Kobold Rust Drop (5e Trap)
Kobold Rust Drop[edit]
The trap is mechanical in nature, requiring a simple flick of a lever or tug of a rope.
This trap is usually paired with another trap that can restrain the targets before this trap is set off for maximum efficiency. A cage with a disguised bottom is set above a point (almost always underground as kobold build these) where enemies might walk through. When anyone holding, carrying, or wearing a large amount of ferrous metals comes near this trap, the friendly critters within start to move right above the hidden trap door. This trap should be positioned no more than 10 feet off of ground level. Any creature with a passive Perception of 14 or higher hears scuttling coming from above but cant discern its source. The first time the creature with large amounts of metal comes underneath the trapdoor, the trapdoor is opened. The opening mechanism can be weight from the rust monsters but this can sometimes cause an early release from their captivity. More common are the traps that have a creature (usually a kobold) standing near a lever, ready to pull it as soon as the little critters are on the trapdoor. The rust monsters (typically 3d4 in a single trap) fall out and onto the creature which must make a DC 15 Dexterity or Strength check or get knocked prone. The monster immediately makes rust attacks against that creature as part of a ready action and initiative is rolled.
The purpose here is to deter intruders from delving deeper into the kobold lair due to the rusted equipment and lesser protection. However, various other races employ these traps and tricks to weaken enemy troops before a battle or to scare off races that would otherwise threaten them, like dwarves.
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