Homebrew Blackscale Lizardfolk Species Details

Basic Appearance

      Blackscales resemble other lizardfolk but much larger, standing 8.5–9.5 feet (2.6–2.9 meters) tall and weighing around 600 pounds (270 kilograms), about the size of an ogre. Their tail is 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters) in length. Blackscale lizardfolk are stocky, heavily muscled reptilians. They are black-scaled, with a leathery crest running from the ridge of their heads to the middle of their backs. They have deep-socketed eyes and a flat nasal opening. Their hands are webbed and taloned, and their mouths have a row of sharp fangs. Blackscales may also adorn themselves with jewelry or ornate weapons.

Society

       The Blackscale Lizardfolk live in swampy, marsh like regions or tundra wastes. Master of blending into the environment, they relish the hunt and normally do so over large territories of land and water. The Blackscale tribe is somewhat smaller than a typical lizardfolk tribe, numbering around 20 to 40 members, but organized much the same. Blackscale Lizardfolk tend to keep to themselves, but of course they will do trade when in need of supplies or if given contracts to navigate others through the unforgiving swamps. Most people think of them as savages, for this reason most tend not to trust them or their fiery temper. Although most races are very uneasy of these creatures, they have been repeatedly called on to help defend allies that trade the most valuable supplies or offer the greatest coin.

Beliefs

      Many blackscales are barbarians. Their priests are adepts who command the Protection and Sun domains of priestly magic. The Blackscale Lizardfolk are raised to learn Draconic, although in some cases they learn to pick up Common to deal with humans and other trespassers. Blackscale lizardfolk primarily fight with weapons, but wear no armor. They have sharpened talons, as well as a bite, which they may use when unarmed. Blackscale lizardfolk are fierce fighters, but they believe in lone glory above coordinated attacks; thus, a group of blackscale lizardfolk may not fight as a strategic unit. They possess a resistance to acid, and have darkvision. They can also hold their breaths underwater for long periods of time. Blackscales are proud and ferocious warriors, focused on performing mighty deeds and gaining glory. They are highly dangerous when provoked, and aren't as smart as other lizardfolk. Their crests rise when aroused to aggression, and the scales on their neck flair to reveal a blood red color much like a angry bearded dragon. The Blackscale Lizardfolk are known to worship gods of War and Nature. Most Blackscale Lizardfolk are Chaotic Neutral, but may sway to either side of good or evil.

Blackscale Lizardfolk Traits

+4 str, +2 con, -1 int, -2 cha | Natural Armor: A Blackscale's scaly skin provides it with a +2 natural armor bonus to its Armor Class | Natural Resistance: -3 to all damage taken | +2 to Hide checks in swampy environments | Awkward Build: Armor must be custom made at an increased cost of 50% (including the cost of masterwork armor.) | Languages: Common and Draconic | Bonus languages: Aquan, Orcish and Sylvan

Languages

Languages: Common and Draconic.

Bonus languages: Aquan, Orcish and Sylvan.

Natural Weapons

The Blackscale Lizardfolk has a repertoire of natural defense mechanisms including claws, fangs, and a poisonous bite. 

Weapon Proficiencies

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Blackscale Lizardfolk are proficient with all simple weapons and shields.

 

Natural Resistance

Due to their thick scaly hide, Blackscale Lizardfolk have a natural resistance to damage.

Ability Score Adjustments

Add +4 to your strength ability score and +2 to your constitution ability score. Subtract -1 from your intelligence ability score and -2 from your charisma ability score.

Natural Armor

Natural Armor: A Blackscale's scaly skin provides it with a +7 natural armor bonus to its Armor Class.

Camouflage

 Blackscale Lizardfolk's rough scale pattern and dark coloring give them a +2 to Hide checks in swampy environments.