Kobolds, known as Snavset Nisse to the Nisse, and Vromikos Xotica to the Dur, are a half-Goblin, half-Nisse Goblinite subspecies. Kobolds are easily the most tolerated in their homelands of the Goblinites, being acknowledged as Nisse, but a corrupted or lesser form. This kind of pity manifests itself differently in Kobolds; some may turn bitter and disdainful toward the other species, while others may become brash daredevils who take the reins on their own lives, their bloodlines be damned.
Note: Please remember that all of the information provided herein is an overarching synopsis of the species- a stereotype, if you will. That means that in most cases, you are free to tweak your character away from the generalities listed here. If your character concept does not quite match up with a bullet point below, that's fine! If you're still concerned it might not be acceptable, please contact a staff member. Thank you!
The vast majority of Kobold history is intertwined with their parentage history. However, there is something to be said for how they've come to their current position in life as not quite hated by Goblins, as they too were persecuted by the other intelligent species, and not quite hated by Nisse, since they are of similar blood.
Prior to the Accord of the Crimson Ravine Kobolds were seen as unfit for anything except menial tasks and unclean work. Though they were not considered slaves, they were also not afforded the full rights that all elves enjoyed. To this day some of those laws are still in place, and no Kobold may vote in Nisse elections nor may they own land.
It is believed that it was Kobolds among them who ultimately convinced the Nisse to heed the words of the human diplomats of Maximus-Alexander Silverthorn. The Nisse as a whole were not keen on the idea of signing onto the Accord of the Crimson Ravine, but the Kobolds played into the Nisse desire to become uninvolved and presented a counter argument. Signing the Accord would make it easier for Kobolds to travel the world unmolested, and dealing with the unsavory Goblins could just as well be another one of the unpleasant tasks afforded to those of their station. With the Nisse agreeing to the accords the Dur signed on as well so as not to be left out of the alliance.
Government and Politics
Kobolds do not have their own lands and as such are subject to the societal rules set forth by either the Nisse, Human, Goblins or Dur lands they choose to inhabit.
The majority of Kobolds utilize the Kroner system for all of their buying and selling needs. Most Kobolds do not discriminate when it comes to trading.
There is nothing in particular Kobolds covet over anything else.
The vast majority of Kobolds live in Nisse lands, followed by Human lands. They tend toward the large port cities when they can, the Nisse populations in these areas are typically a bit kinder toward Kobolds (though not always).
With very little in the way of Kobold organizations and no other extensive economies, Kobolds are inclined to go along with whatever is nearest them.
Culture & Traditions
Unfortunately, Kobolds do not currently have any place in the political atmosphere of Sha'uru. The best a Kobold can hope for is becoming a friend or confidante with a political figure and hoping their new friend is willing to listen.
Kobolds are most commonly contracted as indentured servants on ships or in shops. Wealthy Goblins have been known to specifically hire half-Vand Kobolds as delegates when working with the Ouranos Dur, out of spite. Though very few and far between, these types of positions often pay a bit more than the average indentured servant wage, as Durrish tempers run hot.
Kobolds, like most other species, celebrate the Feast of the Solstice on December 21st. As their culture so closely wraps around Nisse culture, they typically do not celebrate it any differently or break too much from tradition.
Though they are legally allowed to do so, it is uncommon for a Kobold to marry any longtime partner. A good portion celebrate decennial anniversaries with large celebrations, but otherwise they do not legally acknowledge or bind their relationships.
Half-Slagte Kobolds are vehemently discouraged from engaging in the Day of Silence on January 6th, as they are not considered true Slagte. During this day, Kobolds are expected to travel out of Slagte settlements and not return until the 7th.
Kobolds value respect. Many are raised to believe they are 'better' than other Goblinites and in some ways, better than even Humans or Dur because at least they are partially Nisse. With this in mind, it is often very important to them that they are treated with a certain level of respect, even by their contract holders and bosses. It would certainly not be the first time a Kobold broke contract with a disrespectful boss or captain to only join up with a pirate crew and wreak havoc upon their business and life.
A Kobold would never remove their jewelry, for a myriad of reasons. The first is that it marks them clearly as part Nisse. Because of their upbringing, many Kobolds take pride in this side of their heritage and the jewelry sets them apart from other Goblinites. Secondly, the wearing of this jewelry, either several coils in their ear or a septum ring in their nose, is a requirement set by the Forbund Af Nisse, to further distinguish them from Nisse and reduce other species confusing one for the other.
There is a story going around of a family of Barlethans that take in and adopt runaway Kobolds. It seems like every Kobold has a story of a friend's-friend's-brother who ran away to the Tribal lands and wrote back that they had found the family and are happy. There is currently no substantial evidence this exists.
Kobolds have heard the story Halflings like to tell of Lilliana Silverpearl and Frances Nickelbottom and most turn up their noses at it, viewing the tale as Halfling propaganda. No self-respecting Vand Nisse captain would choose a Halfling as a cohort when Kobolds are naturally better in every way when running a crew.
There are tales that during the Final Orc Wars, the Goblins were so pressed for time and urgency that they even let their Kobold kin assist and learn their most powerful alchemies in hopes of pushing back the Human, Dur and Nisse threat. No Kobold has ever publicly divulged any knowledge of secret Goblin alchemies, whether from learning firsthand or the knowledge being passed down through adopted family, but somehow the rumor persists.
Miscellaneous
Dur—The Ouranos Dur read Kobold's superiority more as sassiness and can get along with that to a degree, so long as they don't divulge they are part Vand. As Ouranos are the least likely to shun a Kobold for their lineage, Kobolds don't begrudge them too much. The Vrachos and Vuono have a much harder stance on Kobolds, and Kobolds respond in kind. It is very unlikely to see a pairing of these Dur and Kobolds in public, unless a Kobold is a delegate and therefore, obligated to be in their company.
Nisse—Nisse definitely prefer their own kind to Halflings or Gnomes, but only marginally so. They are typically more willing to pay a Kobold a living wage, but a Kobold would still never be allowed in a Slagte Nisse hunting party, the Afsla Nisse Colegia Hermetica, or to own their own ships in the lands of the Vand Nisse. Forbund Af Nisse law strictly forbids Kobolds from taking part in any Nisse elections. Kobolds are resentful of this and of the shunning their parents typically receive for bearing them.
Humans—Of the Humans, the Imperial Humans and Kobolds get along the least. They are both typically strong-willed and prideful and this can often lead to trouble, especially for the Kobold. The Imperials do not resent them their parentage, it is merely that they are not Imperial. Wayfaring Seekers and Kobolds get on quite well. The Seekers find their periodic self-importance amusing, but would rather overlook it or guide the conversation elsewhere to keep the peace. The Tribes of Barlethan have little contact with Kobolds, and disagree with the way they are treated in their homelands. A Barlethan is the most likely of any species to treat a Kobold with dignity and respect and are the least likely to give a Kobold child away for adoption should they find one, though the Kobold would never receive beads or considered truly a part of the family.
Other Goblinites—Kobolds are the most likely to be scornful or pitying of other Goblinites, the vast majority being raised to believe they are better. A Halfling would not take it to heart and would overlook the behavior, preferring instead to overcome the demeanor through kindness and attempted friendship. Gnomes are particularly pitied and ridiculed by Kobolds, as they are typically very strange and not even wanted by their own kin. Kobolds tend to see Homunculi as slaves, barely even human or worth acknowledging, unless they have to.
Goblins—The relationship between most Kobolds and Goblins is very tense. Kobolds are fully aware that they would be taken advantage of if they chose to live in Goblin territory, which is why there is such a low population. Goblins typically see no fault in how they treat unwanted Kobolds, though there have been rumors of Goblin parents choosing custody of their Kobold children and treating them well, to their own social detriment.
More politically-savvy Kobolds would be aware that there is the rustling of an underground movement to claim land on Antioch for Goblinites; a city or plot of land they can call their own so they can be formally recognized in politics and are no longer relegated to every species "dirty little (un)secret". It is currently being spearheaded mostly by Kobolds, as they are the least disrespected in their parentage lands, and thus have greater access to information.
A Kobold would likely be acutely aware that it is currently undecided whether the Peace Accords, an agreement signed in Calydon and Lerna amongst the species to guarantee they are not needlessly culled just for existing, will hold up as well in Antioch.