[One of the great things about yokai is that, since they have been so popular for so long, variants have cropped up. Although you might think “it’s like this monster you already know, but stronger” is an RPG or video game convention only, it dates back hundreds of years in some cases.]
Suiko This reptilian humanoid has a face like a cross between an ape’s and a
tiger’s. Large fish-like scales cover its body and a set of wicked
claws grow from its kneecaps in addition to its hands and feet.
Those who live near the water’s edge understand the dangers posed by kappa. These amphibious humanoids are tricksters and pranksters, but
they are usually violent only when met with violence. When kappa become
more violent and aggressive, it is a sign that their activities may be
controlled by a suiko. Suiko are cousins of the kappa, but lack both the
physical and psychological weaknesses of their kin. A suiko’s skull is
fully closed, trapping its life-giving water within, and suiko care
nothing for politeness or cucumbers—only the allure of gold and blood
can sate their desires.
Suiko are giants among the kappa, but are still fairly short—being
the height of a dwarf, but lean and lanky. They are bullies through and
through, happiest when controlling a gang of weaker creatures
(especially kappa) through threats, violence and mind-altering magic.
Most suiko are ambitious creatures and may gain power through the
service of more magical and fearsome aquatic monsters such as sea-going
dragons, giants or krakens. Suiko are as comfortable in salt water as
freshwater, and their schemes can bring those far from the sea into the
clutches of malign oceanic interests.
Suiko delight in wrestling even more than do their smaller relatives,
but when a suiko grabs hold of an opponent, it aims to kill. The clawed
knees and feet of a suiko allow it to rapidly shred a held victim, and
their hollow fangs drain blood quickly. Legends attribute to suiko
soul-stealing abilities, rumors that the suiko themselves are happy to
spread, but this is likely an exaggeration of their talent for
necromantic magic.
Suiko in Gladia are almost always found in the company of calafex rakshasa, acting as grunts for those tentacled schemers. They are more common in distant Vedzeva, where they are a menace to the shipyards of Frunsim. In fact, they were likely introduced to Gladia accidentally by Frunsimite ships.
Shores of Swords 