Magic Missile Fish

The first time I ever saw a magic missile fish, the poor dumb thing had picked a fight with a fishing clanker and lost. That is to say, the fish was thoroughly defeated, left to flap about helplessly with its long nose stuck through the ship's hull. Then again, at the rate the ship was taking on water as it limped into harbor, maybe the clanker lost too.

— Julienne, Adventurer, Chef

Originating from the unknowable depths of the Kaleido Sea, magic missile fish are sometimes swept toward the surface by chaotic wild magic currents venting up from the trenches, where they may be observed or caught in the nets of deep sea fishers.
The scales of the magic missile fish are eerily iridescent, appearing dark blue on the whole but shimmering with rich pinks and purples at different angles. When swimming, especially whilst hunting, wisps of dark pink and red raw magic may be seen flickering off of the fish's scales. These flickers have been spotted by fishers at night, and in the darkest depths, they may serve as territorial warnings to their kin or to other fish.
Magic missile fish are named after the famous evocation spell, for both their magically shimmering scales and the preternatural accuracy of their strikes with their long, dart-like bills. Unlike their mundane cousins the swordfish, who use their long flat bills to slash at enemies, the magic missile fish stabs at its prey with its bill. Channeling magical force into their bills, the magic missile fish pierces and smaller prey without ever needing to physically stab it, slaying it instantly or stunning it long enough for the magic missile fish to come around for a second pass. Though the magic missile fish enjoys a remarkably fast average cruising speed, it can dash in short and deadly bursts up to double its normal speed.
Little is known about the reproduction or life stages of the magic missile fish, as they live most of their lives in the deep ocean beyond the limits of observation.

Cuisine

Magic missile fish is a beloved delicacy along the coast of the Kaleido Sea. The most prized cut of the fish is the tender, fatty collar, of which only two can be harvested on each fish, cut from just behind the gills. The remainder of the fish is cut into steaks, with 1-inch-thick portions being the most common size to appear at markets. Magic missile fish roe is also highly sought after as a delicacy, but some may find it too salty and intense to enjoy beyond its novelty.
Magic missile fish is an oily variety, known for its pungency. For this reason, nearly every preparation method calls for some form of marinade. While some brave fishers claim that raw magic missile fish fresh out of the water is a feast unlike any other, landbound chefs seldom risk exposing their patrons to potential foodborne illness and parasites. Magic missile fish should be treated with care, cooked over a gentle heat. For the beginner chef, try grilled magic missile fish with garlic and lemon. Be sure to oil the bars of your grill very well to ensure this delicate fish does not stick!

Creature Block

The following block is still in development, utilizing several place-holder features, and has not been properly balanced. Take with a grain of salt!

Magic Missile Fish CR: 5 (1,800 XP)

Large , unaligned

Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)

Hit Points: 126 (11d12 + 55)

Speed: 0 ft , swim: 150 ft

STR

23 +6

DEX

11 +0

CON

21 +5

INT

1 -5

WIS

10 +0

CHA

5 -3

Skills: Perception +3

Senses: blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages: —

Challenge Rating: 5 (1,800 XP)

Charge. If the magic missile fish moves at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a dart attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 11 (3d4 + 3) magical force damage. It the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Water Breathing. The magic missile fish can breathe only underwater.

Actions

Dart. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.

by Dream by app.wombo.art/

Lifespan

14-16 years

Average Weight

45 kg (100 lbs) to 180 kg (400 lbs)

Average Length

1.2m (48") to 4.5m (179")