Stink Frog
Last night a local dared me to lick this weird looking frog. They assured me it wouldn't kill me and that I'd receive ten gold in return. As I've stated before, I am not a quitter and can't refuse many challenges. I steeled myself and picked up the critter that was in an enclosure on the table. Before it could squirm away I gave it a swift lick. In a poof of noxious gas, it hopped out of my hands and my mouth filled with the most vile substance I've tasted to date (and I've gotten a mouth full of manure before). I gagged and nearly passed out, but was handed the gold and received a firm slap on the back.
Native to only the Scarlet Marsh, these frogs hide a volatile surprise for any would be predator. They evolved to make use of their surroundings while fending off the various dangers of the swamp.
Physical Description
The stink frog is small and bulbous. Its skin ranges from shades of red to oranges and browns in order to blend in with the unusual coloration of the environment. Patchy spots on the top of the body resemble algae and moss to provide more camouflage. Their undersides are lighter in color. Females are usually larger, but otherwise, there is no sexual dimorphism.
Reproduction
Stink frogs reproduce sexually and lay clutches of eggs. They reach maturity after a year and seek out whatever partner they can find. Both males and females perform mating songs via croaking and choose whatever one sounds best.
Once mated, the female will find a safe place to lay her eggs and both parents keep watch until they hatch. They typically try to use moist, shallow pools. Sometimes the male will surround parameter with poisonous mushrooms to keep predators at bay.Growth Cycle
There are multiple life stages these frogs go through as they age. They start off as small, gelatinous eggs that are clear. After they hatch, the babies spend the first couple of months as tadpoles in the nearby body of water.
Over the next two months they gradually transform into their adult bodies. The tadpole tail shrinks as the body grows larger and sprouts its four limbs. Once fully formed they spend the rest of the first year gaining weight and maturing.Diet
Stink frogs are omnivorous. They feast upon any insect, worm, or small fish that can fit in their mouths. Their tongues are sticky and they can shoot them out to catch their prey. The frog's stomach lining is fortified to handle any accidental ingestion of the various harmful substances found in their environment.
Gassy Critters
Over time, these amphibians developed a noxious defense mechanism to ward off predators if they were caught or in danger. If threatened, they'll quickly inflate their body before releasing a sudden poof of gas. This is usually automatic if another animal tries to bite into or grab the frog. It tastes vile and is strong enough to make eyes water. This substance is not harmful otherwise, unless the creature somehow receives a super concentrated dose.
The frog can release this gas about twice a day. They'll then need to replenish their chemical stores using their environment. Scientists observed them rubbing certain mushrooms and plants into their skin to absorb the materials needed to make the substance.
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