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Undead Kobold (Wizardry)
Kobolds are small [91 cm (3 ft.) tall], nasty humanoids that resemble a cross between a lizard and a dog (in Dungeons & Dragons, and its derivatives, that is; historically, they're more sprite-like in their Germanic folklore origins). Most Undead Kobolds are created by humans or demihumans versed in the dark arts of necromancy (the rest are raised from their graves by supernatural entities and forces whose names one should never utter or print carelessly, lest you attract their sinister attentions in doing so). Indeed, the animation of these skeletal monsters is one of the earliest tests that an apprentice must successfully pass before their master/mistress will instruct them in the secrets of even blacker rituals of desecration. Nearly mindless, Undead Kobolds can perform only the simplest of tasks (and they frequently manage to botch those as well), so, more often than not, their creator will just release them to wander about in an area where unwelcome intruders are likely to pass, with standing orders to hack apart any living thing that they happen to stumble across (one of the few things that they can do well). An Undead Kobold is typically armed with a dagger (which is the equivalent of a sword for such a small being); this blade inflicts 1d4+1 (2-5) points of damage. The monster also carries a small buckler (doubtlessly appropriated from some unfortunate Hobbit or Gnome) strapped onto one of its bony arms, but the creature's movements are so stiff and uncoordinated that it can seldom react quickly enough to effectively block blows with it. As such, the shield doesn't actually do anything to improve its' AC (which is 10, two worse than a living Kobold's 8 AC). Unless the odds are heavily stacked in their favor, Kobolds are seldom a match for humans/demihumans, nor most other monster species for that matter, and, unfortunately, that inferiority carries over into unlife as well. As one of the weakest, if not the weakest, undead entities in Wizardry, these creatures aren't much of a threat. An extremely green party of Level 1 adventurers might have some trouble, but, once they acquire an additional experience level or two, and some decent gear, they should be able to smash them to bits with relative ease. Likewise, as the necrotic forces that animate Undead Kobolds are tenuous at best, the Priest, Bishop, and Lord character classes can reliably turn them (which they often do, out of pity if nothing else, so that the tormented souls of these unnatural creatures can finally rest). The only thing that these rickety monsters really have working in their favor is that their skeletal state affords them a degree of natural protection from fire-or-cold-based elemental attacks/spells. Materials: [Undead Kobold] Newsprint, white glue, and wire twist ties. (The brown discoloration/aging of the bones was accomplished with a wood burner instead of paint.) [Sword & Shield] Newsprint, white glue, and acrylic paint. Dimensions*: 1.8 cm (0.7") x 4.2 cm (1.7") (widest point x highest point) (*The measurements will vary depending on how the figure's joints are positioned; the numbers given are for a neutral standing pose and exclude the tail and accessories.) Articulation: 39 Points: Neck vertebrae x 3, shoulders x 2, biceps x 2, elbows x 4, wrists x 2, abdominal vertebrae x 4, tail x 10, hips x 4, thighs x 2, knees x 4, and ankles x 2. Additionally, the two straps on the shield are adjustable to accommodate different sized arms. Time: Five days; March 21, 22, 25, 26, and 27, 2013.
Posted: 8 Apr 2013
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