Native to the mangrove forests of Crius, Stilt Deer are elegant, ungulate mammals uniquely adapted to their watery habitat. Their most striking feature is their elongated, slender legs, tipped with razor-sharp hooves, allowing them to traverse the muddy channels with ease. These powerful limbs enable them to move swiftly through the terrain, evading predators and navigating the tangled roots of the mangroves.

Stilt Deer are omnivorous, using their sharp, hooked beaks to pry open tree roots in search of burrowing insects. They are also skilled fishers, employing a remarkable hunting technique: standing motionless in the shallows, they lift one leg above the water, waiting patiently. The moment an unsuspecting fish swims past, they strike with lightning speed, spearing their prey with deadly precision. Additionally, their long, dexterous tongues dangle just above the water’s surface, mimicking the movements of insects to lure fish closer before delivering a fatal blow.

One of their most unusual features is their flat, bushy tail, which serves multiple vital functions. It acts as a shelter for their young, curling protectively around fawns to shield them from predators and the elements. More remarkably, the tail hosts a unique, nutrient-rich vegetation that provides sustenance to their offspring. This symbiotic flora also possesses potent medicinal properties, allowing the Stilt Deer to heal wounds by rubbing the vegetation over injuries, accelerating recovery.

This natural remedy makes them highly sought after by poachers and alchemists eager to harvest their medicinal growth for profit. As a result, Stilt Deer are both revered and endangered, their mystical healing properties making them a prized—yet tragic—target in the mangrove’s delicate ecosystem.