Stalkers

Stalkers we've taken to calling them. Not that pleasant of a beast. Can't track them, can't hunt them, best thing is to try to avoid them. No one knows where they came from, but there have been rumors coming out of Colorado of towns disappearing near mountains. Disappearing overnight. They are things that dwell in shadows. Things that were set on us for trying to find a place to call our own, even if we had to steal the land to do it. Damn it. They're coming. Board up the windows and grab the rifles, maybe we can make it through tonight. Check that rustling in the back room. Shit, they made it in. Shoot and run! Shoot and run!

Basic Information

Anatomy

Stalkers look like a coyote... well... that's a lie. That's the closest thing to ascribe to them. Coyote like in form, but the bones seem to extend past the skin, the snout is longer than it should be. There is no fur, but their skin is pitch black. They have tough claws that extend farther than a wolf's do. Four limbs like a coyote. No tail. The eyes look longer than they should be. There are more teeth than there should be. The neck stretches more than it should be able to. There are white streaks through it's skin, that's the only thing you see when they're moving. The paws are closer to an ape's with limited dexterity.

Genetics and Reproduction

In their last years Stalkers mate and make the next generation. The gestation period is around a year with a litter equaling or surpassing the current generation. The next generation either staying or splitting off from the current pack to do their own hunt.

Growth Rate & Stages

Stalkers mature quickly, taking only a few months to reach adulthood, which lasts ten years, following that they mate and reproduce for the next generation. Childhood: small and rapidly developing. Adulthood: fully grown and hunting. Old: the form sags and grows larger for less movement and mating.

Ecology and Habitats

They are a nomadic species, constantly moving and choosing or making new habitats for their hunts. It doubles as food storage and sleeping quarters. They prefer temperate climates but can survive in more extreme conditions. All depending on where they can hunt.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They hunt humans that are invading the land. They hunt at night with excellent sight and sense of smell to make their way through any defenses. They hunt in divided packs, systematically taking out whole buildings at a time, preferring to take out as many as they can before they start eating. They'll drag the bodies into secluded areas to wait for the feast. Often they'll hunt isolated figures first to gauge how the hunt will go, taking between a week or a month before a true hunt takes place.

Biological Cycle

They live for as long as they can hunt. Born to hunt and feast then move on to the next target. They are wholly nocturnal sleeping during the day in their food storage spot.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Stalkers have excellent night vision and a precise sense of smell that can detect hidden away prey. They communicate with each other silently, preforming precise strikes on any prey.

Lifespan

13 years

Average Height

approx. 2 and a half feet tall

Average Weight

around 240 pounds as an adult

Average Length

approx. 6 feet long