[Nate]

Wow, you didn't 'get' the game at all. Here goes:

1. Stranger is a Steef, one of the most hated creatures in Western Mudos (note the level in Dusky Hollow when the Clakkers find out his identity). Plus, since Sekto's been around, one of the most hunted.
2. The octopus was Sekto. He's an Octigi, a creature that attaches itself to the body of another animal and controls them to do its willing.
3. The Steef wasn't in control. See #2.
4. That was the Grubs returning to the river after Stranger had destroyed the dam.
5. It is possible but very difficult. And nothing different happens either way.
6. The page showed the plans of Strangers' operation to remove his rear legs so he could no longer be identified as a Steef.
7. Those are the only species that have appeared in other games.
8. They show the importance of the river to life. The first is a made-up Grubb saying and the second is a quote from a real-life Native American.

And, really, you should have created a new thread on this - it has nothing to do with Doc.