Fish of Ludwag

## Introduction

Amongst its many waterways, rivers, oceans, and lakes, fish and other marine life teams. Though mundane, their position is vital as they support both a network of ecosystems and the peoples of Ludwag proper. The reasons why people fish vary from recreation to acquisition of rare components. Culturally well-regarded across all maritime peoples for its wide range of uses. Lizardmen traditionally believed fish and insects the only acceptable game; Mon-kind often attribute royalty and prestige to certain catches; and elves have a longstanding history of sport fishing on the high seas. But to engage in this cultural marvel you’ll first need to know how to reel one in.

### Guide to Fishing

***1. Line (Location) -> 2. Bite (D20) -> 3. Reel (D20) -> 4. Catch (D20)***

*"Line"* is the location chosen to **fish**. Depending on the area you will encounter different types of fish in differing abundance. Currently, these are the following supported biome/s for fishing: Plains, Desert, Swamp, Taiga, Mountains, Forest, Jungle, Kahursa Island, and Open Ocean.

#### Bite

"*Bite*" determines whether or not a fish takes your **bait**. To determine this you may roll three (3) times on a single reel to test for bites- should you fail to get anything you may reel with no loss to the bait.

### **What is *bait*?**

**Bait** (or traps) increases the chance of a bite. Certain fish will prefer different baits. All baits increase the chance of a successful bite by +2 rolls, except fairy dust which increases it by **+5**.

* 1-5 | *No Bite*
	+ No fish biting, no chance to catch.

* 6-10 | *Nibble*
	+ Fish nibbling, not convinced, **-2** to attempted reel.

* 11-15 | *Bite*
	+ Fish biting, convinced, no additional buff to reel.

* 16-20 | Over-Eager
	+ Fish biting, very convinced, **+2** to attempted reel.

#### Reel

Once the fish are biting it’s time to reel them in. This roll determines how successful you are at pulling in your catch. It’s important to factor in any modifiers that may be applied at this time, refer to bites for their effects. Like with bites you have three (3) attempts to reel before your line breaks automatically.

* 1-5 | *Reel-Break*
	+ Fish break loose, no fish.
	+ Loss of bait and line.

* 6-10 | *It’s a Fighter!*
	+ Fish is resisting more than you can’t reel in, roll again.

* 11-15 | *She’s going easy*
	+ Fish is resisting but you can reel in.

* 16-20 | *Cakewalk*
	+ Fish aren't fighting at all.
	+ -2 to Catch size.

#### Catch

If you’ve successfully reeled in a fish it’s time to determine what you’ve caught. This has the most modifiers so be sure to remember your rolls proceeding this. All biomes have identical roll conditions but will have different fish, the conditions go as follows.

* 1-6 | *Baitfish*
	+ Any fish classified as a ‘Baitfish’ from the biome fished in may be selected at the fishermans’ discretion.

* 7-12 | *Sport Fish*
	+ Any fish classified as ‘Sportfish’ from the biome fished in may be selected at the fishermans’ discretion.

* 13-17 | *Game Fish*
	+ Any fish classified as ‘Gamefish’ from the biome fished in may be selected at the fishermans’ discretion.

* 18-20 | *Legendary Fish*
	+ There’s only One (1) Legendary fish species per biome. You will be rewarded with such depending on the biome fished in.

### Fish Species

#### **Vestal’s Minnow**

> *(Baitfish) (Linezone: Plains, Taiga, Mountains, Forest)*
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A common species of small fish, Vestal’s Minnow can reliably fit within the palm of a hand. They’re easily identifiable by a star-like yellow pattern on the ends of their fins. Often found in large schools, they avoid open water and tend to hide amongst the river reeds. They have a preference for Cricket Bait but are generally not worth eating. Their name comes from the Vestal of Latteras, named in his honour because of their titular golden sheen. Comfortable within captivity, they can be housed in typical aquariums with little to no maintenance. Their generalist diet helps to clean up fish tanks.

#### **Meridian Verminfish**

> *(Baitfish) (Linezone: Swamp)*
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A species of small catfish, Verminfish are known as pests. They’re usually fairly small but larger Verminfish can grow to be as long as a human hand. They often feed on the newly seeded vegetation on the water's edge or dredge up the riverbank for food. Verminfish can be identified by the white, whisker-like structures on their heads which help them sense in murky environments. They’re usually found alone but congregate around food in small groups. They have a preference for Cricket Bait but are often too full of muck and grime to be palatable. Their name is derived from ‘Vermin’ and the moniker they’ve earned with local farmers. While they can be kept in captivity they often muddy the waters up so much that few other fish can be reliably kept with them.

#### **Keraro**

> *(Baitfish) (Linezone: Kahursa Island)*
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A migratory species of torrent fish, these hardy creatures make small land incursions to the lakes inland. Their front fins provide them traction so that they may crawl toward the lakes to spawn. Keraro performs this incursion seasonally as it rains to remain moist. They feed on the particulates on the riverbed and the parasites found on larger animals. They don’t get particularly big -only as long as a pointer finger- but are covered in rocky scales as camouflage that makes them appear bigger. While usually solitary, Keraro are found in large numbers in their spawning lakes. They have a preference for Mosquito Bait but prove too chewy to be palatable, though Lizardmen often dry them out as a form of crude jerky. Keraro can only survive in captivity for a year as their hormonal cycle overwhelms them if they cannot reach the spawning lakes.

#### **Cropper**

> *(Baitfish) (Linezone: Open Ocean)*
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A sardine-like schooling fish, Croppers are very numerous in the Emerald Sea. They’re easily identifiable by the copper-colored scales which run down each of their flanks. They come in two variants: oxidized (green) and deoxidized (orange). Croppers use their coloured scales to communicate and coordinate in vast schools to evade predators. They feed largely on plankton and oceanic debris but are attracted to Shiny Bait. They’re mostly scales and fins so few eat them, though their eye-catching scales make them proficient bait. Croppers can be kept in captivity but become lethargic and lazy if the tank isn’t small enough for them to school.

#### **Banded Goby**

> *(Baitfish) (Linezone: Jungle, Swamp, Desert)*
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A freshwater species of Goby, Banded Gobies are identifiable by their bands of black scales. Along their fins are a set of barbs which can cut skin if touched, used in defence against larger fish. They feed on small insects that land on the water's surface, having a preference for Mosquito Bait. Banded Gobies can briefly go on land as they pull themselves along on their forefins. They reside in small groups where they can form spiky defence rings should they be approached. As they’re pointy fishermen should be careful when catching Banded Gobies, though they have a fatty filet which can be dried and fried to a palatable extent.

#### **Lattish Salmon**

> *(Sportfish) (Linezone: Plains, Taiga, Mountains, Forest)*
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Believed to be a gift to Emmerich by the Late Selvas, Lattish Salmon are a common migratory sportfish found through the Flumen River. They make seasonal migrations in great numbers to the Meridian Falls where they spawn. Male Lattish Salmon have a hooked upper jaw to joust for the favor of females and each has bold red-green coloration when they come into spawning season. Lattish Salmon have a preference for Castlecraw Bait. They can grow to be a foot long on average with some exceeding two feet at maximum. Lattish Salmon is a common delicacy and is traditionally eaten by a newly crowned king of Latteras.

#### **Argentanteum Trout**

> *(Sportfish) (Linezone: Plains, Swamp, Jungle)*
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A migratory species of trout, Argentanteum Trout was sacred to the Electeum people. They’re recognizable by the dappled, silver-gold scales which run down their flanks. Like the Lattish Salmon, they congregate in great numbers at their spawning sites deep within the swamplands. Actively predatory of other fish, they prefer Vestal’s Minnow or Meridian Verminfish Bait. On average, Argentanteum Trout can grow to be a foot and a half long with the largest recorded specimen being just under two and a half feet. They’re widely regarded as delicious and when cooked well retain the gold sheen that their scales are kept for.

#### **Sword-Mouthed Pike**

> *(Sportfish) (Linezone: Taiga, Swamp, Forest)*
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A predatory fish, Sword-Mouth Pike are renowned for their voraciousness and line-fighting prowess. Their snouts are sharpened to a single point and lined with pointy teeth. Their enormous muscular bodies allow them to launch at smaller fish and devour them whole- their teeth keeping their prey from escaping. They’re solitary and extremely territorial, with many mature pikes having torn fins from previous fights. They prefer Argentanteum Trout or Lattish Salmon Bait. Most Sword-Mouthed Pike grow to be two and a half feet long but the largest specimen was almost four feet in length.

#### **Urgunth Gar**

> *(Sportfish) (Linezone: Jungle, Swamp, Forest)*
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A red-headed primordial fish, Urgunth Gar haven’t changed much in thousands of generations. Their coloration helps to mimic the appearance of juvenile Urgunths which many predators tend to avoid lest they be attacked by the mother they belong to. They have large, crocodile-like jaws to restrain and swallow prey. They have a preference for Meridian Verminfish Bait. They’re tolerant of each other but aren’t social. On average Urgunth Gar grow to be three feet long but the largest was estimated to be four and a half feet. Their meat is lean and difficult to chew but if smoked correctly can prove a delightful meal.

#### **Emerald Bass**

> *(Sportfish) (Linezone: Desert, Open Ocean)*
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A sea jewel, the Emerald Bass is a stunning migratory fish known for its gem-like scales. They feed on smaller fish and move through the ocean and river exits to capitalize on their migrations. Their great mouths vacuum in their prey so that they may swallow them whole. Emerald Bass are occasionally seen in small schools but are often solitary. They have a preference for Cropper Bait. Emerald Bass only usually grow to be two feet long but some have reached sizes of three feet in ideal conditions. They are comfortable in captivity provided they’re fed but they’re more often eaten on account of their large filets.

#### **Kahursan Snapper**

> *(Sportfish) (Linezone: Kahursa Island, Open Ocean)*
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A striking purple, Kahursan Snapper are famous for their dazzling displays while they wrestle on a line. They’re generalists, feeding largely on smaller fish and crustaceans with a preference for Castlecraw Bait. Their scales are often used by local Lizardmen as a form of jewellery as they retain well once dried and tanned. Kahursan Snapper are usually only a foot long but the largest can reach a whopping three and a half feet in length. Their meat is eaten regularly by the residents of Kahursa as it is both tasty and nutrient-rich, often eaten fried with breadcrumbs. Kahursan Snapper can be kept in captivity though they require a large tank to feel comfortable.

#### **Toa Tuna**

> *(Gamefish) (Linezone: Kahursa Island, Open Ocean)*
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A champion's fish, Toa Tuna are one of the most aggressive gamefish in Amnisica. They can be identified by the regal red tips on the end of their fins. They’re aggressive pursuit predators which prey on fast-moving fish in the open water. They prefer Cropper Bait which is their primary prey. Be warned, sharpened ends on their tail can cut skin if a fisherman is not careful drawing them in. Their steaks are nutrient-rich and highly sought after, with the largest fish of five feet bringing in the best quarry. Typically Toa Tuna only reaches about three feet on average- too large to be comfortable in tanks.

#### **Dragon Gar**

> *(Gamefish) (Linezone: Jungle, Swamp, Forest)*
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The largest and most basal species of gar on Amnisica, Dragon Gars are a sight to behold. Their name is derived from the horn-like structures which rise from the back of the head. They’re enormous predators who actively prey on anything in their waters- including animals like Swa’bara and juvenile Mangwallow. Dragon Gar has a preference for Mangwallow Bait on account of their calf-hunting nature. Dragon Gar is a voracious fighter who can easily take a finger off if a fisherman isn’t careful. On average, Dragon Gar grow to be five feet long but the largest was just over seven feet in length.

#### **Malarako**

> *(Gamefish) (Linezone: Swamp, Desert)*
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In fishermen’s circles, they warn of potential dangers that await upon the rivers and estuaries of the Ludwagian continent: monsters, bandits, wayward mages, but most importantly injuries to one's backside. The Malarako is infamous for stinging at the unsuspecting sides of the fishermen after being caught. A small fish for its game glass, lined with sharp needle-like barbs. They use these barbs to dissuade predators but may equally be used as a final hoorah against a victorious fisherman. Generally, they’re not worth eating but fight fiercely on the line. They like Verminfish Bait as they often sting them in their native ranges.

#### **Sheol’s Eel**

> *(Gamefish) (Linezone: Plains, Swamp, Kahursa Island)*
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A bite from Sheol, be mindful of this eel. Its sharp teeth sink so painfully that fishermen report it as if they were set alight. Sheol’s Eel are insidious predators who strike from the cover of reeds with their fangs and slowly bleed their victims dry. They have a preference for Blood Bait as it attracts their hunting response. Sheol’s Eel are volatile catches that can easily cause injury if not quickly dispatched or released. Sheol’s Eel on average grow to about two feet in length but the largest grows to be four feet. Between maturity, they migrate between the Kahursan Island and the mainland to spawn. Their meat is generally unpalatable in most regards.

#### **Nixian Snagglefish**

> *(Gamefish) (Linezone: Taiga, Mountains)*
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The Nixian Snagglefish are renowned for their ability to enter a state of prolonged hibernation, finding a secure haven beneath the frozen surface of lakes and rivers. They retreat to their concealed lairs, where they curl into a ball-like form and enter a state of suspended animation. Their metabolism slows to an almost imperceptible pace, and their bodies become ice-cold and still. In this state, they can remain for months, conserving their energy and waiting for a signal that the harsh season is drawing to a close. The Nixian Snagglefish's senses are attuned to detect the vibrations and movements in the icy water above, possessing an extraordinary sensitivity to the warmth and motion of potential smaller fishes due to their blindness. It is these vibrations that break the silence of their wintry slumber and signal the time to strike. They have a preference for Vestal’s Minnow Bait as the sharp movements they produce in struggle generate a hunting response. By most, they’re generally considered unpalatable.

#### **Tzar Sturgeon**

> *(Legendary Fish) (Linezone: Taiga, Mountains)*
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The Tzar Sturgeon is the largest fish native to Ludwag, measuring in at almost ten feet long. Lined with armoured scutes, the Tzar Sturgeon can safely browse the riverbed without fear of predation once they reach maturity. It can take decades for a Tzar Sturgeon to reach full size as their slow metabolism combined with their largely herbivorous diet make them considerably lethargic. Their eggs are considered a rare delicacy among the wealthy as they bear the consistency of diamonds and jewels. As a result of overhunting, the Tzar Sturgeon is represented by tens of individuals. On the brink of extinction is this primordial fish. They prefer Fairy Dust Bait above all else as they’ve become distrusting of anything else attached to a hook. Rest assured, they will not be drawn in so easily…

#### **Great Mucksucker**

> *(Legendary Fish) (Linezone: Jungle)*
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The Great Mucksucker is an elusive giant Legendary catfish that resides in the deepest ponds of the central jungle. Reaching near mythological status, it’s believed these titans can reach lengths of up to eight feet long. They possess enormous sucking mouths to suck up the muck from the riverbed, ingesting crustaceans, kelp, and muck. Their varied diet and enormous size grant them exceptional energy and strength, able to snap any weak fishing line with ease. To catch a Great Mucksucker one must use its preferred bait of Muck Bait, and even then it is a gauntlet. The Mucksucker isn’t particularly palatable as a meal but is certainly a testament to any fisherman’s ability.

#### **Lance Sailfish**

> *(Legendary Fish) (Linezone: Open Ocean)*
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An aggressive fish, the Lance Sailfish is one of the most noble and dazzling marine creatures around the Ludwagian coastline. Like other sailfish, their titular spike makes them exceptional and speedy hunters of other fish, often impaling or slicing their prey to ribbons. Lance Sailfish have red-colored dorsal fins which they flex to encourage retaliation from their prey so that they may exploit an opening. Lance Sailfish earned their name from their jousting behaviour, wherein two males will charge at each other for the right to potential females. As they’re one of the most dedicated fish, they have a preference toward Toa Tuna Bait so they can keep up the thrill of the chase. Their nutrient-packed flesh is exceptionally tasty when fried, making it a rare delicacy among the nobles of Aridam and Meridia.

#### **Peter’s Pike**

> *(Legendary Fish) (Linezone: Plains, Forest)*
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In the lush plains and forests of Amnisica, a remarkable aquatic creature known as the Peter’s Pike fish, are renowned for their ruthless hunting strategies, often lurking in the shadows of underwater thickets before launching a ferocious attack. Their elongated bodies, coloured in a shimmering array of earthy greens and deep browns, allow them to blend seamlessly into their forested surroundings. The Peter’s Pike's most formidable weapon lies within its jaws, where rows of razor-sharp teeth contain a potent venom. This venom can swiftly immobilize smaller prey or deter larger predators, ensuring their dominance in their domain.  **Fishermen should be careful as while their paralytic venom doesn’t cause immobilization in creatures bigger than cats it can cause considerable numbness which may make them unaware of potential injury.** They have a preference for Lattish Salmon Bait and are widely considered one of the most aggressive Legendary Fish on the continent.

#### **Upokma**

> *(Legendary Fish) (Linezone: Kahursa Island, Swamp)*
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Among the Kahursan locals, there's a rumour of a great and terrible monster. A predator that kills all that dare drink in its presence. The Upokma is the largest of the fish present on Kahursa island and the largest eel on Ludwag proper. Growing to a whopping eight feet in length, these giant fish serve as dangerous ambush predators. Using their front fins which have extended into small lobbed limbs they can launch themselves out of the water to grab hold of unsuspecting prey before dragging them back into the lake to drown them. Upokma often kills juveniles and livestock and are even rumoured to kill children on occasion. They prefer Egg Bait as it smells similar to the hatchling birds they often prey upon. These eels can be exceptionally strong fighters on the line and may even be a danger once reeled in. Generally, they’re not eaten as their thick scales make them chewy to consume.

#### **Aridian Giant Perch**

> *(Legendary Fish) (Linezone: Desert)*
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The Aridian Giant Perch is a remarkable species of fish uniquely adapted to the harsh desert seas of Aridia. Characterized by its imposing size and distinctive appearance, this aquatic giant boasts large, silver scales that serve not only as a protective layer against the intense desert sun but also contribute to its mesmerizing shimmer as it traverses the arid waters with a maximum length reaching an impressive seven feet, the Aridian Giant Perch stands as one of the largest inhabitants of the Aridian aquatic ecosystem. Renowned among the Aridian people, this fish holds cultural significance and is often featured prominently in important social events, where its succulent meat becomes a centrepiece of traditional culinary delights.