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40d:Kobold
Kobolds are small humanoids, (slightly smaller than dwarves). They are technologically backward and use copper weapons.
Once your fortress has accumulated wealth, Kobold thieves will raid you in fortress mode, generally, but not always, timing their attacks to coincide with the arrival of caravans. Kobold thieves can even show up in winter. They are able to bypass any and all traps, and are an excellent reason to channel all traffic in and out of your fortress to a single location, which should be guarded at all times. Once discovered and caught, a kobold can generally be killed by any armed dwarf and even most unarmed civilians. Be warned though that even the lowliest kobold thief will carry a copper dagger, which can lead into severe injuries if you order unarmed recruit to attack it.
Kobold marksman parties may occasionally show up to ambush your dwarves outside once kobolds have successfully stolen some items. The kobolds will hold back and kill all dwarves who venture near with their bows. This is not a siege. The kobolds will leave when they have no more arrows. Because they are archers, these raiding parties can be quite dangerous to an unprepared fortress, especially one reliant on resources such as trees and surface water.
Kobold Caves in Fortress Mode
Occasionally, on maps that have caves present in them, you'll find a Kobold Cave. These pose a possible hazard to your dwarven settlers, as - should they discover you and become irritated at your presence - they can attack your settlement and any wandering dwarves they come across. As mentioned previously, kobolds aren't very tough, but when they gather in large numbers (with more than a few armed kobold guards and other nasty variations of the common kobold thrown in) they can pose a significant threat to your young, underprepared fortress. On the up-side, in the vicinity of the kobold cave and inside the cave itself, you'll find all kinds of random trinkets and other items, with the possibility of valuable goodies being tossed in. If you manage to clear the kobold cave on your map, any potentially valuable junk that they've accumulated is yours for the taking.
Kobold Caves in Adventure Mode
In adventure mode Kobolds live in caves. They will have guards, soldiers, civilians, children, and the occasional quite dangerous weaponmaster. Kobolds are deadly with a bow but generally an easy match in melee, even for a novice adventurer. Kobold caves are full of trinkets, and they often wear clothing, weapons, and small-sized armor.