Bleak-Scuttle
A bleak-scuttle is the intentional detonation of a Spelljammer's energetic cargo during a pirate raid. It is intended to destroy the raiders at the personal sacrifice of the victim crew.
Piracy in wild space is a dangerous profession under the best of conditions. It gets much more dire when pirates are after Energized Malachite. The substance is magically volatile and given to exploding if mishandled. However, for some, it's rarity and value makes a raid it worth the risks.
Malachite pirates need not only be versed in the safe handling of the substance. They are often forced to consider the psychological impact of their theft. A malachite trader has a heavy overhead. If pirates get greedy and bankrupt a new trader, or continue to rob the same outfit, vengeful merchants could easily cause a Bleak-Scuttle igniting the substance. So, effective pirates are careful not to drive their victims to extreme desperation.
Piracy in wild space is a dangerous profession under the best of conditions. It gets much more dire when pirates are after Energized Malachite. The substance is magically volatile and given to exploding if mishandled. However, for some, it's rarity and value makes a raid it worth the risks.
Malachite pirates need not only be versed in the safe handling of the substance. They are often forced to consider the psychological impact of their theft. A malachite trader has a heavy overhead. If pirates get greedy and bankrupt a new trader, or continue to rob the same outfit, vengeful merchants could easily cause a Bleak-Scuttle igniting the substance. So, effective pirates are careful not to drive their victims to extreme desperation.
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