A fun, low level encounter
I have always loved kolbolds, they’re just weird little dragon goblins who are a little stupid, but innovate. This encounter could serve as a random encounter, a room in a dungeon, a story hook, or even the climax of a low level adventure. This is being scaled with 4 3rd-4th level adventurers in mind, but the difficulty can absolutely be adjusted by adding or removing kolbolds.
6 kobolds sit in a 10 ft radius cavern that is lit only by a crackling fire in the middle of the room. Strewn around the room are small animal bones, bits of fabric, and a few copper pieces. The 5 kobolds sit in a semi circle, backs towards the entrance with their focus entirely on a red dragon wyrmling seated on a raised pedestal facing them.
If the players choose to attack the kobolds on sight, they get a surprise round. If a player hits the dragon, the dragon will join in the fight. If the dragon is ignored or not targeted, it will not become hostile at the moment.
If the players wait, they may learn that the kobolds believe the wyrmling to be a young god in the shape of a dragon. The wyrmling clearly sees that the kolbolds are delusional or misguided, but is mildly entertained. However, the dragon does seem to be becoming bored or tired of the kolbolds’s attention, something the kolbolds don’t seem to realize.
Once the party is noticed, the kolbolds will immediately become defensive, although not hostile unless attacked. The kobolds want more followers for their new dragon cult, currently 6 members strong, and don’t really want to fight the party. They can be convinced not to fight if the party offers 3 days worth of rations, 30 gp worth of trinkets or small gems, or to join their cult. The dragon would like the kobolds to leave it alone or to find a new form of entertainment.
If combat occurs, the kobolds work with the goal of protecting the dragon. The dragon stays out of combat until targeted or hit by an attack. If the dragon enters combat, it would be advised that the party tries to escape.