Archer Koi

The rivers and lakes of the Wild Northeast have their own dangers, and not all of them swing swords or sling spells. Archer koi wait in the shallows, still and watching. When something moves too close to the water’s edge—pft. A jet of water knocks them off balance, and into the drink they go.

The koi darts forward. Teeth flash. Flesh tears. The water churns red, then smooths, calm once more.

Neither the Grimward orcs nor the Conclave Arcana came prepared for this. The battlefield is treacherous enough, but the waters are no safer. Step too close, and they won’t even get the dignity of a warrior’s death. Just a splash, a struggle, and they’re fish food.

But for those able to catch one, the koi’s scales are worth the risk. Strong and flexible, they can mend chain or reinforce the dented plates of a desperate warrior’s armor.

Of course, first you have to survive the catch.