This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Gillfolk of the Swamp.
Environment: Swamps, Marshes, and Lagoons
Monster Type: Medium-size Aquatic Humanoid
Color: Dark Green
Features: Segmented plates cover the limbs, Decorative frills on the face and back
Abilities: Amphibious, Exceptional swimming, Great strength and durability
Recommended Equipment: Candles
Introduction:
The Gillfolk are solitary monsters. They make their homes partially on land in marshes and swamps near a large body of water, such as a lake or lagoon. People who encounter them think they are aggressive menaces. In truth, they are the protectors and guardians of the wetlands helping to maintain healthy ecosystems. When not threatened, they have a passive and gentle demeanor. The Gillfolk should not be underestimated. They are capable of incredible feats of strength and have near impregnable scales covering their bodies. They are quick to defend their home territories from hostile threats. They are extremely dangerous combatants in aquatic environments. They have webbed hands and feet making them exceptional swimmers and they are amphibious, able to breathe underwater and on land.
Investigation:
We believed our journey would be getting more perilous. We had to travel around Wisp Wood Lake rumored to be haunted by will-o-wisps, a dangerous and unpredictable spirit. Jukie and Moak suggested our best path was to go straight through. Jukie was friends with a witch who lived on a small island in the middle of the lake. She assured us if we approached peacefully, the swamp witch would guarantee us safe passage. Jukie gave us a departing gift, a bundle of simple candles. She was sure we would be intrigued by the real monster living in the swamp. At the edge of the marsh, we deployed a raft provided by Reginald. Using long oars we pushed our way into the dark swamp following the faint lights flickering beyond the trees.
Observations:
Our curiosity grew with each flickering light we passed. What people had mistaken for will-o-wisps were actually hollow pumpkins with candle light flickering from crudely carved eyes and mouths. The candles already extinguished left shadows of dark and eerie faces sitting in the trees. Slowly, we came upon a humanoid monster with a fish like face and frills going down his back and arms. The orange candle light illuminated his shiny green scales. He was punching eye holes and a mouth in a pumpkin with his strong fingers.
A black cat sat above him observing everything. The cat’s soft meow alerted the Gillfolk to our presence. He immediately rose up and dove below the water frightening us. But Reginald knew what to do. He took out the gift candles and placed them on the edge of the raft. The Gillfolk’s eyes slowly appeared inspecting the candles. Taking them in one hand, he reached into a basket and presented us with a frog. My assistant opened a basket full frogs we had caught along the way. The Gillfolk’s eyes widened in delight. He dove under again, grabbed our raft, and dragged us to the small island in the middle of the lake. He led us to a fire pit on the water’s edge. We shared a dinner of roasted frogs with the Gillfolk. Our host never spoke; so, we spent the night quietly observing our aquatic friend.
Conclusion:
As morning came, the Gillfolk gave us a large pumpkin from the garden. He dove into the water swimming directly towards a large mound of branches and mud sticking out of the water. The black cat now sat on a log by the embers of the fire licking it’s paw and rubbing it’s face. “Come now, we must get you out of the swamp before you make camp” the cat spoke. This must be the witch of the island.
About:
The Gillfolk is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.
Artist: Spencer Johnson – spencemonger.com