At first glance, the redfin leaper resembles a typical fish as it navigates freshwater ponds and rivers. With their limbs tucked against their bodies, they propel themselves forward in search of sustenance. However, unlike ordinary fish, these creatures possess a unique hunting technique that sets them apart. They not only scan beneath the water’s surface but also keep an eye above, seeking out prey.
When a potential meal is spotted, redfin leapers swiftly ascend towards the surface, extending their limbs to leap towards their unsuspecting prey. Even a small group of leapers can overwhelm and subdue deer and other medium-sized animals. It’s this aggressive behavior coupled with their jumping ability that has earned them the name “flying quippers.”
Seasoned fishermen are quick to recognize the signs of a redfin leaper-infested body of water; scattered animal bones along the water’s edge. Conversely, saltwater environments remain free from the presence of leapers, as they exclusively inhabit freshwater areas.
Redfin leapers are a favorite among trolls. Trolls will use their bodies as bait and snatch the fish from the air to consume it fresh. The troll’s regenerative abilities can mitigate the bites from any leapers that make it past its quick hands. A single troll can clear a pond of leapers in an afternoon, leaving nothing but a pile of fish bones and a safer, leaper-free pool of water.
Swarm of Redfin Leapers
Medium swarm of Tiny Monstrosities, Unaligned
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 49 (11d8)
Speed 10 ft., swim 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (-1) | 18 (+4) | 10 (+0) | 1 (-5) | 10 (+0) | 3 (-4) |
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages —
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Limited Amphibiousness. The swarm can breathe air and water, but it needs to be submerged at least once every 4 hours to avoid suffocating.
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny fish. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Actions
Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm’s space. Hit: 21 (6d6) piercing damage, or 10 (3d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. If the swarm jumped at least 15 feet straight toward the target immediately before the hit, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) piercing damage.
Bonus Actions
Leap. The swarm jumps up to 15 feet to a space it can see. Opportunity attacks made in response to this movement have disadvantage.
Downloads
Further Reading
If you’re featuring a campaign heavily aquatic focused, aquatic adept might be a good option for players.
Perhaps the event that created redfin leapers also made scarke.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
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