Stalker

Template:Infobox:Fauna Flora The Stalker is an aggressive life form belonging to the fauna category. Most of them can be found populating the Kelp Forest and beneath the Aurora in the Crash Zone.

Occasionally, they can be found swimming into the Safe Shallows while chasing Peepers.

Appearance

The Stalker has an elongated and round body, with a seemingly smooth skin. Its head features a long snout greatly resembling that of the real life Gharial.

On its back protrudes seven dorsal spikes running along most of its body's length, as well as two pectoral and pelvic, purple-tipped fins on each side, and ends with a broad, fluked-like tail.

The Stalker's coloration varies from the blue-gray dorsal side, having many dark blue paterns, to a bright green underside.

Behavior

The Stalker seems to have a fondness for metal salvage: it will approach the object, pick it up with its mouth and start flailing it for awhile. Doing so will sometimes not only move the item, but also leave behind a Stalker Tooth.

Being predators, Stalkers will attempt to chase and eat nearby Peepers. They will also attack the player upon close encounters, with each bite dealing 30 damage. The player should be cautious while exploring Kelp Forests to avoid being attacked by surprise, as Stalkers often form small groups, lurking in the dense Creepvines.

At night they become more aggressive, having a wider aggro radius, so it is advised to avoid swimming near Kelp Forests during such times.

Interactions with the Player

It is possible to temporarily "tame" a Stalker by feeding them any kind of catchable fish (most common choice being Peepers), or by giving them metal salvage. Doing any of the above will render the creature peaceful, for a short while.

However, after being fed, the Stalker will not only become peaceful towards the player, but it will also start looking for metal salvage, pick it up, and drop it at the player's position as "presents".

Keep in mind that this "tamed" behavior is only temporary. If the player doesn't have enough fish, the Stalker will become hostile again.

Data Bank Entry

A streamline predator with developed intelligence and strength.

Found in the kelp forests, in wait of prey leaving the safety of the shallows
Retinal layering suggests adaptation for night-time hunting
Neural pathways indicate innate ability for reward-based learning: evolutionary explanation unclear at this time
Attracted to metals. Will fight fiercely over its hoard. No explanation available for this behavior. Further research required.

Prey: Evolutionary profile fits natural predator of the Peeper

Assessment: Coerce or avoid