Giant Frog

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Giant Frog Introduction

In the heart of the murky swamps, where the air hangs thick with mist and the scent of decaying vegetation, lurks a creature of formidable size and stealth. The Giant Frog, a behemoth among its kind, is a master of camouflage and ambush. Its skin, a mottled blend of greens and browns, mirrors the swamp's own palette, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. As you venture deeper into its domain, the croaking chorus of its smaller kin serves as an eerie prelude to the encounter that may await.

The Giant Frog is a creature of both simplicity and cunning. Its bulbous eyes, perched atop its head, provide a panoramic view of its territory, ever watchful for both prey and predator. When it moves, it does so with a surprising grace, its powerful hind legs propelling it through the water with ease or launching it into the air in a sudden, explosive leap. Its mouth, a cavernous maw lined with rows of sharp, inward-curving teeth, is capable of swallowing creatures whole, a fate that has befallen many an unwary adventurer.

These amphibious giants are most commonly found in the dank, shadowy recesses of swamps and marshlands, where the ground is soft and the water is stagnant. Here, they reign supreme, their presence a constant threat to those who dare to traverse their territory. Legends speak of entire villages swallowed by the swamp, their inhabitants never seen again, save for the occasional piece of clothing or trinket found in the belly of a Giant Frog.

Despite their fearsome reputation, the Giant Frogs are not mindless beasts. They are creatures of instinct, driven by hunger and the need to survive. Yet, there are tales of those who have managed to tame these creatures, using them as guardians or mounts, though such feats are rare and fraught with peril. As you stand on the edge of the swamp, the water lapping at your feet, you can't help but wonder if the tales are true, and if the Giant Frog is watching you even now, hidden beneath the murky depths.

Giant Frog Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception: +1
• Stealth: +3

Senses

• Darkvision: 30 ft.
• Passive Perception: 11

Languages

• --

Abilities

• Amphibious: The giant frog can breathe air and water.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 1 piercing damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 11). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the frog can't bite another target.
• Swallow: The frog makes one bite attack against a Small or smaller target it is grappling. If the attack hits, the target is swallowed, and the grapple ends. The swallowed target is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the frog, and it takes 5 (2d4) acid damage at the start of each of the frog's turns. If the frog dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 5 feet of movement, exiting prone.

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Battle Tips for the Giant Frog

The Giant Frog is a versatile creature that can be used in various ways to challenge adventurers. As a Dungeon Master, you can leverage its unique abilities to create dynamic and engaging encounters. Here are some tips on how to effectively use Giant Frogs in battle:

• Ambush Tactics: Giant Frogs are excellent at hiding in swampy or forested areas. Use their natural camouflage to set up ambushes. Have them lie in wait in shallow water or dense foliage, surprising the party with a sudden leap and attack.
• Leap and Retreat: Utilize the Giant Frog's impressive jumping ability to its advantage. It can leap into the fray, attack, and then retreat to a safe distance, making it difficult for melee-focused characters to retaliate.
• Swallow Whole: The Giant Frog's ability to swallow smaller creatures can be a game-changer. Target weaker party members or NPCs, creating a sense of urgency for the group to rescue their swallowed ally.
• Pack Tactics: When using multiple Giant Frogs, have them work together to isolate and overwhelm a single target. They can coordinate their attacks to keep the target off-balance and unable to effectively defend themselves.
• Environmental Advantage: Use the environment to the Giant Frog's advantage. In swampy or waterlogged areas, they can move more freely than most adventurers, giving them a tactical edge.
• Fleeing Strategy: If the battle turns against them, Giant Frogs can use their leaping ability to quickly escape into water or dense vegetation, making it difficult for the party to pursue.

By incorporating these strategies, you can make encounters with Giant Frogs both challenging and memorable for your players. Whether they're facing a single frog or a coordinated group, these creatures can provide a unique and exciting battle experience.