Blackscale The Blackscales were a tribe and subrace of lizardfolk dwelling in the Vast Swamp of Cormyr . Description . A blackscale was a humanoid reptilian , resembling 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 . It had stocky and thickly muscled build and its scales were black , and its tail was 4 – 5 feet ( 1 . 2 – 1 . 5 meters ) . Its sunken eyes and flat nostrils gave it a skull - like appearance , and a leathery crest ran from the top of its head to halfway down its back . It had claws and fangs like regular lizardfolk . Abilities . Blackscales were much like ordinary lizardfolk but larger and stronger , possessing a tougher scaly hide that protected against blows , an ability to hold their breath for long periods of time , and the same skill in swimming , leaping , and balancing . However , they also had darkvision and a resistance to acid . Personality . Blackscales were proud and ferocious warriors , focused on performing mighty deeds and gaining glory . They were highly dangerous when provoked , and weren ' t even as smart as other lizardfolk . Their crests rose when aroused to aggression . Combat . Blackscales had no patience for cunning ploys and setting traps , thinking these were the tools of smaller , weaker lizardfolk . They preferred to just hit hard . In a battle , they fought without order or discipline , though their chiefs could focus them to work together , but briefly . They roared challenges at opponents before engaging . They typically fought with greatclub s and javelin s . Society . The Blackscale tribe was somewhat smaller than a typical lizardfolk tribe , numbering around 20 to 40 members , but was organized much the same . Many blackscales were barbarian s . The priests were in fact adept s who commanded the Protection and Sun domain s of priestly magic . The Blackscales spoke Draconic , while the smarter ones knew the Common tongue . History . The Blackscales told that they carried the blood of black dragon s , as evidenced by their dark - hued scales , resistance to acid , and skull - like facial features . There was little to corroborate this however . In the Year of Lightning Storms , 1374 DR , the Blackscales were one of the Vast Swamp tribes attacked by the Shadowscale s . At least two of their number were taken captive and dragged to the Lost Refuge , including their own warchief , Kossaandar , and then into the Plane of Shadow , ultimately becoming shadowslain themselves . One was kept as a guard at the Shadow Citadel , and Kossaander became the devoted follower of Ketsarra Shadowscale . The remaining Blackscales allied with other victims of the war , the Sharptooth and Poison Dusk lizardfolk tribes , under the Sharptooth chief Kessessek . In early Eleint of 1374 DR , a war - party of Sharptooth , Blackscale , and Poison Dusk lizardfolk ventured into Shadowscale territory and laid an ambush at the Skull Staff in efforts to kill their enemies or capture " dream walkers " , the mentally dominated victims of the Shadowscales ' Shar ran allies . In fact , the next group to pass that way were actually adventurers in service to Mystra investigating the Sharrans ' activities . This unfortunate misunderstanding was eventually resolved in parlay with Kessessek .