Today is an interesting monster from German folklore. The Drude is a type of malevolent nocturnal spirit. Depending on who is doing the classification it could be a spirit, an elf, a kobold, a demon, a hag, or even a witch. Like many creatures of folklore, they do not conform to the notions of RPG creatures.
The question is what sort of thing a Drude (pl. Druden) is. Even when one considers it a kobold, there is a lot of debate about what THAT is as well.
But I think I have an interesting idea.
Small Humanoid
Frequency: Very Rare
Number Appearing: 1d2 (1d4)
Alignment: Chaotic [Chaotic Evil]
Movement: 90' (30') [9"]
Armor Class: 7 [12]
Hit Dice: 3d8* (14 hp)
Small: 3d6* (11 hp)
Attacks: dagger or witch spell
Damage: 1d4-1
Special: daylight sensitivity, infravision, witch magic.
Save: Witch 3
Morale: 6 (8)
Treasure Hoard Class: None
XP: 50 (OSE) 65 (LL)
Kobolds can be found in the underground caverns of nearly any climate or environment. Their ability to adapt and even thrive in areas where other creatures would perish is one of their greatest strengths is a world that only recognizes strength.
When a kobold group moves into an area near a hag the hag's corrupting influence will cause a Drude to be born among the Kobolds. A drude, plural druden, is a type of kobold but is usually smarter and has the ability to use magic. Often called "kobold witches" these creatures will seek out the hag, or hags, that caused them to spawn in an attempt to serve them. The hag will often teach the kobold their magic instead of killing and eating them. No one is exactly sure why this happens, save that it might grant the hags a bit of attention and even veneration they crave.
A drude can cast spells as a 3rd level witch and may advance to as high as the 7th level. They are treated as if they are either part of the Faerie or Malefic Traditions. A drude typically favors spells that create fire or cause fire damage. A drude will typically take a hag as their patron, usually the hag that is local to them. The hag teaches the drude witchcraft and magic and in return, the kobold tribe serves the hag or hags.
In combat, the drude, despite their eldritch powers, are still weak in a battle. They will avoid combat when they can and would rather strike an opponent from a distance. A drude among a group of kobolds will raise their overall morale by 2 since the combination of both magic and normal kobold strike tactics mesh well.
Druden are vulnerable to sunlight. They attack at -2 in any form of bright sunlight or at -1 for reduced sunlight or a Continual Light spell. They have infravision to 90'.
The offspring of a drude and a kobold will be a drude.
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Klash-Nak is a kobold witch of the 4th level. Her patron is an Annis hag she calls "Mother Nightmare."
