Klabautermann is a water kobold of the Baltic and North Seas. He's one of the noisy spirits, who can scream like the wind. In general he helps sailors and fishermen with their sails or nets.
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The sea Kobold is cheerful, hard-working and knowledgeable. He'll share his wisdom or tell a tale. He may smoke a pipe and is grateful for offerings of tobacco. As well he's fond of rum.
One might hear him whistling when no one's around. He loves to make music and enjoys upbeat rhythms such as sea shanties. He may help rescue sailors washed overboard in a storm or errant wave, or alert seafarers to danger.
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The sea Kobold is also a weather spirit. He can bring a favorable breeze or rouse a terrible storm. He may intervene with sea creatures such as sirens or serpents to keep sailors safe from these dangers.
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The name Klabautermann comes from German klabastern meaning "claptrap" or to be noisy. He howls like the wind, or rolls barrels like thunder. Other noisy entities include the poltergeist, a 'rumbling spirit'; and Klagmuhme or Klagefrau, wailing woman omen of death.
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Kobolds are ancient. They're usually found in areas of human habitation or work. There are several types of domestic Kobold with a wide range of abilities. In the home, a Kobold is considered lucky.
Care must be taken to keep Kobolds happy. They expect to be fed for their aura of fortune, protection and their work around the home. House Kobolds especially enjoy sweet milk, cakes and porridge, though some have more expensive tastes.
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River or freshwater kobolds ride the riverboats. For centuries rivers are the main roads of the Germanic lands. The Rhine, Elbe and in Poland the Vistula and more flow into the North and Baltic Seas.
These northern seas are ferocious. Many a ship has been torn to pieces or dashed apart on rocks as storms descend from seemingly clear skies. A fall into the chilling water has a low survival rate. A person loses consciousness within half an hour.
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The North Sea is among the most dangerous seas of the world. In winter an ice mist descends and fog rolls like dragon's breath. The sea is about 300 ft (91.4 m) deep, fairly shallow, with strong currents moving in different directions.
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The North Sea is vital to trade, as is the icy Baltic. From the time of the ancient Romans (8th century BCE) evidence appears of seagoers who travel the northern waters. Later Vikings solidify the early trade and raid routes.
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Winter storms along the coasts throw up chunks of Baltic amber from an ancient petrified forest beneath the waves. Amber ranges from pale gold to deep red. Known as the "Gold of the North", amber stimulates growth of trade and establishes the first long-distance routes.
If one searches for amber along the North Sea and Baltic coasts, Klabautermann might help in the search and leave amber nuggets for the person to find. It's in his nature to be helpful. He can also be the opposite, as Kobolds are notorious for mischievous streaks.
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A person bending over could feel a kick in the behind, or a push. Klabautermann might hide personal or work-related items, only to put them back in plain sight later. If angry he will turn from good-natured pranks to vengeance.
He will spill or spoil food, mess up clothes and hair, break tools and equipment, throw items and make a lot of noise. If he's not treated well by the crew he can cause epidemic sickness or plague. The Kobold has Elfin associations which come with powerful magic.
He might even start fires but only if he's abandoning ship. As with house kobolds, he won't harm the place he inhabits. Angry departing kobolds on land or sea make no secret of their displeasure, and they can start fires and cause disasters.
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