Portia Cherrycheeks

Overview #

Portia Cherrycheeks is the eccentric proprietor of The Royal Frog, a unique establishment in Ashtown that serves as both a potion apothecary and Caliphas’s premier (and perhaps only) frog specialty store.

Description #

Portia cuts a formidable figure amidst the glass jars and terrariums of her shop. Unusually short even for a halfling, she possesses a dense, well-muscled frame and a heavy physical presence that belies her small stature. She is completely bald, a choice that highlights her high cheekbones, uneven ears, and the intensity of her cold, pale blue eyes.

Her face bears the signs of a rough past—a crooked nose and a jawline set in permanent determination. When she smiles, she reveals a set of crooked teeth, often while cooing at a favored amphibian. She dresses in decidedly old-fashioned clothing, practical for brewing but often accessorized with amphibian-themed jewelry, such as her simple bracelet.

The Royal Frog & The Passion #

Portia’s shop, The Royal Frog, is a testament to her dual obsessions: alchemy and frogs. While the shelves are lined with standard remedies and alchemical mixtures for the residents of Ashtown, the shop is equally dominated by “Frog Accessories.” Customers can find everything from terrariums and high-quality fly feed to miniature velvet capes and tiny golden crowns for their own slimy companions.

Her devotion to Gozreh, the deity of nature, manifests most strongly in her reverence for these creatures. To Portia, frogs are the perfect synthesis of water and land—adaptable, resilient, and often poisonous, much like the residents of Ashtown themselves.

Barnaby the Prince #

Rarely seen without her companion, Portia is constantly accompanied by Barnaby, a massive, chemically-altered bullfrog the size of a dinner plate. Barnaby often rests on the shop counter (or atop Portia’s bald head), watching customers with an unnervingly intelligent gaze. Portia insists that Barnaby is of “royal lineage” and frequently consults him on business matters, translating his deep croaks as sage advice on potion pricing or ingredient freshness. Whether Barnaby is truly a familiar gifted by Gozreh or simply a very large frog pampered by a lonely alchemist remains a topic of quiet debate among her patrons.