Editing Callysto Crater

[[Category: Lore]]
Callysto Crater is a crater in [[Artemis]]. It was named in honor of [[Professor Callysto]], the astronomer who initially discovered the planet, when the [[Artemis Expeditor]] first landed in 2169.

== Geography ==
Much of Callysto Crater appears the same: a monotonous landscape of black sands and rock. Callysto Crater's steep walls and deep basin create a naturally fortified environment. The surrounding crater rim acts as a natural barrier, shielding the settlement from the rest of the planet's tempestuous weather and unknown fauna and flora. This natural shelter significantly reduces the wear and tear on infrastructure, though it doesn't entirely block out certain threats (such as localized sandstorms).

== Climate ==
Many things about Callysto Crater's environment feel familiar to settlers from the temperate dry climates still remaining on Earth. There are recognizable seasons, though the difference between them is milder than most places on Earth - winters tend to average around 7-12 degrees Celsius (~45-55 F) with rare freezes, and summers about 25-30 degrees (~75-85 F). In contrast to the calm temperatures, the weather is remarkably dramatic, probably driven by the cross-planet variability in climates. While it's arid enough to rain only infrequently, strong winds constantly scour the crater and are known to kick off sandstorms fearsome enough to temporarily blot out the light. These phenomena are theorized to be far worse outside of the crater's protective walls, though as of yet little is known.

== Fauna ==
The crater was originally thought to be completely uninhabited, part of why it was chosen as an initial landing site; the colonists would pose a minimal threat of disruption to the native ecosystem. However, nearly upon arrival there were signs of unexpected life in the form of the [[Xerolith|xeroliths]] - massive creatures resembling something crustacean or insectoid. After colonists first accessed Hayashi Cliff in 2173, several species of insects and aquatic life were discovered as well.

The settlers also brought some unexpected life with them. On February 3rd, 2170, an unidentified species of rat which was suspected to have emerged from the ship upon landing attacked a mining party outside. These rats exhibited the ability to breathe the Artemis' toxic air, suggesting speedy adaptation. Later research would reveal these stowaways had been transformed by mass ingestion of a dangerous chemical called [[Neuril-9]], explaining their great size, aggression, and rapid mutation. While the xeroliths may be far deadlier on an individual level, the continuing plague of rats is an ongoing menace to human colonists.

== Flora ==
The flora discovered in and around Callysto Crater is quite interesting. Little exists on the surface of the crater's basin itself beyond sunburst grass, a certain hardy orange plant that seems to glow with an inner light. It is frequently harvested by colonists for its medicinal (and recreational) properties. Up on Hayashi Cliffs, the quoraja tree provides an excellent source of both hardy wood and surprisingly delicious sap that can be utilized rather like maple syrup. Beneath the ground in protected locations like Yaochi Grotto, a wider array of fascinating species has been observed. Many of these are of yet unstudied and poorly understood. 

== History ==
Callysto Crater was the place where the first humans set foot on [[Artemis]]. The names of the first party to set foot on this planet are widely known: MBC Governor-General [[Michael Phillips]], Haman, [[Laine Dommersley]], [[Merek Black]], Cygene RRM EMT Trainee Michael Cox, Henry Moore, PWB Junior Technician Blake Fiachen, Stroitel Ventures Junior Field Scout Dara Kuznetsov, Joseph Tillman, Constable Trainee [[Tate Winters]] of the ACC, Chief Genetics Officer Jack Moneco, Melora Erron-Teresi, Stroitel's [[Yousra Naggar-Hammadi]] and Naseefa Al-Siddique.

The MBC Governor-General [[Michael Phillips]] is said to have held a vote for who would be the very first person to set foot on Artemis. The final tally was: eight votes for Haman, one for Michael, two for Naseefa, and one for Dara. That made Haman officially the first human on Artemis.

In the wake of the historic landing of the year 2169, extensive efforts have been initiated to transform a portion of Callysto Crater into a habitable city. The initial phase involved deploying advanced terraforming equipment to level the rugged terrain; the [[Multilateral Base Control]] and [[Stroitel Ventures]] plan to construct the capital of Artemis, with most efforts spent on improving the conditions and securing the surrounding areas.

The first man-made structure in Artemis was Artemis [[Hydroponics Dome 1]], but far from the last. Development on the city continues to this day.