Wallow Wardens are colossal, Trench Umbras that dwell in the murky waters of Crius’s lakes and rivers. These ancient, amphibious titans are marked by the numerous inflatable sacs that swell and deflate across their thick, leathery hides. Within these sacs, the Warden can mix a variety of internal chemical reactions, allowing it to produce powerful poisons, hallucinogenic mists, and a host of other alchemical substances. When fully inflated, the Warden can even lift its massive body into the skies to oversee its watery domain.

Despite their imposing appearance, Wallow Wardens are largely passive, spending most of their time in a state of tranquil rest, partially submerged in the shallows of their chosen lake. They absorb nourishment directly from sunlight and the mineral-rich mud, using photosynthetic and alchemical processes unique to their kind. This self-sustaining nature means they rarely need to hunt, and as such, smaller aquatic creatures—fish, amphibians, and even birds—often coexist peacefully in their presence, nesting on their backs or swimming nearby without fear.

Highly intelligent and fiercely territorial, Wallow Wardens serve as the silent guardians of their watery domains. They are particularly hostile toward invasive Umbra species or foreign apex predators that might threaten the natural balance. However, they exhibit a surprising level of tolerance toward humanoid activity. As long as local fishing and foraging remain sustainable, the Warden allows such intrusions, watching with slow, blinking eyes.

Should a threat arise or the balance tip too far, a Wallow Warden becomes a terrifying force of nature. Drawing on the chemical arsenal brewed within its body, it can spew clouds of toxic mist, jets of corrosive bile, or soporific fumes, each tailored to match the threat at hand. These powerful expulsions are both a deterrent and a warning: the Warden's patience is vast, but not infinite.