The Dread Fleet
Brief Overview
The Dread Fleet is the vast, iron-fisted naval force commanded by Orlann “Black Tide” Veskar, serving as the terror of the Arashi Depths, the Greycroft Sea, and beyond. While the Dread Reavers began as a single pirate crew in 439 AEL, it took a decade of blood, betrayal, and dominance before Orlann’s forces expanded into what is now called the Dread Fleet—a true pirate navy. By 449 AEL, Veskar had established a network of subordinate captains, warships, and smuggler fleets, all sworn to his rule under pain of death.
The Dread Fleet is more than just a gathering of marauders—it is an organized empire at sea, complete with tributary ports, black-market trade networks, and an iron grip on crucial sea routes. Under Veskar’s command, they have defied empires, crushed naval incursions, and maintained a stranglehold over Reaper’s Port.
Structure
Notable Warships & Their Captains
The Dread Fleet consists of three primary divisions:
The Reaver Corps (Boarding & Raiding Ships) – Fast, brutal warships meant for lightning strikes and coastal terror.
The Shadow Convoy (Smuggler & Support Ships) – Cargo vessels, disguised traders, and covert transporters.
The Iron Tide (Flagships & Heavy Warships) – The elite core of the fleet, comprised of Orlann’s personal warships and those of his most feared lieutenants.
The Iron Tide (Flagships of the Dread Fleet)
Night’s Embrace (Orlann Veskar’s Personal Flagship)
A massive black-sailed galleon, feared across all seas.
Its hull is reinforced with abyssal iron, said to have been smelted from the wrecks of fallen foes.
Rumored to be enchanted, moving through storms and fog as if guided by unseen hands.
The Hollow Fang (Kaelor “The Hollow Man” Drayne’s Ship)
A sleek, dark brigantine known for ambushing prey in foggy waters.
Often used for political assassinations, kidnappings, and silent strikes.
The Widow’s Wake (Raina “Iron Grin” Fenn’s Ship)
A barque with iron-plated ramming spikes, infamous for shattering hulls and breaking lines in battle.
Carries war prisoners and hostages, ransomed back at a price.
The Leviathan’s Howl (Salk “Starblind” Ardent’s Ship)
A barquentine with deep-sea rituals etched into its hull, rumored to vanish from sight when the stars are right.
Believed to be cursed, but its captain insists it is simply blessed by the abyss.
The Daggerwake (Caldris “Bloodwake” Vane’s Ship)
A trimaran outfitted for high-speed boarding raids.
Known for emerging from storms at unnatural speeds, slamming into its prey before anyone has a chance to react.
Organization Structure
The Pillars of the Dread Fleet
The Dread Fleet operates under a strict hierarchy, ensuring loyalty through dominance, fear, and rewards of power.
The Lord of the Black Tide (Orlann Veskar)
Absolute ruler. No decisions are made without his command.
The Dread Lords (Fleet Admirals & High Officers)
Personal warlords that control entire squadrons.
Lead elite flagships and coordinate attacks on cities, fleets, and trade routes.
The Maw Captains (Veskar’s Sworn Captains)
Senior captains who command independent squadrons, running long-term operations such as blockades, city extortion, and black-market networks.
Their loyalty is rewarded with wealth, but betrayal is punished with The Drowning.
The Reaver Corps (War Crews & Boarding Raiders)
The ruthless warriors who storm enemy vessels, burn cities, and enforce Veskar’s rule.
Comprised of mercenaries, pirates, and former navy deserters.
The Shadow Convoy (Smugglers & Black Market Operatives)
The hidden economic backbone of the fleet, running contraband, stolen goods, and illicit trades.
Operates in disguise as honest traders, paying off corrupt port officials to ensure the Dread Fleet always has gold to fund its warships.
Culture
The Tide Chooses – A phrase meaning that those who survive under Veskar’s rule are meant to be here—those who do not were never strong enough.
The Drowning – The fate of any traitor or failure; bound and sent into the sea’s depths, never to return.
Plunder or Perish – The fleet thrives on its relentless raids; to hesitate is to invite weakness.
Superstitions Run Deep – Many believe Veskar made a pact with an ancient sea power and that the fleet is "marked by the abyss".
Public Agenda
Control of the Arashi Depths & Greycroft Sea – Any ship that sails these waters pays tribute or becomes a wreck.
Domination of Trade & Smuggling – They fund their empire not just through raiding but through controlling illicit trade.
Enforcing Fear in Reaper’s Port – While the Black Council exists, no one challenges Veskar’s rule.
Expansion into the Eastern Trade Routes – Rumors suggest Veskar is seeking to strike at the Dominion of Kafka, forcing them into submission.
History
449 AEL – The Birth of the Dread Fleet
After a decade of ruthless conquest, Orlann assembles a coalition of captains under his absolute rule.
The Dread Reavers officially become the Dread Fleet, taking control of dozens of ships.
452 AEL – The Smuggler’s Pact
Veskar strikes a deal with illicit merchants in the Kozukan Islands, establishing an underground trade network.
The Dread Fleet now has access to rare goods, alchemical weapons, and spell components.
463 AEL – The First Siege of Anchor Port
Veskar attempts to burn Anchor Port to the waterline, challenging Cassian Stormfall.
After three weeks of naval battle, Cassian forces Veskar to retreat—one of Veskar’s few recorded defeats.
Veskar has never forgotten nor forgiven.
470 AEL – The Fall of Westmar Haven
A major naval outpost of the Hekkeran Empire is reduced to ash after resisting the Dread Fleet’s expansion.
This secures Orlann’s reputation as a warlord, not just a pirate.
Current Status (474 AEL)
Stronger than ever, the Dread Fleet now controls the majority of the western trade lanes.
Tensions with Cassian Stormfall remain high—many believe Veskar will make another move against Anchor Port soon.
The Dominion of Kafka and the Vorr'Khal Sultanate are beginning to take notice—and preparations for war are rumored to be underway.
“No King but the Tide.”
Founding Date
449
Alternative Names
The Shadow Armada
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Founders
Parent Organization
