Based on the lanternfish.
Entry in the Spelljammer Creature Challenge.
| 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.