summon monster V (32 charges), wand of lightning bolt (5th) (41 charges), dust of disappearance, potion of cure serious wounds (2), potion of gaseous form, necklace of fireballs type IV.
Latest in a long line of kobold rulers, Kol XIV's natural charm and sorcerous ability led him to unify the warring tribes of the Republic of Kol in the Broken Lands. Those same abilities were to later allow him to finagle his way into Glantrian politics- with a little assistance from the night dragon, Synn (in her guise as Dolores Hillsbury).
Though at first Kol attempted to imitate human ways in his efforts to insinuate himself into Glantrian society- at times even going so far as to wear fake moustaches and hairpieces- he has since given up these efforts. He has become more comfortable with the system of politics in the Principalities, and has begun to work independently of Princess Hillsbury. He is still determined to gain the respect and deference of his peers among the princes, but is no longer concerned with fitting in, concentrating instead on furthering the interests of the humanoids under his command by whatever means possible. Ironically, now that he has abandoned his pretense at being another "human" prince, some of the other princes are noticing that he is, in fact, a gifted politician and public speaker- truly a unique character among koboldkind.
Kol surrounds himself with bodyguards, deigning to enter into combat. He prefers to use his diplomatic skills and spells to sway any opposition his way. No fool, however, he will not hesitate to use his powerful magic items to unleash fiery, electrical mayhem any who oppose him- or at least to buy him time to escape.
Thar's Bane: This +4 orcbane silver dagger was specially commissioned by Prince Kol as a security measure to protect him from the former orc-king of the Broken Lands. He keeps it close by his person at all times, fearful that Thar might return to claim his throne at any time.
Kol's Scepter: The prince's symbol of office, this +1 merciful club is made of silver and gold, and studded with all manner of gemstones. Kol uses it on his underlings to keep them in line, without permanently rendering them useless to him.
Some comments:
21st level? I know Kol is a pretty unique guy, but an Epic character?
I noticed that there were no references to Kol's supposed Shadow Elven background. Was this left out intentionally? I have mixed feelings about that part myself, but perhaps an ambigous reference like "There are rumours of elven blood in his veins.." ?
Another thing that I have been meaning to do is create an alternative Mystaran Kobold. I don't really think that the Kobolds of Mystara are all that lizard-like, but rather (especially as presented in the Northern Reaches gaz) dog-like. This further lead me to the speculation that Kobolds could be ancestors of the Hutaakans (and later Lupins). Just a thought..
Havard
21st level? I know Kol is a pretty unique guy, but an Epic character?
Yeah- I kind of thought the same thing, but he was always pretty powerful (in the original rules, he's something like a 26th level kobold and 5th level shaman, IIRC). Admittedly, those are half-hit dice, but he was still pretty tough. Ultimately, I just went by levels, rather than by experience or other methods. I could see toning him down a bit (take off some of his rogue levels) if you want him to be a bit less powerful. As it is, I still don't think he'd last too long in a fight with similar level characters (the way I designed him is less than optimal combat-wise).
I noticed that there were no references to Kol's supposed Shadow Elven background. Was this left out intentionally? I have mixed feelings about that part myself, but perhaps an ambigous reference like "There are rumours of elven blood in his veins.." ?
Well, I don't much care for that part of things (for one thing, IIRC, in the one of the Gazs- 10 or 13, IIRC- it makes explicit mention of elves and humanoids not being able to interbreed. Yet in the same product that supposed he might be a shadowelf- G:KoM- he is listed as having children by other kobolds.)
Mostly, though, the background is just an update of his current modus operandi, and I figure anyone using this is already familiar with the character and his origins (or possible origins), so didn't feel a need to retread all of that. Wasn't even sure if I should put anything in there at all, except maybe a mention of his combat style.
Another thing that I have been meaning to do is create an alternative Mystaran Kobold. I don't really think that the Kobolds of Mystara are all that lizard-like, but rather (especially as presented in the Northern Reaches gaz) dog-like. This further lead me to the speculation that Kobolds could be ancestors of the Hutaakans (and later Lupins). Just a thought..
Yeah- I'm still not terribly keen on that myself. I'm really not sure why that came about in the first place (the kobolds were never very lizardlike), except for some artistic changes to the kobold from 2nd edition (where they look sort of scaly) and to "change up" the humanoids somehow, so they weren't all alike. The kobold still looks pretty doglike, even with the reptile aspects, but I think they'd have done better to have made it somewhat related (as you say) to the gnolls. Have two "humanoid" subtypes- (goblinoid) for hobgoblins, goblins, and bugbears, and (gnoll) or (canine) [canoid?] for gnolls and kobolds (and, on Mystara, hutaakans and lupins as well).
IIRC, kobolds in the Rules Cyclopedia were some kind of mix with both canine and reptilian features. I don't have access to it right now - anybody else?
(It happens to be sitting on the floor next to me- I've got a lot of rulebooks out at the moment... don't ask.)
From the Cyclopedia:
Kobolds are "... small, evil doglike humanoids... (with) scaly, rust-brown skin no hair."
Huh. Guess they are sort of reptilian after all... I think it was the cute, cuddly pictures of Kol and Zar in the "Orcwars" game that threw me off (though, come to think of it, they're kind of scaly looking there, too, aren't they?)
Good call, Hugin.
Originally posted by Cthulhudrew
Quoth Hugin:
(It happens to be sitting on the floor next to me- I've got a lot of rulebooks out at the moment... don't ask.)
From the Cyclopedia:
Kobolds are "... small, evil doglike humanoids... (with) scaly, rust-brown skin no hair."
Huh. Guess they are sort of reptilian after all... I think it was the cute, cuddly pictures of Kol and Zar in the "Orcwars" game that threw me off (though, come to think of it, they're kind of scaly looking there, too, aren't they?)
Good call, Hugin.
Well, the description does say "doglike". The charicature of Kol from the Orcwars game, also affected my image of Kobolds, but but the NR Gaz illustrations and descriptions also add to this. Certianly they were always also said to have scales, no hair and horns. How that is reconcilned with "doglike" I have no idea.
Another interesting thing to note is that in Dragonlance 5th age, Kobolds of that setting were described as small humanoids with the features of hairless rats.
Caymas of the Savage Coast OTOH, more clearly resemble the 3e Kobolds.
Perhaps there is a subrace of Kobolds, called Canoid Kobolds who dominate the Known World region, while the Kobolds in other parts of the world are referred to as Cayma or Caymen?
Havard
At least on Mystara.
Originally posted by katana_one
Also keep in mind that, in Mystara, kobolds, orcs, goblins, ogres, and hobgoblins all decended from the same pregenitor race of beastmen - since all the other races are mammilian, then it only makes sense for kobolds to be the same.
At least on Mystara.
I agree. The lizard-folk OTOH are an entire separate breed of races. We have the Lizardmen, Gator-Men, Caymen, Trogolodytes, and if using the Mystaros Timeline also Serpentmen and Yuan-ti. The Lizard-like Kobolds would be better suited in this family uness they are in fact a substitute for Caymen altogether.
Havard