Introducing a feature new to the pages of Dragon: Creature Incarnations! This recurring feature will take monsters you know and love from D&D and offer up new varieties for use in your game. Our goal is to make encounters with existing monsters as varied and interesting as we can. In this, our first installment, we present kobolds! Check out the kobold chieftain, rat master, and vermin handler, along with several other new kobolds that can be used to fill out your burgeoning kobold lair.
The kobold’s shifty ability might not seem too useful at first, but after running a few games you should start to notice its utility. Shifting twice in one round is a powerful tool, especially in close quarters. In addition, keep in mind that shifting as a minor action is essentially a +1 bonus to speed. A kobold can move up to its full speed and then shift into an attack position.
About the Author
Mike Mearls is the Lead Developer for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. His recent credits include H1: Keep on the Shadowfell and Player’s Handbook II (v.3.5).