Category: worldbuilding

Frolm Deities

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1. Mossara – Mother of the March

She is known as the Goddess of life, wetlands, and motherhood. She is also the supreme goddess among several of the frolm tribe. Mossara is said to have given the Creatrix the idea to create frolm aas a race and that she would watch over them. The frolm were shaped from mud, reeds, and rainwater. Her symbols are the lily pad, green spiral, and three cattails. She is often followed by midwives, farmers, and village elders.

2. Krovak – Lord of the Croaking Chorus

Krovak is known as the god of music, communication, and unity. The frolm believe that every frog call carries meaning with it. He has taught them how to sing to one another across swamps. Frolm priests communicate important messages through a variety of ceremonial chants.

3. Velnora – Keeper of Still Waters

Velnora is known as the goddess of wisdom, meditation, and reflection. Many frolm believe that quiet ponds are places where she speaks. Those who are seeking guidance, even by non-frolm travelers, sit beside still water for days waiting for the answer. She often takes a while to answer.

4. Gruth – The Great Toad

Gruth is known as the god of endurances, patience, and survival. He is said to be an humongous ancient toad said to sleep beneath the oldest swamp. He also teaches the frolm patience. Frolm warrior may gather together before partaking in a long campaign.

5. Xalassa – Lady of Rain

Xalassa is the goddess of rain, storms, and cleansing. In fact, every rainstorm is seen as one of her blessings. These rains often get frolm into the mood to be festive and sometimes parties are thrown at random with the heavy rains. However, droughts are seen as signs that something has disturbed nature.

6. Nythra – The Lady of Mist

Nythra is the goddess of mystery, hidden paths, dreams. The morning fog is said to hide spirits. Those traveling through a thick mist often leave offerings before enterting. She may protect travelers or lead them astray if they have ill will.

7. Thurog – Guardian of the giant beast

Thurog is said to be the god of animals and balance. Frolm believe that every giant swamp creature belongs to him including the great beasts who dwell in the Great Frolm Forest. Hunters will ask him for permission before killing. However, if one takes more than what is needed, his anger will be stirred.

8. Selka – Weaver of Reeds

Selka is the goddess of family, homes, and craftsmanship. She is the inventor of weaving and builders often dedicate the first beam of every home to her.

9. Brakkor – The Rotten King

Brakkor is the god of decay, fungi, rebirth. Some think he is the strangest deity. The frolm do not fear rot, rot feeds mushrooms which feeds animals, and animals feed the swamp. Death leads to life. He represents this endless cycle.

10. Othrin – The Fire that should never burn

Othrin is the god of wildfire and destruction. Unlike woodland elves, the frolm fear fire that isn’t controlled. Othrin is not evil, but necessary. Sometimes a part of the swamp may have to burn for new life to begin.

11. Ilyssa – Mother of Eggs

Ilyssa is the Goddess of birth and children. Every egg receives her blessing. Parents leave polished stones near the nests in honor of her.

12. Kethun – The Leaping One

Kethun is the God of courage and exploration. He is considered the first frolm to cross impossible distances. Those who are young adventurers seek his blessing before they leave for their quest.

13. Marruk – Lord of Insect

Marruk is the god of insects and pollination. While many people in Zalonia hate insects, the frolm recognize that without them, the swamp dies. Some of his priests breed sacred dragonflies and insects.

14. Hessa – The Moon Frog

Hessa is the goddess of the night, stars, and navigation. She is known to paint silver paths across the marshes and hunters use her moonlight as guidance.

15. Zorath – The Devouring Bog

Zorath is the god of natural justice. He represents dangerous bogs. There is the belief that those who exploit nature eventually disappear into his marches. He’s more an inevitable force of balance than he is a villian.
Religious Philosophy

The frolm don’t see the world as a struggle between good and evil. Instead, they believe that everything exists in cycles like life becomes death, death becomes the soil, the soil feeds plants, plants feed insects and some animals, insects feed animals, and animals feed the people. The people eventually return to death. There is nothing that is wasted and there is nothing that truly dies.

The Four Sacred Principles of the Frolm
Their four main teachings are summarized like this

1. Only take what the swamp willingly gives to you.
2. Leave every place in better condition from which you found it.
3. Honor decay because it creates tomorrow
4. Think and listen before you speak, even the marsh has a voice

Some believe that the swamp is the true god and that the gods are merely voices.

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Frolm Food

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Insect & Small Creature-Based Foods

(Because they are frog-like, they often enjoy such things as protein-rich insects, crustaceans, and amphibious creatures)

Maple-Covered Grasshoppers

This is their favorite treat and is often used at festivals. It is a sweet and crunchy food made from roasted grasshoppers glazed with maple syrup

Bogshrimp Skewers

These are large, juicy freshwater shrimp, typically found in jungle pools. They like to grill it over mosswood fires and then brush it with citrus-infused nectar.

Firefly Larvae Dumplings

These are soft, glowing larvae that are wrapped in edible lily leaves. They are steamed which gives off a faint golden hue.

Rainmoth Caterpillar Stew

This is a slow-cooked dish made with large caterpillars that absorb the flavors of jungle broth and swamp spices.

Flicker Beetle Jerky

This is where beetles are dried and marinated with juices that are sweet or sour. They create a chewy, tangy snack that store well for long journeys. They are the frolm’s equivalent to the mede seeds.

Moss Crab Legs

This is a soft-shelled crab which grows near the Frolm’s water habitats. It is boiled with fermented reeds and spicy rivergrass.

Glowing Spider Eggs

These are a delicacy of spider egg sacs that are mixed with honeydew sap and crushed flower petals. They are generally eaten raw or fermented for added flavor.

Fruits, Seeds, and Plant-Based Foods

Because the frolm live in a jungle, their diet includes such things as exotic fruits and energy-packed plants.

Glowfruit Chunks

This is a bioluminescent fruit with a tart-sweet taste. These are usually eaten raw or dried into chewy strips.

Swamp Melon

This is a large watery fruit with a jelly-like interior. It is sometimes fermented into a mildly alcoholic drink.

Lily Pad Wraps

These are large edible leaves that are filled with several nuts, seeds, and spiced mushroom paste.

Sticky Vine Pods

These are soft, nutty pods which ooze a caramel-like sap when they are cracked open. They are often chewed like gum or as a topping on food.

Rainberry Soup

This is a thick, purple berry soup. It is served cold and mixed with fermented swamp nectar.

Mistnut Paste

This is a high-energy nut better made from ground jungle nuts. They are sometimes spread on roasted insect legs or can be used as a dip.

Marsh Fungus Loaf

This is a dense, spongy bread made from combining wild mushrooms and tree-root flour

Swamp & Water-Based Dishes

Being amphibious, frolm eat food from rivers, lakes, and marshes

Bogfish Stew

This is a rich, slow-cooked fish stew which is infused with jungle spices and thickened with crushed fern roots.

Mudslime Noodles

This is a gelatinous, translucent noodle. It is made from algae and fermented swamp moss and served in a hot broth.

Saltwater Eel Fillets

These are tender slices of eel that are smoked over an aromatic wood and dipped in fermented fruit sauces.

Bubblefruit Ferment

This is a fizzy, plant-based drink which is made from soaking swamp berries until they are naturally fermented and become mildly alcoholic

Riverweed Salad

This is a cold dish made from such things as crunchy river plants, lotus roots, and edible swamp flowers

Driftwood Clams

These are a shellfish that grows on floating logs. It is harvested and steamed with tangy flower nectar.

Desserts & Treats

Moss-Honey Tarts

These are soft pastries usually made from crushed nuts and honey from the swamp. They are baked and contain edible leaves.

Frogspawn Pudding

This is a jelly-like dish that is made from small floating seed that look like frog eggs. They are generally served with berry syrup.

Sizzlefruit Crisp

These are dried, spiced fruit slices which crackle and tingle a bit when eaten due to their natural effervescence.

Dewdrop Jellies

These are crystal-clear rainwater-based jellies made with floral nectar and served in costly cups.

Glazed Mushroom Caps

These are sweet, chewy mushroom heads that are dipped into a caramelized sap. They are often sprinkled with dried moss flakes, depending on the frolm’s taste.

Cultural Notes on Frolm Eating Habits

Because they only eat every few days, their meals are generally high in fats and proteins. There are some foods, such as the glowing fungi, that have magical properties to them and are sometimes used in rituals. Some frolm fast before certain ceremonies, which creates a more symbolic feel around the feast. There are certain feasts that are communal, depending on the celebration
Frolm only use knives for cutting; otherwise, they eat with their tongues, which can stretch a couple of feet.
Frolm generally don’t consume alcohol because it is unhealthy for them, more so than other species.
The water within the forest is usually drinkable unless it is around where the water trolls live, since they pollute the water. Frolm generally stay away from this part of the forest.
Frolm generally use rectangular tables that are made from the wood they gather in certain places of the forest. They often use dead wood to build them.
Frolm won’t eat anything that is frog-like because they feel like they are connected with the frogs. In fact, it is considered a severe crime in some areas within the Great Frolm Forest. They are also allergic to bread products, and can even break out in hives if they touch anything that has to do with bread.
Frolm like sweeten bugs as their favorite, and sometimes they like them with spices and homemade sauces. They don’t use salt at all because they react poorly to salt. It is almost like a poison to them because it will dehydrate them, and frolm are dependent on staying moist.

Flowers of the Great Frolm Forest

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Moonveil Blook

This is a large, luminescent flower. It has soft blue petals which glow faintly under the moonlight from any of the three moons. It only opens at night and attracts nocturnal pollinators such as moths and fireflies. The frolm use it to make potions which strengthen night vision or calm the mind. It symbolizes guidance in the dark.

Stormcall Lily

This is a tall flower with petals that shimmer like lightning during a thunderstorm. It has a stem that pulses with a faint, crackling energy. This flower attracts electric insects that feed on its nectar. The stormcall lily’s petals are sometimes used in rituals to call for rain or to fight off droughts. It is believed to be a gift from the storm spirits.

Bloodvine Blossom

These are deep red flowers that grow on twisting vines. They appear as if they “bleed” a crimson sap. The sap attracts some predators and keeps the smaller bugs in check. Its sap can be used for healing things like rashes. However, when it is refined, it is toxic to ingest. It is a symbol of strength and sacrifice, and is often used in warrior ceremonies.

Glowthorn Bell

These are small, bell-shaped flowers that hang on vines. They emit a golden glow at dusk. It helps to guide pollinators like small bats and glowing insects. Sometimes the glow is harvested to create floating lanterns. They are associated with the guiding spirits of ancestors.

Whispering Bloom

This is a delicate, translucent flower. Its petals hum softly when there is a wind. The humming vibrations attract some pollinators while it scares off certain predators. Some use the petals to create sound spells or amplify voices. They are often used in storytelling circles, where the humming adds to the intensity of the power of spoken tales.

Starshade Lotus

This is a massive, floating flower. It has silvery petals that look like stars. The fl also has a dark, reflective center. It is known for the shade and shelter it gives to aquatic creatures in jungle ponds. Some use the petals to purify water, and some use them for elixirs to cleanse toxins. They are representative of tranquility and the balance of nature. The sharshade lotus is used in ceremonies.

Veilang Orchid

This is a rare orchid with shifting colors depending on nearby emotions. They range from deep red for anger to a soft green for peace and calmness. It emits a calming scent that softens the aggressive behavior in animals. Its petals can be used in magic that both reveals truth and conceals thoughts. The veilang orchid is highly prized when it comes to meditation and conflict resolution rituals.

Fireplume Vine

This is a climbing vine with blossoms that look like small, flickering flames. They attract creatures that feed on its heat-producing nectar. The nectar can be used to create fireproof materials and enhance heat-based spells. It is often used in rites related to courage and endurance, especially for warriors and hunters.

Dreamspinner Bloom

This is a swirling, spiral-shaped flower that has soft pastel hues that change as the day goes by. It attracts creatures that are sensitive to light patterns, aiding pollination. This pollen is often used at the Temple of Dreams and is used in prophetic rituals, or even just as a sleep aid. Many shamans and dreamweavers use this flower to gain insight.

Mosslight Clusters

These are small glowing flowers which grow in tight clusters on moss-covered trees. They resemble small constellations. They are used to provide light to forest creatures at nighttime. This helps in navigation. Their glow can be harvested to craft bioluminescent dyes or enchanting powders. They symbolize interconnectedness and a guiding light for the frolm.

The frolm use these flowers for various activities. A lot of flowers hold symbolic meanings and are woven into things that people wear. They can also be used for healing and magic. Parts of the flowers, such as petals and sap, are used as ingredients for potions and magical rituals. Some are used for tools and art. Flowers such as bromeliads and glowthorn bells are used for decoration or as natural tools. They are also used for trade and bartering.

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Frolm: Lesser Laws

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Warrior’s Age

A warrior must be 30 or over to go to war, but under 400. This keeps younger and inexperienced frolm from joining at a young age.

The Glowfruit Rule

Glow fruit, which is a rare and bioluminescent delicacy, can only be harvested during the Festival of Sacred Bloom. Only limited quantities are allowed to be gathered. If someone harvests too many, they may get banned from the next festival and be required to plant and nurture new glowfruit trees.

The Silence of the Moonlit Marsh

When the regular moon is full, frolm aren’t permitted to make loud noises in the Moonlit Marsh because they may disturb nocturnal spirits. If someone breaks this law, they must offer a symbolic gift, such as rare insects or glowing moss, to the march spirits during a special ritual. This law keeps the frolm respectful of the forest.

The Pact of the Great Trees

Frolm are not permitted to cut down a living green without permission being granted by the Forest Elders, and they usually only approve of this if the tree poses a threat or is diseased. Breaking this law will require the offender to plant at least ten saplings and take care of them until they are fully grown

The frogspawn covenant

Anything related to a frog, such as tadpoles and frogs themselves, is protected at all costs. They are symbols for the future of the frolm. This offense is punished with banishment from breeding pools for one season. This law is in place for the frolms’ survival.

The Leap of Passage

Frolm youth are required to do a ceremonial leap from a special tree into a deep pond. This is a rite of passage to adulthood. If they don’t make this leap then they may not have the right to participate in certain community decisions. This is meant to strengthen cultural

The Law of Shared Spoils

Anything caught from a successful hunt or a foraging expedition, must be shared with the entire village. There must be special portions that are received by the elderly and sick. Those who refuse to acknowledge this may be temporarily banned from hunting or foraging. On top of that, the offender must make an offering to the community. This insures that no one in the village goes hungry and also supposed communal well-being.

The Guardian’s Vow

Frolm warriors, also known as Bogkeepers, need to swear to protect their territory from outsiders. This helps to ensure the safety of the hamlet. If one neglects his duty, the warrior must undergo a purification ritual and then spend an entire season patrolling the outskirts of the swamps alone. This helps to reinforce the importance of vigilance and protection of the frolm.

The Glowstone Edict

Glowstones are magical crystals that illuminate the forest. They are only allowed to be mined during specific lunar phases with the supervision of an elder miner. If someone is caught mining without permission, it can result in the confiscation of the crystals and a mandatory month of service in the mines to restore balance. This law makes sure that overmining doesn’t happen and retains the preservation of glowstones.

The Ritual of Rain

During times of drought, it is mandatory for all the frolm to participate in a community-wide raid-calling ritual which is led by a Raincaller. A Raincaller is a highly respected shaman who often oversees a territory and has more authority than hamlet leaders. If someone doesn’t attend without a good reason, this will result in a symbolic “thirsting day” where the individual isn’t allowed to drink from the sacred water. This law helps to strengthen unity and ensures collective effort during droughts.

The Boundary Accord

Frolm aren’t allowed to cross the boundaries of their territory without special permission from the council. These risks could expose their location to possible threats. If a frolm breaks this law, he must endure a period of isolation and reflection in a guarded section of the marsh. The purpose of this is that it protects frolm from outer dangers and ensures the secrecy of their homeland.

The Feast of First Fruits

The first fruits of the harvest season must be offered to the forest and tree spirits during a feast before any of it is consumed or stored. Those who break this law must fast for a day and make reparations by preparing the feast itself. This law honors the forest and tree spirits and shows thankfulness for the land’s bounty.

The Marchlight Law

This law requires travelers to carry marshlights (bioluminescent lanterns) during the night so they don’t disturb nocturnal predators or step into dangerous bogs. If one breaks this law, then it is mandatory to provide service as a night guide for the village for eight days (A week in Zalonia). The purpose of this law is to ensure the safety of travelers and maintain harmony with the nocturnal ecosystem.

The Pack of the Croaking Chorus

During certain parts of the year, the frolm must join in the Croaking Chorus to call for rain or to celebrate the changing of seasons. If one refuses to participate without a good reason, they are required to care for the village’s elder frogs for a season. This helps to strengthen cultural identity and reinforces their bond with the Great Frolm Forest and weather cycles.

The Spirit Grove Prohibition

It is strictly forbidden for one to enter the Spirit Grove without permission from the elders. The Spirit Grove is a sacred part of the forest where powerful spirits and ancient trees reside. Someone who disobeys this law results in a purification ritual along with a year of service as a caretaker of the grove. The purpose of this law is to protect the most sacred area of their territory and maintain the balance between the frolm and the spirits.

The conflict of oaths

If two oaths come in conflict, they must bring it before the leader of that community, and if things aren’t resolved, it is voted on by 13 frolm randomly selected. The majority wins.

Asking permission

Theft is unusual to the frolm since they believe that everything is collectively owned. However, it is respectful to ask someone if they need something rather than just taking it unexpectedly.

Voting laws

Frolm can vote for the area’s council once they turn 23 and can vote for the leader at the age of 31. At 22 frolm are considered adults even though their life has basically just begun.

Campaigning is prohibited

Frolm leaders don’t campaign for a position of power like we are used to in our society. Instead, voters discuss among themselves who should be nominated. No more than nine frolm can be nominated at a time. After they vote for the nine, they choose the top three and then vote between them on who the leader is going to be. The council has many more nominees, and the top thirteen are chosen.

Frolm Discussion

There are mostly friendly discussions among the frolm as to who to vote for and about religion and the gods. Frolm don’t mind being silent in the midst of others. It doesn’t get awkward as it does with humans. Sometimes there can be debate on the interpretation of the thirteen main laws. Sometimes they discuss laws that should be implemented.

A Warning for Lesser Crimes

Frolm who don’t follow the rules often get a warning the first time if it is a minor offense. The second time, some action is taken, such as the frolm’s right to visit other villages. A third offense could cause the frolm to be thrown in one of their prisons for a few days to try to teach the rebellious frolm a lesson. Frolm typically aren’t that rebellious and are good at keeping to frolm traditions.

See Also

Overview of the Frolm

Frolm Holidays and Ceremonies

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Books to Read(Affiliate Links)

Creating Life – By Ralph Ellefson

The Art of World Building Workbook – By Ralph Ellefson

Fantasy World Building: A Guide To Developing Mythic Worlds and Legendary Creatures – By Mark Nelson

Designing Unique Bodies of Water in Science Fantasy Worlds

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Rethinking Rivers, Oceans, and Aquatic Mysticism Beyond Earthly Logic
In a world where science and magic intertwine, bodies of water don’t just quench thirst or serve as travel routes—they pulse with ancient intelligence, carry dimensional echoes, or respond to arcane frequencies. Whether you’re building planets with liquid methane lakes or rivers that rewrite history, crafting aquatic systems in your world can unlock rich symbolism, culture, and drama.

This post dives into inspired and original types of water bodies for science fantasy settings and how to use them meaningfully in your story.

🌊 Classic Oceans with a Twist

1. The Endless Deep

  • A sentient ocean that forgets and remembers you depending on the tide.
  • Its tides are pulled by twin moons—one physical, one spectral.
  • Sailors whisper prayers into bottles; the ocean answers weeks later.
  • Creatures evolve from thoughts lost at sea.

Narrative Hooks:

  • A civilization that treats the ocean as a god—or a demon.
  • Naval expeditions aimed at reaching the fabled “Center Memory Reef.”

2. Etheric Oceans

  • Oceans made not of water, but liquid magic.
  • Shimmering tides emit energy that boosts or scrambles spellcasting.
  • Ships must be partially alive to survive its arcane surges.
  • Water changes color depending on the emotional state of its nearest civilization.

Uses in Storytelling:

  • Port cities built on rituals as much as docks.
  • Coral libraries that “record” ambient magical history in the Ethersea.

🪷 Invented Bodies of Water

3. Lacuna Pools

  • Still, mirror-like pools found in craters where time behaves strangely.
  • Gazing into them shows your past lives or potential futures.
  • Dropping items in may either erase them from history or teleport them elsewhere.’
  • Worshiped by seers and outlawed by empirical societies.

4. The Meltflow Network

  • Underground rivers of radiant, molten material—part magma, part life force.
  • Used to power cities above with geothermal-spell converters.
  • Accessible only to tunneling creatures or via soul anchors.
  • Exposure causes vivid dreams—or permanent hallucinations.

Narrative Potential:

  • A city’s reliance on the Meltflow drives political unrest as its temperature rises.
  • Creatures who can “swim” through both lava and consciousness.

5. Rivers of Echo

  • Flowing streams that “remember” sound and replay moments of great importance.
    –
  • Whispered words become audible again during certain moon phases.
  • Entire battles, confessions, or proposals echo through the water centuries later.
  • Rogue mages use it to trace secret histories.

🧊 Exotic Lakes and Seas

6. Glacial Seas of Thought

  • Massive frozen oceans on an ancient moon where thoughts freeze into sculptures.
  • Walkers on the ice hear the frozen screams and songs of ancient civilizations.
  • Magic users can chisel memories into the ice and cast them as spells.
  • Civilizations trade frozen emotions as currency.

7. The Sinking Sea

  • A dense, bottomless body of dark liquid that pulls even air and light inward.
  • No known bottom—used as a dumping ground for cursed or unstable tech.
  • Myths say the sea is a tear from a dead god’s eye.
  • Creatures that live here can only be described in dreams.

8. The Blooming Bay

  • A shallow, luminous bay where aquatic plants bloom into the air, forming floating gardens.
  • Used as a neutral diplomatic zone by warring nations.
  • The plants produce spores that enhance psionic abilities.
  • Local fauna feed on psychic residue and mimic thoughts.

🌌 Cosmic and Interdimensional Waters

9. Star Tides

  • Rivers of water flowing through space between moons or ships.
  • Carried by gravity wells and magical conduits.
  • Traveled by creatures that breathe vacuum and vapor.
  • Often mined for their pure aether content.

10. The Veil Lakes

  • Interdimensional “pools” that exist simultaneously on several planes.
  • Stepping into one takes you to an identical lake… but on another planet or timeline.
  • Used by smugglers, sages, and invading armies.
  • Veil-lakes shift location without warning—mapping them is a lost art.

🛶 Cultural Roles of Water

Even if your water isn’t magical, how people interact with it can be world-defining.

  • Sacred Rivers: Used for memory cleansing or as part of coming-of-age rituals.
  • Forbidden Seas: Rumored to house weaponized weather or exiled gods.
  • Floating Cities: Built on AI-maintained archipelagos or atop dreaming sea creatures.

📝 Tips for Inventing Aquatic Features

Anchor one law of physics or magic, then twist it: e.g., water that flows upward, evaporates into memory mist, etc.

Give each body of water cultural significance—how does it affect trade, belief, and diplomacy?

Tie fauna and flora into the water—bioluminescent jellyfish with prophetic patterns? Carnivorous lotus? Herds of semi-intelligent plankton?

🎇 Final Thought

In science fantasy, water is never just H₂O. It’s a mirror, a memory, a weapon, a gateway. Let oceans be stained with starlight, rivers hum with haunted voices, and lakes reflect dimensions as yet unborn. The more alive your water feels, the more immersive your world becomes.

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Creating Life – By Ralph Ellefson

The Art of World Building Workbook – By Ralph Ellefson

Fantasy World Building: A Guide To Developing Mythic Worlds and Legendary Creatures – By Mark Nelson