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 of the xerolith

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.

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 subued and killed the xerolith.