The Driftstalk Fish is a small, marsh-dwelling schooling fish found in the shaded, slow-moving waters of the Orlanda Marshes in the northern Asari Region of VOI 700 D. Renowned for its near-invisible camouflage and ability to drift along currents with minimal movement, it is both an ecological cornerstone and a primary food source for the Orlanda Tribe.

These fish serve a critical ecological function by feeding on mosquito larvae, algae, and marsh plankton—helping to control insect populations and sustain water clarity.

• Size: 7–10 cm
• Weight: ~300 grams
• Body Shape: Flat-bodied and leaf-shaped
• Skin: Mottled green-brown with adaptive chromatophores
• Speed: 2.5 km/h (bursts up to 5 km/h when threatened)

• Drift Mimicry: Mimics the gentle sway of plant matter on water
• Chromatic Camouflage: Can shift shades to blend with vegetation
• Low Wake Movement: Nearly undetectable motion when drifting

• Armor Class (AC): 11
• Hit Points (HP): 5
• Speed: 25 ft. (swimming)

• Swarm Peck (Swarm Only): When in groups of 10+, can cause 1d2 damage per round by nibbling

• Camouflaged Drift: +3 to Stealth while motionless or drifting
• Group Sync: When in schools of 10+, gain +2 AC due to distraction

• Diet: Algae, plankton, mosquito larvae
• Social Structure: Large schools of 30–60
• Activity Pattern: Active throughout twilight hours, schooling during calm periods

• Freeze Response: Mimics floating debris when threatened
• Density Swirl: Schools break apart rapidly to confuse predators

• Spawning Season: Occurs during marsh flood phases
• Egg Laying: Eggs laid on submerged leaves and vines
• Hatching Time: 4–6 days
• Juvenile Phase: Remain tightly schooled for safety
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Driftstalk Fish add life and subtle tension to any scene set in the Orlanda Marshes. Their absence might signal predators, or their sudden scatter may startle players.

• Narrative Detail: Swirling schools can foreshadow larger aquatic threats
• Cultural Flavor: A common staple in Orlanda meals; players might use them as gifts or barter

• Orlanda Marshes
• Orlanda Tribe
• Known Wildlife of Asari

Known Predators:

• Kardar
• Bogfang Eels