Post by Moderator on Aug 13, 2008 10:52:47 GMT -5
Credit to Underway and Shadowspite for this fanbased article from Druchii.net's Cult of Pleasure Initiative.
===============================================
“The mist rose up without warning from the dark water, grey clouds so thick that we could see barely a yard in any direction. It had been a clear day, yet within a few minutes it was black as midnight. Dieter went below to fetch the captain, but he was nowhere to be found. He'd vanished from his cabin without a trace. We’d just about decided he must have thrown himself overboard, even though no-one had seen him do it, when we heard the screams.
I thought they were just seagulls at first, but no seagull screams like that. Sigmar help me! They took Franz. He was as close to me as I am to you now when he just seemed to jump into the air and disappear. The beasts... birds... daemons or whatever they were... just snatched him off the deck. Others were being picked off too, yanked up into the sky to Sigmar knows what horrible fate. We could hear our poor shipmates’ screams mingling with those of the beasts that had carried them off.
The mist thinned and for a moment, we thought the nightmare was over. Then we saw the castle.
You're trying hard not to laugh. I know you think I'm insane. I would not be here otherwise. It doesn't matter anymore. I know what I saw and I know it is impossible all the same. Maybe I am crazy... Maybe it'd be easier if I were...
It loomed from the evaporating mist just off the port bow, a damned castle floating in the ocean, huge and dark and somehow hideous and beautiful at the same time. It seemed to be made of black glass and even though its outer wall was but a few yards away, I couldn't make out any joins in the stonework. The castle looked more grown like a living thing than built. The towers were far taller and more slender than those of any castle were in the Empire. From the lofty tower tops purple banners fluttered in the breeze. There were letters or runes on the banners, but I could not read them. My eyes felt like they were set to burst from just looking at them.
Moreover, the skulls... they were everywhere, stuck on poles all over the castle walls and hung on chains from the sides of the towers. Not just skulls, though. Some heads were newer, still with flesh on them. It was heads of men, women, and even little children. Sigmar have mercy on me, I could not look away, no matter how terrible the sight.
The sea was roiling. I swear there were... things... under the water. Huge black eyes stared at me... Ancient, hungry and utterly evil... Daemons of the Deep! Sigmar save us all!"
<Patient becomes delirious and has to be restrained. Interview resumed several minutes later.>
"I am sorry, Sisters. I wouldn't have hurt you, I swear. I just wish I could forget what I have seen!
We tried to alter course away from the castle, but there was no time. Its foundations must have extended out under the water. The timbers shrieked, then buckled and cracked. We'd run aground a hundred leagues or more from land. We were completely helpless. Utterly doomed.
Then they came. From every doorway and arched window of the castle, they streamed, falling upon us like daemons. They were clad all in black, or shades so rich and dark they appeared black. Their armour was black too, lacquered and glistening in spiked and segmented layers, like the legs of a beetle. Their blades shone like polished silver even in the gloom. Their faces... By Sigmar, they were so beautiful... I am sure there were maidens among them, though it was impossible to determine which. They were so pale and cold, as if ice water flowed in their veins. Perhaps it did. I saw none of their blood, for none of us could so much as scratch them. Their eyes were death!
Some of us they killed, taking their heads as trophies to add to their obscene collection. Others were not so lucky. Gods forgive me, but I hid, crawling under a pile of headless corpses. My poor shipmates... The stench of blood and death overcame me and I fainted.
When I awoke, the black castle was gone and I was alone in the broken carcass of my ship..."
- From an interview with ‘Marcus Schelper’
inmate of the Altdorf Asylum
recorded by Sister Constanz Gelt
IC 2397
The greatest of all ships in the Warhammer world is undoubtedly the black ark of the Dark Elves. Able to carry entire fleets of lesser ships, savage monsters and whole armies of corsairs and warriors within their vast, cavernous holds, the black arks serve as the furthest outposts of the Witch King’s empire.
The black arks were created in the time of the Sundering, the Great War that raged between High Elves and Dark Elves over five millennia ago. In that conflict, great spells were cast against the magic that confined the Chaos wastes to the north. This sorcerous backlash created a tidal wave of immense proportions that smashed down upon the original homeland of the Druchii.
The Dark Elves, grasping control of the swirling winds of magic, cast dread spells upon their fortresses, saving them from the raging ocean that flooded into Nagarythe. The spells tore the fortresses and castles free of the bedrock and let them float upon the froth and turmoil that had submerged their homeland.
Thus were the black arks created, floating keeps and castles that now patrol the waters of the world, bringing back captives to the Witch King’s cities.
As each fortress, keep, and castle was unique in its design and construction, each black ark is also distinctive. Modifications over the years to accommodate their new naval function have made them more diverse with each passing century. Most black arks are comparable in size to land-based castles and fortresses, but a few are the size of small cities and can carry thousands of Dark Elves and their slaves.
Despite individual variation, all black arks share many basic features. Most important are the method of propulsion and the ability of the ark to float, as well as the sorcerous mists that disguise the vessel and confound any enemy that attempts to close with her. All of these features are products of the black ark’s unique ability to capture, store and transmit magical energy.
Deep in the bowels of the ark, at the very centre of the ship, lies something the Druchii refers to as the ‘ darkwell ’, a large reservoir of the magical substance known as dhar . In order to understand what dhar is, one must be aware of the true nature of that form of Chaos energy known as ‘Dark Magic’.
The winds of magic that blow out across the world from the polar Chaos Gateways are split into eight distinct ‘colours’, but there are many places in the world where these eight winds are channelled together into churning vortices of raw power. Where these vortices become trapped, either by the vagaries in the flow of the eight winds or by the malevolent intent of an evil spell caster, the magic precipitates out of the Aethyr as a cool, viscous liquid of a black so dark it seems to drain all warmth and light from its surroundings. This dark fluid is known as dhar and it is the raw power source of pure destruction and entropy that ignorant mortals call ‘Dark Magic’. Dhar naturally sinks deep into the earth and, given enough time, crystallizes into the horrifically dangerous substance known as warpstone. While dhar does not mutate living flesh as easily as warpstone, it is still hazardous to mortal creatures, attacking the mind, and causing delusions and insanity in all but the most evil-hearted and strong-willed.
The darkwell of a black ark oozes the stored dhar within it throughout the ship, a stain of Dark Magic that permeates every corner and aspect of the ark. The energy of the dhar can be harnessed using any number of ensorcellments. The spells that were cast upon the black ark to keep the vessel afloat rely on this dhar. The very hull of the ship absorbs the magic hungrily, reducing its density and allowing the ark to float partly above the waves.
The mists that surround every black ark are a reaction between the naturally divided winds of magic and the dhar seeping out of the ark onto the surface of the water. The mixing of winds and ooze creates a disorienting hallucinogenic mist that permeates the air wherever an ark travels. Over the years, arks have been modified with special conduits to collect the dark fluid and channel it into strategic locations around the ship. When it flows more quickly, the mists become denser and thicker, allowing the ark to use them to foil enemy attacks and to thwart those who wish to use magical or mundane means to discover the black ark’s intentions.
Even the green witch lights that glow eerily in the darkness of the ship’s hold are powered by the darkwell. They ignite in the presence of the black fluid and, as long as it permeates the ship, the lights will never go out.
A darkwell, however, does not last forever. As the power of the darkwell is used, the store of dhar within it lessens and the magical potential wanes.
All black arks are equipped with sails to catch the winds of the world and power them towards their destinations. Massive sails attached to the towers and monstrous masts catch the breezes and move the massive bulk of the black ark through the water. However, not all the sails are designed to catch the mundane winds. Some harness the winds of magic instead. These rune-covered sails collect the winds of magic and transfer their energy down the masts of the ship. At the base of each mast is a crystal, which focuses the different colours of magic and distils them into dhar. The distilled magic is then brought to the darkwell, replenishing the magical store of the Black Ark.
These special sails are also the reason a black ark can sail against the wind. By running up mundane and magical sails together, a black ark captain can skilfully use both the winds of magic and natural winds to move in any direction, as the winds of magic blow from the poles of the world while the natural prevailing winds usually blow from the east or west. The dhar contained within the darkwell can also be used by the ship’s sorceress to power spells of propulsion should the masts be damaged or the winds weak and variable.
The hull of each ark is unique due to local variations in the original Nagarythii geology and architecture upon which they once rested, but all black arks hide most of their massive bulk beneath the waves. Like an iceberg, black arks have at least two thirds of their mass below the waterline. This is why an ark may look like it only holds a crew of a few hundred may in fact accommodate thousands more, hidden below decks.
The lowermost bilge decks of black arks are usually abandoned. They hold a few small caverns that open to the sea and collect all the scum and waste that trickles down from the levels above which then leaks into the ocean. Dhar permeates even this underused part of the ark, ensuring water and waste only travel out of the ship. This is an efficient way of waste removal and many small creatures live in the filth, waste, and dankness of the lowest levels of a black ark.
The decks directly above the bilges are known as the dungeon decks and are reserved for mounts and other lesser beasts. Cold ones and dark steeds are stabled here, while hydras nest in damp caves. These creatures are kept locked up until such time as they are needed for landing arises. Convenience dictates the slaves be kept here too as main diet of the beasts is slaves. In addition, as this level is just above the bilge decks, waste from the beasts is allowed to leak through cracks and holes directly into the bilge decks, separating the Druchii living above from the disease and disgusting conditions of the dungeon decks.
The next decks up are split decks on most black arks. The forward half of the ship is known as the stores deck. This is where all the valuables captured by Druchii raiding forces are kept, where the multitude of artisans required sustaining the army labour, and where the galley and food stores are kept. It still lies below the waterline.
The rear part of the ship is known as the beast pen. This monstrous cavern occupies the entire rear of the ship from the dungeon decks to the stern gate. It is a welldeck, where water from the ocean freely flows into the cavern so ships and sea-monsters can take shelter within the walls of the black ark. As the Druchii use many large and ferocious beasts in their navy, this cavern is usually populated by a number of beastmasters who live in apartments next to the beast pen. There are also many roosts and nesting places for dark pegasi, manticores, and even dragons carved into the walls of the cavern. Wooden platforms, cranes, towers, and walkways are built into the cavern walls and ceiling so the beastmasters may reach their charges and tend to them. The entrance to the cavern is usually closed, protected by a massive steel door and portcullis. This huge gatehouse, called the stern gate or beastgate, ensures only by the will of the captain can anyone enter or leave. The beastgate is a modified version of the original gatehouse of the fortresses prior to being naval craft. The gatehouse was extended upwards and dug downwards to accommodate the sea dragons and hell drakes captured by the Druchii fleets.
The top deck is just below the main courtyard of the black ark. It usually houses most of the troops that live in the black ark. This is where the lowly crossbowmen and spearmen play their dice and the corsairs sharpen their blades. The deck is divided into many compartments to help support the structures built upon them.
The upper decks and courtyards of the black ark appear almost identical to the ancient courtyards the Druchii race built in their fortresses. The only differences are the dark stairways leading down into the lower decks and the huge masts springing out of the rock. Around the courtyards are massive towers, the largest of which are usually flanking the beastgate and on the bows of the black ark. Large walls linking these towers form protective vantage points from where repeater crossbows can be fired. The towers are designed to accommodate many reaper bolt throwers and their crews. The tallest towers hold the accommodations for the ship’s captain and other high-ranking officers, as well as the sorceress whose spells maintain the black ark. From the tops of these towers, the actions of all the crew within the ark’s main courtyard and upon its walls can be seen.
A black ark may seem like its only weapons are its massive bulk and the many missile weapons that can be brought to bear from its walls, but the Druchii are nothing if not inventive. Positioned in the outer walls of many black arks are small drawbridges, large enough for three elves to cross abreast. These ironbound planks have large metal spines and spikes attached to their underside. When the black ark approaches an enemy ship, these boarding planks drop down onto the deck, jamming them into the wood and holding the other vessel fast, making capture slaves and vessels at sea almost effortless.
A black ark in combat is a horrible sight. Mists of magic foil the enemy’s attempts to target it with bolt throwers or cannons. Black fletched bolts from reapers and repeater crossbows slam into the enemy ship as the black ark draws closer. Huge winged beasts appear from the beastgate and descend upon unsuspecting enemy crew. Still the black ark grows closer, tower upon tower, spire upon spire, and a huge castle looming above the largest ships of the known world. Suddenly, ironbound planks crash down onto the deck and the corsairs begin to swarm onto the enemy ship.
If the crew of an enemy ship foolishly attempts to board a black ark, they will find more than corsairs defending their ship. Many caverns and empty rooms, not being used to fill the needs of the crew, contain horrible traps and vicious monsters waiting to attack the unwary boarders.
Within these broad parameters, black arks can vary greatly. Some may have many boarding ramps, others more Reapers. Some may be massive behemoths with many towers; others have only four simple towers and a curtain wall between them. Most black arks carry a temple dedicated to Khaine, often at the bow of the ship, built into the defensive towers and wall structure. A few have huge harpy roosts constructed in the mast-tops and massive caverns dug into their underwater sections to accommodate many beasts and slaves. Each black ark is unique but despite their differences, every one rank as one of the most feared ships to ever sail the seas.
===============================================
“The mist rose up without warning from the dark water, grey clouds so thick that we could see barely a yard in any direction. It had been a clear day, yet within a few minutes it was black as midnight. Dieter went below to fetch the captain, but he was nowhere to be found. He'd vanished from his cabin without a trace. We’d just about decided he must have thrown himself overboard, even though no-one had seen him do it, when we heard the screams.
I thought they were just seagulls at first, but no seagull screams like that. Sigmar help me! They took Franz. He was as close to me as I am to you now when he just seemed to jump into the air and disappear. The beasts... birds... daemons or whatever they were... just snatched him off the deck. Others were being picked off too, yanked up into the sky to Sigmar knows what horrible fate. We could hear our poor shipmates’ screams mingling with those of the beasts that had carried them off.
The mist thinned and for a moment, we thought the nightmare was over. Then we saw the castle.
You're trying hard not to laugh. I know you think I'm insane. I would not be here otherwise. It doesn't matter anymore. I know what I saw and I know it is impossible all the same. Maybe I am crazy... Maybe it'd be easier if I were...
It loomed from the evaporating mist just off the port bow, a damned castle floating in the ocean, huge and dark and somehow hideous and beautiful at the same time. It seemed to be made of black glass and even though its outer wall was but a few yards away, I couldn't make out any joins in the stonework. The castle looked more grown like a living thing than built. The towers were far taller and more slender than those of any castle were in the Empire. From the lofty tower tops purple banners fluttered in the breeze. There were letters or runes on the banners, but I could not read them. My eyes felt like they were set to burst from just looking at them.
Moreover, the skulls... they were everywhere, stuck on poles all over the castle walls and hung on chains from the sides of the towers. Not just skulls, though. Some heads were newer, still with flesh on them. It was heads of men, women, and even little children. Sigmar have mercy on me, I could not look away, no matter how terrible the sight.
The sea was roiling. I swear there were... things... under the water. Huge black eyes stared at me... Ancient, hungry and utterly evil... Daemons of the Deep! Sigmar save us all!"
<Patient becomes delirious and has to be restrained. Interview resumed several minutes later.>
"I am sorry, Sisters. I wouldn't have hurt you, I swear. I just wish I could forget what I have seen!
We tried to alter course away from the castle, but there was no time. Its foundations must have extended out under the water. The timbers shrieked, then buckled and cracked. We'd run aground a hundred leagues or more from land. We were completely helpless. Utterly doomed.
Then they came. From every doorway and arched window of the castle, they streamed, falling upon us like daemons. They were clad all in black, or shades so rich and dark they appeared black. Their armour was black too, lacquered and glistening in spiked and segmented layers, like the legs of a beetle. Their blades shone like polished silver even in the gloom. Their faces... By Sigmar, they were so beautiful... I am sure there were maidens among them, though it was impossible to determine which. They were so pale and cold, as if ice water flowed in their veins. Perhaps it did. I saw none of their blood, for none of us could so much as scratch them. Their eyes were death!
Some of us they killed, taking their heads as trophies to add to their obscene collection. Others were not so lucky. Gods forgive me, but I hid, crawling under a pile of headless corpses. My poor shipmates... The stench of blood and death overcame me and I fainted.
When I awoke, the black castle was gone and I was alone in the broken carcass of my ship..."
- From an interview with ‘Marcus Schelper’
inmate of the Altdorf Asylum
recorded by Sister Constanz Gelt
IC 2397
The greatest of all ships in the Warhammer world is undoubtedly the black ark of the Dark Elves. Able to carry entire fleets of lesser ships, savage monsters and whole armies of corsairs and warriors within their vast, cavernous holds, the black arks serve as the furthest outposts of the Witch King’s empire.
The black arks were created in the time of the Sundering, the Great War that raged between High Elves and Dark Elves over five millennia ago. In that conflict, great spells were cast against the magic that confined the Chaos wastes to the north. This sorcerous backlash created a tidal wave of immense proportions that smashed down upon the original homeland of the Druchii.
The Dark Elves, grasping control of the swirling winds of magic, cast dread spells upon their fortresses, saving them from the raging ocean that flooded into Nagarythe. The spells tore the fortresses and castles free of the bedrock and let them float upon the froth and turmoil that had submerged their homeland.
Thus were the black arks created, floating keeps and castles that now patrol the waters of the world, bringing back captives to the Witch King’s cities.
As each fortress, keep, and castle was unique in its design and construction, each black ark is also distinctive. Modifications over the years to accommodate their new naval function have made them more diverse with each passing century. Most black arks are comparable in size to land-based castles and fortresses, but a few are the size of small cities and can carry thousands of Dark Elves and their slaves.
Despite individual variation, all black arks share many basic features. Most important are the method of propulsion and the ability of the ark to float, as well as the sorcerous mists that disguise the vessel and confound any enemy that attempts to close with her. All of these features are products of the black ark’s unique ability to capture, store and transmit magical energy.
Deep in the bowels of the ark, at the very centre of the ship, lies something the Druchii refers to as the ‘ darkwell ’, a large reservoir of the magical substance known as dhar . In order to understand what dhar is, one must be aware of the true nature of that form of Chaos energy known as ‘Dark Magic’.
The winds of magic that blow out across the world from the polar Chaos Gateways are split into eight distinct ‘colours’, but there are many places in the world where these eight winds are channelled together into churning vortices of raw power. Where these vortices become trapped, either by the vagaries in the flow of the eight winds or by the malevolent intent of an evil spell caster, the magic precipitates out of the Aethyr as a cool, viscous liquid of a black so dark it seems to drain all warmth and light from its surroundings. This dark fluid is known as dhar and it is the raw power source of pure destruction and entropy that ignorant mortals call ‘Dark Magic’. Dhar naturally sinks deep into the earth and, given enough time, crystallizes into the horrifically dangerous substance known as warpstone. While dhar does not mutate living flesh as easily as warpstone, it is still hazardous to mortal creatures, attacking the mind, and causing delusions and insanity in all but the most evil-hearted and strong-willed.
The darkwell of a black ark oozes the stored dhar within it throughout the ship, a stain of Dark Magic that permeates every corner and aspect of the ark. The energy of the dhar can be harnessed using any number of ensorcellments. The spells that were cast upon the black ark to keep the vessel afloat rely on this dhar. The very hull of the ship absorbs the magic hungrily, reducing its density and allowing the ark to float partly above the waves.
The mists that surround every black ark are a reaction between the naturally divided winds of magic and the dhar seeping out of the ark onto the surface of the water. The mixing of winds and ooze creates a disorienting hallucinogenic mist that permeates the air wherever an ark travels. Over the years, arks have been modified with special conduits to collect the dark fluid and channel it into strategic locations around the ship. When it flows more quickly, the mists become denser and thicker, allowing the ark to use them to foil enemy attacks and to thwart those who wish to use magical or mundane means to discover the black ark’s intentions.
Even the green witch lights that glow eerily in the darkness of the ship’s hold are powered by the darkwell. They ignite in the presence of the black fluid and, as long as it permeates the ship, the lights will never go out.
A darkwell, however, does not last forever. As the power of the darkwell is used, the store of dhar within it lessens and the magical potential wanes.
All black arks are equipped with sails to catch the winds of the world and power them towards their destinations. Massive sails attached to the towers and monstrous masts catch the breezes and move the massive bulk of the black ark through the water. However, not all the sails are designed to catch the mundane winds. Some harness the winds of magic instead. These rune-covered sails collect the winds of magic and transfer their energy down the masts of the ship. At the base of each mast is a crystal, which focuses the different colours of magic and distils them into dhar. The distilled magic is then brought to the darkwell, replenishing the magical store of the Black Ark.
These special sails are also the reason a black ark can sail against the wind. By running up mundane and magical sails together, a black ark captain can skilfully use both the winds of magic and natural winds to move in any direction, as the winds of magic blow from the poles of the world while the natural prevailing winds usually blow from the east or west. The dhar contained within the darkwell can also be used by the ship’s sorceress to power spells of propulsion should the masts be damaged or the winds weak and variable.
The hull of each ark is unique due to local variations in the original Nagarythii geology and architecture upon which they once rested, but all black arks hide most of their massive bulk beneath the waves. Like an iceberg, black arks have at least two thirds of their mass below the waterline. This is why an ark may look like it only holds a crew of a few hundred may in fact accommodate thousands more, hidden below decks.
The lowermost bilge decks of black arks are usually abandoned. They hold a few small caverns that open to the sea and collect all the scum and waste that trickles down from the levels above which then leaks into the ocean. Dhar permeates even this underused part of the ark, ensuring water and waste only travel out of the ship. This is an efficient way of waste removal and many small creatures live in the filth, waste, and dankness of the lowest levels of a black ark.
The decks directly above the bilges are known as the dungeon decks and are reserved for mounts and other lesser beasts. Cold ones and dark steeds are stabled here, while hydras nest in damp caves. These creatures are kept locked up until such time as they are needed for landing arises. Convenience dictates the slaves be kept here too as main diet of the beasts is slaves. In addition, as this level is just above the bilge decks, waste from the beasts is allowed to leak through cracks and holes directly into the bilge decks, separating the Druchii living above from the disease and disgusting conditions of the dungeon decks.
The next decks up are split decks on most black arks. The forward half of the ship is known as the stores deck. This is where all the valuables captured by Druchii raiding forces are kept, where the multitude of artisans required sustaining the army labour, and where the galley and food stores are kept. It still lies below the waterline.
The rear part of the ship is known as the beast pen. This monstrous cavern occupies the entire rear of the ship from the dungeon decks to the stern gate. It is a welldeck, where water from the ocean freely flows into the cavern so ships and sea-monsters can take shelter within the walls of the black ark. As the Druchii use many large and ferocious beasts in their navy, this cavern is usually populated by a number of beastmasters who live in apartments next to the beast pen. There are also many roosts and nesting places for dark pegasi, manticores, and even dragons carved into the walls of the cavern. Wooden platforms, cranes, towers, and walkways are built into the cavern walls and ceiling so the beastmasters may reach their charges and tend to them. The entrance to the cavern is usually closed, protected by a massive steel door and portcullis. This huge gatehouse, called the stern gate or beastgate, ensures only by the will of the captain can anyone enter or leave. The beastgate is a modified version of the original gatehouse of the fortresses prior to being naval craft. The gatehouse was extended upwards and dug downwards to accommodate the sea dragons and hell drakes captured by the Druchii fleets.
The top deck is just below the main courtyard of the black ark. It usually houses most of the troops that live in the black ark. This is where the lowly crossbowmen and spearmen play their dice and the corsairs sharpen their blades. The deck is divided into many compartments to help support the structures built upon them.
The upper decks and courtyards of the black ark appear almost identical to the ancient courtyards the Druchii race built in their fortresses. The only differences are the dark stairways leading down into the lower decks and the huge masts springing out of the rock. Around the courtyards are massive towers, the largest of which are usually flanking the beastgate and on the bows of the black ark. Large walls linking these towers form protective vantage points from where repeater crossbows can be fired. The towers are designed to accommodate many reaper bolt throwers and their crews. The tallest towers hold the accommodations for the ship’s captain and other high-ranking officers, as well as the sorceress whose spells maintain the black ark. From the tops of these towers, the actions of all the crew within the ark’s main courtyard and upon its walls can be seen.
A black ark may seem like its only weapons are its massive bulk and the many missile weapons that can be brought to bear from its walls, but the Druchii are nothing if not inventive. Positioned in the outer walls of many black arks are small drawbridges, large enough for three elves to cross abreast. These ironbound planks have large metal spines and spikes attached to their underside. When the black ark approaches an enemy ship, these boarding planks drop down onto the deck, jamming them into the wood and holding the other vessel fast, making capture slaves and vessels at sea almost effortless.
A black ark in combat is a horrible sight. Mists of magic foil the enemy’s attempts to target it with bolt throwers or cannons. Black fletched bolts from reapers and repeater crossbows slam into the enemy ship as the black ark draws closer. Huge winged beasts appear from the beastgate and descend upon unsuspecting enemy crew. Still the black ark grows closer, tower upon tower, spire upon spire, and a huge castle looming above the largest ships of the known world. Suddenly, ironbound planks crash down onto the deck and the corsairs begin to swarm onto the enemy ship.
If the crew of an enemy ship foolishly attempts to board a black ark, they will find more than corsairs defending their ship. Many caverns and empty rooms, not being used to fill the needs of the crew, contain horrible traps and vicious monsters waiting to attack the unwary boarders.
Within these broad parameters, black arks can vary greatly. Some may have many boarding ramps, others more Reapers. Some may be massive behemoths with many towers; others have only four simple towers and a curtain wall between them. Most black arks carry a temple dedicated to Khaine, often at the bow of the ship, built into the defensive towers and wall structure. A few have huge harpy roosts constructed in the mast-tops and massive caverns dug into their underwater sections to accommodate many beasts and slaves. Each black ark is unique but despite their differences, every one rank as one of the most feared ships to ever sail the seas.