Clay

Lore & Background

Beyond its structural utility, Clay holds cultural significance in colony history as the first material mastered by survivors. Early logs often mention the discovery of clay veins as a turning point, allowing for the creation of pipes and walls that kept toxic gases at bay. It is the earthy anchor in a world dominated by volatile gases and extreme temperatures.

In Their Own Story

The pickaxe struck with a dull thud against the brown rock. Dust motes danced in the narrow beam of the headlamp as the Duplicant cleared away another chunk of the vein. Behind the wall, something hissed—a pocket of gas waiting to be released. They paused, checking their oxygen mask, then swung again. This clay would become walls, and those walls would keep them alive.

Reader's Guide

Clay deposits are primarily located within the upper and middle layers of the planet’s crust, often appearing as distinct brownish-gray veins amidst common rock. Colonists should prioritize mining these resources early to establish basic infrastructure like walls and insulation before venturing deeper into the mantle. While safe at ambient temperatures, Clay is thermally sensitive; exposure to high heat sources such as magma or hot gas pipes will cause solid blocks to melt into Liquid Clay. This phase change can be hazardous, as the flowing liquid may spread uncontrollably across floors or flood machinery if not contained by pumps or barriers. Extraction requires a standard pickaxe, though advanced drills speed up collection significantly for large operations. Be wary of gas pockets trapped behind clay walls; breaking the seal can release dangerous toxins like Carbon Dioxide or Oxygen into your base unexpectedly without warning signs. To prevent accidental melting during construction, avoid placing hot pipes directly against raw Clay blocks without proper shielding or cooling systems nearby. For long-term durability and better thermal properties, smelting mined Clay in a Kiln transforms it into Ceramic, which offers superior structural integrity and heat resistance for advanced engineering projects requiring stability under pressure.

Did You Know?

• Liquid Clay behaves like water and can flow through pipes if not contained.
• Raw Clay blocks provide excellent thermal insulation compared to metal alloys.
• Smelting Clay in a Kiln produces Ceramic, which is more durable than raw material.