Nightspider

Description

The nightspider is a recent development of the neogi, and is just beginning to be deployed in their fleets. While not in itself a powerful vessel, its design allows more flexibility and mobility within neogi armadas, and its ability to make planetfall shows a disturbing shift of interest on the part of the neogi towards inhabited worlds. Several nightspiders can fit in a deathspider hull, and one nightspider can squeeze into a mindspider. Like some other neogi ships, the nightspider is most often outfitted with a lifejammer or death helm.

Crew

The majority of nightspider crews are charmed slaves sent out to either fight other ships or man the lifejammer. There is always at least one umber hulk on board to make certain the slaves respond as instructed. Sometimes there are more than one umber hulk on board, with the intent to board enemy ships. Only on rare occasions will a neogi actually be on board a nightspider.

Ship Uses

Lander: The use of these ships as a lander has not been confirmed, but it is heavily suspected by those who follow neogi activity. Rumors are circulating of planetside neogi bases, with these ships as the link between them and the neogi fleets supporting them.

Fighter: When used in this capacity, the nightspider's light ballistae are usually removed and replaced with a single medium ballista. Often there is an extra umber hulk on board, to drop on the deck of an enemy ship.

Shuttle: When the nightspider is used for this purpose, it is usually stripped down, increasing its MR to 'A'. This will especially be true if there actually are neogi on board. If there are neogi aboard, the ship will often be fitted with a more standard helm for the neogi to use, to increase the ship's SR.

Other Configurations

Tarantula class: This version of the nightspider is reserved for the exclusive use of the most important neogi in the fleet. The ship has a bloated look to it, as a protective dome covers the rear decks. It has a better AR but with the corresponding loss in maneuverability. It is also outfitted with a medium ballista, and either a major helm or death helm will be installed.

Flamespider class: It is said some neogi masters load a few of their nightspiders with smoke powder and greek fire and pilot them into enemy vessels, with the pilot escaping via magic. This is surprising, as the neogi are not known for destroying their own ships without due cause. This as a variant only heard of recently, and the truth of the reports can be doubted.

Ship Card