Shadow Cutter
"The Shadow Cutters are Veladare’s scythes, reaping souls and treasures with deadly precision. Their legend is not just fear, it is inevitability."The Shadow Cutter is the pinnacle of Veladare’s naval engineering, embodying the Black Shark Navy's deadly precision and dark sorcery. These sleek, obsidian-hued vessels are crafted from enchanted Obsidianwood and reinforced with Starsteel, making them swift, durable, and almost invisible under the cover of night or mist. Propelled by Soul Sails that harness supernatural winds and cloaked in shadow magic, the Shadow Cutter strikes silently and without warning. Armed with enchanted ballistae, necromantic lanterns, and a shark-like ram, it is built for hit-and-run raids and devastating ambushes. Agile, stealthy, and bristling with dark power, the Shadow Cutter is both a weapon and a symbol of fear on the seas of Domen Aria.
Deck Plan & Layout
The Shadow Cutter features a compact and efficient deck plan designed to maximize its stealth and combat effectiveness. On the main deck, the helm is positioned at the stern, elevated to provide the captain with a clear view of the sea. The wheel is reinforced with Starsteel, and an enchanted compass aids navigation through shadowy or magical waters. Along the mid-deck are the Soulcatch Lantern stations, strategically placed for both offensive and defensive use, with Shadowfins maintaining these powerful necromantic artifacts. Ballistae of Decay are mounted fore and aft, ready to fire their enchanted harpoons during engagements. The towering central mast supports the Soul Sails, while the open spaces around the deck allow the crew to maneuver quickly during combat or boarding operations. Grappling hooks and boarding gear are stored along the rails for easy access. Below deck, the ship is divided into functional and tightly packed areas. The crew quarters consist of hammocks and bunks stacked efficiently to accommodate up to 50 crew members. A secluded chamber is reserved for the Shadowfins, where they perform rituals and maintain the ship’s magical enhancements. The armory, located near the center of the ship, holds an array of enchanted weapons, Starsteel blades, and Necro Orbs used by the Shark Crashers and Pups. The cargo hold is a secure, reinforced space for storing loot, supplies, and magical artifacts, with hidden compartments to conceal particularly valuable or dangerous items. A small section of the hold is dedicated to prisoner cells, capable of holding up to 10 captives in warded, reinforced cages. Special features of the Shadow Cutter include a concealed hatch below the waterline for deploying aquatic constructs or skiffs and ward runes engraved throughout the ship to protect against magical attacks and enhance stealth."We saw nothing, heard nothing. One moment, the sea was calm, the next, it was upon us. The ship itself seemed alive, and its sails whispered like the voices of the dead."
Propulsion
The Shadow Cutter is propelled by a seamless blend of natural and magical systems, ensuring its reputation as one of the fastest and most agile ships on the sea. Its primary propulsion comes from the Soul Sails, woven from shadow infused silk and enchanted with necromantic and elemental magic. These sails can harness supernatural winds summoned by the Shadowfins, allowing the ship to glide swiftly even in dead calm or against opposing gales. When fully unfurled, the sails emit a faint, ghostly glow and shroud the vessel in a magical darkness, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
The ship’s lightweight hull, crafted from Obsidianwood, reduces drag significantly, enabling speeds of 12–15 knots under natural conditions and up to 20 knots when magically enhanced. For moments when subtlety is required, collapsible steel oars provide auxiliary propulsion, operated by Shark Crashers or prisoners, ensuring precise maneuverability even in confined or windless waters. Additionally, Shadowfins aboard the ship can summon Spectral Currents, magical undercurrents that invisibly guide and propel the vessel without the need for visible sails or oars.
Finally, the ship’s Soulcatch Lanterns, while primarily offensive, also channel necromantic energy to provide sudden bursts of speed during high stakes chases or daring escapes. This combination of magical and physical propulsion systems ensures that the Shadow Cutter remains unmatched in speed, stealth, and tactical flexibility, solidifying its role as the vanguard of the Black Shark Navy.
Weapons & Armament
The Shadow Cutter is equipped with a lethal array of weaponry, combining conventional arms with dark enchantments to dominate naval combat. Its primary offensive tools are the Ballistae of Decay, which fire harpoons imbued with necromantic magic. These projectiles can shatter enemy hulls or unleash necrotic energy upon impact, weakening both the structure and the crew of the targeted vessel. Some harpoons are further enchanted with spectral chains, binding enemy ships in place to prevent their escape. Complementing these are Soulcatch Lanterns, mounted along the decks, which release bursts of concentrated necromantic energy capable of draining the life force from opposing crews. These artifacts also cast an eerie, ghostly light that instills fear in anyone who witnesses their glow.
For close combat, the Shadow Cutter’s prow is reinforced with Starsteel plating, fashioned into a shark-like ram designed to puncture enemy hulls, while retractable blades along the ship's sides tear through enemy vessels during tight passes or boarding maneuvers. To obscure their movements or create confusion, the ship carries Shadow Smoke Bombs that release dense, shadow infused fog, disorienting enemies and providing cover. Boarding parties, made up of Shark Crashers and Pups, wield enchanted Starsteel weapons such as serrated swords and shadow-tipped spears, alongside Necro Orbs that sap vitality on detonation. Equipped with magical grappling hooks and climbing gear, these warriors excel at swift and devastating boarding actions. Together, these weapons make the Shadow Cutter a versatile and deadly force, perfectly suited for the Black Shark Navy's swift and fearsome tactics.
"A Shadow Cutter is not a ship, it is a predator born of the sea’s darkest depths. When it strikes, there will be no warning, only the certainty of death."
Armor and defense
The Shadow Cutter relies on a blend of magical and physical defenses to protect its crew and maintain its reputation as a near-invincible predator of the seas. Its hull is constructed from Obsidianwood, a rare and magically reinforced timber that is both lightweight and highly resistant to conventional attacks, such catapults or ballistae.
Magically, the Shadow Cutter is protected by powerful enchantments that cloak it in shadows, making it nearly invisible at night or in foggy conditions. These enchantments also dampen sound, making the ship eerily silent as it approaches its targets. In battle, Shadowfins aboard the ship can conjure protective wards to deflect magical attacks or strengthen the hull against sustained bombardment. Additionally, Soulcatch Lanterns can be used defensively, releasing bursts of necrotic energy to repel boarding parties or cripple nearby enemy ships.
For close engagements, the ship’s retractable Starsteel blades act as a defensive measure, tearing into any vessel that comes too close. Combined with its agility and stealth, the Shadow Cutter’s defenses ensure it can withstand attacks while outmaneuvering larger, slower ships, making it a nightmare for its enemies to pin down or destroy.
Communication Tools & Systems
The Shadow Cutter employs a mix of magical and traditional tools to maintain seamless communication during missions and in the chaos of battle. Central to this is the use of Seacaller Conches, enchanted shells that allow captains to send and receive whispered messages across vast distances. These conches are attuned to one another through shadow magic, ensuring secure communication between ships without fear of interception.
For short range coordination, Signal Lanterns infused with shadow magic emit pulses of light visible only to allied ships, allowing for silent and covert signaling even during raids. Additionally, Shadowfins can conjure Spectral Messengers, ghostly apparitions that carry verbal or visual messages between vessels or to distant allies. These messengers are swift and incorporeal, making them nearly impossible to intercept or destroy.
In emergency situations, captains may use Blackflare Beacons, single-use magical flares that release a pulse of dark energy into the sky, visible to the entire fleet. This serves as a call for reinforcements or a warning of imminent danger. Together, these systems ensure the Shadow Cutter remains coordinated and adaptable, even in the most challenging conditions.
Hangars & docked vessels
Although its capacity is limited by its sleek design and emphasis on speed, 2 lightweight skiffs are often kept on board. These small, fast boats are used for covert landings, reconnaissance, or escape missions. Made from the same Obsidianwood as the Shadow Cutter, the skiffs are lightweight, nearly silent, and enchanted with basic cloaking magic to remain hidden.
"I swear I saw it, black as the abyss, moving without sound, leaving only fire and screams in its wake. It wasn’t a ship, it was a curse given form."
Owning Organization
Current location
Price
200,000 gp. With monthly maintenance and operational costs of 2,000 gp.
Rarity
Only found in the Black Shark Navy
Width
The beam width is 20 ft.
Length
The overall length is 90 ft.
Height
The main mast height is about 80. Hull height is 10 ft. Draft is 6 ft.
Weight
The approximate weight is 80 tons.
Speed
Shadow Cutters can reach speeds of 12–15 knots under normal winds, and up to 20 knots when their Soul Sails harness supernatural winds.
Complement / Crew
Minimum 20, Maximum 50.
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
Maximum load is 10–15 tons of cargo. Maximum passengers are 10–15 beyond the crew.
Command And Crew Structure
The crew of a Shadow Cutter is a carefully selected team, each member playing a vital role in the ship’s operations. At the top of the hierarchy is the Captain, or Bloodtooth Commander, who leads the ship with a blend of strategic brilliance and ruthless combat skills. Responsible for navigation, coordinating raids, and overall leadership, the captain is a seasoned and feared figure. Supporting them is the First Mate, who oversees daily operations and enforces discipline among the crew, ensuring the ship runs smoothly. The Shadowfins, numbering two to four, are the ship’s elite arcane specialists. These sorcerers maintain the ship’s magical enhancements, operate the Soulcatch Lanterns, and provide crucial magical support during combat. Their mastery of shadow magic also allows them to cloak the ship, enhancing its stealth capabilities. For combat, the ship relies on its Shark Crashers, a force of 10 to 20 warriors skilled in naval and hand-to-hand combat. These fighters lead boarding actions and raids, often wielding enchanted weapons to maximize their deadly efficiency. Supporting them are Artillery Specialists, usually two to four in number, who operate the ship’s enchanted ballistae and other ranged weapons, ensuring the Shadow Cutter’s devastating firepower. Navigational and support roles are equally critical. The Navigator is a highly skilled sailor capable of interpreting both conventional maps and arcane charts, ensuring the ship can traverse even the most dangerous or magical waters. The Helmsman, tasked with steering the ship, is trained to handle the unpredictable supernatural winds captured by the Soul Sails. Finally, a team of Pups, sailors and deckhands, typically numbering five to fifteen, handle the ship’s day-to-day operations, including rigging, repairs, supply maintenance, as well as joining in combat. Many of these crew members are cross trained in basic combat and shadow magic, ensuring they can contribute in any situation. Together, this versatile and disciplined crew ensures the Shadow Cutter remains a deadly and efficient tool of the Black Shark Navy.Rumors
The Shadow Cutter is the subject of countless chilling rumors, whispered in hushed tones by sailors and merchants across Domen Aria’s seas. Ships of Living Shadows: It is said that Shadow Cutters are not mere vessels but living entities, their Obsidianwood hulls imbued with the tortured souls of their victims. Some claim to have seen the ships moving unnaturally, their masts creaking like wails of the damned, even without a single sail raised. The Eaters of Light: According to legend, a Shadow Cutter can extinguish the very light around it, plunging entire stretches of sea into unnatural darkness. Sailors caught in these "dead zones" report losing their sense of direction and hearing whispers from the shadows before the attack begins. The Silent Hunters: Survivors of battles with the Black Shark Navy often recount that Shadow Cutters approach in utter silence, with not a single creak or splash betraying their movements. Some believe this eerie stealth is due to dark rituals that bind the ships to the void itself. Soul-Trapping Sails: The Soul Sails of the Shadow Cutters are rumored to capture the spirits of those they kill, feeding the ship’s dark magic and binding the souls to eternal servitude. Many sailors fear that their spirits will become part of the ship if they die in battle against one. Ghost Fleet Allies: Some claim that Shadow Cutters are guided by spectral entities, phantom sharks or shadowy sea creatures summoned by the Shadowfins. These creatures are said to scout ahead, ensuring the ships strike only when their prey is most vulnerable. Vanishing Ships: Tales abound of entire fleets disappearing in waters rumored to be haunted by Shadow Cutters. Survivors speak of spotting the ships for a brief moment before an unnatural fog enveloped them, leaving nothing behind but debris and echoes of laughter. Cursed Survivors: Sailors who escape a Shadow Cutter’s wrath are said to be cursed, plagued by nightmares of shadowy waters and ghostly voices calling their names. Many are driven to madness, claiming the ships are hunting them even far from the sea."The ship itself breathes. I could feel its hatred in the timbers, in the shadows that crept across the walls. Even the light feared it."
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