Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2020 May 14

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May 14

Kobolds in Dungeons and Dragons

Good day!

I was wondering if there is an explanation why the Kobolds in Dungeons and Dragons are anthropomorphic reptiles instead of small humanoids. I read about "Kobolde" in German folklore and culture, but they originally seemed to have been depicted as tiny human-like creatures with human clothing and not half-naked reptiles.

I thank you for your answers and wish you the best for the coronavirus crisis! Stay safe!--2A02:1205:5049:A1D0:BC84:ECB8:2E1F:32F4 (talk) 18:55, 14 May 2020 (UTC)

Their description has changed and evolved over the different editions of D&D. See Kobold (Dungeons & Dragons) for a full explanation of the changes. It has existed in some form since the first edition of the game, but has changed in appearance depending on which version (D&D or AD&D) and which edition. When I was a kid, I played the 1983's version of D&D (the Red-Blue-Teal-Black sets, see Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set) and I distinctly remember the Kobold as being described as goblinoid with dog-like facial features, though you might want to ask someone to see if they have the Red Monster Manual from that set, just to verify. My memory would be that is post-dates that.---Jayron32 19:36, 14 May 2020 (UTC)

Thank you very much, Jayron!--2A02:1205:5049:A1D0:C837:56F9:23F:C686 (talk) 19:41, 14 May 2020 (UTC)