The Aethervale

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monster

Hippocampi

Hippocampi
Hippocampus
Large Monstrosity, Neutral Good
Reveal Stat Block
Speed
20 ft., swim 60 ft.
armor class
14
hit points
45
challenge
2
str
18
+4
dex
14
+2
con
16
+3
int
10
+0
wis
12
+1
cha
10
+0

Skills ATHLETICS +6, PERCEPTION +3

Senses Passive Perception 13

Languages understands Aquan and Common but can't speak

Traits

Amphibious.The hippocampus can breathe air and water.
Aether-Attuned.The hippocampus has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects while underwater.

Actions

Multiattack.The hippocampus makes two attacks: one with its hooves and one with its tail.
Hooves.Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Tail.Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Whirlpool (Recharge 5-6).The hippocampus thrashes its tail, creating a localized whirlpool in a 15-foot radius. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet toward the hippocampus and be restrained until the end of its next turn.

Hippocampi

Hippocampi are magnificent and highly intelligent marine creatures found primarily in the deeper, Aether-rich waters surrounding the Crystal Archipelago and the Broad Swells. They possess the upper body and head of a powerful horse and the lower body of a massive, shimmering fish, often ending in a wide, fan-like tail. Their scales are incredibly durable, capable of withstanding the crushing pressures of the deep sea and reflecting many forms of low-level arcane energy. Unlike common marine life, Hippocampi are highly attuned to the Aetheric currents of the ocean, using them to navigate through even the most violent mana-storms and to sense the approach of predators from miles away.

In the lore of Aethervale, Hippocampi are best known for their role as the primary mounts for the Sea-Wolves mercenary band. Under the dark druidic guidance of Scylla the Scarred, these once-peaceful creatures have been domesticated and trained for high-speed naval warfare. The Sea-Wolves have developed specialized "Aether-Harnesses" that allow their riders to communicate telepathically with the beasts and to utilize their natural agility for devastating underwater ambushes. A trained Hippocampus is a formidable opponent, capable of smashing through the hulls of smaller wooden vessels and utilizing its powerful tail to create localized whirlpools that can disorient enemy sailors.

Beyond their military use, Hippocampi are revered by many coastal cultures as symbols of the ocean's untamed power and grace. Elven legends from the Enclave of Dorey claim that the Hippocampi were created by the First Brood to serve as the guardians of the world's underwater Aether Nodes. While the Sea-Wolves' domestication of the creatures is viewed as an abomination by some, others admire the unique bond between the half-orc druid and her stable of leviathans. Capturing a wild Hippocampus is an incredibly dangerous and difficult feat, often requiring a combination of powerful enchantment magic and exceptional physical strength, making them one of the most valuable and sought-after commodities in the Drift-Market.