Kobold Empire of the Deep
Population
~45,000
Capital
Ironscale Warren
Government
Military Theocracy
Dragon Overlords
3 Chromatic
The Burrowlands are a vast subterranean empire ruled by three chromatic dragons who have forged an unlikely alliance to dominate a kobold population of approximately 45,000 souls. Beneath the mountains of Morgath, a labyrinth of tunnels, trap-laden corridors, and crystal-lit caverns stretches for miles in every direction — a militaristic civilisation built on servitude, precious metals, and draconic ambition.
The empire exports precious metals, crystals, and — quietly — slaves, while importing food and surface goods it cannot produce underground. Relations with neighbouring powers are cautious at best and hostile at worst, though trade with Durumbar and limited contact with the Glittering Hive maintain economic ties.
Supreme overlord and political mastermind. Vex'tharaz views the entire empire as a personal project, its inhabitants useful servants in a centuries-long game of accumulation and power. Rules from the Dragon Altar in Ironscale Warren.
Volatile military commander based in the Sulfur Pits. Less patient than Vex'tharaz, Sulfuros is increasingly restless and may soon pursue independent ambitions that could fracture the empire.
The most cunning of the three, Spiralis manages trade and diplomacy from the Crystal Warrens. Maintains secret contacts with surface kingdoms and may be positioning for an eventual power play against the other overlords.
Capital and largest settlement. A maze of tunnels, chambers, and trap corridors serving as the administrative heart of the empire. Home to the Dragon Altar where the three overlords receive tribute.
Industrial hub around geothermal vents where kobold smiths forge weapons and armour using heat from the earth itself. Red dragon Sulfuros maintains a personal lair nearby.
Mining settlement in crystal-rich caverns. The shimmering tunnels produce precious gems and rare minerals that fund the empire's trade. Green dragon Spiralis oversees operations.
A grim network of holding cells and work camps where captured prisoners labour in the mines. Conditions are brutal, and escape attempts are met with lethal traps.
A fortified frontier garrison guarding the deepest tunnels. Something stirs in the passages beyond — the Shimmerstone Passages are dimming, and no one knows why.
Ancient Blue Dragon
Supreme overlord of the Burrowlands. An ancient blue dragon of terrifying intelligence who rules through a combination of raw power and sophisticated political manipulation. Views the kobold empire as a personal project and its inhabitants as useful servants.
Adult Red Dragon
Volatile and aggressive, Sulfuros commands the Sulfur Pits and the empire's military forces. Less patient than Vex'tharaz, Sulfuros is increasingly restless and may soon pursue independent ambitions.
Adult Green Dragon
The most cunning of the three overlords, Spiralis manages trade and diplomacy from the Crystal Warrens. Maintains secret contacts with surface kingdoms and may be positioning for an eventual power play.
Kobold High Overseer
The highest-ranking kobold in the empire. Krex manages day-to-day operations with ruthless efficiency, serving as intermediary between the dragon overlords and the kobold population. Secretly harbours ambitions beyond servitude.
Kobold Trapmaster
Chief engineer of the Burrowlands' legendary trap systems. Seela designs the lethal mechanisms that protect every corridor and chamber. Her creations are works of mechanical genius — and casual cruelty.
Kobold Spy Chief
Runs the empire's intelligence network, maintaining agents in Fort Valiance and other surface settlements. Grix knows more about the region's politics than most surface diplomats.
The Shimmerstone Passages that light the deepest tunnels are dimming. The kobolds blame sabotage, but the cause may be something far older stirring beneath the empire's foundations.
A group of prisoners in the Slave Pens have smuggled out a message begging for rescue. The tunnels are trapped, the guards are vigilant, and the dragons are watching.
Sulfuros is growing increasingly erratic and aggressive. Spiralis approaches surface agents to help manage — or eliminate — the volatile red dragon before civil war erupts.
Grix's spy network has been compromised, and kobold agents are being exposed across Fort Valiance. Someone is feeding counter-intelligence, and Grix wants to know who.
An expedition into the deepest sealed tunnels discovers architecture that predates the kobold empire by millennia — and something down there is still alive.
Mining town
Dwarven forgehold
Lakeside village
Trading post
Frontier outpost
Coastal watchtower
Monastery village
Highland shepherds
Naval garrison
Border outpost
Blighted village
Elvish settlement