The Monk Toad

The Monk toad is a large brown squat creature, that spends most of its existence sitting on logs, stones or other raised part of the immediate landscape. Despite the mildly elevated position, the natural camouflage of the monk toad is so superb that most non-sentient creatures could walk within half a meter of its seat without noticing it. Here it sits, waiting for passing insects, reptiles or small mammals to devour in its wide maw.
Many travellers and merchants consider the Monk toad to be an omen of ill fortune, but few know the true reason for this. Many hundreds of years ago, when the titans still roamed Errilor, the Monk toad was the favourite meal of the blue crested cockatrice, which flew high amongst the clouds of the sky. One of the few creatures able to see through the natural concealment of the toad, the cockatrice would hurtle down from the heavens to devour its prey. Passers by who were within sight of the toad's seat were then also in sight of the cockatrice. If they were not killed instantly by its death stare, then they were torn apart by its talons and beak. Due to the fall of the titans, and some successful culls, cockatrices are now almost unheard of in Errilor, but the association continues through the generations.
The Monk toad derives its name from the observation that it has never been seen mating, despite the fact that their numbers seem to increase year on year. When a male and female toad were captured for observation, they stubbornly remained celibate until their death some years later. Spawn has been observed in ponds and lakes, and their tadpoles are often collected by children as pets, but never once has any meeting between male and female been seen.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shaped much like a large smooth brown stone, the Monk toad is squat and flat, with no ridges or bumps save for its two small eyes, which sit upon its round head.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Though found across the globe, they prefer damp environments, and are most commonly seen in or around swamps.

Lifespan

7 Years

Average Height

15cm

Average Weight

4 Kg

Average Length

30cm