Hoxxes

**Hoxxes IV** is a scorched, tidally-locked planet orbiting the blue star Creus, unique among the other planets in the system for its extraordinarily rich precious material deposits and extremely hostile environment. Only the mining corporation Deep Rock Galactic, known for a lack of safety precautions, is stubborn enough to continue mining in this sector, offering hefty paychecks and bonuses to those willing to brave the depths of Hoxxes IV.

The dangers include, but are not limited to: electromagnetic storms, gravitational anomalies, tectonic instability, seas of sulfuric acid, and one of the most hostile ecosystems in the galaxy. The creatures of Hoxxes only grow more hostile and dangerous under the unending radiation from Creus and the biomatter and microorganisms left by other mining corporations. And if the pincers, teeth, tentacles, and altogether too many eyes of Hoxxes’ children isn’t enough to scare you away, rumors of even worse and much older, sinister, and alien things down in the deepest excavations abound.

### The Biomes

Hoxxes's surface is composed of several unique continents, each with a different type of biome. These biomes provide not only differing cave layouts and complexities, but also contain more or less of certain minerals, which can help those who are looking for specific Crafting Materials. The flora of each biome is diverse, and they offer different traits that can be helpful when dealing with enemies, or harmful.

 The **Crystalline Caverns** contain vast purple crystals composed of worthless silicate, jutting out of the walls of the cave and obscuring vision. **Electric Crystals** are a rare hazard that arc chains of high voltage electricity between each other at regular intervals. The tight corridors and tunnels of the region are helpfully lit by glowing **Blue Crystals** which are the only natural source of light in the region.

 The **Salt Pits** are densely populated with giant red salt crystals jutting out of the walls at irregular angles, and fragile platforms of white salt can occasionally be found on the walls. Stalactites delicately hang from the ceiling that can easily crush smaller creatures should they be disturbed.
*Note:* *The "Glyphid omelettes" in the biome description of the Salt Pits are theorized to be the eggs collected as the primary objective in Egg Hunt missions.*

 **Fungus Bogs** is overrun with vegetation: patches of dense grass and vines, legions of giant mushrooms, pools of thick goo, and clusters of Poisonous fungus spores that will release deadly vapors when approached.

 **Radioactive Exclusion Zone** contains vast deposits of volatile uranium that glow green in the darkness, damaging anything in their proximity. Certain enemy types have evolved to withstand the onslaught of radiation, notably mutated Cave Vines that lurk in the ceiling. Fleshy tumorous growths can be found latched to the walls, emitting bioluminescent light, and more rarely, some tunnels can be scattered with harmless Wall Eyes which watch the dwarves as they pass through the region.

 **Dense Biozone** is a vast subterranean system of pitch black caverns, littered by plant life that is mostly dangerous or hostile. The cave coral formations can occasionally help in traversing the caverns for hidden riches.

 **Glacial Strata** is one of the more extreme environments on Hoxxes, featuring sub zero temperatures and oppressive blizzards. Dwarves working in this region will need to manage their temperature to avoid becoming frozen solid. Certain types of hostile fauna have adapted to the cold, and will attack any intruders with freezing substances.

 **Hollow Bough** resembles the interior of a dead subterranean tree, greatly infested by hazardous vines that offer no form of leisure for any mission. The area is largely devoid of plant life due to this invasive species, yet a unique form of wasps has somehow made their home.

 **Azure Weald** consists of caverns filled with pink and blue luminescent plants. It features big, open chambers, connected by tunnels filled with glowing flora, producing a soft light. The material making up the caves is durable, taking two hits to give way.

 **Magma Core** is home to explosive plants, explosive maggots, lava geysers, and earthquakes. Miners should be especially careful when operating in this area, as explosions will expose dangerous hot rock beneath the ground.

 The rock in **Sandblasted Corridors** appears to be sandstone, easily giving way to tunneling—though caution is advised when digging downwards. The caverns in Sandblasted Corridors can be hundreds of meters in length and height, but are occasionally engulfed by thick sandstorms.

### Shallow Grotto

**Shallow Grotto** is only accessible through the tutorial mission, played with Gunner in Solo Mode. Shallow Grotto contains various features from other planetary regions such as Glowing Blue Crystals and Spider Webs. Unlike other planetary regions, Shallow Grotto doesn't contain any crafting materials, and no secondary objective minerals are present. The cave is abundant in Morkite, which must be collected as the primary objective to complete the tutorial mission.

The cave generations are mostly the same, such things as tunnels between caves, ore placement and biome features are randomized.