The Spireclaw Wader is a long-legged aquatic scavenger found throughout the shallow marshes and rocky lakeshores of the Asari Region, especially around Lake Orlanda and the Orlanda River. Known to the 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.

• 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

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

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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

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

• Habitual Belt
• Asari Region
• Lake Orlanda
• Orlanda River
• Orlanda Tribe
• Known Wildlife of Asari

Known Predators:

• Duskback Leviathan
• Deep-Orlanda Pike