The Helping Hand Frog

Dont tell anyone *hic* but the Florown Abbey folks aint got... *hic*... aint got nuthin on the healerrrrrs of Tuli, tuuli, tutti... The Forest of Chimes. Magic frogs *hic* who'd a thought *giggle*... *hic*...*zzzzzzzz*

— Jasper Cameron, Leader of the Bronze Ravens

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

Egg

Like many frog species, the eggs of the Helping Hand frogs are soft-shelled, a blue so dark it appears black unless in direct sunlight, and surrounded by a jelly-like substance. Deposited in slow moving streams or ponds, from fertilization to the hatching of the tadpoles is usually a week, although variation of a few days has been noted and is theorized to be linked to water temperature. Egg clusters typically number in the thousands, but usually only 50-70% hatch.

Tadpole

After hatching from the egg, the tadpoles (or polliwogs, depending on your education) swim into the surrounding waters looking for any algae or aquatic plants to eat. In this stage the Helping Hand frog is completely herbivorous. The tadpoles have the typical traits of most other frog species. They are mostly transparent, have an oval shaped body with a relatively long flattened tail, and are completely aquatic, relying on their gills for respiration. During the tadpoles growth and development vestigial structures that will become bones and lungs start to form. 

Metamorphosis

Adult

second metamorphosis

Symbiont

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tadpole

Adult

Symbiont

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

As a prosthetic its uses are nearly limitless. the process is quite simple and only requires a frog of sufficient size to fit the stump in question in its mouth.

1. ensure there is an open wound on the end of the stump, for those already healed a weeping abrasion will suffice, nothing need be life threatening.
2. bring a frog of sufficient size to the patient. The frog should then bite off the tip of its tongue and latch onto the wounded stump.

Once the frog is attached it will undergo a somewhat extreme metamorphosis as its bone structure changes to more closely resemble that of the limb in question. The digestive system also shuts down as the frogs circulatory system is interfaced with that of the host animal.
The extent of the change in bone structure appears to be somewhat random, so while the limb will fulfill its intended function the appearance can vary widely from case to case. The following cases have been observed first hand and recorded:

• Elf, amputation at wrist. Fully functioning hand with 4 fingers, although 2 thumbs and 2 fingers may be a more accurate description. 3 months after joining frog has taken on skin color of host in main body but the legs (fingers) still maintain bright blue tinting.
• Elf, amputation 3 inches below elbow. Forearm splits into 4 separate arms with hands. The upper 2 branch within an inch or  2 of the joining site and have 4 fingers. The longer obviously having formed from the frogs hind legs and having 5 fingers. seen 2 years after symbiosis. Prosthetic skin is same color as hosts, eyes no longer present on prosthetic.
• Forest Antelope. Amputation of right hind-limb above the knee: Forelimbs of frog appear to be vestigial nubs. Hips have formed new knee joint. Hind limbs have fused together, Appears to be capable of growing a hoof although 8 of the frogs original 10 toes can be seen. prosthetic still maintains bright colors of the original frog. Unknown time after symbiosis.
• Human, Amputation below the knee. No sign of frogs forelegs. 2nd backward bending knee present. foot is symmetrical with 10 toes. Skin heavily has been tattooed, state of color unknown. 7 months after symbiosis.
• Dwarf, thumb lost in logging accident. Thumb has one extra joint. No sign of frogs fingers/toes. Eyes present Thumbnail present. Bright Green color. 3 months after symbiosis
• Jaguar, left forelimb lost in trap. 7 clawed paw has formed, although hairless. claws not retractable but sharp. skin pattern matches fur pattern of jaguar. Eyes still present on forelimb. Unknown time after symbiosis.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Tuulikello Forest

Average Intelligence

instinctual

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Universal Symbiont

Lifespan

10-12 years (Symbiont stage lives as long as the host)

Conservation Status

"Domesticated"

Average Length

varies, usually 4-6 inches, but specimens up to 12in have been found

Geographic Distribution

• Tuulikello Forest