 | Standing at around 3 feet tall, or just under 1 meter, with sleek, streamlined bodies. Covered in hardened scales along the back and voluminous fluffy fur for the remainder, the river kobolds bear little resemblance, or indeed relation, to the archetypical kobolds. These reclusive creatures make their home in partially flooded caves along riverbanks. There they live in small colonies consisting of few families of river kobolds in close proximity. They know these caves better than anyone, wherein they and their young are safe from the dangers of the world outside.
Make no mistake however. River kobolds, despite their charming appearance, are killers. Hunting, and eating much of everything which is smaller than they are. Invertebrates, small rodents, snakes and more, all are on the menu. However, it is fish that is by far their favorite, and they are highly skilled at claiming the river's bounty. A solitary, patient kobold stands on the water's edge, his muscles coiled. With bated breath, he stalks his prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And then, he springs into action! Launching himself into the river with an impressive arc, with his claws outstretched! And before his quarry can react, it is caught, trapped in the kobold's grip, his claws sinking into it's body. The kobold's legs and broad tail quickly propelling him away from the scene of the crime and back, onto dry land from whence he came.
Rather than devouring his catch where he stands, the kobold makes his way back to the cave that he calls home. A river kobold's hunting grounds are never far from where they nest. Speaking of nests, this fish is a gift for the lady kobold. She rests in the deepest, most difficult to access part of the cave system, as she had just finished laying her clutch- a single cream-colored egg with a soft exterior. She will keep watch over the egg until it hatches, whilst her mate goes out to acquire sustenance for his family, and himself.
A traveler shouldn't worry however, as one is not likely to encounter a River Kobold, unless the former endeavors to seek them out. The most contact one will have with a river kobold, is the latter pilfering fish left unattended by unwary fishermen. They are skittish creatures, and when confronted by danger, a river kobold will most often dash for the nearest waterway and dive in, attempting to escape their pursuers. If such a means of escape is unavailable and facing a foe that lacks the means to bypass their armor, a river kobold will curl up into an impregnable ball of scales. Staying that way until their attacker loses interest. Only when cornered and facing mortal danger, or when their brood is threatened, do the claws and teeth come out. In such a dance of death, the river kobold relies on their agility and fast reflexes, together with a cognizant mind, to end the confrontation quickly with attacks aimed at the opponent's weak spots- tendons, major arteries and sensory organs.
Determining a cave to be inhabited by River Kobolds however, is not difficult, but it is ill-advised to enter one if found. Those kobolds who take up the roles of defenders of the colony have a peculiar habit. They will rub their backs against the limestone near the entrance to their subterranean dwelling, leaving distinct markings in the stone- a warning to would-be intruders. This coats their scales in the material in turn, part of which will be absorbed into the scales, making the scales of warrior kobolds much paler and tougher than their less martially inclined counterparts. But by no means do the river kobolds defend their homes with brute force. Instead, waiting in ambush until the time is right to strike.
The practice of dyeing one's scales however, is strong amongst all river kobolds, a habit often acquired in early childhood. Which scales, how many, in what pattern and in what color the scales are dyed can tell much about a given river kobold. A family will often dye their scales alike with subtle variations to distinguish themselves. The leader of the colony bears more extravagant colors and more of it on their back. The placement of a color signals a particular kobold's occupation within a colony. This way the role of each member of the colony is clear and understood by everyone, ensuring that this colony will continue to prosper far into the future. |
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Topic: Random thoughts - On the Origins of "I Could Eat A Horse" (Read 216414 times)