Fantasy Lore Archives

Courtesy and Hospitality in Frolm Society

Frolm greet each other by saying “may the water flow evenly with you,” which is a reference to their moist environment. It’s usually considered a rude gesture if a frolm points both of their palms at a person. It is equivalent to flipping someone off in our culture. It is rude to not give someone a cup of water if they ask for it.

Accepting a Host’s Offer

The frolm value things like reciprocity and gratitude. It is customary to respond to an offer by touching the tips of one’s fingers to one’s lips and then extending the hand outward—the gesture means “I receive with honor.”
When accepting food or drink, a guest must always take the first sip or bite before speaking, as saying anything before partaking is viewed as an insult to the host’s preparation.

If the host offers water infused with medicinal plants, it is considered a high honor and should be accepted even if one doesn’t need it. Refusing it is considered disrespectful to the host’s knowledge of the forest’s healing properties

Things Considered Rude to Accept

More than one meal in a single visit unless it is explicitly offered multiple times (food is seen as a communal resource). When a guest overeats without contributing, it is seen as having a “hollow belly spirit,” which means greed.

A host’s personal sleeping mat—even if offered- is considered a sacred space, and taking it shows you think yourself as being better than the host.
A blade carved from the bone of a revered ancestor. These items are only meant to be passed within the family itself, and accepting one as an outsider implies that you intend to claim their legacy

Things that are Considered Rude to Turn Down

A dis of swamp fruits or mushrooms, especially if they are brightly colored. These are often collected with a lot of effort, and refusing them gives the impression of distrust in the host’s foraging skills

A chance to partake in an evening chorus (A rhythmic croaking and chanting ritual usually done before the coming of night). Refusing this is as bad as refusing to share your “soul sound” with the tribe.

A token of kinship, such as a woven vine bracelet or a painted stone. To refuse these gifts is seen as rejecting friendship.

Things it is Rude to Ask For

It is rude to ask for a host’s secret hunting or foraging spots. Knowledge of where to find food is generally passed down through families, and asking directly is seen as attempting to take shortcuts instead of earning it.

Pure rainwater. The frolm believe that water collected naturally in sacred pools is viewed as a gift from the ancestors, and asking for it outright implies you think you are more deserving than others.

Things It Is Rude Not to Ask For

Permission to enter another Frolm’s home. Even if the door is open, stepping inside uninvited is considered an act of claiming the space as your own.
A second helping when it comes to specially prepared dishes. If a meal is cooked with rare ingredients, the cook expects guests to request more in order to show appreciation. When a frolm doesn’t ask for more, it is taken as a sign the meal was unworthy.

A story from the elders. It is expected that younger frolm or even outsiders will ask elders to share some wisdom from their experiences. If this is not done, it suggests that you do not respect their knowledge.

Other Niceties and stuff

When having a random visitor, frolm make sure they have water and maple-syrup-covered grasshoppers on hand.

Frolm typically greet one another by putting their arms to the side and giving a slight bow. They are a friendly race, and people outside the frolm race know that the slight bow is a sign of respect.

They often use the word “welcome” when someone enters their habitat. The bow began in the First Age before the Great Battle of the First Age, so it has been passed on for thousands of years. They invented it for themselves, but it has caught on with species outside of the frolm, where some people use it to show respect when greeting someone.

When it comes to leaders, the ones who are under the leader give a full bow, while most of the time it is only a half bow among their peers.

To show disrespect, a frolm will stick out its tongue, which is long like a frog’s. They will point it directly at the one they are trying to insult. Fights sometimes break out when this sign is given to another frolm or even those outside of the frolm race.

When greeting each other, frolm will usually say “my name is ___, and may peace fill your land.” They usually only use this greeting among themselves, but once in a while they will use it for another species if the person is respected among other frolm.

The elder frolm in the various territories throughout the Great Frolm Forest often wear a hood to show their authority and to let frolm know whom to go to if they have any complaints or requests.

Frolm usually greet each other on a first-name basis, and their names are first given at birth, but can change if they grow into a personality that the word doesn’t fit.

Frolm will often wave if they are greeting someone from a distance. As for greeting someone they already know, they leave out the “My name is __” part, but will call the person by name and say “May peace fill your land.”

Frolm generally don’t talk with their hands because they believe this interferes with communication and is nothing but a distraction to what is really being said. They are one of the few races that do this. It’s not considered vulgar, but it can annoy the person they are talking to.

Frolm show equal respect to others but might bow a little lower when greeting a leader. They generally have a lot of respect for their leaders and are not as rebellious as humans. This helps with their strength because they aren’t divided among themselves.

Frolm are open about talking about things such as religion and politics. Most of them are on the same page so these discussions don’t generally turn into arguments. Frolm wonder why humans are so divided on this issue.

Also See:

Frolm (Species)

Frolm Holidays and Ceremonies

The 13 Sacred Laws of the Frolm

Frolm: Lesser Laws

Flowers of the Great Frolm Forest

Frolm Food

Dieties of the Frolm

Frolm Heroes

Frolm Jobs and Occupations

Frolm Language: Speech Variation in Frolm Society

Frolm have their own language which they use with each other, but they often speak common tongue. They are required to learn the frolm language for times of combat when they have to communicate without being intercepted. One cannot be a warrior if he or she doesn’t know the frolm language

By Social Class

Frolm may have warriors, shamans, chiefs, hunters, artisans, foragers, and common gatherers, each with a unique speech distinction.

High-born Leaders (Chiefs, shamans and elders):

These frolm may speak in a measured, melodic tone which mimics the rhythm of the rainfall or the swamp pulsating. They make use of long, flowing sentences, and instead of speaking in direct orders, they prefer metaphors (e.g., “The river does not command the fish, but it leads them with its current”). These frolm may refer to themselves using third person when making decrees (e.g., This one has seen the planets align, and the time for harvest is near”). They often have exclusive ceremonial words not used in regular speech (e.g., “Thro’ku” meaning “wisdom is granted by the mist spirits”).

Warriors and Hunters

They often speak in short, clipped phrases and prefer action-driven language. They often omit pronouns and articles (e.g., “Hunt begins. Warmth comes.” Instead of using “The hunt is beginning” and “The warmth is coming.”). They also use onomatopoeic battle slang such as “Grok” (which means to “strike fast”) or “Frik-frik (Which means “circle the enemy”). They are prone to imitating animal sounds for tactical communication.

Foragers and Gatherers

These frolm often use descriptive language that relates to various things like plants, fungi, and weather patterns. (e.g., “That idea is like a rotting stump, it will quickly crumble). They have a distinct seasonal vocabulary, (e.g., like referring to time in terms of growth cycles (“When the light-colored fungi rise, we shall meet again”)).

Artisans and Traders

These frolm tend to borrow words from various tribes due to their frequent interactions. They tend to speak faster than most frolm, using abbreviations and contractions (e.g., “Zlo’grok” instead of “A fine piece of stonework”). They have a unique slang for quality such as “Slime-rich” which means high-value, and “Dull reed” which means that something is worthless.

By Occupation

Sometimes, frolm who do different jobs develop unique speech quirks:

Frog Tamers (Those who work with giant amphibians for transport & labor)

These frolm use things such as clicking and low hums instead of words when giving orders. They often refer to time based on frog behavior (e.g., “The Long Croak is near” means it is dawn). They have unique names for different frog sounds, such as “Brum-brum” (angry Croak, and “Whir’leek” which is a mating call.

Waterway Navigators & Fisherfolk

These frolm have a fluid, wavy cadence, speaking as if their words are drifting like water. They may use many words for different types of ripples (e.g., “silent drift” for smooth waters, or “whispering pull” for a slow current). These fr have sacred words for deep water animals they do not name directly. They refer to them as “shadow swimmers” or “those who wait below.”

Scouts and Runners

These frolm prefer sharp, staccato phrasing for efficiency. They often use coded phrases to give information quickly, such as “Moss-rise” (safe path) and “Sun-fade” (hostile territory).

By Region

Various wetlands, river systems, and swamp forests create distinct dialects.

Deep Swamp Tribes

These frolm speak in drawled, slow tones which mimic the eerie stillness of their environment. They tend to use more whistles and guttural sounds, as deeper swamp frolm have larger vocal sacs. They usually have longer words for things that are important to them such as “Swamp” being Glo’raak-thumm,” which means “land that breathes”).

Riverbank Frolm

These frolm often have a lighter, more nasal accent that seem to mimic the quick ripple of water. They borrow several words from other species such as travelers, merchants, and entertainers. In fact, they are known for their rhyming speech in which they speak in couplets. (example: “Storm ahead, winds have spread” or “Gather now, before the bough).

Hill Marsh Frolm

These frolm have a more clipped and breathy pronunciation since their terrain is generally more open. They use hand gestures and body language alongside speech more frequently than other groups. Some of their idioms are based on elevation (example: “High reed, far seed” which means that there are long-term benefits that require patients.

By Race (Subspecies of Frolm)

There are various physical features that affect the way they speak

Tree-Frolm (Arboreal, Smaller, Agile, Webbed Fingers)

These frolm generally speak in chirps and trills. In fact, their voices are naturally higher-pitched than other frolm. They tend to interrupt each other in their conversations, as their speech is quick and dynamic. They have many metaphors that are connected with hair such as “Leaf-born” (which means carefree) and “Drift-broken” (which means lost).

Marsh Frolm (Stockier, Bulkier, More Amphibian Than Humanoid)

Marsh frolm generally speak in slow, deep vibrations, which sometimes uses subsonic hums to communicate over long distances. There are many pauses in their speech as they consider each word carefully. They use water-themed proverbs such as “Still water drowns the deepest” (which means, beware the quiet ones.

Tidewalkers (Frolm Who Live on the Ocean’s Edge, Saltwater Amphibians)

These frolm generally speak in short bursts, almost mimicking the tides.
They have distinct terms for where the moon is at regardless of which moon, e.g., “Hollow-eye” for the new moon and “Flood’s Echo” for the full moon
They also borrow clicking sounds from crustaceans which makes their dialect unique.

Defenders & Warriors

Swamp Guardians – These are trained fighters that protect the jungle. They also protect their communities from predators, cave trolls, and those who might attack the Great Frolm Forest.

Leapblades – These are elite warriors, and they use their powerful legs to launch themselves at enemies, with sharp blades or weapons. A frolm must be able to jump at least 25 feet in the air in order to become a Leapblade.

Mist Trackers – These are frolm who hunt enemies by trailing them through the thickest of fogs. Their eyes are tested before they become one of these, and they are generally young frolm because young frolm have sharper sight.

Shadow-Fins – These frolm often remain underwater and are warriors that guard the sacred pools and river passages. They are good at silently swimming and stealth attacking.

Venom Harvesters – This force of the frolm army is specialized in gathering dangerous venom from animals and plants and using it to put on their weapons. Some harvesters focus on finding venoms that can heal frolm.

Nature-Based Roles

Raincallers – These are shaman-like frolm that perform ritual chants and dances that cause it to rain.

Frogspawn Caretakers – These are protectors of young frolm eggs and tadpoles. They ensure their survival in the hatchery pools.

Moss Weavers – These are frolm that focus on growing and weaving moss-based fabrics to be used for clothing, bedding, and insulation.

Root Healers – These are herbalists who use such things as jungle plants, fungi, and minerals to create healing pastes and tonics.

Mist Farmers – These frolm grow fog-dependent plants and bioluminescent crops. They often tend to floating gardens on ponds.

Cultural & Spiritual Occupations

Croak Singers – These frolm perform and use resonating vocal harmonies to tell stories, teach history, and soothe those in ill health.

Echo Dancers – These are acrobatic warriors who leap and tumble through the air. This mimics the movements of forest creatures. They can sometimes access frolm prey that can otherwise be difficult to catch.

Spiritwalkers – These frolm are priests and/or mystics who act as mediators between the frolm and the spirits of water, jungle, and ancestors. They sometimes mediate between frolm clans when there is a serious disagreement.

Water Oracle – This is a rare frolm that claims to see visions in the ripples of sacred pools and helps those in leadership positions. There are some frolm who pretend to see these visions, which can cause a disruption in the clan. If it is found out that the frolm is pretending to see a vision, it could lead to that frolm being exiled.

Ritual Painters – These are artists who tattoo or paint symbols on warriors who are preparing for battle or for coming of age events.

Food & Trade

Glowfruit Foragers – These are frolm that gather bioluminescent fruit that only grows under certain moons and moon phases.

Insect Farmers – These are breeders of crickets, glowworms, and beetles. This helps give the frolm a protein-rich food source for the inhabitants.

Mudbrew Masters – These are creators of fermented mushroom drinks. Depending on the kind of mushroom, this drink can have two effects: one is to help with deep relaxation, and the other is for heightened awareness.

Spore Traders – These are merchants who deal in rare and enchanted spores. They have medicinal and alchemical properties.

Pond-Fisher – These are fishers who catch, breed, and release rare amphibious critters into marsh pools that are carefully controlled.

Crafting & Artisanship

Reed Flute Makers – Just as the name suggests, they are carvers of musical instruments that produce soft and haunting melodies through the jungle air.

Shellsmiths – These are crafters who make armor and tools from the hardened shells of creatures within the forest.

Mudmask Artisans – They are artists who create ceremonial masks with colorful clay and enchanted swamp water.

Poison Ink Masters – These are scribes who write sacred texts and secret messages with ink made from non-lethal toxins that only the frolm can handle safely.

Biolume Dye Makers – These are extractors of glowing pigments which are from plants and fungi. They are used for body paint, ritual decorations, or even regular clothing.

Leadership & Diplomacy

Chief Elder – This is an elder who presides over a frolm Hamlet. He often leads councils on deciding if someone is guilty or innocent and what the punishment is if guilty.

Prophecy Interpreter – There are some frolm hamlets with a prophecy interpreter who is specialized in understanding prophecies that have been written down. They can also act as dream interpreters.

Elder Croakers – These are council members who help to resolve disputes and pass down wisdom and knowledge through traditional storytelling.

Trade Froggers – These are traveling merchants who barter exotic goods with neighboring races. They are often required to navigate through dangerous jungle paths.

Bog Emissaries – These are diplomats who are sent to speak with rival clans and outsider settlements.

Ceremonial Judges – These are respected figures who oversee rituals, trials, and punishment ceremonies. They usually serve the role of a chief elder if none are available.

Unique Jobs Based on Their Frog-Like Physiology

Leap-Couriers – These are high-speed messengers who jump across vast distances in order to deliver urgent messages.

Rain Harvesters – These are collectors of purified rainwater. This rainwater is used in potions and sacred ceremonies.

Echo Locators – These are scouts who use croaks and clicks to map out such things as tunnels, underwater ruins, and hidden caves.

Jungle Wall Climbers – These are specialists who use their sticky hands and feet to scale along cliffside temples and treetop villages.

Mud Camouflage Experts – These are guides who train warriors how to blend in with swamp terrain using natural pigments.

How These Jobs Shape Their Society

These jobs give them a deep connection to water – Many of these roles focus on preserving water, protecting sacred pools, and controlling rainfall.

They give them symbiosis with nature – Different from industrialized civilizations, the frolm depend on biodegradable materials and sustainable farming.

These jobs puts a emphasis on community – Many of the jobs involve group effort rather than individual effort, which reinforces communal Survival.

They keep cultural storytelling and rituals alive – Several roles include song, body paint, spiritual practices, and dance to honor their ancestors and the forest.

Frolm Heroes

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Just as we have well-known people in our history, frolm also has those whom they consider heroes. Here they are:

Groktul the First Croaker

He carries the title Voice of the Deep Marsh and is from the First Age. He was the first great spiritual leader among the frolm. He is the first known frolm to speak with the marsh spirits. He is the developer of the language spoken among the frolm. According to legend, his staff is buried beneath the Stillwater Tree.

Tarka Shellbreater

He was the warlord of the Four Rivers and lived in the later part of the First Age. Tarka’s was a warrior and military leader. He was born with stone-hard skin, which gave him extra strength. He used this strength to unite feuding Frolm clans. His armor was made from the shells of giant swamp crabs and was known and feared for being able to smash the shields of his enemies with his bare hands.

Oomathi Light-Skimmer

She was known as the Mist-Dancer of the Moon Pools and lived during the Second Age. Oomathi was a renowned hunter. She could glide across the water and barely cause a ripple. She was good at capturing spirit fish, which are semi-ethereal beings that grant dreams. There is a constellation of stars named after her.

Wobbak of the Blooming Eye

He was considered the Shaman of Seasons and was around during the Second Age. Wobbak was a nature priest and healer. He was able to predict floods, volcanic mist bursts, and insect migrations. He even invented the first herbal codes that were passed down through bioluminescent tattoos.

Zelgur Mudwrestle

He is considered the champion of the Pit Rites and was around during the Fourth Age. Zelgur was known as a gladiator and folk hero. He came from a low-caste fishing village and became the undefeated champion in sacred wrestling rites. Later in life, he led a rebellion against the corrupt priest-lords who worked for the gnonows. This made him a symbol of the common Frolm’s power.

Ronaqua the Hollow Song

She was known as the Croakless Prophetess and was alive during the Fourth Age. Even though she couldn’t speak, she was a prophet and visionary. She was born without a voice, so she communicated through gestures and rhythmic drumming. During the Great Battle of the Fourth Age, she warned of a great attack that later struck the southern marshes. Every ten years, the frolm reenact her pilgrimage.

Varrik Snapjaw

He was known as the Breaker of Chains and lived during the Third Age. He was a revolutionary general. When he was captured and enslaved by invading sky-sailors, Varrik gnawed through his own bindings and went on to free hundreds of Frolm captives. He also led them to overthrow an entire sky fortress. At a later age, his jaws were enchanted and preserved as relics of freedom.

Lumphi Rainspeake

She was known as the High Speaker of the Rain Chorus and was around in the Fifth Age. Lumphi was a diplomat and orator. She was known to have ended the Long War of Mud and Flame when she composed and performed a rain chorus powerful enough that it caused torrential downpours for seven straight days. It was a symbol of renewal and became the cornerstone of a new peace accord.

Kreeja the Brightspawn

She is known as the Starborn Seer of the Reeds in the Fourth Age. She is known as a mythic being or time traveler. Rumors say that she was born from a falling star, and she glows with ambient magic and can travel between eras. There are some frolm who believe in a prophecy that she is yet to come and will lead them to the “Shining Grove Beyond the Sky.”

Boombik Leafcloak

He is known as the Forest Shadow and Spy who existed during the Third Age. The frolm give him credit for ending the War of Fungal Thrones by impersonating the enemy king for three weeks, sowing confusion and halting troop movement. He wears a cloak that is made of living leaves and changes color to match emotion and terrain.

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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