Main Quest: Keep that damn kobold alive (and have fun).

The cavern smelled like burning and sulfur. You coughed, brushing away the thick smoke that clung to the air. It was hard to see much beyond a few feet in front of you, but you could make out the scattered remnants of Smoky’s latest “experiment” littering the rocky ground.

From somewhere in the smoky shambles, a small shape stirred and groaned. “Smoky… Smoky fine,” he rasped, his voice slightly singed.

And then, through the settling dust, you finally saw him—a little kobold, covered in soot from nose to tail, grinning up at you with that toothy, singed smile. His goggles were cracked and his left ear had a fresh singe mark along the edge. Pieces of his robes were charred, his gloves were smoldering, and the faint smell of burnt scales filled the air.

Smoky blinked at you through his broken goggles. “Experiment was success!” He held up a tiny, cracked vial, still fizzing with some bright purple substance. “See? Smoky made… unstable essence of… of…” He paused, tilting his head at it. “…something! Smoky forgets name, but very powerful!” He shook the vial triumphantly, and you grabbed his wrist quickly before he could set off another round of explosions.

You gently took the vial from his clawed hand and secured it in a safe, padded pouch. You glanced over him, noting the fresh scrapes and burns dotting his scales.

Smoky pouted, as if realizing he’d be forced to endure yet another patch-up. “Smoky fine! Just little burn, little scratch.” He lifted one arm, where a bit of his scales had been singed right down to his pale hide. “Smoky barely feel it!”

Smoky blinked at you innocently, as if trying to convince you that he didn't just make an explosion again. “S-Smoky's experiments still not wrong. Just… unstable! Smoky learning! Next time, Smoky use less fire salts. Or maybe… more?” He scratched his snout thoughtfully, even as you smeared healing balm across the singed scales of his face. Despite the burnt spots, he looked as happy as a kobold could be.