Harpy Sub-Species: Sea Striders (Shard Striders)

Danger Level: Normal

Occurrence: Common (in the Shimmering Sea)

Found primarily in the Shimmering Sea and along the coasts, Sea Striders are a mid-sized species of harpy, standing about 50 feet (15 meters) in height. Their plumage is typically a very light color (but never white) and, like most things in the Shimmering Sea, it sparkles when struck with light. Because of this glittery plumage, they often have a rainbow-like aura about them when the sun’s light is its strongest. It’s possible that the same phenomenon in the Shimmering Sea region which causes crystal formations to abound there has also affected these harpies. Their wings appear sharper and more glass-like than those of other harpies. They have webbed feet and are very good swimmers. This sub-species of harpies has a special coating on their wings help to prevent water from being absorbed into them.

While Sea Striders can fly, they don’t fly long distances often. They typically only fly for the purpose of diving into the water to catch prey beneath the surface. Their preferred method of travel is to run along the surface of the water, obviously at extremely high speeds, zipping from one enormous crystalline structure jutting up out of the water to another; something that had earned them the nickname "Shard Striders" at one point. One might expect them to be fast on land as well, and they are, but their webbed feet are far better suited for the water. These harpies will make their homes on large crystalline formations, keeping watch for prey in or along the surface of the water. Naturally, they present an enormous threat to sailors who will be terrified upon seeing the harpies running on water alongside their ships.  Because of their smaller size, one or two human-sized prey is plenty for a Sea Strider, so while they may be a threat to the entire crew on a ship, it’s typically only going to be one unfortunate soul who the harpy is hoping to snatch as she runs by. Another tactic that the Sea Striders use to hunt sailors is diving into the water near a ship and causing the biggest wave possible, with the intent to knock someone into the water to be easily gobbled up when she emerges from the water.