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"Pulex sapiens"  
 CLASS: ARTHROPOID BIOLOGY: Created by the hybridization of human and flea, this small but speedy Arthropoid feeds exclusively on blood, employing its many hooks and barbs to anchor itself in the flesh of its prey and slurping as much fluid as it can through its tooth-lined mouthparts. Its wildly variable "helmet" is particularly difficult for prey to dislodge, though the monster can shed this anchoring appendage to make a quicker escape. Anticoagulants and histamine compounds in its bite cause the resulting wound to bleed freely for an extended period of time, while the area of the bite swells painfully and itches maddeningly. Like other sanguivorous arthropoids, its bite may also transfer pathogens and toxins from one host to the next. The Heartsucker's forelimbs are packed with specialized muscles that can densely tighten, lock into position and instantaneously release with enough force to launch the monster hundreds of feet through the air, its laterally flattened body spinning as it leaps to maximize its distance. BEHAVIOR: A Heartsucker is a clever and curious Arthropoid driven to explore every inch of its surroundings. Most comfortable in tightly enclosed spaces, it slinks its flattened body through narrow crevices to hide itself within walls or under large objects. It is also at home in dense, dry foliage, such as patches of rustgrass, reminiscent of swimming through host fur. A Heartsucker may also retain an instinctive interest in the natural host species of its insect base, but it typically translates into a nurturing rather than predatory instinct, i.e. a specimen with C. canis ancestry may feel a strong affection towards dogs, while a C. felis feels unusually protective towards cats. The blood of these host animals tends to taste overwhelmingly sweet to the monster, to the point of unpleasantness. Despite being smaller than most other monsters, Heartsucker have a tendency to feel shy about how "big" they are. APPLIANCE: In addition to its incredible leaping ability, a Heartsucker can use the same muscular mechanism to inflict a devastating punch or jab with its clawed hands, throw small objects with lethal velocity or slam its barbed body into an adversary at close range. Its anticoagulant saliva can also allow the small creature to bring down much larger monsters as they steadily bleed out through strategically placed bite wounds. SPRINGING LEAP: the Heartsucker's forelimbs can tighten and release to hurl the monster great distances. SPRINGING JAB: the same system that enables the monster's leap gives it a deadly jabbing attack. BUG BITE: the bite of the Heartsucker gushes blood rapidly, while the surrounding flesh becomes swollen and agitated. Victims may also suffer illness, poisoning or even allergic reactions to compounds collected from previous prey.   Contents copyright Jonathan Wojcik
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