SJCC: Lanterneye

Lanterneye
Based on the lanternfish

Climate/Terrain: Wildspace debris fields
Frequency: Common
Organization: School
Activity Cycle: Any
Diet: Omnivore
Intelligence: Animal (1)
Treasure: Nil
Alignment: Neutral
No. Appearing: 3d4

Armor Class: 7
Movement: 18
Hit Dice: 1/2
THAC0: 20
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1
Special Attacks: Blinding
Special Defenses: None
Magic Resistance: Standard
Size: S (6-18")
Morale: Unreliable (3)
XP Value: 0

Lanterneye are one of the common dev of wildspace. They get their name from
the light-projecting organs on their heads. In addition to these sources of
bioluminescence, lanterneye have a row of photophores along their flanks.
There is a third source of light on the backs of their tails just forward of
the fin. The lights on the head are used only in defense. The other
photophores illuminate when the creature is agitated, mating, or as
camouflage against an appropriate backdrop (such as stars).

Combat: Lanterneye are cowardly creatures. They will only attack the smaller
creatures that they feed upon. However, if they are attacked, lanterneye
have a special defense. Over their eyes are two light-projecting organs that
can create flashes of bright light in order to blind attackers. These
flashes reach up to 2 feet. Opponents must save vs. paralyzation or be
blinded for 1d4+1 rounds. Lanterneye use this time to make their escape.

Habitat/Society: Lanterneye live amongst debris and asteroid fields. They
travel about in small schools. Lanterneye will avoid strong gravity wells
(any planetoid greater than Size A). They will also avoid sources of
artificial light, such as torches or Light spells.

Ecology: Lanterneye eat various asteroid flora, tiny wildspace creatures,
and scraps leftover from the meals of predators. They are constantly on the
lookout for sources of food. They, in turn, are hunted by various ,
including darkvipers and space scorpions. Various races will also catch
lanterneye for food despite their small size. Preserved light organs from
the head may be sold for 5sp each to alchemists and such.


John McCloud
jmccloud@????????.???.net