Croakers are small evil frog-like humanoids that average about four feet in height. Like other frogs, they vary wildly in coloration, with swamp and forest varieties typically drab in color, although some jungle species have been known to have spectacular color patterns. They are especially vulnerable to mutations, whether it be from evil magic or other sources; grotesquely deformed croakers are common.
Although they can be found in a variety of environments, from temperate to tropical to underground, croakers must breed and raise their young in water, and are thus never found far from a body of water.
They are a primitive Stone Age culture, with tools made of metal typically obtained via raiding and looting. They are led by a caste of shamans, who are identical to their brethren in all respects, save for their ability to cast weak lightning bolts (equal to a crossbow bolt in damage) at their enemies.
Croakers have only vague notions of their origins, but seem drawn to serve more powerful beings, whether that's hags, naga, swamp-dwelling dragons or evil priests or wizards.
Combat: Croakers are meat-eaters and eagerly attack anyone roughly their size or smaller that ventures into their territory, attacking with claws, stone-tipped spears or looted metal weapons.
When an individual croaker loses more than 50 percent of their hit points, they will flee toward the nearest reinforcements, bringing back a train of croakers thirsty for blood. These croakers, in turn, will also flee if they lose more than 50 percent of their wounds, potentially setting up a scenario where an entire army of croakers will eventually descend on any attackers foolish enough to allow runners to flee.
