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Kobold Chieftain

Small · Humanoid · CR 4 · Lawful Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

17 (studded leather and shield)

82 (15d6+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 1100

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 11

Saving Throws

Constitution +5 Charisma +4

Skills

Intimidation +6 Stealth +5

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened

Environments

Caves Ruins Underworld Urban

Traits

Pack Tactics

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

Sunlight Sensitivity

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

Actions

Inspiring Presence

The chieftain chooses up to six allied kobolds it can see within 30 feet. For the next minute, the kobolds gain immunity to the charmed and frightened conditions, and add the chieftain's Charisma bonus to attack rolls.

Multiattack

The kobold makes 2 attacks.

Shortbow

+5 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d6 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage and the target must make a successful DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Shortsword

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage and the target must make a successful DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Reactions

Springspike Shield

When the kobold chieftain is hit by a melee attack within 5 feet, the kobold chieftain can fire one of its shield spikes at the attacker. The attacker takes 3 (1d6) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.

About Kobold Chieftain

Kobold Chieftain is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 82 hit points (derived from 15d6+30).

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

GM Tips: Using Kobold Chieftain

2 tips available

When using Kobold Chieftain 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 Kobold Chieftain

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 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Kobold Chieftain?: Kobold Chieftain has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Kobold Chieftain?: Kobold Chieftain is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Kobold Chieftain speak?: Kobold Chieftain can communicate in Common, Draconic.