Xerolith

The xeroliths are formidable creatures adapted to Artemis's harsh desert environment. Standing approximately eight feet tall, their elongated, sinewy bodies are covered in a chitinous exoskeleton that shimmers with a mosaic of iridescent scales, providing both camouflage against the crater’s rocky terrain and protection from extreme temperatures. Their multi-faceted eyes grant them exceptional vision in both the blazing daylight and the darkened depths of the crater.

Each xerolith possesses four powerful limbs ending in retractable talons, allowing them to navigate the rugged landscape with agility and climb the steep crater walls effortlessly.

First Attack

The xeroliths attacked the Colony on March 18, 2170. One xerolith managed to get into the Artemis Expeditor, leading to the casualty of a Stroitel employee by the name of Sloan Iverson.

According to reports that were made available by the Multilateral Base Control, the ACC found leakage in the vent located at the Zen Gardens of the Artemis Expeditor. It's assumed the xerolith infiltrated the ship through an airlock and came through the vent at the Zen Gardens.

The xerolith found Colonist Sloan there, attacked her and killed her, before moving through the ship and attacking several colonists.

Constable Tate Winters, Constable Trainee Alexei and Colonist Haman ultimately subdued and killed the xerolith.

Physiology & Behavior

Studies are ongoing, but the following observations have been made:

2170-07: Colonists observe Xerolith consuming minerals at Callysto Crater. Humans learn that their diet is mineral-based.

2171-07: The habitat's external sensors pick up on what may be Xerolith calls or communication. The sample size is small, so very little can be gleaned from the readings, but the colonists have learned that they communicate in long-ranges through vibrations.

2171-08: From a non-invasive scan on a number of deceased Xerolith, it was determined that their exo-skeleton is made of perlite, iron, copper, and other trace minerals as yet to be identified. There seems to be an ability to self-repair this external shell.