The Frog King's Throne

The Frog King's Throne, an ancient and massive stone worn into the shape of a throne, stands isolated in the misty wetlands. The stone is flanked by dense vegetation, its surface etched with faint grooves and moss that clings like a patchwork cloak. Hundreds of frogs and toads of varying sizes surround the throne, their rhythmic croaking filling the air. Some visitors claim the frogs’ eyes seem to follow them, giving the place an unnerving sense of watchfulness.
Deeper: Local trappers and swamp folk speak of the “Frog King”—called Kwurib-Ruh by the few Berrylmen who remember him. Once revered by the first Berrylmen settlers, Kwurib-Ruh has become largely forgotten. As the Berrylmen integrated into Corrheian society, offerings dwindled. Indifferent to this change, Kwurib-Ruh burrowed deep into the wetlands ages ago, finding sustenance in the offerings provided through its work as the wetlands’ caretaker. Under his influence, new waterways formed, sweeping away old debris, and grazing grasses grew in the cleared lands, creating sheltered pockets of microclimates and ecosystems beneath the canopy where life flourished.
While largely unbothered by the worldly affairs of mortals outside his swampland kingdom, Kwurib-Ruh still rewards those who bring offerings or those of noble hearts in desperate need. Its rewards are subtle—a favorable turn in one’s journey, a protective charm against misfortune, or a clear path through the mire.
But for those who exploit the delicate balance he has cultivated and maintained, taking too much and offering little in return, Kwurib-Ruh’s patience wanes. Strange accidents befall the intruders and settlers that encroach too deep into the wetlands—boats capsize, tools rust, livestock stray, and old monsters thought to be just the imaginings of superstition and folklore have begun to appear, terrorizing travelers, hunters, and trappers. One weary trapper, Booroon, now kneels before the throne, a basket of rare offerings in hand, begging for forgiveness as a ring of frogs croaks in disapproval.