Bestiary
A peculiar species of frog that is very ominous and knows too much… They live throughout the entire Realm, and every subtype has its own unique “quirks.”
Universal Traits
All Haskus frogs are quadrupedal save for one variant, and all have immense jumping power. This varies between species, certain ones like the Plated Haskus having less jumping ability due to their physical traits, and others like the Northern Haskus having the ability to launch themselves several yards into the air. Their feet stick slightly enough to the ground that it sounds like sandals when they walk.
Every Haskus can speak a few words, having no concept of verbs, conjunctions, or descriptive words. They speak exclusively in nouns, and only ever in one-word sentences. There’s an ominous element in the fact that they seem to know a lot more than any non-sapient creature should, and are perfectly capable of understanding human speech and occasionally responding.
They are of an interesting level of intelligence and can identify certain situations and have a response to it, an example being if they see someone who has not showered in a few days and saying “Soap.” They are otherwise mostly like any other frog out there and act as such.
Many regions carry superstitions about these different variants of Haskus, due to their ominous presence and knowledge.
Common Haskus
The most common variant of Haskus frog, there’s nothing necessarily special about it but they’re still worth mentioning.
Physical Traits
They’re just frogs. Literally. They look like that stereotypical, probably green, frog. They come in sharply contrasting combinations of oranges and blues, usually one being saturated while the other is diluted or “burnt.” Their eyes are usually heterochromatic with the two shades, whether in the form of rings, splotchy patterns, solid half-and-half, or two distinct eyes, it’s strange to see one with one colour across both eyes.
In terms of size, they are most often 9” at their backs, though some of this variant may reach up to 12” tall.
There is otherwise nothing all too visibly remarkable about this frog. Just a regular, 9”+ tall frog, that is always blue and orange and heterochromatic.
Habitat
Common Haskus live all over the Realm, save for certain areas such as icey regions and the volcanic areas of the Isle of Fire. There’s a lack of Common Haskus in the desert as well, the common consensus being that the sand sticks to all their mucus.
Ecological Relations
Regardless of where they live, they are always looked at quite strangely. Trying to shoo them away is an interesting task as when you shoo one away, more are likely to reappear the moment you turn your back. At least they generally stay out of the way of people trying to do one task or another. As ominous as their eternally mindless stare is.
Rarity
Common Haskus are just that: common. They are by far unthreatened by extinction and are somewhat of a nuisance with just how many there are.
Fancy Haskus
A very peculiar and domesticated species of Haskus most known for its magnificent hair.
Physical Traits
The Fancy Haskus looks, similar to the Common Haskus, like a normal frog. The only additional feature is a large poof of hair on the frog’s head, which is easily stylized thanks to its mucus acting as hair gel. It’s not a disturbing sight as all like with other certain species of frog, instead it looks like normal plain hair. The mucus gives it a slight sheen. This hair, as mentioned before, can be styled, though any keepers of Fancy Haskus frogs know all too well that they need a comb made of some kind of plant like a frayed reed, as a regular hairbrush will actually stick in their hair and will take a while to get out.
On average, these frogs are about six inches tall, and considered one of the smallest variants of Haskus.
They can be found in any colour and most often have swirling markings on them. Their hair matches the colour of the flesh beneath, albeit being diluted in colour and sometimes having a fade from this colour to another at the tips.
Habitat
Fancy Haskus are not found in the wild anymore, and appear mostly in developed countries such as Ironbrook and Meros under their caretakers and breeders.
Ecological Relations
They are known to be very loyal frogs to their owners, human, dragon, or other, and are particularly fond of having their hair brushed. These frogs are not picky eaters of any sort and don’t require any special environment or temperature to survive, so they are generally good pets. It is, however, expensive to get one despite this ease, as they are considered show animals and are bred only by those with approval to do so to prevent inbreeding and disease. They are not a pet suitable for a child as handling them too much can stress them out. They can, however, be trained, and they are not needy but will say things to alert its owner of something (i.e. “brush” if they wish for their hair to be brushed).
Regions that have these frogs have frog shows and competitions, where owners of Fancy Haskus come to compete to see who has the most refined frog. There are different tiers based on how long one has owned and taken care of their frog, and there may or may not be a prize for having the best frog. Some competitions are purely for entertainment purposes.
Rarity
As these frogs are bred and raised in captivity, there is currently no threat of extinction.
Oceanic Haskus
A subtype of Haskus that lives in the oceans of the Realm. No-one’s sure how they got there, but they’re doing alright so there are no questions asked.
Physical Traits
These frogs are aquatic in nature and have a few fins to assist in beating the currents of the ocean. They are able to breathe both air and water equally well, and as such may rarely hop up on beaches they’re close to. They are most often blues and greens, though some paler tones are not uncommon.
Oceanic Haskus are a medium-sized variety, standing about 14” tall and hunting small fish for food.
Their feet are particularly large, widespread with thick webbing to ensure swift movement in the water. They are known to be strong enough to launch them out of the water and onto the deck of a boat, should the boat be low enough to the water.
Habitat
Oceanic Haskus live throughout the central portion of the Gaping Sea, though there is a slightly denser population in the Whaletooth Archipelago.
Ecological Relations
They get swatted off the docks of the Whaletooth Archipelago somewhat frequently, though some ship captains are known to treat them well. This is due to a few occasions in the past where they have hopped aboard ships with a warning of “storm” or “creature” and there is slight superstition held by a few captains that if you harm one, they may never come to forewarn should a threat arise on the seas. It’s considered a bad omen to try to trap one to keep it as a pet.
Rarity
There is no suspicion that these frogs are rare by any means, given the hundreds that swarm the Archipelago.
Northern Haskus
An odd Haskus frog that lives in northern Cyr, sporting a small pair of wings yet unable to fly.
Physical Traits
Often greys, browns, blacks, and whites in colour, Northern Haskus feature natural patterns that aid in camouflage, such as barring and stripes. It is worthy to note that their backs are feathered and they have a small pair of wings, which is only ever good for after they launch themselves into the air to flutter in place a few seconds before dropping back to the ground. These wings mimic common birds such as sparrows and finches. Their eyes are most often yellow and green.
They are meaty frogs, standing at two feet tall and having a wingspan of anywhere between a three and five foot wingspan.
Habitat
These strange frogs are only found in Ironbrook and the Windwyrm Kingdom, avoiding populated areas.
Ecological Relations
Windwyrms are volatile in terms of whether these frogs go unharmed or not, some seeing them as too birdlike with their gift of wings and others seeing them as just a frog with a strange feature. When they speak, some Windwyrms flee in fear of it being a spirit incarnate.
In Ironbrook, these creatures are enigmatic to those within the city, and those that travel outside and see these frogs may occasionally hunt them to cook up a good dinner for their families (they apparently taste like turkey).
These frogs very rarely say anything to the other species in the Realm, though if they say anything it’s more than likely to be nonsense to toy with them. They find amusement in these, albeit rare, interactions.
Rarity
It is unknown if this species is endangered or numerous, and given hunting habits, it’s safe to say they are threatened.
Riverlander Haskus
An orblike frog that is more social than most in-laws.
Physical Traits
These odd frogs like to mimic stones on a riverbed, and act still at the bottom of a creek in wait for an innocent child to pick them up for one reason or another. They are very round and have smooth skin like a tree frog, with thin mucus that does not stick to someone’s hands if they put them down. They come in an array of pale or pearlescent colours, often with speckling to further push their hidden rock agenda.
They are the smallest Haskus frog, being a mere 4” tall.
Habitat
As their name suggests, they are native to the Land of Rivers and specifically live in the Serpent Delta.
Ecological Relations
Riverlander Haskus are friendly, and some may say suspiciously so. They love to be picked up and held by anyone, children and adults alike, and are known to form “frog piles” with others of their kind if they need attention. They are well known for being some of the most adorably cuddly frogs and can identify which people have previously given them attention and which ones have tossed them away easily.
It isn’t an uncommon situation for one to be handed a Riverlander Haskus if they are in a state of mental or emotional turmoil, as these frogs have a strangely soothing presence for no known reason.
Rarity
These frogs have a very healthy population and are at no threat of being endangered.
Ashfall Haskus
A small frog from the Isle of Fire that is known for thriving on a diet of just ash and charcoal.
Physical Traits
Standing at about 1’ tall, the Ashfall Haskus makes its presence known with loud croaks followed by smaller ones that sound more like coughing. In reality, they are unaffected by the ash and smoke in their environment and can breathe it perfectly fine. These frogs can breathe in the smokeridden air and, interestingly enough, exhale purified oxygen.
These frogs are most often black and grey with sharp red highlights mimicking cracks.
Habitat
Ashfall Haskus live in the volcanic regions of the Isle of Fire, though some can be found scattered throughout the island itself.
Ecological Relations
The different clans of the Isle usually just eat this frog, though Ashfall Haskus tend to hide in obscure places and spook them frequently with nonsensical statements. The Viper Clan has taken a liking to this frog and will catch them for its pranking potential.
Some visitors or Fireworms living where visitors would come to and from import and export these frogs to other places around the Realm with a bit of information on their diet.
Rarity
Ashfall Haskus are in a peculiar state of living, being eaten by all the fellow denizens of the Isle of Fire but reproducing fast enough to double their numbers once they drop to half. No-one is concerned about how plentiful this frog may or may not be.
Plated Haskus
The main desert species of Haskus, thickly armoured just like their Stormherald neighbours.
Physical Traits
A generally dark blue to light gold frog, it can be seen hopping around the desert without much care at all. This is due to heavy protection on its topside in thick scutes, while it has a vulnerable underside barren from scutes of any sort. This frog mainly feeds off of butterfly cactus, though it may still eat fruit from a bottle palm if the need arises.
This large frog stands at about 3’ tall.
Habitat
This frog resides within Stormherald territory, and scarcely can be seen willingly throwing itself into the Shimmering Wastes.
Ecological Relations
Stormherald nomads may turn these into a quick snack should the need arise and the frog be present, as a quick spark of lightning is enough to roast them. Otherwise they aren’t very notable.
Rarity
These frogs are very plentiful despite their desert living conditions.
Fogborn Haskus
Very peculiar, this frog has a foggy mist clinging to its skin that it can’t seem to make go away. It’s hard to make out the precise details of the Fogborn Haskus.
Physical Traits
The Fogborn Haskus is constantly shrouded in a foggy mist concealing their dull blue-grey and desaturated orange hues as its mucus catches strands of dust in the air to give it this look as if on purpose. This appearance may have been used to protect them from the grey seraphim early on, as it blended them in better with their surroundings. It’s otherwise, after several caught and examined specimens, a meaty frog that is particularly tasty with sea salt.
This Haskus stands at about 2’8.
Habitat
Fogborn Haskus are only found on the Isle of Ghosts, theory being that they were Common Haskus that evolved overtime to blend into their surroundings.
Ecological Relations
Gold seraphim on the Isle of Ghosts may have occasionally used this cleverly disguised frog to play games, though chances are that they more often than not would eat the tagged frog after they found it. Catching them is an entertaining process and makes getting a meal fun. However, now that the fog has been dispelled, these frogs can be easily found hopping all around the isle.
Rarity
A scientist could consider these frogs endangered due to their camouflage being rendered useless in 504 and resulting in them becoming a more popular cuisine.
Foxfire Haskus
A cave-dwelling Haskus frog that lights up with a blue glow providing light to the Darklings they live beside.
Physical Traits
A curious 1’6 black orb of a frog. They have no colour variations of any kind, a sooty black being the universal standard. They have subtly glowing blue eyes that are almost always peeking over a shoulder. They have a non-sticky mucus and as such can live peacefully among the Darklings of the caves they call home.
When relaxed, these little frogs will light up with a light blue glow, and Darklings will often use them as light sources.
Habitat
Foxfire Haskus live throughout the cave systems in Theavia.
Ecological Relations
They live peacefully alongside Darklings, being used at lamps and lights with little threat of potentially getting eaten. They like to sit on the heads of their Darkling friends when they’re travelling around and find joy in sticking with them. If a Darkling happens to have a book, whether they can actually read or not is debatable because they will randomly say “page” after a few moments of being on that page. Some Darklings prefer not to have frogs for this reason, while other Darklings will actually read to their frog to put them to sleep.
Others, however, will smack the frog on the head to make it stop glowing so that they can sleep.
Rarity
Foxfire Haskus are at no threat of extinction.
Frozen Haskus
A cold-resistant Haskus frog known for the icy spikes that form from its back.
Physical Traits
The Frozen Haskus is a large frog known for living in and around the Frozen Gates. It has an icey sheen to its body and appears much like it is, as named, frozen. There are icelike spikes forming on its back from a fusion of water and mucus, unusually strong and unusually sharp. Unlike most of the other Haskus variants, it is ill advised to try to hunt or eat this frog.
On average, this frog is about 2’4 tall, though that is excluding the spikes on its back that will greatly vary this range.
Habitat
The Frozen Haskus is native to Dutoria and The Frozen Gates.
Ecological Relations
Frozen Haskus tend to avoid close quarters with people in Dutoria, though it does give some rather obvious warnings of “ice” and “snow.” It tends to give people the cold shoulder.
Rarity
This frog is under no threat of extinction due to its hardiness.
Astral Haskus
A rare variant of Haskus that features glowing constellations that match that of the ones that were in the sky when they were born.
Physical Traits
Overall this frog looks like it has a nebula painted on its body, swirling shades of violets and blues and reds and greens coming together to create a faux galaxy. Glowing white patterns mimic the constellations that were at their climax in the sky when the frogs finished their metamorphosis, the most significant constellation glowing brightly on their backs.
These frogs have a nickname of the “Stargazer’s Friend” as they, too, will sit back and stare at the sky all night, and their markings are a nice touch. They are an even 1’ tall on average.
Habitat
Astral Haskus are native to Theavia, though a few have been taken to Cyr on voyages.
Ecological Relations
These are very calm and loyal frogs, finding peace even in the most obscure situations. They are often kept as pets by those willing to take the time to make sure they snap out of their daze and eat and drink on a regular basis. Unlike other Haskus frogs, they will speak in long-syllabic words, specifically names of constellations, and very slowly.
Rarity
Astral Haskus are endangered, and some areas have taken note of this to preserve their remaining numbers.
Haskus Jaskus
The rarest species of Haskus, some cultures consider them sacred when they appear.
Physical Traits
The Haskus Jaskus is very rarely sighted, though many have noted the sharp blue and orange markings that frequently move across this frog like an illusion due to their bizarre iridescence. There is a singular gemlike growth in the centre of their head, which seems to start glowing every time there is a catastrophic event on the horizon.
From a few sightings, it has been confirmed this frog reaches at least 4’ tall, and possibly larger.
Habitat
No-one is certain where Haskus Jaskus frogs take up residence, just that there have been few sighted in the Realm over the years, and their latest appearance was earlier in 505 A.E.D. with a glowing red gem present.
Ecological Relations
There are no known ecological relationships that this frog possesses, simply that it is considered very rare to see one and if you do, then it was likely the only time you ever would.
Rarity
Haskus Jaskus frogs are very rare to come by, and are considered critically endangered, though it is unknown if they even have a predator or if they can be caught…
Seal Haskus
A bipedal Haskus, named after its very strong resemblance to seals in terms of patterns, but having one very distinct trait that sets them apart from the rest.
Physical Traits
A very odd trait for a frog, this Haskus walks completely on its back legs. It’s named purely after their resemblance to seals but there is a striking detail that has many confused. Its back legs are a bright ruby red, giving the appearance of heels as it walks. Whether this frog has style or is just confusing, the world may never know.
This frog stands about 4’ tall on its hind legs, and lives purely on a piscivorous diet.
Habitat
Seal Haskus are found around the coasts of Theavia and Cyr, often perched on rock outcroppings with their legs crossed.
Ecological Relations
This peculiar frog is sometimes caught and used for bait on the open seas, as it does not taste good to human consumption (rather, a lot like leather). They keep saying “rock” for no reason at all, though this is suspected to tie in with their standard choice place to live.
Rarity
Seal Haskus are very common, especially around the shores of Theavia.
Caffeinated Haskus
A Haskus that mostly appears around coffee farms in Theavia, and a tradition unintentionally began that these frogs have still not recovered from.
Physical Traits
Caffeinated Haskus have a myriad of colours and patterns, the one common factor being a sharply contrasting ring on their back that bleeds outwards to mimic what appears to be an eclipse. Their eyes are very large and wide, giving them a strange appearance, though most of the time their pupils are either very small or absorbing their entire eye. There is no known in-between. They are about 28” tall and may reach 34” in good conditions.
They are only ever seen around harvest time, when the coffee beans are fresh and the roasting begins.
This species of Haskus is very twitchy and only ever says two things: before coffee, “coffee,” after coffee, “transporrdy.”
Habitat
While these frogs used to have a healthy sleep cycle, they now hibernate underground for most of the year and are awake for two months surrounding the harvest and roasting period of coffee.
Ecological Relations
These frogs used to hop around farms eating bugs off the crops happily and without hesitation, living a great, normal frog life. When a plentiful coffee harvest came in one year, the delay in being able to harvest it all resulted in some frogs thinking the beans were insects and eating them after they had fallen to the ground. Upon seeing this, the coffee farmers found it humorous and thought “what if we gave them actual coffee?” Worse innocent mistakes have likely never been made.
The frogs quickly became addicted to the coffee, and it turned into the only thing they would ever say. Once they hit the peak of their caffeine high, they started saying “Transporrdy” over and over again, launching themselves everywhere with the energy before eventually crashing. The farmers had to clean up many frogs that day.
Now, every year around the same time, the frogs emerge and swarm the farmers with “coffee” until they get their beloved beverage, their reaction to the high amounts of caffeine never yielding in an endless cycle. They do still eat the bugs off the crops and taste good themselves, luckily, so it isn’t entirely a loss on the farmer’s end.
Rarity
These frogs are (unfortunately in the farmers’ case) plentiful, to the point that there are too many to roast them all for a meal and it is far more beneficial for their mental wellbeing to just brew the frogs coffee and let them go wild on their one night of the year.
Asinus Haskus
There’s an old folktale about keeping these frogs secured, contained, and protected, as there is a notorious Asinus Thief that has not been caught to this day.
Physical Traits
This frog has dull brown and grey colouring, with lighter and darker streaks mimicking markings of donkeys. At 8" tall, it is an average sized Haskus species. They have a solid rectangular pupil similar to that of equines rather than that of a frog, and their vision is a bit odd and results in very peculiar behaviour.
Habitat
These frogs take up residence in Hovell, particularly liking to sit in stables and barns. It occasionally slips into libraries too, even though it can't read, and will chant "book" over and over like a little goblin frog.
Ecological Relations
These frogs are very odd potential "companions," having a habit of choosing a random individual every day and following them around while making obnoxious braying croaks to try to catch the attention of this chosen companion. If you are chosen by an Asinus Haskus, you will know, and you will know very soon.
According to an old folk legend told as a bedtime story to children, you should always keep an eye on your Asinus Haskus friend, because for all you know you may turn your back one second and they will be gone, taken away by the Asinus Thief. Some children take this too literally and crush their poor frog nearly to death to keep it safe.
Rarity
Asinus Haskus frogs are common finds, popping up around various corners in Hovell.
Yummu Haskus
No-one knows, or wants to know, where this frog came from.
Physical Traits
A typical light green frog, with unblinking beady brown eyes and an eternal grin. After undergoing their metamorphosis, they lose the ability to move their facial features, having this grin that will follow you as you walk past. Male frogs of this species feature a dark brown pattern that nearly mimics a little frog vest.
Disturbingly, this is one of the largest Haskus frogs, standing at 3’ tall.
Habitat
Yummu Haskus are found scattered in northern areas of the Realm, such as Ironbrook and Dutoria. It is suspected that they stow away on ships to reach the other continent with such ease.
Ecological Relations
Nobody likes this Haskus frog or its creepy grin, and most do everything they can to avoid it. Hunting them, while useful for lowering their numbers, is pointless, as their meat tastes like it's been souring for several days no matter how soon you cook it.
Rarity
This frog has a moderately sized population.
Accursed Haskus
This would be a perfectly acceptable creature if it was actually normal.
Physical Traits
The Accursed Haskus looks completely normal. No significant unnatural colours or patterns, nothing to make it stand out among the crowd, none of it. That is, until it gives one of its creepy smiles. This frog has teeth, and ones that look identical to those in the typical human jaw. How strong the bite force may be is up for debate, though none are willing to test their fate in sticking anything near an Accursed Haskus’s otherwise innocent face.
These frogs have a warty appearance almost like a toad, yet still too smooth to look like one, and often have a yellow tint to all of their colours and markings. They stand on average at 14” tall.
Habitat
Accursed Haskus, regretfully, live in areas all across the Realm, often favouring places around society and forests.
Ecological Relations
Despite the disturbing trait lying behind their lips, these frogs are generally ignored unless they make themselves known. They are occasionally turned into meals if one is desperate enough to carve around the teeth, though the meat is chewy.
Rarity
This species of Haskus is uncommon, though considered not at threat.
Cryptid Haskus
As it’s there one minute and gone the next, it took years to confirm the existence of this frog.
Physical Traits
Similar to the Common Haskus, it looks like a normal frog. Every colour and pattern can be found on every frog, as this species can camouflage. Due to this, this frog likes to play tricks from innocent bystander’s peripherals, and disappears when looked at directly. They tend to default to bright and neon colour schemes to throw people off should they catch them out of camouflage.
This frog is oddly flat like a disc and sits at only 8” tall.
Habitat
Cryptid Haskus frogs live around the Overgrown Mountains in Springsinger territory, and trail up north into southern Hovell and the Whaletooth Archipelago.
Ecological Relations
Most people and dragons find these frogs annoying, given their love for mind games getting on their nerves. Scientists despised the notion of this frog existing due to a lot of conflicting points of view on whether it exists or not and varying reports of what it looks like and where it was last sighted. It took them many failed attempts to finally trap this frog and get a good look at it and learn that everyone was correct on this frog’s colour.
Rarity
No one knows how rare this frog is due to shifting appearances making it hard to keep track of them, much less catch them to figure it out.
Sand-Eater Haskus
These frogs eat sand. All of it. Someone needs to stop them and get them on a healthier diet.
Physical Traits
The colour of this frog ranges from faint whites to deep reds depending on the colour of the sand they most recently ingested. Their markings are grainy in appearance, providing camouflage among the desert sand from anything that could predate on them. They have small thorn-like spines along their back to ward off anyone trying to forcefully stop them from eating sand.
Much like a camel, they store up water in their bodies for extended periods of time to keep them and their mucus hydrated, resulting in an overall chunky appearance.
On average, they stand at about a foot and a half tall, though they may be smaller.
Habitat
Sand-Eater Haskus are desert-dwelling frogs, and can be found in Stormherald territory as well as in eastern Hovell.
Ecological Relations
These frogs are peculiar and hop away from anyone who tries to get close or catch them. Stormheralds and Hovellans alike will occasionally keep them to clean up sand tracked in from the outdoors.
Rarity
These frogs thrive in high numbers across the desert, seemingly fulfilled by the presence of sand in their environment.