Swamp Man

The Swamp Man is a large amphibious biped that lives in the swamps and quagmires that dot the land.

Appearance
They vary in height quite a bit with the smallest recorded specimen being only 5 feet tall, and the tallest being 10 feet tall. They have a dark green skin that is very thick and rubbery, unlike other amphibians, such as toads, it does not create a layer of mucus. For this reason, Swamp Men get sick and will eventually die when they do not have access to water for an extended period of time. Like the leafy sea dragon, they are covered in large leafy growths that are meant to aid in camouflage. The texture on their skin is very conducive to algae growth and they are often covered in a thin layer that provides them with extra nutrients. They have four digits on each hand, and opposable thumbs. Each finger has a large nail that can be up to 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. They have rungs of a hardened material down their chests, this is the opening to their lungs that allows them to breath air, as they do not breath through their mouths.

Behaviour
Swamp Men live in large family groups, usually consisting of about 10 members. They do not have a language contrary to some sources. They hunt in packs and when running, do so on all fours similar to gorillas. They're omnivorous but many settlements have dark stories about children and even adults going to a swamp to fish or to go scouting and being dragged into the muck by a gang of Swamp Men. This drowning tactic is used commonly by Swamp Men to kill larger prey such as humans, or deer.

Shadowing
An interesting trait displayed only by hatchlings is shadowing. The hatchlings will pick an adults Swamp Man and follow them around, mirroring every one of their actions to near perfection. It is unknown why they do this however, it is assumed it is to learn how to behave like an adult. Order scientists have noted that when a hatchling is found alone it does not exhibit these traits towards humans, however, if a hatchling is taken from a group of Swamp Men, it will. It has been documented that hatchlings that do not exhibit the trait are not favored and abandoned.