Goblinoids and the Mocking Frog

Mournling’s are a hostile pack-based species of amphibian origin. Standing at roughly 2.2 meters tall, a Mournlings body plan resembles that of common frog, a tailless amphibian based life-form with a short squat body, and moist dark colored smooth skin. They each have four very long limbs that lay underneath their bodies like frog, that end in three-fingered claws, with a fourth opposite digit that points backwards on the back legs, and are coated with setae that aids them in climbing and gripping floors when jumping.
Oddly, Their heads are elongated similar to that of a crocodilian, devoid of even vestigial eyes or eye sockets. The extensions of their skull can stretch out to more than 3 or more feet in length, and is implied to be more dense than Human bones leading researchers to believe that this is a form of defense since the rest of the body is generally light weight to aid in swimming. Their mouths are filled with sharp teeth, similar to that of a viperfish, up to 6 cm in length, encircled by heat-sensitive pit organs found directly on their gum-line. Eye spots, sensitive to light and dark, run the length of their spiny ridgebacks. Due to their subterranean nature, they are extremely photosensitive, with bright sources of light burning them to the point of physical pain and if exposure is long enough, death.

Biological adaptations

Since Mournlings have no eyes, it relies on its’ other heightened senses to search for prey. To navigate, they use their biosonar skill, or echolocation, much like Bats. The sound, similar to tsk tsk tsk tsk noise, is emitted from their mouths and received by their ears, located on each side of their extended skull. Because the ears are so far apart, the interpretation of their echolocation can enable this vicious Hunter see a much wider field. However, this wider range also creates a blind spot directly in front of their head. It is because of Photosensitivity that they are generally a nocturnal/dusk Hunter, sleeping contently in subterranean lairs whilst the sun was out. Once Twilight descends however, they begin to emerge from their subterranean warrens in search of food —which is generally anything that is left in the light.
Mournlings also use their acute sense of smell to locate prey, with notably to be able to smell a small amount of blood even from a distance, like a Shark. This implies that their olfactory sensors, though not outwardly visibly, are actually very sensitive. It is possible, though unconfirmed, that the extended structure of the skull allows the nostrils to expand to a certain length, allowing for the better sense of smell. Typically however, Mournlings hunt by mimicking the sound of human voices, usually the voices of prior victims. They can also mimic other consumed creatures as well (elk and small mammals have been recorded) and use the voices to cry out for help or sound in distress to lure prey to them, then kill the victim with a single bite to the neck or head. This use of a sad somber voices is what give the creatures their name.

Life cycle

Before true study had been done, Mournlings were often presented in two major forms, some in an (assumed) younger stage, while the most in their adult phase, nicknamed “big boys”. It was not explicitly identified whether the two were of the same species, but the similarities seem to make that implication. It is now been revealed that, despite having no outward sign of gender differentials except size, male and female sexes are present within colonies, but they can however switch genders in a single sex environment if necessary .It is also now known that they breed similarly like frogs, and that each Mournling is capable of laying a cluster eggs, specifically in dark and wet environments, as the eggs are sensitive to heat and light. While many often hatch normally within a couple of months, it has been discovered that Eggs discovered in the wild are in some form of natural stasis, likely awaiting ideal conditions in which to hatch, such In the case of overpopulation, or the delivery of some vital enzyme which will kick start the process.
Despite their viciousness, Mournlings are often described as dutiful parents, boarding on loving, often recorded tending to their eggs, and should the eggs be laid in shallow pools, can be found licking them, to keep them free of common Aquatic parasites such as water lice. Once the eggs hatch, the young are virtually independent, requiring no parental care and are fully capable of taking care of themselves. While juvies are often seen hunting together, Adults, despite being pack based, often seem to work more individually, though it is not unheard of to be attacked by two or more at a time, depending on the amount of food available. This indicates that even males have a non-existent or low level of territoriality.

Hierarchy

There is no definite hierarchy among the Mournlings, though it is possible that some level exists, since they seem to be capable of organized attacks when under the guard of larger, probably more experienced Mournling.

Weakness(s)

Despite all their evolutionary advancements, these creatures also have some notable weaknesses. The most apparent is their photophobic nature, or their negative reaction to light. Photophobia is commonly associated with abnormal functioning or sensitivity in the eyes, but because they have no eyes their photophobia can be traced to an issue in their nervous system. This can be observed when a flashlight is used on the creature, producing corrosive effects on its skin.

Cannibalism

Mournlings are known to engage in cannibalism, attacking and eating the weaker or younger members of their pack. Even when there are still some things to prey on, some stronger members still choose to attack each other, often leading to the idea of them “sport hunting” instead of needing food. Smaller members and young are also known to cannibalize weaker or dead members as well, however they have been recorded killing members of their own kind less then large adults.

Goblinoids

by Totemaster

In Addition to the Mighty Mocking Frog, many other amphibious mutants were thrust into existence sometime after the bombs dropped. These amphibious creatures, often nicknamed “Goblinoids” due to their stout appearance and often first glance human like postures, often prefer damp, dark conditions, and dislike bright light. Salt is another major weakness due to their sensitive skin, though this is less pronounced in the more terrestrial forms like the Brownie and Common Goblin. Common Goblins can even tolerate beachcombing, provided it’s either raining, or if there is a nearby source of freshwater.
Goblinoids or at least ones that follow the same mutational path of the Kappa have the most advanced sense of smell of any amphibian. Their noses are long twin tubes lined with smell receptors, that detect even the tiniest scent particles. They also hunt by sight, and are nocturnal. Though this does not stop people from hunting them, as their hunted to make shoes or coats like snakes, only their skin is more waterproof.

Types

The Brownie (Microgoblinus domesticus) is about the size of a small toddler. This highly inquisitive nocturnal creature prefers small mammals and large invertebrates. In the past it was sometimes tolerated in human households as a sort of “pest-controller”. All the brownie needed was a little “cat-flap” on the door so it could access a nearby pond or stream to moisturize or breed. However, brownies never ended up being as popular pest-controlling pets as domestic cats, due to their unfortunate habit of trying to swallow human babies if left unsupervised, as well as being too stupid to grasp the concept of a “litter box”.
The Grindylow (Cheirovenator cymruensis) is about 4 feet tall, not including its hugely elongated arms. This ambush predator catches smaller prey as it comes down to the water to drink. The Kappa (Kappa japonica)is about the size of a small child (about 8-12). It is an ambush predator that sometimes hunts in packs. This creature, as a result of multiple cross culture naming owes its multitude of names to various cultures. To People of Chinese Descent, this creature is known as 水鬼 “Shui Gui”, or the Water Ghost, or Water Monkey. To People of Japanese Descent, this creature is famously known as Kappa, after the Yokai from traditional Japanese Folklore. It is named Kappa for the familiarity of the notable depression on its head called its “dish” (sara), which retains water, and if this is damaged or its liquid is lost (either through spilling or drying up), the kappa is severely weakened and or dies.
The Loveland frogman (Anthropobatrachus lovelandensis) is about the size of the kappa, standing 4 feet tall when upright. It feeds mainly on large, slow-moving catfish. It was named after the Cryptid allegedly spotted in Loveland, Ohio of the same name.
The Dover demon (Anthropobatrachus infernalis) is smaller, slightly bigger than the brownie. It is an arboreal hunter that stalks the canopy in search of squirrels and baby birds and is named after the famous “Demon of Dover”, a cryptid from Dover, Massachusetts.
The Water leaper (Palustroptera gigantea) is REALLY big. Its wingspan is about 4 metres (12 feet), bigger than a condor. It was named after the malicious creature from Welsh mythology and folklore that lived in swamps, ponds, rivers, and lakes. Much like its name sake this is a giant, limbless frog or toad with a bat’s membranous wings and a long, reptilian tail with a large stinger at the tip. It leaps across the water using its wings, hence its name and its favorite prey are fish, poor sheep who wandered too close to the water’s edge, or even fisherman!!
The Redcap (Rufocephalus scoticus) and Common Goblin (Goblinus goblinus) are the biggest at just under 5 feet, and the grindylow is about the same size as the kappa. Redcaps are by far the most notoriously aggressive, either working alone or in small gangs to take down surprisingly large prey. They have proportionately the biggest and strongest teeth of any amphibian (except maybe for the tusks of the Triassic Mastodonsaurus), and they resemble those of crocodiles. This aggression and ferocious dentition (they also have sharp talons like the kappa), combined with the fact that captured redcaps always died due to not getting their gill-skin moisturized in time, led to the myth of the redcap constantly needing to re-dye its cap red with the blood of its victims, the exact same situation with myth of the Kappa passing out if it bows and spills the water out of its head bowl.

Trivia

by Cardiac-Rhythmic

• Dover Demon Frogs are one of the only mutated species of Frogs that actually do NOT go through a metamorphosis. Unlike many other species such as the Waterleaper and the Mocking Frog, Dover Demon Tadpoles do not go through the standard metamorphosis that all other tadpoles go through, instead they just grow to their adult size like many other species of animals. And unlike many adult frogs that loose their infant like qualities after their final morph, Adult Dover Demons also still exhibit adolescent qualities such as a tadpole like “Swimmer Tail” though much shorter and abnormally long back legs, which are thought to aid them not only in climbing but actually in swimming as they, funnily enough are actually very poor swimmers, who prefer when not climbing on trees to eat baby birds and small rodents, to lie at the bottom of muck rivers during high sun too feed on small invertebrates and other water borne creatures, launching out at prey like a bear trap before settling down again.

• As the name entails, Waterleapers do not actually fly. Their large wing-like appendages are built more for leaping and gliding then they are actual flight. Though despite this, they still make excellent arial predators.

• Because of their sudden appearance in the commonwealth, it is currently unknown if these Mutants are the result of IMB messing with the FEV virus, or if they were just a undiscovered side-effect of the bombs dropping over 200 years ago.

• Despite their habits of tending to live only in caves, many smaller individuals have been known to take up residence in large bodies of water above ground. Those precious few individuals, by day remain underwater, within swampy or wetlandish parts of the commonwealth, wallowing in mud to protect their heat sensitive skin, but emerging at night to prey on animals up to the size of a Brahmin. Victims are usually seized, dragged into the Water, and devoured at leisure, though it isn't unheard of greedy individuals attempting to swallow live prey whole.

• Mournlings are shown to be both invulnerable and vulnerable to small firearms, ranging from 9.mm and 5.56mm Their rubbery amphibious hides often protect them from variations of gunfire, but like most everything, mournlings have weak spots mostly on their soft underbellies and between their shoulders. Damage also pertains to how close a impact you can get in. Fires with a pistol at far range have no effect at all, instead it looks like they bounce off (presumably from the head carapace). However, should you get closer, you may notice that you are more likely to do some damage to them. Plus due to their sensitive hearing they may decide to back off from the bang of the gun. The Sonic Bomb is a great tool to use against these mutant. Capable of producing a high pitched sound, almost like a loud dog whistle, it can disorientate some creatures, or in the case of mournlings who have highly sensitive hearing, cause them physical harm.

• It is currently unknown as to what species of frog the Mournling was originally, as there are no records of any species of Cave Frogs living in the Boston area that could have mutated. Many people tend to believe that due to its size and large appetite, the Mournling were originally American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). Personalities and traits of Mournling would have many believe this to be true as the American Bullfrog was common in pre-war parts of Massachusetts, often found statewide except in Dukes County, inhabiting permanent bodies of water such as ponds and marshes, and was known too eat almost anything it can grab.

• Despite all these adaptations for life in the water, Mocklings are actually poor swimmers! This because, due to evolutionary changes in their biology, they are far more dense then many aquatic frogs. Instead of swimming naturally, they move around by pushing off from the bottom of the river or simply walking along the riverbed in a slow-motion gallop, lightly touching the bottom with their toes, which are slightly webbed, like aquatic ballet dancers. In addition they also evolved a primitive form of a swim-bladder like organ in their abdomen, so used that- if the frog wishes to stay buoyant, it will fill the organ up with air by swallowing it and holding it deep within the organ, thus allowing the frog to stay afloat (and sport a adorable pudgy belly!)
  When the frog is ready to descend, it will actually burp!! thus releasing the air and allowing it to sink. However there is a disease the animal can obtain called “Bloat” where irritation or other forms of illness cause the swim bladder to start swelling thus air is unable to be released. The main signs of bloat in Mockling’s are distension of the left side of the abdomen, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), whitening of the flesh around the distended side and severe distress. If gas continues to accumulate and is not expelled, the right side of the abdomen may also become distended, with death occurring in the animal a possible 3–4 hours after symptoms begin. The exact cause of this illness is generally unknown, but it is often thought to be due to aspiration of outside contaminants, similar to aspiration pneumonia, where foreign bodies enter the bladder through some means and thus lead to disease

Dont worry about Will

She's Fine

It should be noted that while cute, baby mournling’s have less of a impulse control when it comes to biting things then their parents do. Meaning that you are more likely to loose fingers petting them then you would probably petting other members of various Amphibiod species, so do mind where you place them!!