Erdria

Erdria

Erdria is a planet in the binary star system Grian. Although the planet is habitable for humans, the planet has a highly irregular, elliptical orbit that loops around both stars. This causes a highly irregular, nigh-unpredictable seasonal cycle. Because this effectively stalled technological rediscovery following the Blackout, society on Erdria compared to its contemporaries reached no more than a preindustrial level before outside intervention from the Federation of Stellar Systems.

Society on Erdria is split into multiple smaller feudal states. Despite their medieval levels of technology, they also have a class of people known as Tech Sages who help to uncover the secrets of whatever Valerian Empire leftovers they happen to find.

Although they are in contact with the Federation, introducing new technologies is difficult due to the consequence of irreversibly disrupting their natural development. Trade became heavily restricted after one kingdom had wiped itself out using illegal weapons that a group of space pirates had sold them. Other societies on Erdria openly reject any Valerian technology and instead insist on using only what they developed themselves since the Blackout. Therefore, travel by outsiders is strictly limited to major cities within the Galvanti Empire, the most technologically advanced nation on Erdria.

Physical characteristics

Erdria is approximately 10% larger than Earth, but is slightly less dense with a lower surface gravity. The planet is relatively temperate on average although its summers and winters can last years at a time.

Biosphere

Flora

• Cave mushroom - The primary crop of Erdria. Cave mushrooms like their namesake grow in dark spaces with consistent temperature year round regardless of the seasonal cycle.
• Erdria conifer - Because of the irregular seasons, there are no deciduous trees on Erdria. Trees tend to be coniferous evergreens that retain their leaves year round. They are hardy plants resistant to a wide variety of weather conditions.

Fauna

• Unicorn - A genetic relative to horses they adapted to Erdria to have a horn on its head.
• Cow snail - A species of snail the size of cattle. They are commonly used for livestock while their shell clippings are often used for either decoration or building materials. The shell itself is also flame resistant.
• Fire wyrm - A giant species of snake that evolved a supplemental diet of metals. Using the metal build up around its fangs as well as a gas bladder, it can expel a flammable liquid that ignites upon contact with its teeth.
• Greater tarantula - A giant species of tarantula that fills the niche of pack hunting animals. They are considered a nuisance because of their tendency to hunt livestock, but they are kept in check by their natural predator the Fire wyrm.