River Raider

Bane of the Fishers

Beware the waters on the summer solstice. Though your nets may fill up with fish, it isn't a blessing but a curse. For those fish are long dead, killed and cursed by the River Raider!

— Old Kotfer the Fisherman

The legend of the River Raider is a tale told by the Yegrians that speaks of a mysterious wave of dead fish that had ended up in the nets of a few desperate fishermen. Suffering from hunger, the men ate the fish without a second thought, a rash action that had resulted in the death of nearly everyone involved. Tales began to spread of a strange creature that poisons the fish, killing and making them inedible for the people who relied on them as an important source of food. The tales of the River Raider only became more popular when a few years later, a similar event occurred.

The Tale

According to the tales, the River Raider stalks and causes problems for those who live along the river Bokker. He is active throughout the year, but the most well-known thing that he is known for only happens on the summer solstice. He walks up the river, making his way to where the rivers Bokker and Kertol meet. On the way, he scoops up the fish into a massive sack that he holds over a shoulder. Wherever he goes, he leaves behind a slimy trail.
The River Raider tosses the wiggling fish into a pot filled with lukewarm water. As he stirs the contents with his long, thin arms, he adds extra ingredients. The eyes of frogs, a child's intestines, the skull of a young mother, and dozens of other components.
Once the contents of the pot are ready, the River Raider pours it into the river. As the tainted fish float down the river, the River Raider will run back to its secret hideout. There, it will rest, gather more supplies, and prepare for the next summer. Sometimes, when the River Raider gets bored, he goes out and causes misery for all who he finds.

Date of First Recording

1319 AA

Related Ethnicities

• Yegrian

Related Species

• Human