Kobolds are small reptilian humanoids standing between two and two and a half feet tall and weighing roughly 35 to 45 pounds. Their scaled skin varies from reddish brown to deep black, and their eyes burn with hues of orange or red. They move on sinewy, digitigrade legs and possess long, clawed fingers paired with a strong, crocodile-like jaw. Small white or tan horns adorn their heads, and a rat-like tail completes their distinctive appearance, all accompanied by an odor reminiscent of wet dog and stagnant water.
Legends claim that Dragons of Roshar created these creatures, although scholars dispute such tales in the absence of any confirmation from Dragons of Roshar themselves. Once thought to be numerous and notorious for thievery, Kobolds are now exceedingly rare. It is believed that a previous Desolation eradicated the majority of their kind, leaving only scattered hosts behind. Those who remain avoid attracting the attention of other races, preferring instead to keep company with the Dragons of Roshar they revere.
Nomadic by nature, Kobolds travel swiftly through mortal societies, always seen in groups despite their overall sparse numbers. With no known homeland where they have taken root, they are frequently forced to move on by settlements that shun their presence. Even the most cosmopolitan communities often drive them away due to the lingering stigma attached to their reputation.