Rainbow Fish

RAINBOW FISH by Reagren Wright

The rainbow fish is a intelligent species of salmonid native specifically to the Old Kingdom River. However, every two years they migrate to the Inland Sea, stay for two years then return to the fresh water river to spawn. They are called Rainbow Fish because every color of the rainbow appears on their body. When in the river, their colors are generally darker and more brilliant. Their backs varies in each color from red to purple. They always have multi-colored spots on their heads, backs, bellies and across their dorsal fins and caudal fins. These fish do not die after spawning, afterward they return to the ocean. Amazingly these fish can live to the ripe old age of ten. Rainbows have a varied diet. They are predators, eating any smaller fish from nearly the time they are born. Insects make up a large portion of the diet, along with crayfish and other crustaceans. Yet what really sets these fish apart from other salmonoid species is their intelligence and magical nature. These fish are as intelligent as the average human, which means they do not fall for standard fishing techniques. They know to avoid fishing lures, hooks, nets, traps, etc. They also are skilled in using elemental water magic as a means to traveling the river and sea and as a means of defense against predators. To catch one of these fish takes great skill and luck, and sometimes a request to the god Khnum who is said to have created them in the first place Those who catch and eat rainbows without giving thanks to the god are according to legend cursed with ill luck for seven days. Many western noble who has eaten rainbow meat refuses to believe such a silly superstition, while fishermen of the Inland Sea and the Old Kingdom River are stout believers, in fact if they do catch a rainbow, they celebrate and return it to water, believing they have just received a glorious blessing from the god himself.

Alignment: Considered anarchist

Hit Points/S.D.C. Combined: 2D6+3

P.P.E.: 2D6x10+20.

Natural Abilities: Swim 98%, Fast Swimmers 24 mph (38.6 km), Swim in incredible tight circles, Intellect equal to the average human (I.Q. 9-12), Nightvision 20 feet (6 m), Impervious to ice and cold, and Natural Chameleon (same as Warlock spell at 4th level).

Attacks Per Melee: Four non-combat actions.

Damage: Only by spell magic.

Bonuses: +6 on initiative, +6 to automatic dodge, +5 to save vs. magic, and Impervious to psionics.

Magic: Color Water, Sense Direction Underwater, Change Current, Create Water, Create Fog, Encase in Ice, and Command Fish. All magic is equal to a 4th level water warlock.

Psionics: None

Value: 100-200gp per fish, it is very difficult to catch them. Their meat is a delicacy. According to legend, if you catch one and return it to the water, the god of light Khnum (Lord of the Cool Waters) blesses the fisherman with good fortune (same as the priest of light blessing of a person). Furthermore, before the meat of these fish can be eaten by a humanoid, a priest of light must perform a prayer of thanks to the god, otherwise those who eat the fish have a 01-39% chance of receiving a 7th level luck curse (save vs. magic of 13).

Average Life Span: 10 years

Habitat: Salt or Fresh Water.

Range: The Old Kingdom River and the Inland Sea (especially nearby Phi and Lopan).

Language: It’s believed the fish communicate with each other through a series of clicks and chirps (like dolphins), noises incapable for land based animals to make or hear.

Enemies: Anything that wants to kill and eat them.

Allies: None

Size: 20 to 48 inches (.5 to 1.21 m) in length.

Weight: 5.5 - 22 pounds (2.5 to 10 kg)