Image: Starcraft 2; Zerus
Name: Orrazerus
Region: Wild Space
System: Orrazerus
Suns: Single K class Zerus-Sol
Orbital Position: Habitable Zone
Image found on Flickr
Moons:
Orbited by a singular moon; there is evidence of a catastrophe thousands of years ago. Theories abound as to the exact nature and cause, though only few hold any semblance of credibility. The most outstanding is that of a mining disaster that ruptured the crust of the moon. Other state that the cause was from the meltdown of an energy source. While the last states that it suffered a catastrophic collision with another celestial body with the damage still apparent. The last however does not explain or hold up as well against the others in the terms of the continued chain reaction which appears to have been in the process for thousands if not tens of thousands of years.
With the most likely reason and most accepted understanding being of a mining disaster or the meltdown of a power generator; both of which explain the continued chain reaction that has turned a rather mundane mineral into a volatile crystal. This continued chain reaction is what causes the eerie red glow that the moon emits. With the crust shattered and the core nearly exposed, there are other theories as to how the moon's orbit has not decayed and how it has still remained intact in its current state. Its odd gravitational pull; being accredited towards a technology that is described as buried beneath the crust, is what keeps the three planetoid pieces from breaking apart. Along with minor pieces of debris because a static broken ring around the major break which happened at the rough location of equatorial belt of the moon.
Those that visit the world have said that the eerie red glow it gives off is unsettling, as there is no apparent dark side of the moon or new moon. This is likely due to the fracture of the moon running so deep that the moon is prevented from completing a normal orbit at its axis; only capable of completing its orbital path around the planet. While the moon is still somehow held in orbit, there occurs an event every seven years. At this time the fractured moon passes so close to the world that pieces of its ring are pulled from their position by the gravity of Orrazerus. These pieces then impact on the world below, though it is only the largest pieces that survive reentry.
Coordinates: Located in Wild Space in the Empty Hex just south of Makeb
Rotational Period: 36 Local Hours
Orbital Period: 568 Local Days
Class: Terrestrial
Atmosphere: Type I Atmosphere with some regions requiring adherence to Type II or Type III Atmosphere protocols
Climate: Temperate
Gravity: Standard
Primary Terrain:
Snowy or volcanic ash-strewn mountainous areas. Large desert valleys and minor coastal stretches. Canyons, ravines, rocky outcrops and plateaus rise from below. Tropical jungles and sub-tropical forests spread across the face of the world; with large trees related to the wroshyr trees of Kashyyyk.
In depth Description:
Pristine. Untouched. Hazardous. Death. All words that have been used to describe the vast myriad of biomes and ecosystems that cover the face of the world. For thousands of years the world was left untouched in the wake of the demise; and eventual downfall of the original inhabitants of the world. In that time since, nature has taken over and reclaimed its former holdings across the world.
Dense, dark tropical jungles run along the equatorial ring; hiding within flora and fauna that are each as dangerous as the last. Towering Zewroshrr trees coat the canopy above, preventing sunlight from ever touching the floor below. From these trees hang massive yellow, bioluminescent like tendrils that end in a claw shaped bulb. Ages of adaptation and isolation have created a world of ravenous entities. Used by the Zewroshrr trees, these tendril like constructs attract prey for the most diabolical of means to ensure the trees survival. When a prey item is close enough, these tendrils snap out and embed themselves into the prey item; releasing a digestive enzyme in the process. Hours after the strike, the tendril releases the prey item and allows it to drop to the base of the tree, where the digestive enzyme breaks down the prey and composts it; thus ensuring that the tree has nutrients to grow.
Often it is not unusual to see hundreds if not thousands of Anirum flowers rooted at the base of these massive trees. Through a symbiotic relationship between the two flora, the Anirum flower gains the benefits of the decaying prey items; this is due to its own natural defense. Anirum flowers are coated in a sticky substance that emits a strong displeasing order. This sticky goop prevents destructive insects from reaching the trees as the flowers grow so thick around the base that it is difficult for the insects to not become trapped. Likewise the stench that emits from the flower is powerful enough to mask the smell of decay and prevents scavengers from dragging off the decomposing and rotting prey items that rest at the base of the Zewroshrr trees.
Slowly these dangerous jungles give way to sparse forests that dot the edges of the wild. Often beings that visit the world make the mistake that these forests are less dangerous than the jungles; a mistake that costs lives. These wooded areas are home to both dangerous creatures and poisonous flora. Found sporadically dotted throughout the forests; growing in apparent colonies that fight for prey among themselves, are the Cirri stalks. These slender flora tapper up into large opened spiked cylindrical structures. At the tops of these structures are pink shaded spines that are pointed inwards towards a flowering violet bulb. Like many flora, this bulb is used to attract its prey; while the pointed spines prevent the prey from escaping out of its stalk.
Vast colonies of these Cirri stalks are located through the wooded forests of the world. The root systems spread out across vast distances; with each root system and series of stalks forming its own semi-cohesive colonial form. How this is possible, or how the flora itself is able to sense its own growths; while detecting a foreign intrusive growth for a competing colony, is still yet to be understood by xenobotanist.
Jungles and forests dominate the majority of the world; however that are small pockets of varying biomes that are dotted about. Many of these are and have been isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of eons. Grass lands eek out a mere marginal survival against encroaching seeds from the jungle and forest fauna. These grasslands reside atop large plateaus that have carved out vast regions of land that have isolated many species from one another. Entire herds and clutches of fauna never leave these tops. These sparse grasses share a symbiotic relationship with the Hiocorralis flower; a tall red, bulbous flora that is more akin to a root and grass than an actual flower. These red, bulbous tops that rest upon stems hold a powder that is released once the flora reaches maturity. This strange powder serves as a defoliant; which prevents anything but the wild grasses and the flora itself from surviving on the plateaus. In return, the grasses that grow around the bases of these flowers attract the omnivorous fauna; whose leavings are used by the flowers.
Plateaus are not the only rocky formations that tear up towards the skies from the crust. Large mountain ranges tear along in their bid to scratch the face of the heavens. These massive mountainous areas are covered in snowy or volcanic-ash strewn tops; with volcanic canyons and ravines attracting their own flora and fauna alike. In these open volcanic ash spewing canyons and ravines are the Naea Stalk. This flora is theorized as being related to barnacles; sharing many similarities between them. Rooting themselves deep into the nutrient rich rocks, these stalks feed on crystalline veins; the process appearing evident in both its growth, and the tendril like tentacles that the flora uses to catch ash.
These strange flora react in much the same way as shelled crustaceans and barnacles would; as when approached the tendrils will withdraw into the stalk. Xenobotanist believe this to be a more defensive tactic than compared to the more predatory nature of other flora on the world. Likewise their chosen location of ash-strewn volcanic environments further strengthen this claim.
Very few deserts are found on the world; with those few that are being none the less as dangerous than any other place. Here in these water parched lands are located two unique flora; both capable of sustaining themselves for their harsh environment and fending off predators seeking precious water. The Xiaus Flower is a large splayed open; butterfly in appearance. These massive flowers remain open throughout the cool nights of the desert; before quickly closing into a tight bulb when the sun rises. This bulb; and much of the flower for that matter, is covered in a reflective surface that prevents the flora from becoming dried out.
Likewise the Werneri plant has its own unique survival technique. This strange looking flora grows at an angle, with four feather like stems at the top. These stems slowly sway during the day, attracting fauna towards it. Within the cylindrical tube of the plant, is a small pool of water. When a prey item comes close enough to drink from the water, the four stems lash out and inject a paralytic into the prey. If small enough; it then falls into the tube and drowns. The flower processes the prey through a lengthy period of digestion, during which it incorporates all of the moisture from the prey that it can, into its own system.
Among all of these biomes, these dangerous regions are the forgotten stories of those that had come before. During the dawn of this worlds existence and right to the peak; a civilization thrived across the face of the world. Their many cities and constructs have become lost beneath the encroaching flora as nature reclaims its lost places. More recent ruins of failed colonization attempts in more recent years also dot the face of the world. Though there has only been one colony that has survived all these years; scratching out its own existence on this dangerous world.
Image located on cghub
Native Flora:
- Zewroshrr Trees
- Werneri Plant
- Anirum Flower
- Hiocorralis Flower
- Naea Stalk
- Cirri Stalk
- Xiaus Flower
Native Fauna:
Immigrated species: None
Primary languages: Galactic Standard Basic
Government: Sir Hammerlock's Rangers
Population: Fewer than 100 Individuals
Major cities:
Orra
Image from Diablo 3
All colonies have been abandoned. Any previous sign of civilization has been lost to the ages as nature reclaims. Here stands Orra, the last bastion on an otherwise violent world. Even then the city is not like other cities. Much of it is crafted from the remains of failed colonies, refurbished and recovered; only to be incorporated into the twisting and patched together constructs that serve as shelters. Thick walls made a duracrete, hull plating and various other pieces of junk protect the inhabitants from the dangerous beyond. Large towers made from old engines and fuselages of vessels dot the perimeter; bristling with all manner of weapons.
Gates fashioned from cargo doors and blast doors protect the entrances into Orra. Within the inhabitants are kept safe by Sir Hammerlock and his Rangers. Skilled and expert hunters. Orra is the only city left; though there are smaller camps and shuttle landings that are set up, and often destroyed by nature. Raiders, pirates and bandits are just another small problem to deal with in their daily lives of survival. Orra is the city that hasn't fallen, and its protectors intend to keep it that way.
Major imports:
- Technology
- Medicines and Medical Equipment
- Weapons and Ammunition
- Vehicles
- Scientific Equipment
Major exports:
- Exotic Animals and Various affiliated goods i.e. Tusks, Meat, Skins and Fur
Affiliation: None
Culture:
There is no true culture to speak of on Orrazerus. No majestic cities or rights of passage. There is only survival. Hunters from across the galaxy come to test their skills; with only those that are skilled and witty enough to survive. Not everyone makes it, and those that do; are not always whole when they return. The dead do not pass on skills that do not work, the living do. This is the culture of the small colony of Orra. Those hunters that have survived teach those wanting to survive. Those that don't; take their skills to the grave to prevent them from being passed down.
Technology:
- Primitive
- Imported Technology; Hyperspace Level
History:
A world of mystery and much more dangers and hazardous than one can clearly see. It was first colonized, or had a civilization founded upon it eons ago; more than likely reaching its peak sometime before the formation of the Galactic Republic in 25,000 BBY. What few pieces and clues of this society are left are hidden beneath the thick jungles and forests, or covered by the glaciers, snow and ash of the vast mountain ranges. The world itself was left alone for much of its duration until more recent history. Roughly during the years leading up to and following the Ruusan Reformation, the planet was rediscovered by the galaxy at large. During this; likely fifty to one hundred year span, it was visited multiple times, by multiple species. Each visit bringing along with it an attempt at colonizing the world. The weather, environment, flora and fauna all prevented successful colonization.
Within the first two to three years a colony would collapse, and a new attempt would come to the world. After this initial stint at colonization failed, the world was once more forgotten and left alone for the next thousand years without so much as a word. It would watch as the clone wars came and passed, with its next glimpse of beings coming during the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Though it would serve as little more than a supply depot which was quickly abandoned once it became too costly to remain on the world.
More recently, circa the outbreak of the plague that swept through the galaxy, many attempted to relocate to this world to escape. They would find the worlds own dangers and harshness as the native flora and fauna proved to be just as deadly. By the end of the plague, there was fewer than twenty beings left on the world, stranded due to their vessel's engines being damaged. These few people managed to barely hold their own, and in the process founded the only and still standing city of Orra; which serves as a base for hunters and scientists.
Notable PC's:
- @[member="Sir Hammerlock"]
Intent:
Orrazerus will be forming the basis for the back story for this character. It will be further developed through the submissions of the accompanying fauna. With more of its history to be discovered through story campaigns and threads to follow. This will delve further into the back story and history of Sir Hammerlock as well as the possibility of there having been more on the world that now lays buried beneath the growing flora, shifting sands, groaning glaciers and blanketing ash.
