ROPE FISH

  NO. ENCOUNTERED: 3-6            SAVES: P
  SIZE: Small (2-3 ft.)           INT: Animal
  HD: 2d6                         ALIGNMENT: Neutral
  MOVE: 30 ft., 60 ft. (swim)     TYPE: Animal (fish)
  AC: 12                          TREASURE: Special (see below)
  ATTACKS: Bite (1d6),            XP: 10 + 2
	   Tail whip (1d4) 
  SPECIAL: Darkvision 60 ft., Freeze

Rope fish look very much like snakes. They can be found in any body of fresh water, including rivers, lakes, ponds, or aqueducts. They move in an S pattern and travel in small schools. They have light to dark brown scales over most of their bodies, with smooth rust-colored underbellies. Small fins located on either side just behind the head help to steer the rope fish.

Rope fish can survive and function at full capacity out of the water for up to 10 minutes. For the next 10 min after that they attack and move at half their normal abilities. After 20 min out of the water, they cannot move or attack, but can still exist for another 20 min. If returned to the water during this time, the rope fish revives immediately to full abilities. After 40 min out of the water, the rope fish will die.

Rope fish attack by biting prey or whipping the prey with the tail in an attempt to render it unconscious and therefore easy to eat. The rope fish cannot bite and use a tail whip in the same round.

Dive: With a successful bite attack the rope fish will dive to the bottom of the river, pond, etc. in an attempt to drown its prey.

Treasure: Rope fish are attracted to shiny objects and will eat them. It is extremely common to find coins, gems, and other small shiny objects in a rope fish’s stomach when it is gutted.