The Gloom Swimmer is a small, deep-water fish native to the eastern shaded zones of Lake Arla in the Asari Region of the Habitual Belt on VOI 700 D. Well-adapted to the low-light conditions under the persistent Haze Doom fog, the Gloom Swimmer thrives in shadowy, cooler waters where few predators roam.

It is a keystone species in Lake Arla’s eastern microclimates, both as a consumer of bottom-dwelling invertebrates and as prey for larger fish like the Twilight Perch.

• Size: 10-13 cm
• Weight: 1.2-1.5 kg
• Body Shape: Long, flexible, eel-like
• Skin: Pale gray-blue with a faint bioluminescent stripe along its sides
• Speed: 3.2 km/h

• Bioluminescent Lateral Stripe: Provides visibility for schooling and mate attraction in dark waters.
• Luminous Eyes: Enhanced vision allows for excellent depth perception in near-total darkness.
• Camouflaging Scales: Adjust slightly to match dim surroundings, offering natural concealment.

Armor Class (AC): 10 Hit Points (HP): 4 Speed: 30 ft. (swimming)

• Nip Attack: 1d2 piercing damage. Used only if cornered.
• Lure Flash: The Gloom Swimmer can emit a brief burst of bioluminescence to distract predators (DC 10 Wisdom save or attacker suffers disadvantage on their next attack).

• Darkvision: 60 ft.
• Low-Light Camouflage: Gains +2 to Stealth rolls in dim light.
• Schooling Glide: Gains +5 ft. speed when moving with at least 5 other Gloom Swimmers.

Diet: Detritivores and scavengers; feed on decaying plant material and small invertebrates Social Structure: Forms schools of 20-50 individuals Activity Pattern: Nocturnal, most active during periods of lowest visibility

• Depth Dwelling: Remain near rocky outcrops and lakebed crevices to avoid predators
• Lure Flash: Confuse predators or signal danger to the school

• Spawning Season: Midway through the rainy season
• Egg Laying: Lays clusters of sticky eggs on submerged rocks
• Hatching Time: 10-14 days
• Juvenile Behavior: Young Gloom Swimmers remain close to egg clusters until able to join schools

Gloom Swimmers add subtle environmental ambiance to dark underwater regions of Lake Arla. Their sudden light flashes can mislead or confuse players during tense exploration scenes.

• Ambient Detail: Used to evoke unease and mystery in shadowy lake regions
• Environmental Clues: Swimmers may signal shifts in water pressure or predator presence

Lake Arla Wildlife of Asari

Known Predators:

Twilight Perch