Kobold Chieftain

Family: Kobold

Small humanoid (kobold), lawful evil

Armor Class 16 (studded leather, shield)
Hit Points 110 (20d6 + 40)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2)

Saving Throws Dex +4, Cha +4
Skills Intimidation +6, Stealth +4
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Draconic
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the chieftain hits with it (included in the attack).
  • Chieftain’s Presence. Dragons and kobolds within 30 feet of the chieftain can’t be charmed or frightened.
  • Pack Tactics. The kobold chieftain has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the chieftain’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
  • Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kobold chieftain has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

ACTIONS

  • Multiattack. The kobold makes three Spear or Shortbow attacks.
  • Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage, or 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.
  • Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
  • Inspiring Shriek (Recharge after Short or Long Rest). The kobold chieftain shrieks a draconic battle cry. Each creature that isn’t a dragonborn or kobold within 30 feet of the chieftain must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. Each dragonborn and kobold within 30 feet of the chieftain is inspired for 1 minute. Whenever an inspired creature makes an attack roll or saving throw, the creature can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.

REACTIONS

  • Springspike Shield. When the kobold chieftain is wielding its shield and is hit by a melee attack within 5 feet of it, the chieftain can fire one of its shield spikes at the attacker. The attacker takes 5 (2d4) piercing damage.

ABOUT

This small, draconic humanoid struts as though it were ten feet tall. It wears the gilded skull of a small dragon as a helmet, and its beady eyes gleam out through the skull’s sockets. It hefts its spear and shield and lets out a blood-curdling shriek, signaling the attack.

While most kobolds are scuttling scavengers or pathetic sycophants, a few carry a spark of draconic nobility that can’t be ignored. These few forge their tribes into forces to be reckoned with, rising to the rank of chieftain. A kobold chieftain stands proud, clad in war gear of fine quality and good repair. Their weapons are tended by the tribe’s tinkerers, particularly evident in their springspike shields.

Living Legend. A kobold chieftain is more than a leader, it is a symbol of the tribe’s greatness. The strongest, most cunning, most ruthless of a kobold tribe embodies their connection to the revered dragons. When a chieftain sounds the call to battle, the kobolds meld into a fearless, deadly force.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Tome of Beasts 1 ©2023 Open Design LLC; Authors: Daniel Kahn, Jeff Lee, and Mike Welham.

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