Zoog

“In the tunnels of that twisted wood, whose low prodigious oaks twine groping boughs and shine dim with the phosphorescence of strange fungi, dwell the furtive and secretive zoogs... [their] wood at two places touches the lands of men, though it would be disastrous to say where. Certain unexplained rumours, events, and vanishments occur among men where the zoogs have access, and it is well that they cannot travel far outside the world of dream. But over the nearer parts of the dream-world they pass freely, flitting small and brown and unseen...” ~ HPL , Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath

It is not uncommon for the Zoogs and the Cats of the Dreamlands to be at war. During these wars, the forests of the Zoog become dangerous and wild, and travel is strongly recommended against.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A Zoog is a small, brown, rather rodent-like animal. Small tentacles twirl from its snout, concealing a mouthful of sharp teeth. It is an excellent climber and skilled burrower. The Zoog is intelligent and cunning, perfectly capable of making and using utensils and weapons at need, though rarely doing so.

Growth Rate & Stages

The creature usually lives in a burrow. Some colonies drill tunnels through old trees till passages honeycomb the trunks. A Zoog's primary food is fungi, but it finds meat toothsome. Despite small individual size, packs of Zoogs have been known to kill and eat people.
The Zoog is as intelligent as a human, and its woodland habitat is (in a manner) civilized. These creatures can be negotiated with so long as the investigator is careful and diplomatic. Zoogs have a fluttering language which humans can learn. Every Zoog greatly prizes certain objects; if an investigator can offer one or more of these, a treaty and a friendly working relationship should follow. Objects of proven worth to Zoogs include hydra teeth, tales of astounding dreams, and tools from Malebolge (Carter, 1924).
A Zoog treats only with an individual. If, for instance, after signing a treaty, a dreamer returned to the Enchanted Woods with a friend, no Zoog must necessarily respect the friend's well-being. On the other hand, a contract with one Zoog is (usually) a contract with all Zoogs.

Ecology and Habitats

Deep woods, especially those in climates favoring heavy fungus growths.

Geographic Distribution

• The Enchanted Woods