Approved Planet Elamsha

[Runi Kuryida]

• Intent: Create a Population Boom world near the Mandalorian Empire and add a distinct cultural element to the forum near (but not too near) other planets of a kind/theme (such as Dathomir).
• Image Credit: Planet: Artstation, Header: Artstation
• Canon: No
• Permissions: N/A
• Links: N/A

• Planet Name: Elamsha
• Demonym: Elamshan
• Region: Original from unknown space, but Planeshifted to the Mid Rim
• System Name: Lindith
• System Features:
  • Stars
    • Qavalshar
      • Name Meaning: Goddess of Light & Order
      • Spectral Classification: G5
  • Planets
    • I. Olothos
      • Name Meaning: Goddess of Darkness & Passion
      • Planetary Classification: Gas Giant
    • II. Elamsha
      • Name Meaning: Destiny
      • Planetary Classification: Terrestrial Planet
      • Planetary Rings: Yes, 3 Bands
      • Natural Satellites: No Longer
      • Length of Day: 22.9 Galactic Standard Hours
      • Length of Year: 383.5 Days
    • III. Rathath
      • Name Meaning: Goddess of Strength & Magic
      • Planetary Classification: Ocean Planet
    • IV. Saviss
      • Name Meaning: Goddess of Balance & Endurance
      • Planetary Classification: Iron Planet
    • V. Amuth
      • Name Meaning: Goddess of Secrets & Discord
      • Planetary Classification: Ice Giant
        
• Location: [Currently Empty] Hex to the Right of Yavin
• Major Imports:
  • Luxury Goods
  • Technology
  • Kyber Crystals
  • Ship Parts
  • Medicine
• Major Exports:
  • Spices
  • Jewelry
  • Gemstones
  • Perfumes
  • Artwork
• Unexploited Resources:
  • Exotic Wildlife
  • Kyber Crystals
  • Cybernetics
  • Bio-luminescent Flora
  • Archaeological Sites
  • Agrocite
  • Nova Crystal
  • Tynzo Crystal
  • Arsensalts
  • Obsidian
  • Beskar

• Gravity: Standard
• Climate: Subtropical, Controlled
• Primary Terrain:
  • Jungles
  • Plains
  • Grasslands
  • Mountains
  • Oceans
  • Plateaus
  • Geodes
• Atmosphere: Type I

• Capital City: Xaresh
• Planetary Features:
  • Elamshinaen & Sham'aroth:The Favored and Unholy are two 'halves' of the planet divided between the Organic Elamshan and Techno-Organic Darthiir.
    • Elamshinaen: Settlements are built to leave as much of nature unspoiled as possible; often times they are constructed in the faces of sheer crystalline cliffs, or deep within a geode.
    • Sham'aroth: Resources necessary for survival and growth are extracted without regard for preserving the natural beauty. Their cybernetic growth is above all else.
    • Vet d'l'Quar'valsharess: The mystical barrier powered by the Force Nexus 'Tharid' (Devourer) and formed by the 'Yinnin' (Fangs) Spires that separates the two parts of Elamsha from one another.
  • Che'el: While many galactic communities built horizontally, the Elamshan of Elamshinaen built vertically. Their homes are built using and nestled among the crystalline formations that have grown on towering rock faces; often times an active waterfall gushes nearby that gave rise to the crystals so long ago. Markets are long, and sometimes with platforms jutted outward to add a second row of stalls to entice more patronage.
  • Rendan: Other cities, while still mostly vertically constructed, are built within the cradle of geodes. Their top has been weathered away or removed to expose the resplendent interior that captivate many Elamshan. These cities often have bridges and platforms suspended across their center connecting multiple points of contact within the geode.
  • L'Cress: The Web is a network of levitating carriages capable of conveying Elamshan between cities. Those of wealth and power ride in private, luxurious carriages that may sail faster along the currents and take priority in their passing of lesser, more common, and slower carriages.
  • L'Lassrinnin: The Time of the Sundering is the Age known for the destruction of Elamsha's natural satellite or moon. The Darthiir had discovered the means of propelling themselves high into the sky to surmount the Veil separating Elamshinaen & Sham'aroth; desperate to maintain the peace as their people had only just begun to recover, Goddess' child sacrificed itself to rain penance down upon them and crush the Darthiir's rockets.
  • Euolen: Crystals are commonplace, and many do more than sparkle. The Children of the Goddesses learned early on that great Faer power could be channeled through or drawn from many such crystals. It shaped the development of their culture, powered their industrial revolution, and affords them luxurious and security most worlds might envy were it not for Elamsha's bloody history in its struggle against the Darthiir.
  • Light Purple Sky.
    
• Major Locations:
  • Xaresh:The Capital City of Elamshinaen on Elamsha. Built in a horseshoe of crystalline cliffs, it is Elamsha's Shining Jewel of progress, prosperity, and piety. If there is a city on Elamsha to envy it is Xaresh, and many vie to lay claim to residences in its embrace.
    • Dryss'hoin: Suspended in midair in the center for all to see is a platform used for breathtaking performances, eloquent speeches, and at times even grand festivals.
    • Yath d'L'forn: The Temple of Reflection is the largest temple of the Elamshinaen, and has had some of the finest artisans over generations work to shape crystals, glass, and even stone to bring honor to their goddess.
    • G'ravess Has'tre: Nestled in the bosom of Xaresh, the Grand Exchange occupies much of the ground in the shade of Xaresh. Countless stalls and merchants gather to show and barter their wares with residents and visitors alike. One must pass through here after arriving via The Web to rise to the city proper (unless one possesses levitation, and that is restricted to specific embarkation zones).
  • Nautnautelghinyrr:The Capital City of Sham'aroth on Elamsha. It is not a place spoken of by the Elamshinaen by choice, but it is the heart of their wayward cousins that seek advancement of cybernetics or machines to 'give rise to the next evolution of our people.' It is a city of industry and research; not choked by smoke or smog, its less vibrant decor is born solely of the sheer utilitarianism its residents hold dear.
    • The Darthiir have little problem with space. While their cities also build upward, they jut into the sky built of metals and glass. Assembly zones may be on the ground or high above it, but so often they are enclosed spaces cloistering secret gatherings or discussions away from prying ears. Everyone seeks to find the next miraculous invention in order to gain favor and rise in social stature.
    • Despite the obsession over cybernetics, from afar the people of Darthiir can be seen moving around the city like many galactic civilizations. A wayward visitor, however, would find harsh stares from technologically enhanced eyes and cold features -- until they were sized by Collectors.
    • Industrial and military zones eagerly creep across the face of Elamsha like a plague within the Sham'aroth.
  • Chi Elemmiire: The Fallen Star is an old (not ancient) wreckage of a city that once floated among the clouds. It was destroyed by the Darthiir at the Time of the Sundering. None has reconstructed something so glorious and so massive since given the untold loss of life caused by an attack on such a city's greatest weakness.
  • Har'ol d'Zha'linth: For those seeking understanding and knowledge, the Cavern of Memory is Elamsha's greatest, deepest collection of Kyber Crystals. Some say the cavern extends to the very heart of Elamsha itself, and that if you still your mind you can hear revelations and even see the departed. The former is dubious, but the latter Faer-users can substantiate as being in the realm of possibility; the crystals are the well-spring of power of Faer in Elamshan society and are seen everywhere. Nary a cultural event or product is produced without crystals featuring in it prominently. Some of the most lavish Web Carriages are made out of solid crystal.
  • Qaril'larin d'Gre'as'anto: The Fortress of Peace may seem ironic to an outsider, but to those of Elamshinaen it is a fact of life. Guards protect the Fangs from anyone foolish enough to accidentally or maliciously interfere with them maintaining the Veil (or Barrier) separating Elamshinaen and Sham'aroth. Regrettably, it is not unheard of for Darthiir propaganda to convince foolish Elamsha that 'true' peace is preferable to the 'illusion' of peace they have today. This fortification surrounds the black currents of the Force Nexus Tharid d'Dro lu'Aphyon visible on the surface of the planet, with the Veil blessedly projected on the opposite shore to keep the Darthiir from it.
  • L'Zhasen: Most of the Elamshinaen is undeveloped. With Faer providing so much of society's needs there was no need for widespread logging, mining, or pollution. That idillic paradise was no obtained without cost, however, as the War certain left its mark on the planet. Nonetheless, The Wilds remain free and so does much of Elamsha's remaining flora and fauna -- left to develop naturally, the people of Elamshinaen can venture far from the cities to bask in the sun and nature's bounty. Citizens are warned wildlife are wild, however, and to protect themselves from harm by following a few simple rules (such as putting up food and waste).
    
• Force Nexus:
  • Intent: A reflection to a prolonged struggle for survival on Elamsha between two factions that persists to this day, and is only exasperated by the planet's relocation into the galaxy. Concentrated power harnessed by inhabitants to maintain an indefinite stalemate now in jeopardy. It has reflected and influenced the development of their culture.
  • Nexus Name: Tharid d'Dro lu'Aphyon (Devourer of Life and Death), AKA Tharid (Devourer)
  • Nexus Alignment: Dark
  • Size: Large: A broad stream of flowing, tar-black energy bubbles forth from Elamsha and sinks back into it far from its wellspring.
  • Strength: Moderate: An unmistakable focal point of dark energy manifested as a stream of onyx. Some say it is the lifeblood of the planet that pours from an ancient wound; which is not far from the truth, but also exaggerated. It could be suppressed or 'cleansed' with great effort, but for all the differences between the two major factions neither has ever dabbled in the Light long enough or to enough extent to even conceive such a thing were truly possible. It has existed for so long, with the truth of its origins lost to so much time, that everyone simple expects it will be there forever.
  • Accessibility: Its location is known by practically everyone, but a fortification keeps them away. It is a source of power for the wall that separates the two factions, and direct physical contact is known to sap the very life from whatever that touches it. While its power can be felt beyond the physical barriers, Watchers monitor for anyone that seeks to tap into it from afar -- officially not possible, but there are secret documented occurrences over generations of over enthusiastic researchers that have managed to do so; and those in power do not take it lightly when one tampers on the reason for society's lifestyle of comfort.
  • Effects: The overwhelming majority of power is harnessed by five Spires known as the Yinnin, or Fangs of the Goddess. These Spires form a barrier that encircles the globe separating the Elamshan & Darthiir from one another and forming what is known as the Elamshinaen & Sham'aroth, and is responsible for the world not being consumed by the war that shattered their moon so long ago. What remains untapped is known to give visions , portents, and even ancient knowledge to those that bask in the wash of horror that echoes across time, or resists the temptation of exotic figures given form from mists just over the stream's surface. None are to touch the physical manifestation of the Tharid d'Dro lu'Aphyon, however, or they will certainly die an agonizing death.

• Native Species:
  • Elamshan & Darthiir
  • Diverse Flora and Fauna including a wide range of bio-luminescent life
• Immigrated Species:
  • None at the time this Report was Commissioned
• Population: Moderate
• Demographics: [ Please describe the population assortment found on this planet. Is it primarily human inhabitants with only a small percentage of aliens? Or perhaps the other way around? Is this a place open to all kinds of races or is there a strong theme of racism and xenophobia? Specific race percentages are welcome but not required. ]
  • 73% Elamshan, Xeno Policy: Open (Visitors are cautioned to pay careful attention to local cultural inclinations, however.)
  • 27% Darthiir, Xeno Policy: 'Open' (A strict 'Do Not Travel' advisory is undeniably recommended by this Commission!)
• Primary Languages:
  • Ishar (Elamshan), Jahk (Darthiir)
• Culture:
  • Culture & Society
    A newcomer at first would find the Elamshan a friendly people, if not one that understands the concept of personal space. Due to the construction of their cities, and the bustling markets, however, you eventually come to believe it's by necessity; there's no space to avoid encountering another being, and rarely is it out of malice. Then you begin to notice stares. Typically by the opposite sex -- though as it was later discovered, biological sex has little to do with it -- and most prominently by the women. It is, perhaps, the first most jarring difference to many galactic worlds where people are glad to pass by unnoticed; these Elamshan at times seem jealous of one person being noticed instead of themselves. Yet, despite these desires, they do not go out of their way to cause a scene to be noticed.
    
    As it turned out, the Elamshan are a Matriarchal society. Officially a Monarchy, but always with a Queen. The lowest woman is higher than the highest man, by tradition anyway. That is yet the strangest part and what visitors must know: these friendly, unassuming people with their revealing attire are by far some of the most shameless and commanding sapient lifeforms encountered. It seems no topic is taboo to speak aloud except to imply reconciliation with the Darthiir may be possible, and questioning their Queen. And should one take a 'fancy' with a visitor, they should be prepared for a most physical encounter. No violence, per se, and not with the intent for lasting harm, but assertive. What was once warmth becomes haughty expectation for obedience in less than a blink of an eye.
    
    Passion and indulgence are things to be pursued in Elamshan society, but not to abandon. Certain obligations of their 'Houses' or clans necessitate the continuation of thriving marketplaces, entertainment venues, the pursuit of Faer ('magic') research, and much more. Yet, when not engaged in official conduct where their restraint is on display -- even with an occasional, meaningful stare -- the Elamshan enjoy all their world has to offer and the bounty of hard work by their fellow man. And, for this report, it should be noted a great deal of the toil is performed by the men; another topic that is best avoided by visitors.
    
    
  • Religion
    There are several goddesses of the Elamshan religious order, including (but not exclusively): Qavalshar (Goddess of Light & Order), Olothos (Goddess of Darkness & Passion), Rathath (Goddess of Strength & Magic), Saviss (Goddess of Balance & Endurance), and Amuth (Goddess of Secrets & Discord).
    • Qavalshar is the 'highest' goddess given considerable praise for Elamshan's existence and the Veil holding back the Darthiir monsters.
    • Olothos is celebrated what the gas giant blocks Qavalshar's sight for several days three times a year blanketing the entire planet in darkness. A great festival is held where the people feast and enjoy one another's company almost to excess. Except for the one third of their number forced to sit it out in case the Darthiir somehow took advantage of their indulgence (an event that happened once, long ago); but Olothos be praised each cycle tasks a different third with that duty.
    • Rathath champions those that delve deep into martial and Faer (magic) ways to elevate their people to new heights. Her blessing provides great feats that command attention.
    • Saviss is worshipped by fewer with as much passion as Qavalshar or Olothos; Her domain maintains the natural order and ensures the peace of Elamsha, which is more easily overlooked.
    • Amuth does not enjoy the peace Qavalshar forced upon Elamsha. Their Children have begun to grow stagnant in Her eyes, and unable to opposite Qavalshar directly, She did the next best thing and gave Lindith solar system the nudge it needed to succumb to the Planeshift.
  • Daily Life
    Elamshan are expected to fulfill their societal obligations without complaint, efficiently, and effectively. Faer has absolved their society of the need for a grueling schedule, nonetheless there remains work to be done. Laziness on Task is seen as an affront to the goddess and severely punished. Meanwhile, those that suffer injury or ailment are instructed to seek a local Healer to tend to the matter before it worsens. There is duty and obligation, but not merely for the sake of the short-term. That being true, it is not unheard of for an over-domineering Priestess to work her people to exhaustion for ego or in an effort to climb the social ladder; if proven, however, the Priestess herself will be held to account, but there are severe consequences for false charges being made.
    
    Once all necessary Tasks are completed, the Period of Obligation is over and the individual is free to pursue their own desires until the next Period (often the next day).
    
    
  • Art & Entertainment
    Unsurprisingly, painting, sculpting, dance, theater, and athletic displays are just a few forms of art and entertainment the Elamshan might engage in or bear witness to. If anything, sports and other exceptional displays of physicality draw quite the crowd and acclaim. Perhaps in part due to the infrequency of genuine war between city-states, which is largely due to the lingering awareness that their real enemy lay just one Veil away. A number of more reverent displays in honor of their Goddesses attracts an equally large -- if not larger -- gathering.

• Government: Feudal Matriarchy
• Affiliation: Not at the time this Report was Commissioned
• Wealth: High: Both halves of the planet are rich in resources or power (electrical, Faer/magic) and self-sustaining with thriving cities.
• Stability: High: Because of the Veil separating the Elamshan and Darthiir, each society is extremely stable despite both possessing a drive for social elevation. Strict societal rules of governance and decorum prevent spiraling into anarchy with swift and merciless punishments to those that reneged. That being said, it is only safe for visitors to visit the Elamshan (though those of puritanical beliefs or extreme social unease should avoid contact with the locals); few that land within Darthiir will return, or if they return they will no longer be themselves.
• Freedom & Oppression:
  • Elamshan society is biologically sexually oppressive in favor of its women. The men are not slaves, but they are denied the right to claim some of society's highest positions of authority. Though the Queen always has the right to grant a man authority in some capacity, it will never be held in the same regard as if a woman held it. All able-bodied Elamshan are expected to contribute to society in whatever way possible; while those physically or mentally unable to do so are cared for or at least given a suitable place to live (which may not be where they wish) without being punished, but they won't advance in the social hierarchy. Anyone, no matter how wealthy or power they may seem, can be held to account before their Queen if found wanting before their goddesses. Attempts to destroy the Veil, undermine the Queen's Authority, sow terror, or encourage revolt will be punished severely.
  • Darthiir is the definition of oppressive. From the outside it won't seem that way, and if you joined them it certainly wouldn't be regarded as such, but the individual is always subservient to the greater whole; and all entities are expected to join the collective consciousness to become better people. No one fears their leader, for their Will is the Will of All; likewise there is no crime as all citizens know and carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.

• Military: Experienced: The Elamshan's weapons and defenses are unlike most other galactic civilizations. With a few adjustments to the sensors and appropriate designations, these differences can be classified into existing, comparable categories, however. Most things are Faer or Kyber-powered; and the majority is aimed to prevent the spread of the Darthiir outside of their territory rather than concerned with an external, hostile force (that previously didn't exist prior to the Planeshift).
  
  
• Technology: Advanced: The Elamshan's use of Faer and Kyber has provided a bounty the likes of which the galaxy might salivate over to resolve its resource needs (by strip-mining Elamsha bare). Meanwhile, the Darthiir are advanced well beyond Galactic Standard with regard to cybernetics; they have achieved symbiosis with their cybernetic/technological components and seek to further unite the natural and synthetic. Neither have large fleets or a hyperspace-based government, so their grand, respective achievements are tempered in comparison to Galactic Standard.

Origin:
The Lindith System was given birth into existence by the Pantheon of Goddesses countless Ages ago. They sought to form a world of prosperity for their Children in the Void, and took forms in the night sky to watch over their young -- to nurture and guide them. Scientifically speaking, its inhabitants evolved naturally on this world.

Early History:
In the Beginning, the people of Elamsha hunted across the plains and grasslands, and though the jungles. They found safety and strength in the crystals that grew plentiful upon the cliffs and atop the plateaus. Roving bands turned to small settlements. Who in turn found means of harvesting crops and corralling beasts. In time discovered the breath of the Goddesses, Faer (magic). With their newfound abilities, they grew their settlements, protected their harvests, managed their herds. More discoveries. More growth.

Soon settlements became villages and towns. Concerns for their resources grew. Worry that the crystal cliff they'd found might not be large enough after so long. Eyes looked elsewhere. Conflict. Struggle. Elamshan were a passionate people and their battles were waged in passion; bloody and long. Boundaries were set as city-states emerged. Faer began to supplement resources to alleviate the burden of agriculture and animal husbandry that left their people exposed to attacks. The Faer Revolution had begun.

Industrial Age:
Not all were content with Faer, however. Not all were gifted with the same strength in the Art. Such people turned to tools, which gave rise to more complex tools, and turn how tools might manage themselves. They were looked down upon especially when they foraged for new materials with which to build things. Some decried them for spoiling pristine land. They felt the weight of social, and the judgment of the Goddesses upon them for generations. Burdened with impossible Obligation, they grew resentful of those that took their Gifts and their Arts for granted. Their work continued.

At long last, the first automated machine was built. At last their hard effort held the rest speechless in this strange, mechanical wonder. Some began to consider how both Faer and Machine might coexist. Perhaps there were ways one was better than the other, or they could save on energy and leave the Goddesses' tears (crystals) wept for them in their loneliness in the Void unspoiled. Others got louder in decrying how much of Elamsha would need to be destroyed to find the materials used to build such monstrosities. As the debates raged, and some city-states imposed sanctions, others continued the work.

Generations went by and entire city-states sprung up far from the rest devoted to uncovering the natural wealth of Elamsha. Why would the Goddesses have put such material on their world if it was not meant to be used? Nay, why did it matter? The Goddesses' people had shunned them too long. They would forge their own destiny regardless of the Goddess' Will. And so, at last, long hence they developed the first cybernetic implant. Unlike the hundreds of years before, it would only take little over a decade before the germ that would become the Darthiir was born.

The Inferno:
Soon, augmented warriors set upon their old cousins. They brought war and destruction with them. Retribution. Excise the hurdle to their advancement. Claim Elamsha for themselves -- for the future! They had not foreseen how far their own research in Faer would have come in the same amount of time, however. It was war. It was brutal. But those of Faer were not so easily crushed under foot as the Darthiir had believed they would be. The lines ebbed and flowed in time. Entire cities lost on both sides. And through it all, they continued their research.

Once the Darthiir began 'infecting' unwilling Elamshan with their foul, cursed magic called 'cybernetics' it became clear Elamshani survival was in peril. Their greatest minds came together and drew upon what was once considered a scar on the face of Elamsha -- the Force Nexus given rise from the constant war and Faer being used to protect their people by crushing their enemy. It took the better part of a generation before the Spires were built and the Veil partitioned their world in two, but at last -- though there were still remnants -- they had peace.

Or so it was believed. Darthiir technology enabled them to ascend to the skies themselves. Over the skies. To heights a Goddess-loving Elamshan could never conceive. And worse when it came back down on their side of the Veil. Terrified beyond reason, the Elamshan's impassioned debates in the Temple rang out. The Goddesses would not have forsaken them. There was a way to save their people. To save their world! That was when one man -- one of the few recognized, and perhaps most wildly known -- stepped forward with an audacious plan: sacrifice the Child to save the World. He was very nearly torn limb-from-limb on the spot, but for the Queen to command them not to lay hands. It was horrendous, but it was also deemed necessary, and so the Queen ordered their finest Faer-users once again for the impossible: to destroy the moon orbiting Elamsha and rain destruction down on the Darthiir not just that day, but every day hence.

L'Lassrinnin, The Time of the Sundering. While the debris from the shattered moon did not rain endlessly down upon their foe, it did scatter enough debris into orbit that a fledgling species focused within did not understand how rings about their planet affected launches. Enough destruction and failure in re-launching rockets back into orbit was enough to deter wasteful expenditure, however. The plan worked even if not as intended -- their technology-obsessed cousins were trapped on their side of the Veil.

Golden Age:
While in the beginning there were numerous fallout from the Sundering, in time the people of Elamsha were able to begin a proper reconstruction of what they had lost in war. Years would pass, but peace would reign. Even among the competing city-states everyone had lost a taste for open warfare or martial exchanges. They were forced to collectively re-evaluate how they would prove they were more worthy of the Goddesses' love and attention -- how they would climb the social ladder -- in a way that didn't involved crushing their neighbor. This was hungrily accepted by observations that doing so was diametrically opposite of the Darthiir.

Both sides had found peace, even if each had to accept the other's continued existence for the time being.

Planeshift:
Then 902 ABY, the Planeshift. Galaxies collided sooner than they should have. The Goddess, Amuth, lend Her influence to the Galaxy's draw, and Elamsha and its Goddesses were left in a galaxy unlike anything they had seen before, or could well imagine. Only time would tell how the nearby Mandalorian Empire would react if or when it discovered the riches of Elamsha.

Discovery:
A tale yet to come...

 

[Srina Talon]

Runi Kuryida

This is good to go! [APPROVED]