Hippopotamus Yokai

**Hippopotamus Yokai** are beings who are known for killing more humans yearly then any other yokai species.

## Physical Appearance

Hippo Yokai are anthropomorphic versions of their Surface World counterparts. They are very tall and very large. Usually chubby with a big hippo-like nose and large hippo teeth inside their mouths. They also have small hippo ears and a small tail.

## Description

Hippo Yokai are one of the strongest yokai species in the Hidden World. They're stronger than any other yokai species. Because of this and the fact that they're extremely territorial, these yokai kills more humans yearly then any other being. Their heaviness have them sinking to the bottom of the water but they can jump and leap through the water. They may look slow on land, but don't let that fool you. They can easily run up to 30mph. Making them quite fast despite their chubby appearance.

## Abilities

Here are the abilities that Hippopotamus Yokai can have in their arsenal:

* Archetype:Lightning Bruiser: Enhanced Level
* Charge!
* Decelerated Aging
* Dermal Armor
* Elastic Jaws
* Enhanced Bite
* Enhanced Durability
* Enhanced Endurance
* Enhanced Hearing
* Enhanced Lung Capacity
* Enhanced Speed
* Enhanced Strength
* Feral Mind
* Hoof Protrusion
* Horizontal Pupils
* Sinkability
* Tusk Protrusion

### Variations

* **Pygmy hippopotamus Physiology**: Night Vision

### Associations

* Animal Imitation
* Animal Morphing
* Mammal Manipulation
* Mammal Transmutation
* Mammalian Physiology
	+ Ungulate Physiology

## Pop Culture

Ever since Obaysch inspired the "Hippopotamus Polka", hippos have been popular animals in Western culture for their rotund appearance that many consider comical. Stories of hippos such as Huberta, which became a celebrity in South Africa in the 1930s for trekking across the country; or the tale of Owen and Mzee, a hippo and tortoise which developed an intimate bond; have amused people who have bought hippo books, merchandise, and many stuffed hippo toys. Hippos were mentioned in the novelty Christmas song "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" that became a hit for child star Gayla Peevey in 1953. They also feature in the songs "The Hippopotamus" and "Hippo Encore" by Flanders and Swann, with the famous refrain "Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud". They even inspired a popular board game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Hippos have also been popular cartoon characters, where their rotund frames are used for humorous effect. For example, the Disney film *Fantasia* featured a ballerina hippopotamus dancing to the opera *La Gioconda*, and Hanna-Barbera created Peter Potamus.

The hippopotamus characters "Happy Hippos" were created in 1987 by the French designer André Roche to be hidden in the "Kinder Surprise egg" of the Italian chocolate company Ferrero SpA.

## Life in the Hidden World

Hippo Yokai, as they're commonly called, live in the Savannah where they live in large groups in the Savannah lakes. These yokai are extremely territorial and they would anyone who dares trespass on their territory. Even attacking crocodiles who tries to hunt their babies. As semi-aquatic beings, they spend their time on both land and under the lake. They can hold their breaths for 3-5 minutes before coming up for air. Their teeth have one of the most powerful bites as it can crush just about anything. This includes eating and crushing a whole watermelon with ease. Hippo Yokai mostly eat grass and they're more active during the night. Often foraging for food and such

## Symbolism

There is little doubt regarding the strength and raw power of the hippo, and the good news is that hippopotamus symbolism is all about enhancing that as much as possible. In fact, it is viewed as meaning you have a significant amount of strength and courage surrounding everything that you do.