In the open ocean, cast-off bits of flesh, bone, scales, and cartilage constantly drift down to the seafloor. Some of this detritus finds its way into the deepest ocean trenches, where foul energies seep into the Material Plane or demonic beings exert their fell influence. The detritus mixes with the dark earth of these lightless abysses and forms a terrible undead creature: a blackskate.
Blackskates know nothing except a consuming hatred of the living. These undead masses, shaped into the form of massive stingrays or mantas, rise from the depths to seek out warm-blooded prey. Though they do not feed on blood like vampires do, blackskates seek it out regardless, because the blood of the living sends them into an ecstatic frenzy that heightens their already formidable abilities. Once a blackskate has tasted a creature’s blood, it can track its victim infallibly across the entire ocean.
Virtually all ocean-dwellers despise blackskates, even the vile aboleths. The strange fish-folk called ceratiodi, who share the deep-sea trenches with these monsters, loathe blackskates, but certain renegade witches may ally with these undead for the sake of revenge. Such alliances inevitably end in betrayal by both parties.
Blackskates are found throughout the world’s oceans, including the Swirling Sea. They are more common in open oceans, however. Priests of Talassa seek them out when they hear of their presence and invest considerable effort into destroying them.
Shores of Swords 