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=== Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Wildlife ===

====== DEEP-ORLANDA PIKE ======

{{ :deep_orlanda_pike_gg_2d.png?200|}}


===== Overview =====

The Deep-Orlanda Pike is a large, depth-adapted predatory fish that inhabits the unexplored lower strata of [[lake_orlanda|Lake Orlanda]] in the [[asari|Asari Region]] of the [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]] on [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]. Revered and feared by the [[the_orlanda|Orlanda Tribe]], this elusive apex predator is known as "Voraktal", or "The Silent Fang Below."

Due to the lake’s steep cliffside drop-offs and murky depths, the Deep-Orlanda Pike has evolved to thrive in low-light, high-pressure conditions. Rare sightings and partially devoured carcasses suggest it grows to exceptional sizes. Its exact population is unknown, making it one of the most mysterious aquatic species in the region.

===== Physique and Appearance =====

  * **Size:** 1.5–2 meters
  * **Weight:** 40–60 kg
  * **Body Shape:** Elongated and muscular, similar to ancient Earth pikes
  * **Skin:** Dark green-black
  * **Speed:** Up to 8 km/h in bursts
==== Special Features: ====

  * **Pressure-Hardened Skeleton:** Allows hunting at depths exceeding 350 meters
  * **Bioluminescent Spot-Lures:** Glowing marks near jawline used to draw prey close in the darkness
  * **Extended Jaw Hinge:** Grants a devastatingly wide bite radius

===== Game Mechanics =====

  * **Armor Class (AC):** 16 (dense scale plating)
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 60
  * **Speed:** 40 ft. (swimming)

==== Attacks ====

  * **Lunge Bite:** 2d10 piercing damage. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be grappled.
  * **Crushing Jaws (While Grappling):** Automatically deals 2d8 damage at the start of the pike's turn.

==== Special Abilities ====

  * **Deep Camouflage:** Gains advantage on Stealth rolls while below 150m depth.
  * **Pressure Burst:** Once per encounter, the Pike can lunge upward with explosive force, disorienting all nearby creatures within 10 feet (DC 13 Dexterity save or be knocked prone).
  * **Apex Intuition:** Automatically detects wounded prey within 60 ft.

===== Behavior =====

  * **Diet:** Carnivorous (large fish, crabs, injured aquatic mammals)
  * **Social Structure:** Solitary
  * **Activity Pattern:** Active during periods of reduced underwater vibration (e.g. when lakeshore activity is minimal)

==== Survival Strategies: ====

  * **Still Ambush:** Remains motionless for hours near submerged cliffs
  * **Vertical Strike:** Launches upward from the depths to seize prey in the mid-layers

===== Reproduction and Lifecycle =====

  * **Spawning Trigger:** Likely influenced by deep current changes and magnetic anomalies
  * **Egg Deposition:** Adhesive eggs laid in hard-to-access crevices near thermal vents
  * **Juvenile Behavior:** Juveniles remain in the mid-depth zone until reaching 1 meter in length
  * **Lifespan:** Estimated 25–30 years (Estimation)

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

The Deep-Orlanda Pike presents a high-risk, high-reward encounter for underwater or lakeside adventures:

  * **Ambush Threat:** Ideal for sudden tension spikes when diving or exploring sunken ruins
  * **Rare Bounty:** Its jawbones can serve as powerful alchemical reagents
  * **Tribal Lore Tie-In:** Orlanda NPCs may speak of it as a guardian spirit or offer a quest to recover a tooth as a rite of passage

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]
  * [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]
  * [[asari|Asari Region]]
  * [[lake_orlanda|Lake Orlanda]]
  * [[the_orlanda|Orlanda Tribe]]
  * [[wildlife_of_asari|Known Wildlife of Asari]]

**Known Predators:**

  * **None confirmed** — considered apex predator of Lake Orlanda