Cabilis

It was a good plan. It failed. Bristlebane abandoned me and the potion lost its effectiveness as I ran past the outer guards, who fell upon me mercilessly. In vain did I wave my fishing rod in the air, shouting that I meant no harm to their citizens.

Luckily, a brave and almost civilised Iksar that I have spent much time with in Cazic Thule and the Planes was in the area. Edashi snarled at them and grabbed me and dragged me into the city, whispering quickly that he would get me safe.

Once we were out of the guards he took me to a quiet corridor and asked me what I was doing. I told him that there were two fish in the dank canals of Cabilis which had not been seen elsewhere: the Gigantic Fetid Bass and the Sewer Catfish.

"Is this for some quest?" He looked puzzled.
"It's more ... a mission."
"And what reward will you get at the end of this mission?"
I stuttered briefly.
"A backpack full of fish."

He shook his head at me in dismay. Iksars are mercenary by nature and can not really understand the enjoyment of fishing for pleasure. Still, he helped me, taking me quickly to a quiet spot where he believed I would be safe.
I quickly got out my rod and sat on the edge. The water was murky and slow moving, I was sure any fish caught here would be inedible. To my amazement, the first fish I caught was a huge Fetid Bass, 17 pounds! As I fished there in the canal, looking around me nervously every few moments, I caught large amounts of these foul-smelling bass of varying sizes, including some humongous fish. I saved them, perhaps the local population would be friendlier if I offered them food. Eventually I caught a Gigantic Fetid Bass and bounced with pleasure. Now only the Sewer Catfish eluded me.

Then, to my dismay, I realised that I had made a stupid mistake. I was out of bait! What was I to do, here in the middle of enemies. I tried briefly to slice up the bass into some sort of usable lure but failed miserably. There was nothing for it, I was going to have to leave and start again.

This time, at least, the alchemist's magic served me well and I was able to get back to my spot without incident. A young Iksar did wander past but luckily his curiosity got the better of him and he spoke to me rather than ripping my limbs off my plump body. He readily agreed to keep my secret in exchange for a blessing of Bristlebane, which I happily gave him. He turned his nose at the fetid fish, unfortunately, so I guess there is no use for them. If an Iksar won't eat them I don't know who would.

In the end it grew late. My nerves were shot from looking over my shoulder and the plinging of the water into the canals were giving me a headache. I do not believe the catfish have survived in the turbid water of their sewers. I packed my things and went straight to Rivervale, in need of bright sunlight and friendly faces. I may return to Cabilis in the future, but for now the Sewer Catfish is the "one that got away."