Piranchi

The piranchi are a race of amphibious humanoids, possessing both gills and lungs. They are small in stature, with a height of 2 feet being considered "extremely tall".

Piranchi are awkward and clumsy on land and actually poorer swimmers than most aquatic species. However, their amphibious nature allows them to take shelter on land, safe from the ocean's predators. While hunting, their enormous, wide-set eyes scan the waters for both predators and prey.

Some piranchi have moved towards a more terrestrial lifestyle. They have been observed constructing simple huts and walkways out of driftwood, and fishing with nets & rods. This has allowed them to eat without danger, though in times of scarcity they must enter the water to hunt.

Due to their warm and humid habitat, piranchi do not usually wear clothing. They do, however, frequently wear seastraw hats to protect them from drying out in the sun.

The species also possesses the unique ability to communicate through telepathy. While it is possible for them to transmit their thoughts into the minds of other races, the piranchi choose to use this only amongst themselves and revealing the ability to a non-piranchi is punishable by death. Varpasks can actually pick up on the telepathic signals the piranchi emit, but they cannot understand them and it just gives them headaches.

In recent years, the piranchi have formed a symbiotic relationship with a race of large humanoids called the lakua. In exchange for a steady supply of fish, the lakua have agreed to protect the piranchi from terrestrial predators. Some piranchi disaprove of this relationship, however, viewing the lakua as unneccessary and a dangerous drain on resources.