Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Elite Kobold

Small · Humanoid · CR 1 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

14 (leather armor)

26 (4d8+8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4 Stealth +5

Languages

Common, Draconic

Traits

Combat Tunneler

If two elite kobolds wielding any combination of picks and shovels combine their efforts, they gain a burrow speed of 15 feet through non-rocky soil.

Pack Tactics

The kobold has advantage on attack rolls against a target if at least one of the kobold's allies is within 5 feet of the target and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the kobold has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Lantern Splash

Recharge 5–6

The elite kobold opens its miner's lantern and splashes burning oil in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Mining Pick

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Sling

+5 to hit, range 30/120 ft (9.1/36.6 m). Hit: 1d4+3 bludgeoning damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Small but Fierce

Two elite kobolds within 5 feet of each other can combine their actions to slam their mining picks into the ground and split the earth in a 20-foot line that is 5 feet wide, extending from one of the pair. Each creature in that line must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage and is knocked prone. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't knocked prone.

About Elite Kobold

Elite Kobold is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 26 hit points (derived from 4d8+8).

Elite Kobold has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Elite Kobold

2 tips available

When using Elite Kobold in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Elite Kobold

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Elite Kobold?: Elite Kobold has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Elite Kobold?: Elite Kobold is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Elite Kobold speak?: Elite Kobold can communicate in Common, Draconic.