Va’nu

General Information about the Planet

Va’nu is a world that tests every breath taken upon it. The surface burns beneath an unrelenting sun, and the winds carry sand sharp enough to carve through stone. Only those who understand the planet’s silent fury survive long enough to learn its hidden truths. Beneath the scorched crust lies the true heart of Va’nu, a vast realm of shadowed caverns where ancient stone shelters those who walk with respect. The Va’nu’ians forged their civilization in this deep refuge, shaped by fire, darkness, and unwavering vigilance, and they guard it with the fierce devotion of a people who owe their lives to the planet that claimed them.

Va'nu is divided into two parts: Pirje (the surface world) and Khom'ye (the underground).

The common phrase "put them into the ground" is used when referring to taking someone to one of the underground cities.

Type

Desert Planet

Location

Same solar system as K’lais

Description

Va’nu is a harsh desert world dominated by scorching temperatures, shifting dunes, and semi-desert regions. It was settled by a group of K’laisians who chose to leave their original world rather than abandon their warring traditions. These settlers adopted the planet’s name and became known as Va’nu’ians. When they first left K’lais, Va’nu was several months of space travel away.

Geography

The surface of Va’nu is extremely dangerous. Heat levels rise far above what humans and many other species can withstand. Water is scarce and the wind carries sand fine enough to scour unprotected skin. Despite this hostile exterior, the planet hides a vast network of caverns beneath its crust. These caverns were revealed during a catastrophic event known as The Night the Stars Wept, which changed the future of the settlers forever.

Subterranean Environment

The caverns beneath Va’nu provide cooler, stable conditions and contain natural pockets of moisture and minerals. The Va’nu’ians built their true cities here. These underground cities are designed to blend with the stone and minimize environmental impact. Plant species brought from K’lais are cultivated in controlled environments so they do not harm native life.

Access to the underground cities is closely guarded. Very few outsiders are allowed entry, and fewer still are permitted to see the full extent of these settlements.

Surface Settlements

Although their true civilization exists below ground, the Va’nu’ians constructed several surface cities and military bases. These serve as decoys, defensive positions, and controlled points of contact for visitors. To most outsiders, Va’nu appears sparsely inhabited, which is exactly the impression the Va’nu’ians intend to preserve.

Flora and Fauna

The subterranean environment supports unique native species that evolved in darkness and heat. Some are harmless and others are extremely dangerous. The Va’nu’ians live alongside these creatures with respect and caution.

The Va’nu’ians retain one important cultural belief shared with their K’laisian ancestors. They believe the planet and its natural systems must be protected. Environmental disruption is treated as a serious offense. All construction and agriculture are designed to work with the land rather than against it.

Culture

Va’nu’ian culture values discipline, privacy, and survival. Their origins as exiles shaped a society that guards its secrets carefully. Visitors are rare and trusted visitors are even rarer.

Within their hidden world, the Va’nu’ians created a thriving society grounded in resilience, tradition, and reverence for their harsh but life-giving planet.