The only bird species to have survived in the Zone,
enduring increased radiation levels and effectively
avoiding anomalies. while the army pilots need to
rely on complex detectors to avoid gravitational
disturbances, the crow seems to rely on its own
senses for that - a mystery that drives
ornithologists and biologists mad. Various theories
attempting to explain the phenomenon exist, all of
them pointing to a highly specialized development
of the bird's brain.
A massive, mutated animal, reaching 1.5 meters at
the shoulder. The Zone boar's aggressiveness and
ability to survive surpass by far those of its
relatives outside the contaminated area. Radiation
and anomalies left their mark on the physical
appearance of the animal as well": its fur is entirely
gone in some places, and long and bristly in
others. The hooves have evolved into sturdy, sharp
claws, the pupils became colorless, and the boar's
bald head is marred by pigmentation disorders and
deep wrinkles. Zone boars are quite resistant to
radiation and can stay in heavily contaminated
areas for longer periods of time. They usually
charge at their victims, trying to knock them over
and then rip them to shreds.
Several generations of the dog species have lived
and died since the catastrophe. Each was more
affected by the Zone than the previous one. Rapid
mutation lead to a vast improvement in previously
peripheral abilities, frequently at the expense of
primary ones. The most notable biological change
was the loss of sight, paired with an uncanny
development of smell. As it turned out, blind cubs
survived in the Zone as well as normal ones, if not
better. As a result, the common dog quickly
became extinct in the Zone, giving way to a new
breed - that of blind dogs. The animals
instinctively identify and avoid anomalies, radiation,
and other invisible dangers that plague the Zone.
Like their wild ancestors - the wolves - blind dogs
hunt in packs. An encounter with a large group of
these animals can be dangerous even to an
experiences and well-armed stalker.
Like most other living creatures in the Zone, the
domestic pig also underwent serious biological
changes since the day of the catastrophe. It seems
the genes responsible for metabolism were
especially affected in this case. Mutant pigs, known
simply as Flesh among the stalkers, are one of the
most vivid examples of the Zone's disastrous
perversion of nature. Mutant pigs developed a
protective layer of scales and exoskeletal plates.
Their regeneration potential increased several times,
as did the complexity of their nervous system. Just
like a normal pig, a Flesh is an omnivore and may
attack a stalker if hungry.
Experienced stalkers describe this semi-legendary beast as a tall, hunched humanoid with a mess of tentacles where its mouth should be. According to those who saw it and lived to tell the tale, the creature uses its tentacles to cling to the victim's throat, paralyze it, and suck it dry of blood. A dry, mummified shell is all that's left of what used to be a living human being. The most astounding feature of the bloodsucker, however, is its ability to become invisible. Countless dead or missing stalkers are said to have perished in the merciless grip of a bloodsucker. The lucky few who have survived an encounter tell spine-chilling tales of marshes and subterranean areas haunted by the Zone's version of Count Dracula.
Experienced stalkers describe this semi-legendary beast as a tall, hunched humanoid with a mess of tentacles where its mouth should be. According to those who saw it and lived to tell the tale, the creature uses its tentacles to cling to the victim's throat, paralyze it, and suck it dry of blood. A dry, mummified shell is all that's left of what used to be a living human being. The most astounding feature of the bloodsucker, however, is its ability to become invisible. Countless dead or missing stalkers are said to have perished in the merciless grip of a bloodsucker. The lucky few who have survived an encounter tell spine-chilling tales of marshes and subterranean areas haunted by the Zone's version of Count Dracula.
Supernatural in the eyes of some, invisible creatures haunting the deeper reaches of the Zone, usually haunting old, abandoned buildings. Nothing is known about their origin, although rumors in circulation claim they are spirits of stalkers hit by a massive wave of radiation. Their mysterious appearances and disappearances seem to correspond to the poltergeist legend, hence the name. Known encounters with poltergeists are quite diverse in fact: from mischievous laughter and blood-chilling howling, to deadly fireballs appearing out of nowhere. Unfortunately, all information about the poltergeist phenomenon originates from unclear and contradictory stories of questionable validity.
Despite the name, the pseudodogs evolved directly from wolves. The animals inhabiting the forests at the time of the catastrophe gave rise to one of the Zone's most dangerous mutant species. Pseudodogs are about as different from mutant dogs as wild wolves differ from poodles. The creatures mark and guard their territory carefully, attacking anyone stupid enough to venture onto their land on sight. Lightning-fast reflexes, uncanny dexterity and razor-sharp teeth make the pseudodog a formidable enemy for large mutants and well-armed stalkers.
The pseudogiant resembles a massive, drop-shaped abdomen with a pair of disproportionately large limbs. The limbs are arms and legs at the same time. The creature uses them to move around and grab its victims. An adult pseudogiant can weigh up to two tons and stand 2 meters tall. Their clumsy appearance might be deceiving, since they can move very rapidly if needed. Their muscles are exceptionally powerful and their bones are as hard as steel. The creature's brain is protected by a sturdy (up to 10 centimeters thick) skull, while many complex functions are controlled by the spinal medulla. Another astonishing feature of the beast is its ability to create local shock waves, which damage all living things in the vicinity.
It seems these creatures were human at some point, though it is difficult to imagine what conditions could turn a human being into such disgusting beast. Snorks are insane creatures leading a beast's life and differing little from other carnivorous monsters in the Zone. They move on all fours in long jumps, constantly sniffing the ground in hope of picking up the scent of prey. They hunt carefully, in a calculated manner, frequently setting up ambushes. Thanks to its uncanny reflexes and powerful muscles, the snork can approach the victim, pin it down in one long, accurate jump, and tear it to shreds in a matter of seconds. Strips of army uniforms and other clothing are occasionally found on their bodies. It stands to reason that they are all that's left of missing military stalkers.
In fact these animals are not related to jerboas, although there is a distinct resemblance. Attempts at determining the exact species from which this rodent evolved have so far been unsuccessful, although its ancestor must have been a gregarious rodent. Reaching up to 40cm at the shoulder, the animal is far more dexterous, aggressive and ravenous than its desert cousin. Mutant rodents live mainly in basements of destroyed buildings, feeding on everything they can get their teeth in, from plants to careless stalkers. Occasionally a pack of rodents will attack and kill large animals and mutants, tearing them apart before they can escape.
The Brain Scorcher strips its victim of mind and reason, leaving only an empty, mindless shell. The brainless bodies then turn into zombies, following only the most basic instincts, wandering aimlessly around the Zone without weapons or clothing. Zombies are little more than sluggish walking corpses, caring only about food and sleep. They eat and drink just about anything they can get their claws on, hence they are virtually soaked in radiation and toxic waste. Usually they roam the Zone without any apparent purpose or just lie corpse-like in abandoned buildings. However, as soon as they sense the presence of a human being, they attack immediately. Experienced stalkers have learned to avoid them if they can.
