Hello Riftbreakers!
In our previous articles, you have already learned about the two first creature species you will face in the Crystal Caverns biome. Crawlogs and Gulgors are native to the Galatean cavern systems. The natural process of evolution helped them adapt their bodies to the conditions of the biome. However, you can clearly see that they also became affected by the strange crystalline formations that seem to spread all over the caves. In fact, the crystals’ influence seems to be spreading to the surface of Galatea.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2108630/The_Riftbreaker_Into_The_Dark/
WISHLIST THE NEW EXPANSION HERE!
As you will learn today, Gulgors and Crawlogs were not the only creatures that came into contact with anomalous crystals. It turns out that creature species usually found on the surface of Galatea 37 are also susceptible to ‘crystal corruption.’ The afflicted creatures do not live in the caves, but it doesn’t stop them from venturing into the tunnels whenever the natural order is disturbed. Let’s take a look at some of the Galatean creatures, which seem to be the most affected by the new, mysterious threat!
Look what they've done to our rabid space dogs...
The Canoptrix are some of the most common species of Galatean creatures. It is no surprise that some of them eventually came into contact with the crystalline growth, resulting in their mutation, although it might not be the right word here. The affected Canoptrix have crystals bursting out from their insides, tearing out pieces of flesh. In fact, their bodies seem to be rotting altogether, exposing bones and the extent to which the crystals have taken over their insides. It is unclear whether the Canoptrix are even alive at this point. The crystallized specimens are more deadly than their regular counterparts, so be careful studying them.
They might look undead, but their interest in your activities on Galatea is more alive than ever!
Despite changing their protective shell, Arachnoids are still pretty agile.
If Canoptrix got affected by this phenomenon, it is no surprise that Arachnoids have as well. This can lead us to the conclusion that the ‘ground zero’ for the crystal disease lies somewhere in the Galatean jungle. Arachnoids seem to have been changed to an even greater extent than the Canoptrix. Due to the crystal’s influence, they seem to have shed their chitinous armor and grown a new protective shell made entirely from these crystals. The brand-new armor is much more robust than the old shell, making these Arachnoids more resilient. Additionally, this strain no longer shoots acid from the glands on their tails. Those projectiles have been replaced with razor-sharp crystal shards. Revise your tactics accordingly!
Crystallized strains of Arachnoids are much tougher than the ones you regularly meet in the Tropical Zone.
Blue suits the Stregaros. Really brings out the yellow eyes.
One would expect that Hammerroceroses would also fall victim to these mutations, but that is not the case - perhaps it’s due to their sheer size. It would be difficult for a 5-meter-tall beast to wander around cavern tunnels. Nature filled that void with Stregaroses. Given that this species is not native to the Tropical zone, it is unclear if the crystalline growth spread as far as the Radioactive Desert region, or if this is a new species altogether. Similarly to the Arachnoids, Stregaroses' chitinous carapace has been replaced with crystals. These creatures prove to be the most dangerous in narrow, cavernous passageways. When in a group, Stregaroses can put up a shield that will be difficult to break through. That will allow creatures in the backline to effectively siege your outposts in the Crystal Caverns biome.
You can actually stumple upon Stregaroses in the Caverns, but we don't recommend it.
As you can see, the Crystal Caverns biome is going to offer a unique challenge not only thanks to its layout but also due to the variety of creatures you are going to face. Still, these are not the most dangerous species that will stand in your way. Be on the lookout for more news in the coming weeks, and join our streams every Tuesday and Thursday for exclusive previews! Follow www.twitch.tv/exorstudios and join www.discord.gg/exorstudios to get the latest info all the time.
EXOR Studios