Lurker

Notes on The Lurker:

Size: The Lurker is about 6 feet long but can stretch up to 12 feet when fully extended.

Predator or Scavenger: Though capable of hunting live prey, the Lurker often scavenges the remains of other creatures, feeding on the decaying bodies scattered throughout the wreck.

Origin: The Lurker is believed to have been mutated by the deep-sea pressures and the remnants of ancient, unspeakable rituals performed aboard the Havenstar.

Sound: The Lurker makes no sound when it moves, but it occasionally emits a low, unsettling hum when near death or hunting. It’s also known to “whisper” faintly, mimicking human voices to lure its prey deeper into dark corners.

Psychological Impact: The sight of a Lurker's face close to a diver's mask or helmet, just inches from their face, is enough to drive most survivors into a panicked frenzy. The echo of its movements in the darkness, paired with the feeling of being watched, creates an overwhelming sense of dread.

Pounce Attack:

If it detects motion, it lunges with surprising speed, using its long, flexible body to ensnare its prey. The Lurker’s attack is fast and deadly—its tentacles wrap around its victim, injecting venom that paralyzes the target and slowly drains oxygen.

Weakness:

The Lurker is vulnerable to bright light, particularly the intense bursts of flare or a flashlight’s beam. Exposure to light can disorient it, causing it to retreat or become temporarily blinded, giving players a chance to escape or attack.

Noise and vibrations also disorient the creature, briefly scattering its attention or forcing it into an agitated state, though this doesn’t last long.

Behavior & Mechanics:

Hunting Method:

The Lurker hunts by detecting movement and heat signatures. It has highly developed sensory organs that allow it to detect even the slightest vibration or warmth, making it nearly impossible to escape once it locks onto a target.

It moves silently, relying on its ability to blend into its environment to remain undetected until it strikes. Camouflage:

When still, the Lurker’s skin adapts to match its surroundings, making it appear like a shadow or part of the ship’s rusted metal. It can mimic the appearance of broken pipes, large piles of debris, or even abandoned wreckage.