The Shadowclaw Armada
The Shadowclaw Armada is a feared faction of Neogi pirates who have made their home on the desolate and cursed planet of Nephros. Known for their cunning, ruthlessness, and insatiable greed, the Shadowclaw Armada operates as a sprawling network of slavers, raiders, and smugglers. They prey upon trade routes in the Kagoma System, striking fear into the hearts of those who venture too close to their shadowy domain.
Nephros: The perfect Lair
Nephros, a dark and eerie planet at the edge of the inner expanse covered in ancient ruins and shrouded in perpetual twilight, serves as the perfect hideout for the Shadowclaw Armada. The planet’s surface is riddled with labyrinthine tunnels and crumbling fortresses that the Neogi have repurposed into strongholds. The thick, toxic atmosphere and hostile terrain deter most from exploring Nephros, making it an ideal base of operations for the pirates.
Structure of the Armada
The Shadowclaw Armada operates under a loose hierarchy, with the Neogi at the top as the unquestioned masters. Beneath them are their Umber Hulk thralls, enslaved through psychic domination to serve as bodyguards, enforcers, and shock troops. The Neogi are divided into clans, each led by a Broodmaster, who oversees specific operations such as raiding, smuggling, or slavery. At the top of the Armada is Admiral Skrixx, a Neogi of exceptional cunning and cruelty. Skrixx is a master strategist, known for orchestrating devastating raids on imperial supply lines and using captured ships to expand the Armada’s fleet. His command ship, the Black Widow, is said to be outfitted with experimental weapons powered by the chaotic magic of Nephros.
Activities and Reputation
The Shadowclaw Armada is infamous for its activities throughout the Kagoma System:
Slavery
The Neogi are known for capturing Indents, colonists, and travelers, selling them in black market hubs or using them to expand their workforce. Their cruelty toward their captives is legendary, and escape is nearly impossible.
Raiding
The pirates attack vulnerable cargo ships and convoys, looting valuable resources like Nethervine, magical artifacts, and Soulstone fragments. They are particularly skilled at ambushing ships that stray too close to Nephros.
Smuggling
The Neogi smuggle contraband across the Kagoma System, including illegal magical items, narcotics, and stolen Imperial property. Their network of contacts ensures their goods reach black markets on Orpheus and beyond.
Sabotage
The Shadowclaw Armada frequently targets the Eternal Empire, sabotaging its operations in subtle and devastating ways. Some rumors suggest they’ve even struck deals with rebel factions, trading weapons and supplies in exchange for protection or profit.
