Crimson Stalker
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The Crimson Stalker is described by seekers as a tall, slender creature covered in thin, membranous skin with an ethereal glow. Its body pulses with a delicate, silvery light, resembling starlight in the darkness. The color of the Crimson Stalker's skin shifts from deep purple to an almost transparent shade, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, especially in the shadowy corners of ancient forests. Its camouflage ability makes it difficult even for the most experienced seekers to spot, and its appearance always brings unease among travelers.
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The creature's head is crowned with long, thin protrusions resembling spikes, which function as antennae highly sensitive to the slightest vibrations in the air. These antennae allow it to sense the presence of prey before they can react. Its eyes are large, almond-shaped, glowing with an intense scarlet light. This piercing gaze can put its victim into a catatonic state, immobilizing them long enough for the Crimson Stalker to attack without resistance. Some say its eyes have a hypnotic power, although it is more likely that their glow paralyzes victims with fear.
The Crimson Stalker possesses four pairs of arms ending in long, sharp claws that can cut through even the toughest armor. Its claws are made of a material harder than most known metals, making it nearly unstoppable in close combat. Its movements are swift and relentless, and its elongated limbs allow it to move with incredible speed. It attacks suddenly, precisely, and lethally. The Stalker's legs end in grasping toes, enabling it to climb trees and rock walls effortlessly, giving it an advantage over prey that can find no refuge either on the ground or high above.
The Crimson Stalker hunts alone, preferring places full of shadows and mist, where it can use its camouflage abilities. It attacks without warning, using its claws to tear apart its prey. It is driven solely by the instinct to survive and hunger, acting in an unpredictable and bestial manner. It knows no mercy and possesses no form of morality.
Despite its menacing nature, the Crimson Stalker has several weaknesses, the most significant of which is its sensitivity to iron contact with this metal causes it intense pain and can temporarily weaken it. Additionally, loud and sharp sounds disrupt its orientation, making it a less effective hunter. For this reason, many experienced seekers carry bells or other noise-emitting tools that can give them precious moments to escape. Its skin, although capable of camouflage, is relatively easy to cut if someone can break through its brutal defense.
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> Legends tell of a lone wanderer who encountered the Crimson Stalker deep in the Black Forest. The wanderer, an experienced seeker, noticed an unusual shimmering among the trees. Curious, he followed the light, unaware of the danger. As soon as he realized he was in a trap, he heard unsettling sounds and was suddenly attacked. The beast lunged at him with incredible speed, pouncing like a shadow emerging from the darkness. Only thanks to the iron amulet he wore around his neck was he able to break the beast's attack and escape. Without the iron, his chances of survival would have been close to zero.
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Seekers' Notes:
> The Crimson Stalker is the embodiment of the night itself. Its eyes seem to see everything, and its attack is unstoppable. Iron is an effective means of defense against the Stalker, so an amulet made of this metal is a necessity if you intend to venture into its territory. – Seeker Elijah
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> I encountered this creature during a full moon. Its glow was hypnotic, but when I heard the first sound, I knew I had to run. The sound of my silver bell seemed to disorient it, which gave me time to escape. – Seeker Elara
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> The Crimson Stalker is a source of many powerful alchemical ingredients. Its claws are indispensable in creating invisibility elixirs, and its skin is used in illusion potions. However, obtaining them is a task for the most courageous and prepared. – Seeker Modru
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> During a hunt, I heard a strange sound, and my dogs suddenly fell silent and froze. Only thanks to the iron sword was I able to drive the beast away. I had never felt such fear before. – Seeker Garret
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> If you ever see shimmering light among the trees and hear an unsettling sound, do not go towards it. Turn around and run as far as you can. Many reckless individuals have died ignoring this warning. – Seeker Lyanna
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Master Seeker's Note:
"The Crimson Stalker remains one of the most mysterious and dangerous creatures. Its brutality and ability to manipulate the senses of its victims make it an opponent that cannot be underestimated. However, if you are brave or crazy enough to seek it, remember its weaknesses and always carry an iron amulet. Only then do you have a chance to return and tell your story. Despite the many tales of those who have tried to confront it, few have returned to share their experiences. For most of them, the Crimson Stalker was the last thing they saw, and their bodies were never found. So if you decide to take this risk, you must be prepared for anything – including the possibility that you may never return home.
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