Fogtrotters are large, powerful creatures that live most of their lives far from the coasts of the Big Water. They are rarely seen from the shore, or even from the small boats that sail the around the archipelago. Based on witness accounts, they seem to range greatly in size. Smaller specimens, presumably younger ones, are around 30 feet long (the size of a schoolbus), though any adventurers that sail far from shore have reportered fogtrotters larger than their transoceanic ships.
Enormous webbed paws allow the fogtrotters to swim at incredible speeds, and more interestingly, to stride across the surface of the water for short times when aided by their magic, as evident by
the arcs and crackles shifting between their horns. Once the magical lights cease, the fogtrotter begins to sink, and is quickly gone to the depths once again. Fogtrotters seen waterwalking near shore are generally in great distress, and often wind up dead on the beaches, where most close observations of them have been made.
Wide mouths with rough tongues and few, but very sharp, teeth, dominate the face. Atop it's head are two aforementioned horns, common to both sexes, which seem to be the source or conduit of their magic, akin to a staxie's magic glands. The body is slick and blubbery and their hind end has an enormous tail, large and flat, which it uses on occasion to make a shattering slap against the water, able to be heard well over a mile away. The reason for this behavior is not known, though it is assumed to be an aggressive display.
They seem to eat mainly fish and other water dwellers, and while boat attacks have been reported, no wrecks have been confirmed. No reports of fogtrotters alive on land have been made. Beached carcasses are usually fed upon by any local scavengers, or even by crubs brought down by local ranchers. Their meat isn't considered acceptable for consumption by staxies. Once cleaned, their bones are sent back out to the sea in a solemn ceremony overseen by local leaders and citizens.
Their horns are kept, as their magical properties are many and valuable. They sell for an enormous price as a set, though very few staxies own them privately. The horns of beached fogtrotters are generally given to important figures and religious leaders within the archipelago, though who knows what happens to the ones that wash upon other shores. The horns aren't removed until just before the bones are cast to the waters,
meaning some islands will actually place guards over their carcasses until the bones are ready to be returned and the horns taken.
Fogtrotters are revered by staxies. Their enormous forms, their magic, their abilities to swim to the deepest depths-- they are widely considered to be messengers of The Depth themself. It is for this reason that fogtrotters are not hunted, disturbed, or followed. Fogsong is a celebration of these magnificent creatures, taking place in January of each year.