The Blue Scales Codex PHB‑Only • Level 4

A practical field guide for Kobolds sworn to the missing Dragon Queen — built for a first-time player using 2014 rules.

Codex Contents

I. The Oath of the Blue Scales

Truth: The Dragon Queen is missing. The dirty green scales have gone to steal her treasure. You are Blue Scales: defenders, schemers, and survivors.

“A hoard is not coins. A hoard is history. A hoard is promise.” — Rikkit, Warden of the Third Tunnel

Choose your loyalty (or conflict)

  • True Loyalist: protect the hoard at all costs.
  • Pragmatist: save the tribe first; treasure second.
  • Tempted: steal “just enough” to survive… and justify it later.
  • Ambitious: if the Queen never returns, a new ruler will rise.

Green Scales in play

  • Raiders: fast theft and disappearance.
  • Saboteurs: disable traps and wards.
  • False Loyalists: claim devotion while looting.
  • Desperate kin: hunger makes monsters of us all.

PHB-only note: This codex keeps class, subclass, and spell choices within the 2014 Player’s Handbook. Your DM already approved Kobold characters.

II. Kobold Traits & Survival Lessons

TraitMeaning for a Blue Scale
+2 DEX, −2 STRFight smart. You win with precision, not brute force.
Pack TacticsStand with allies. When the pack bites together, the pack survives.
Sunlight SensitivityDaylight is your enemy. Shade, tunnels, smoke, and cover are your friends.
Grovel, Cower, and BegWhen the pack needs a decisive strike, you sacrifice pride to secure victory.
DarkvisionThe Queen’s tunnels are your kingdom.
Lesson: If you can’t attack well (sunlight, disadvantage, no good angle), you can still win by helping an ally, repositioning, or using a defensive option.

III. Table Tools (What to track each session)

Always know these numbers

  • AC (Armor Class)
  • HP (current and max)
  • Speed (and special movement)
  • Main attack bonus (your go-to weapon/spell)
  • Main damage roll (what dice to roll)

Ask these three questions

  • Is an ally within 5 ft of my target? (Pack Tactics)
  • Am I in direct sunlight? (Sunlight Sensitivity)
  • Is there cover/shade/tunnel space I can use?

IV. The Fourth Scale (ASI/Feats)

At level 4 you gain either an Ability Score Improvement or (if your DM uses feats) a feat from the PHB.

Most common choices

  • +2 DEX for almost any Kobold who attacks with weapons.
  • +2 INT/WIS/CHA if you are primarily a spellcaster.
  • +1 DEX +1 CON if you want balance and durability.

PHB feats that feel “kobold”

  • Sharpshooter (sniper-lizard mode)
  • Alert (always twitchy; hard to ambush)
  • Mobile (tunnel skirmisher)
  • Lucky (kobolds survive by improbable fortune)

V. Muster of the Horde (PHB‑Only Builds)

Each card lists PHB subclasses and a short spell shortlist (examples only). Swap spells to match your taste and party needs.

Rogue 4 — Thief / Assassin

Role: scout & striker • Primary: DEX

  • Blue Scale hook: Tunnel runner & trap-spotter for the hoard.
  • Level 4: +2 DEX
  • Tactic: attack with advantage (Pack Tactics) → Sneak Attack reliably.

Ranger 4 — Hunter / Beast Master

Role: tracker & archer • Primary: DEX (WIS secondary)

  • Blue Scale hook: Hunts green-scale raiders through tunnels and forest edges.
  • PHB spell ideas: Hunter’s Mark, Goodberry, Cure Wounds
  • Level 4: Sharpshooter (if allowed) or +2 DEX

Fighter 4 — Battle Master / Champion / Eldritch Knight

Role: guard & duelist • Primary: DEX

  • Blue Scale hook: Elite hoard-warden trained for narrow corridors.
  • Weapons: rapier + shield or shortbow
  • Level 4: +2 DEX (or Sharpshooter for archers)

Monk 4 — Open Hand / Shadow / Four Elements

Role: skirmisher • Primary: DEX + WIS

  • Blue Scale hook: Silent tunnel enforcer; strikes then vanishes.
  • Level 4: +2 DEX or Mobile
  • Tactic: reposition constantly; fight beside allies for Pack Tactics advantage.

Sorcerer 4 — Draconic / Wild Magic

Role: omen-caster • Primary: CHA

  • Blue Scale hook: “The Queen’s blood sings in me.”
  • PHB spell ideas: Shield, Magic Missile, Web, Scorching Ray
  • Level 4: +2 CHA

Wizard 4 — Any School (PHB)

Role: ward-scribe • Primary: INT

  • Blue Scale hook: Keeper of hoard wards and draconic lore.
  • PHB spell ideas: Mage Armor, Shield, Detect Magic, Web, Hold Person
  • Level 4: +2 INT

Bard 4 — Lore / Valor

Role: morale & tricks • Primary: CHA

  • Blue Scale hook: Keeper of the Queen’s legends; shames green-scale thieves.
  • PHB spell ideas: Healing Word, Faerie Fire, Dissonant Whispers, Suggestion
  • Level 4: +2 CHA (or Inspiring Leader)

Warlock 4 — Fiend / Archfey / Great Old One

Role: pact-mystic • Primary: CHA

  • Blue Scale hook: Made a pact to find the Queen—or replace her.
  • PHB spell ideas: Hex, Armor of Agathys, Darkness
  • Level 4: +2 CHA

Cleric 4 — Light / Trickery / War / Life (PHB domains)

Role: scale-shaman • Primary: WIS

  • Blue Scale hook: Interprets signs; maintains rites that bind the hoard.
  • PHB spell ideas: Bless, Healing Word, Guiding Bolt, Aid
  • Level 4: +2 WIS

Barbarian 4 — Totem Warrior / Berserker (optional)

Role: last-line defender • Primary: STR (hard mode)

  • Blue Scale hook: Rage is a sacred vow: “No thief passes me.”
  • Level 4: +2 STR (offset penalty) or +2 CON (survive longer)

VI. Scene Playbook (Combat + Social + Exploration)

Combat (tunnel doctrine)

  • Start near allies to trigger Pack Tactics.
  • Use corners, cover, and darkness; avoid open daylight lanes.
  • If sunlight ruins your attacks, help an ally or reposition.

Social (loyalty vs greed)

  • Do you speak as a loyalist, a negotiator, or a secret looter?
  • Offer: protection, information, or a share of recovered treasure.
  • Threaten: curse of the Queen, or the wrath of the Blue Scale pack.

Exploration (hoard defense)

  • Mark tunnels; watch for disabled traps.
  • Track footprints and dragged sacks.
  • Listen for echoes: Green Scales are noisy when excited.
One-line roleplay hook: “I don’t steal from the Queen… unless the Queen is truly gone.”
Option B — Deluxe campaign-themed “Blue Scales Codex” (PHB-only)