HABITAT: The Hissing Wastes, Frostback Basin
COMPANION: Uncommon
MOUNT: I suppose it's big enough (uncommon)
SHAPESHIFT: Uncommon
RANGER CALL: Uncommon

Lurkers are predatory creatures commonly found in the Hissing Wastes of western Orlais and the Frostback Basin. These formidable beasts are not limited to caves, despite what some locals might call "cave lurkers." Lurkers adapt to various harsh environments, including wastelands and marshes, due to their highly adaptable diet and unique hunting strategies.

Lurkers are omnivores, capable of consuming root vegetables and carrion, although they show a distinct preference for live prey. Their feeding habits are infrequent, allowing them to enter a hibernation-like state to conserve energy when not actively hunting. Catching them in this dormant state is rare and fortunate; encountering them on the prowl is far more dangerous.

Known for their stealth, lurkers hunt in packs and move with an eerie silence that belies their size and ferocity. The name "lurker" aptly describes their behavior, as they often ambush prey with minimal noise. Their hunting strategy involves spitting a paralyzing poison at their target, immobilizing it before the pack tears it apart. This lethal efficiency allows them to overwhelm unsuspecting victims quickly, even those just a short distance away from others.

One of the long-standing mysteries about lurkers is their method of detecting prey. Despite appearing eyeless, they exhibit a keen ability to track by sight. Recent studies suggest that the translucent lump on their heads is a tough membrane capable of detecting vibrations or temperature changes in the environment, effectively acting as a sensory organ.

Hunting lurkers requires caution and preparedness. Their ability to remain hidden until the last moment, coupled with their deadly pack tactics and poisonous attacks, makes them formidable adversaries in the wilds of Orlais.