=== Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Wildlife ===

====== SPIRECLAW WADER ======

{{ :spireclaw_wader_scenic_2d.png?200|}}

===== Overview =====

The Spireclaw Wader is a long-legged aquatic scavenger found throughout the shallow marshes and rocky lakeshores of the [[asari|Asari Region]], especially around [[lake_orlanda|Lake Orlanda]] and the [[orlanda_river|Orlanda River]]. Known to the [[the_orlanda|Orlanda Tribe]] as "Sharataal," or "the darting shadow," this creature is both feared and respected for its fierce territoriality and lightning-fast movement. Unlike most crustaceans in the region, the Spireclaw Wader shows complex social behaviors and loud clicking vocalizations.

A skilled scavenger, it plays a crucial role in maintaining water cleanliness by feeding on decaying organic matter, small carrion, and detritus.

===== Physique and Appearance =====

  * **Size:** 35–40 cm (body length); legs can span up to 80 cm
  * **Weight:** 6–8 kg
  * **Body Shape:** Compact central carapace with elongated spiny legs
  * **Shell:** Glossy dark blue with iridescent streaks
  * **Speed:** 6.5 km/h on land; bursts up to 3 km/h in water

==== Special Features: ====

**Spireclaws:** Sharp, retractable pincers used for both scavenging and self-defense
**Rapid Retraction Reflex:** Can leap backward up to 1.5 meters when startled
**Click-Call Communication:** Emits sharp clicking sounds during territorial displays

===== Game Mechanics =====

  * **Armor Class (AC):** 14 (chitinous plating and agility)
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 18
  * **Speed:** 40 ft. (land), 20 ft. (swimming)

==== Attacks ====

  * **Spireclaw Jab:** 1d6 piercing damage + DC 12 Constitution save or minor bleeding
  * **Darting Lunge:** A surprise leap attack from cover. If successful, target is knocked prone (Dex save DC 13)

===== Special Abilities =====

  * **Reflexive Kickback:** Once per combat, when struck in melee, the Wader can leap back 10 ft. as a reaction without provoking opportunity attacks.
  * **Scavenger's Nose:** Gains advantage on Perception checks related to decaying matter, blood, or scent trails
  * **Pack Aggression:** Gains +1 to attack rolls if within 10 ft. of another Spireclaw Wader

===== Behavior =====

  * **Diet:** Scavenger (dead fish, insects, amphibians, decaying flora)
  * **Social Structure:** Small groups of 3–6 individuals; temporary communal nests
  * Activity Pattern: Nocturnal but becomes crepuscular in cloud-covered regions like Lake Orlanda

==== Survival Strategies: ====

  * **Ambush Scavenging:** Lies in wait for other predators to finish meals
  * **Leap & Flee:** Avoids larger threats through powerful backward leaps
  * **Territorial Displays:** Defends territory with loud clicks and aggressive poses

===== Reproduction and Lifecycle =====

  * **Mating Season:** Mid-cycle of Asari's atmospheric humidity curve
  * **Egg-Laying:** Females lay up to 30 eggs hidden in submerged root systems
  * **Hatching Time:** 8–10 days
  * **Growth Stages:** Hatchlings molt rapidly during their first two months; full size reached in 1.5 years
  * **Lifespan:** Up to 12 years in the wild (Estimation)

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

Use the Spireclaw Wader as a sudden, reactive encounter or as part of an environmental challenge:

  * **Shoreline Surprise:** Players cleaning a campsite or scavenging along the lake may attract a Wader’s attention
  * **Environmental Hazard:** Groups of Waders can complicate low-visibility or marshy terrain
  * **Rare Ingredient:** Their spireclaws are prized for crafting bone daggers and ceremonial weapons by the Orlanda

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]
  * [[asari|Asari Region]]
  * [[lake_orlanda|Lake Orlanda]]
  * [[orlanda_river|Orlanda River]]
  * [[the_orlanda|Orlanda Tribe]]
  * [[wildlife_of_asari|Known Wildlife of Asari]]

**Known Predators:**

  * [[duskback_leviathan|Duskback Leviathan]]
  * [[Deep-Orlanda Pike|Deep-Orlanda Pike]]