Aliases: The Dry King, The Sentinel of Crust, Keeper of the Pale Gates

Description:

Monolithic humanoid figure composed of stratified salt and fossilised sediment. Height between 3–4 metres. Eyes appear as faintly luminous recesses emitting dry luminescence (spectrum consistent with magnesium burn). Movement produces brittle cracking sounds akin to collapsing rock.

Nature and Behaviour:

Primary function appears to be maintenance of the Salt Hollows’ perimeter. Detects and neutralises sources of moisture or organic intrusion. Direct contact dehydrates living tissue instantaneously, reducing victims to salt casings. Exhibits limited awareness — operates through pattern recognition and ritual repetition.

May pause movement for hours, blending seamlessly into surrounding salt pillars until triggered by sound or heat signatures.

Field Notes:

Recovered expedition drone recorded entity tracking team footprints for 18 hours before ambush. No vocalisation detected; environmental humidity dropped 23% within 20m radius.

Containment Protocols:

Avoid contact within 5km of Hollow perimeters during arid weather events. Deploy saline-neutralising mists to reduce mobility. Do not use water-based weaponry or hydration systems near manifestation.