Deep within the mana-rich mangroves of Crius, Gloam Toads prowl the shadows, their amphibious forms blending seamlessly with the tangled roots and murky waters. Originally drawn to this land by its abundant magical energy, these fey-infused creatures have since made the biome their permanent home, evolving into cunning and elusive hunters.

Possessing an unnatural intelligence for amphibians, Gloam Toads use their sharp claws and sticky skin to effortlessly scale the sprawling roots and branches of the mangroves. Their large, luminous eyes, adapted for nocturnal hunting, allow them to track movement with eerie precision, making them formidable predators in the dead of night.

One of their most fearsome traits is their elongated tongue, which stretches the full length of their body and can be launched with lightning speed to snare prey. This prehensile appendage wraps tightly around small creatures, reeling them in with an inescapable grip. Their diet consists primarily of fish, crustaceans, and small birds, though they are known to ambush unwary creatures drawn too close to the water’s edge.

Rather than reproducing through traditional means, Gloam Toads undergo a bizarre form of mitosis—once they absorb a sufficient amount of food and mana, they split into two identical copies, effectively cloning themselves. This strange method of self-replication allows them to rapidly expand their numbers, though it also makes them fiercely territorial. They often clash with Lumivora, competing for the same prey and vying for dominance over prime hunting grounds.

During the day, Gloam Toads retreat to submerged dens beneath tree roots, where they remain hidden until nightfall. While they thrive in both land and water, they must remain hydrated to survive. Fortunately, their bodies cultivate a unique type of moss, which retains water and allows them to remain outside of aquatic environments for extended periods without drying out—an adaptation that gives them a distinct edge over other amphibians.

Though elusive, Gloam Toads are not to be underestimated. Their combination of stealth, intelligence, and hunting prowess makes them both a marvel and a menace within the mangrove’s delicate ecosystem.