Noddumm

The Noddumm is a giant toad species that inhabits the swamps and wetlands of Helerin. Known for their immense size and territorial nature, these amphibian dominate the murky waters of the Festermere on Teros Major and are also found along the Banrak and Enir rivers in northern Remon. Despite their typically slow, lumbering movements, Noddumms can be surprisingly quick when threatened or hunting.

Physical Appearance

Noddumms are enormous, standing around 8 feet tall when fully sitting upright. Their thick, warty skin ranges in color from muddy green to dark brown, often coated with swamp debris that helps them blend into their environment. They have large, bulbous eyes that sit atop their wide heads, giving them an excellent view of their surroundings. Their mouths are broad, lined with rows of small, sharp teeth used to devour prey. Long, muscular legs give them the ability to leap great distances or submerge into deeper waters with surprising speed.

Habitat

Noddumms thrive in swamps, marshes, and wetlands, where the dense vegetation and water provide ample cover and food. They are particularly fond of murky, stagnant waters that allow them to remain hidden until the moment they strike. The Festermere in Teros Major is a prime habitat for these creatures, with its extensive, dark swamp areas. They are also found in the wetlands along the Banrak and Enir rivers in northern Remon, where they patrol the riverbanks in search of prey.

Behaviour

Noddumms are solitary creatures, fiercely territorial and highly defensive of their chosen patches of swamp or riverbank. They are ambush predators, lying motionless in the water or among thick vegetation until an unsuspecting creature wanders too close. With a quick snap of their enormous jaws, they can capture prey as large as deer or wild boar, although their diet primarily consists of fish, smaller amphibians, and birds. Noddumms are nocturnal, becoming more active during the night when their natural camouflage makes them even more difficult to spot.

Geographic Distribution

Noddumms are most commonly found in the Festermere swamps on Teros Major, where the thick, murky waters provide ideal hunting grounds. They also inhabit the wetlands along the Banrak and Enir rivers in northern Remon, though their numbers are lower in these regions. Noddumms are not widespread outside of these areas, as they prefer environments with abundant water and dense vegetation, making them uncommon in more arid or open landscapes.

Interaction with People

Noddumms are generally not aggressive toward people unless provoked or threatened. However, their size and territorial nature make them dangerous to those who venture too close to their hunting grounds. Fishermen and river travelers in northern Remon are particularly wary of Noddumms, as the toads are known to attack small boats or drag unsuspecting victims into the water. Their skins are prized by some hunters for their toughness, though hunting a Noddumm is an extremely risky endeavor, requiring careful planning and specialized traps.