Splinterpops

Classification: Bloom Spawn – Tier 1 Contamination Vector
Common Names: Boomrats, Pufflings, Festerkin

Description:

Splinterpops resemble twisted versions of small mammals—rodents, ferrets, or weasels—though their flesh is veined with fungal growths and their eyes glow faintly green or yellow. They move in twitchy, skittering bursts and emit high-pitched chittering sounds that grow louder just before detonation.

Each Splinterpop is about the size of a loaf of bread, with patches of cracked, spongy skin that release faint spores as they move. Their tails are stiff and segmented, often trailing glowing mycelium.

Special Trait — Explosive Propagation:

When critically injured or when in close proximity to a threat, the Splinterpop undergoes rapid internal decomposition. Within seconds, its body balloons slightly before bursting in a violent explosion of toxic spores and barbed bone shrapnel.

• Spore Burst Radius: 15 ft
• Effects:
• Targets must make a Fortitude or Reflex save or become spore-infected (conditions may vary).
• Those hit by bone fragments take minor piercing damage and risk secondary infection.
• Explosions can trigger chain reactions if other Splinterpops are nearby.

Bloom Ecology:

Splinterpops are used as mobile contagion vectors by the Bloom. They seek out living creatures, nesting areas, or sources of warmth, and may be drawn to noise or magic. Once in proximity, they explode—either from damage or proximity triggers—seeding the area with new fungal spores and rot.

Their bodies rapidly decompose after death, leaving behind a foul-smelling, moss-like residue that begins sprouting microfungi within hours.