Slonzaba

Quick Facts

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Type: Amphibious
• Life span: 15-25 years
• Average weight: ~4,600 lbs
• Origin: Magical experimentation approximately 2,000 years ago
• Gestation: 16 months as internal eggs, 3 months external before hatching

Description

The slonzaba is an at times off putting creature to those not prepared for what they see. Slonzaba are large, standing about six feet high on average, and they have startling faces that resemble frogs. Likewise, they have many of the features one would expect of a frog⁠—a long tongue, wide set large eyes, and a huge mouth. They're amphibious creatures, though they prefer to live on land near water, and though they do not look like it upon cursory glance, they can jump incredibly long distances.

These beasts of burden are preferred by communities that have swamps or bodies of water. For example, bayou-style farmers have herds of slonzaba to help with all manner of tasks, or river-dwelling communities use slonzaba to help making crossing the river easier. Slonzaba are relatively easygoing creatures, but if they feel threatened or disrespected, they will attempt to lash out with their tongues and hold the offending creature or threat in their mouths.

Cultural Facts

In some dragonborn societies throughout Xotera, the slonzaba is considered a delicacy. Therefore, where dragonborn communities butt up against communities that use slonzaba as beasts of burden, there is often conflict related to animal morality and property theft. 
The slonzaba is considered a symbol of surprising skill overshadowed by appearance, often used to refer to situations where someone is thought incompetent or not useful on the basis of how he or she looks. Calling someone a slonzaba is a backhanded compliment, because it nods to both competency and a hideous visage.