Spearfish

Residing in the open seas, these large squids hunt in packs of two to five, silently darting through the ocean. Their namesake comes from a spear-like appendage that they use to harpoon their prey, typically schools of fish. However, every now and then they have been known to attack the occasional unlucky sailor. For some time, these attacks were believed to be caused by the restless spirits of seafarers. Eventually, the true culprits were discovered to be the spearfish. Even still, the danger is all the same for those that unfortunately fall overboard.

Spearfish vary in size, typically around the height of the average Arsa Sidhe, with some reportedly as big as a Greatling. Most of their length comes from their tentacles, their slim physique granting them swift passage through the waters. Uniquely adapted to the crushing depths of the ocean, their skin is thick and a deep crimson hue, barely visible to their prey at night.

Hidden by their tentacles lies their "spear"—a specialized tentacle ending in a tip made from hardened cartilage, coiled up in wait like a spring. A thin flap of skin holds the coil in place, and when ready, the spearfish is able to shoot it out instantly with ease. Though, it takes far much more effort to reel the spear back in, slowly dragging their newly-caught prey with it toward their beak.

While they are quite the fearsome predator, spearfish are still social in nature, very rarely seen without their packs. During the day, they reside deep within the water column—slowly gliding through the pitch-black abyss while they digest their food. It is only when the sun dips below the horizon that they ascend to the surface to hunt. With their social nature, spearfish are also known to raise their young communally, taking special care of their broods. The hatchlings will travel with the packs, learning to hunt until they are old enough to go off and form their own packs.

Written by Delta

DM Guide

The information below is almost exclusively intended for DMs: an explanation of the creature's behavior, weaknesses, its unique abilities, and a full statblock to aid in rolling checks and contests where applicable. Characters may freely have the knowledge of the information in the above post. The information below is more OOC-facing and can be learned in detail via IC research (a research ticket or event) or known in vague, broad strokes where applicable: common sense applies! A Falstoners may have a vague idea of a Faded Steppe creature's abilities, but not specifics. For example: "the creature spews blood, but I don't know how, when, and what that looks like."

Not every spell, feat, or ability interaction is defined for beasts. DMs are expected to use their discretion when adjudicating interactions that are not explicitly covered. Additionally, the mechanics of bestiary creatures are set in stone and not open for adjustment unless specific issues are noted through DMed encounters.

Spoilers ahead... proceed with caution! Here be dragons!

Statblock

Boons

[Ensnare] On a successful spear attack, the target is considered automatically grappled. Unless the target struggles away on their turn, they will then be pulled closer on the spearfish's next turn, and it will attempt to bite them. The target is then released after the bite. It is up to DM discretion if they can pull in targets that are not in the water.

Mechanics Guidance

• Unarmoured
• 2 actions
• 10-15 HP
• Encountered in groups of 2 - 5
• Movement
  • 6m (6 blocks) in water
  • 0m (0 blocks) on land
• Attack rolls and Guidance - general guidance:
  • Spear attack
    • /roll attack 2 3-5 AP
    • 3-5 AP damage
    • 2 actions
    • Melee and Skirmishing distance
  • Bite
    • /roll attack 2 2-4
    • 2-4 dmg
    • 1 action
    • Melee distance
• For the purposes of contesting spells or making otherwise necessary checks, the following stats are provided: