The spiderian k'r'r'r maintain a single fleet within Bralspace with an undetermined number of ships. Taking advantage of other races' 2-dimensional thought pattern concerning space travel, the k'r'r'r fleet is located "below" the "standard" plane of travel in the sphere. The united fleet maintains a holding orbit relative to Ironpiece, always staying 3 days away.
As the fleet remains relatively out of contact with other races, several ships are sent out from the fleet to other planets within Bralspace, mainly to Minial's Arch and Shipwrecker to obtain food and other supplies (mainly either by raiding civilization centers or slave labor). Twenty ships altogether (which do not remain part of the unity fleet) are out at a time, divided into four small task forces consisting of five ships each.
One such task force maintains a critical relationship with the Illithid embassy on Bral. In the rare instance a unity ship appears in Bral's docks, the k'r'r'r send one representative, Jestrel, and his bodyguards, to the embassy, avoiding confontation with other races by wearing heavy cloaks that conceal most of their form. Jestrel speaks only to Ishathandra himself; what they speak of is unknown, but rumors persist that the two make slave deals. Whenever Jestrel leaves Bral, it is always with a bundle of rods-like objects wrapped in canvas, the contents which are unknown.
The K'r'r'r are biding their time; at the fleet k'r'r'r engineers are constructing more and more unity ships and weapons. Their raids are infrequent, so as to not arouse suspictions. Raiders are "cloaked" with spells of continual darkness. Any stray ships stumbling upon the fleet are hunted down at all costs; the k'r'r'r don't want their little secret known.
The k'r'r'r are indifferent to the occurences of the Unhuman War; they care not who wins or loses, for both sides will become food before long.
One of the task forces travels between the k'r'r'r home sphere and the fleet, bringing more k'r'r'r and weapons and supplies.
Jestrel, the "ambassador," in addition to making slave deals, is also securing lost k'r'r'r helms, clerical magic staves, and pole arms.
Jestrel (Male LN k'r'r'r Priest of the Spider Queen,
L14)
An exceptionally wise and intelligent k'r'r'r, this priest
restrains his constant urging to kill the other races while on
Bral. He is either at Bral or at the fleet. While at the fleet
Jestrel maintains quarters in the "heart" of the unity fleet, the
Black Star itself, containing an elaborate shrine to the Spider
Queen, spending time in constant meditation.
Vortonox (Female N k'r'r'r Fighter L8)
One of Jestrel's bodyguards, she is actually under the control of
Ishathandra through psionic means. Everything Vortonox sees or
hears Ishathandra does as well. The illithid's presence is so
miniscule that it is undetectable. Ishathandra is concerned with
Jestrel's requests, and is trying to find out what he's up to.
Master Noh (Male LN k'r'r'r Priest/Psionicist (psychokinetic)
L15/16)
The lord and master of the Black Star fleet, Noh was gifted with
both the favor of the Spider Queen and psionic potential.
Developing psionic mastery unequaled among the k'r'r'r, Noh directs
the fleet with an iron fist, all k'r'r'r obeying his every command.
He has been known to disintegrate those who displease him, even in
the most trivial of matters.
K'r'r'r under him seldom "think" rebellious thoughts in fear of punishment, but in truth Noh has little telepathic ability at all. Noh still likes to keep up the charade, however, to keep the troops in line. This is primarily the reason why Ishathandra's psionic powers haven't drawn his attention -- yet.
Noh resides in the Black Star. Among his treasures is an inactive electrum clockwork horror, which he is studying to no success. He also holds a unique k'r'r'r helm, which can move 100 tons instead of the normal 50 tons. The other end of the helm conceals a hidden blade, which allows the helm to be used as a spear.
Pretty much all other information is the same as a standard unity ship except the weapons, hull points, crew, and dimensions are doubled. Maneuverability is one step lower than for unity ships. All weapons are heavy weapons.
From the depths of space comes a new spacecraft designed by the denizens of deep space-- the unity command ship. This ship was designed by k'r'r'r engineers to enhance the unity fleets by creating one central force from which the fleet can coordinate more efficiently. The ship is patterned in a similar design to the 3-dimensional unity ships.
The unity fleet is a web of unity ships combined into one large motive force; the command ship and its k'r'r'r major helm provide a focus in which grants the unity fleet the same mobility of the command ship. Also, the multiple k'r'r'r helmsmen aren't required to maintain their hold on their individual ships. An even greater advantage is the ability for the fleet to travel at spelljamming speeds while united; a terrible prospect indeed! Fortunately for spacefarers, very few of these ships are in use.
The command ship's focus stems from a special temple dedicated to the Spider Queen of the k'r'r'r. A single helmsman with exceptional wisdom is required to operate the fleet. (WIS 16+)
