Captain Black Scale

Born in the sunken ruins of an ancient civilization beneath the Crimson Seas, Captain Black Scale emerged from a clutch of rare obsidian serpents, marked from birth by scales darker than midnight itself. His mother, a tribal shaman, recognized his unusual coloration as a curse—a sign that he would bring destruction wherever his shadow fell. Abandoned to the tide pools as an infant, he survived through cunning and venom, developing a predatory intelligence that far exceeded his reptilian kin. By his teenage years, he had already claimed dominion over an entire coastal territory, earning the fear and respect of both beast and man alike. When a merchant vessel accidentally destroyed his breeding grounds during a trade expedition, the young serpent's rage crystallized into something far more dangerous: ambition. He taught himself the ways of human warfare, studied maritime navigation, and gathered a crew of outcasts and exiles who recognized in him a leader willing to challenge the very foundations of civilization. For over two decades, Captain Black Scale has haunted the shipping lanes with surgical precision, his fleet striking with the coordinated deadliness of a viper's fangs. Each vessel he sends to the depths receives his signature—a single obsidian scale pressed into the captain's quarters, a calling card that sends shivers through the maritime world and drives insurance rates to astronomical heights. His legend grew not from bloodlust alone, but from an almost artistic approach to piracy; he targets only those he deems worthy of his attention, leaving merchants of humble means untouched while systematically dismantling the fortunes of corrupt nobility and tyrannical trading companies. At forty years old, Captain Black Scale commands a fleet so formidable that entire nations negotiate rather than engage him, and the black scales he leaves behind have become worth more than gold—they are proof that you have earned the notice of the most feared creature ever to sai

Strength

24, modifier +7

Dexterity

18, modifier +4

Constitution

20, modifier +5

Intelligence

16, modifier +3

Wisdom

14, modifier +2

Charisma

22, modifier +6

Viper's Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 3d10 + 7 piercing damage plus 3d6 poison damage.

Swallow Whole

If the target is Medium or smaller, it must succeed on a DC 20 Strength saving throw or be swallowed. The swallowed target is blinded and restrained.

Tidal Wave

Create a wave of water in a 30 ft. line. Each creature must make a DC 20 Strength saving throw, taking 6d10 bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

Serpent's Cunning

Advantage on all Intelligence checks and saving throws.

Fearsome Presence

Enemies within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened.

Legendary Fleet

Can summon 1d4 pirate ships to aid in battle once per day.

Venomous Strike

Attacks deal an additional 3d6 poison damage.

strength

+13

dexterity

+10

constitution

+11

intelligence

+9

wisdom

+8

charisma

+12

Call of the Deep

Summon a spectral ship that can attack once for 4d10 damage. Costs 2 actions.

Obsidian Scale

Leave a scale on a target, marking them. They take 3d6 psychic damage at the start of their turn. Costs 1 action.

Pirate's Fury

Make two melee attacks as a reaction when attacked. Costs 3 actions.

piercing

slashing

poison

poisoned

frightened