Surniic

Surniic, Xeviron III, or Quirpira by the Yictan, is a territorial world of the Xeviron System within the Orion Arm of the Milkyway Galaxy. Little information about Surniic during the time of the Yictan is known as it contains only one ruin. However, the Caniic Hierarchy has theorized that these were of the scientific sort thanks to the sheer amount of artifacts uncovered and that it was one of massive size composing of nearly 70 square miles. Other than its capital of Surniic Town and one frontier outpost, Surniic is largely unexplored and untamed.

Surniic’s geography is a study in variety and extremes, with each region of the planet offering a unique combination of environmental challenges and stunning beauty. The planet is predominantly terrestrial, with expansive forests, jagged mountains, vast deserts, and fertile valleys. Its surface is shaped by a variety of natural processes, including tectonic activity, erosion, and glacial movement, which have all contributed to the present-day topography.   The most prominent feature of Surniic is the Aurrica Canyon, a colossal rift that stretches for over 347 miles across the planet’s surface. The canyon is not only a geographical marvel but also a hotspot for geological activity, with the exposed rock layers providing a detailed record of Surniic's past environmental conditions. In some places, the canyon reaches depths of over 6,754 feet, where it reveals ancient strata that speak to the planet’s history of tectonic shifts and volcanic activity. The sheer scale of the canyon creates its own microclimate, with the canyon’s depths maintaining cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels compared to the surrounding landscape. The canyon walls are steep, covered in moss and lichens that thrive in the shadowed, moisture-rich environment. Over time, the canyon’s bottom has become an oasis, providing a rare environment for species of flora and fauna that cannot survive elsewhere on the planet. Migrating herds of Bovorn often trek through the canyon’s expanse, as its relative safety from predators and availability of water sources make it an ideal route.   The Avidia Mountain Range, located in the northern hemisphere, creates another formidable feature of the planet’s landscape. These mountains, towering to heights of 12.8 kilometers, are the result of centuries of tectonic collision and subduction, creating towering peaks and deep valleys. The highest elevations of the range are capped with glaciers that slowly melt, feeding the rivers and streams that cascade down into the surrounding foothills. The lower altitudes of the Avidia range are dotted with evergreen forests and alpine meadows, which provide a habitat for cold-adapted species of mammals and birds. The slopes are often prone to landslides and rockfalls, caused by the intense weathering of the mountain’s unstable rock. In contrast to the calm, temperate conditions of the mountains’ lower altitudes, the summits are subject to extreme cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing year-round. This variation in climate creates a diverse range of ecosystems within the same geographical region, fostering unique niches for different species.   In the southern hemisphere, the Miirca Desert presents a harsh but fascinating environment. Covering approximately 10% of Surniic’s surface, the desert is a vast expanse of dry, cracked earth, with towering dunes that shift and reshape with the winds. While the desert may seem inhospitable at first glance, it is a place of remarkable resilience. The desert experiences intense heat during the day, with surface temperatures soaring as high as 40.5°C (105°F), but at night, the temperature can plummet to -45.5°C (-50°F). This dramatic shift between day and night creates a unique set of survival challenges for the desert’s inhabitants. Many of the plants and animals in the Miirca Desert have adapted to this extreme environment. The Desira lizard, for example, has evolved to survive by burrowing deep into the sand during the day to avoid the searing sun, only emerging at night to hunt. The desert is also home to resilient plant species, such as the Erythria cactus, which stores water in its thick, fleshy stalks, allowing it to endure prolonged periods without rainfall. Sandstorms, though not constant, can be violent and sudden, with gusts of wind reaching speeds that can strip the surface of loose soil and rock.   Between these more extreme geographical features, Surniic also contains regions of rich, fertile land. The Cervus Plains, situated near the equator, are known for their expansive grasslands, which offer a haven for grazing herbivores like the Bovorn. These plains are home to a delicate balance of biodiversity, as the grasslands sustain a variety of plant species, many of which have evolved specific traits to survive in the open, sun-drenched conditions. While the vegetation in the plains is relatively sparse compared to the forested regions, the biodiversity is still significant, with numerous small mammals, insects, and avian species that make their home in the vast stretches of grasses. In addition to the plains and forests, small freshwater bodies dot Surniic’s surface. The largest of these is Lake Cervus, a massive body of water near the planet’s equator, measuring over 100 square miles. This lake supports a wide range of aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and aquatic mammals, which are vital components of Surniic’s food chains. The lake’s shores are a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, providing areas for birds and small mammals to forage. However, Lake Cervus is not the only source of freshwater. Numerous rivers feed into the lake, originating from the melting glaciers of the Avidia Mountains. These rivers traverse through varied terrain, carving deep, winding valleys and providing access to water for Surniic’s wildlife, as well as the human settlements that have begun to appear in more temperate regions of the planet.

Surniic’s climate is primarily shaped by its elliptical orbit around Xeviron, which results in significant seasonal variations. Its axial tilt, coupled with the planet's proximity to Xeviron, creates a wide range of temperature extremes that influence both the weather and the ecosystems across the planet. The elliptical orbit causes Surniic to experience longer, colder winters and warmer, more intense summers. As Surniic’s orbit brings it closer to Xeviron at certain points, the intensity of sunlight increases, making summer months exceedingly hot in specific regions, while the planet’s distance during other parts of its orbit leads to bitterly cold winters. This orbital variation is particularly pronounced in the polar and high-altitude regions, where the temperature differences can be extreme.   The planet’s axial tilt of around 28 degrees results in long, harsh winters, especially in the northern hemisphere, where the planet's tilt positions it away from Xeviron during the colder months. These winters bring heavy snowfall, ice storms, and freezing temperatures, causing some areas to become locked in ice for months. In the southern hemisphere, the tilt directs it towards the sun, leading to relatively warmer winters, though temperatures can still drop significantly at night, creating a noticeable chill after the sun sets. This seasonal change causes distinct biomes to thrive in the opposite hemispheres—temperate forests and grasslands in the north, while the south sees more resilient desert and scrubland ecosystems.   The summer months bring heatwaves that can soar to temperatures as high as 40.5°C (105°F) in the day, especially in the southern regions and areas near the equator. These summers are often accompanied by dry periods, though rainfall becomes more sporadic in these warmer months, leading to droughts in some regions while others experience intense, localized rainfall. In the Miirca Desert, temperatures in the daytime can reach these highs, while nighttime temperatures plummet to -45.5°C (-50°F). These shifts in temperature cause rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, which often result in violent storms. Thunderstorms are common, particularly in the spring and summer months, when the warm air clashes with the cooler atmosphere, creating intense weather systems that can bring heavy rains, lightning strikes, and gusty winds.   In contrast to these extremes, Surniic’s temperate regions experience a mild, almost Mediterranean climate. These areas benefit from consistent precipitation and a moderate range of temperatures throughout the year. The average annual precipitation across the planet is around 60 inches, although it varies greatly depending on the region. The rainforests in the central and equatorial zones are particularly lush, benefiting from frequent rainfall, while the desert regions see a mere fraction of this, making water sources incredibly precious. The combination of dry spells and the occasional storm systems creates a volatile mix, and seasonal flooding is common in areas surrounding large lakes like Lake Cervus.   The wet season also brings with it a heavy mist that often blankets the Aurrica Canyon, especially during the transitional seasons of spring and fall. The canyon’s depths can trap moisture, creating a humid, damp environment that supports rare plant life and smaller species, which have adapted to survive in these microclimates. The seasonal shifts also trigger migrations of various species, particularly herbivores such as the Bovorn, which move from the grasslands to forested areas in search of more abundant food sources as seasonal plant life fluctuates. The rise in temperature from late spring to early summer can cause an uptick in volcanic activity, though Surniic has few active volcanoes. Instead, its intense seasonal storms and weather phenomena are a more regular part of life for the native flora and fauna.

Surniic’s biodiversity is an intricate and finely balanced web, shaped by its diverse landscapes, atmospheric conditions, and climatic extremes. Over millions of years, evolution has driven the development of uniquely adapted life forms that thrive in specific niches, many of which are found nowhere else in the galaxy. The planet’s ecosystems, ranging from dense forests and rocky highlands to arid deserts and aquatic environments, have created specialized habitats that support a remarkable variety of species.   In the temperate forests of Surniic, towering Techrona trees, reaching heights of up to 50 meters, form the backbone of the ecosystem. These trees have evolved wide, glossy leaves that shimmer in the light, reflecting a wide spectrum of colors through an adaptive pigment that helps maximize photosynthesis in the planet's varying light conditions. The trees’ thick, fibrous trunks are home to a number of creatures, including a species of arboreal rodent-like creatures known as Fivra. These small mammals have large, sensitive ears and are able to communicate using ultrasonic squeaks that echo through the tree canopy. The Fivra play a vital role in the forest’s ecology by acting as both prey for larger carnivores and as pollinators for the Arbonia bushes, which are scattered beneath the trees. These bushes produce small, aromatic flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including species of bees that thrive in the warm, humid undergrowth. Their distinctive floral patterns also serve as camouflage for certain predatory insects, which lie in wait to ambush smaller prey. In the grasslands, where the vast Bovorn herds roam, life revolves around seasonal migrations driven by food availability. The Bovorn, large herbivores similar to Earth’s rhinoceroses, are massive creatures that graze on the abundant grasses and small shrubs. Their long, dense fur offers protection from Surniic’s cold winters, while their sharp horns provide defense against predators. These herds are often led by matriarchs, older females with vast knowledge of migration routes and seasonal patterns. Though Bovorns are generally peaceful, their large size and strength make them formidable opponents when threatened by carnivores like the Predar. The Predar are large, pack-hunting predators with an acute sense of smell that allows them to track their prey over vast distances. Their sleek, muscular bodies and razor-sharp claws make them formidable hunters in the grasslands, and they often use cooperative hunting strategies to isolate a single Bovorn from the herd.   In the forest canopy, the Kryten bird is a species of particular interest due to its complex communication abilities. Known for its striking plumage and intricate vocalizations, the Kryten can mimic nearly any sound in its environment, from the calls of other animals to the sounds of natural phenomena such as falling rain or rustling leaves. This ability is believed to serve as both a defense mechanism—confusing predators—and a social tool, as Krytens use these mimicked sounds to communicate with one another across large distances within the forest. Their nests are built high in the Techrona trees, often hidden among thick clusters of leaves, and they are known to be territorial, defending their nesting sites from both other birds and larger predators. In Surniic’s more inhospitable environments like the Miirca Desert, life has adapted in ways that allow species to survive extreme fluctuations in temperature and limited water. The Desira lizard, for example, is a nocturnal creature that spends the majority of its life underground to avoid the scorching daytime heat. It uses specialized glands to absorb moisture from the dry air, storing it for use during the harsh desert nights. The lizard's pale, almost translucent skin allows it to blend seamlessly with the pale sands of the desert, offering a degree of camouflage from both predators and prey. At night, the Desira hunts small, nocturnal insects, and its keen eyesight helps it locate prey in the dark. However, despite their seemingly insular existence, these lizards are not entirely immune to the desert’s dangers. Predators such as the Terragris, a large, burrowing carnivore, hunt these lizards by tracking their scent trails through the desert floor, emerging only when the temperature drops.   Aquatic life flourishes in the abundant lakes, rivers, and waterfalls across Surniic, particularly in the vast Lake Cervus. This freshwater lake, spanning over 100 square miles, is a critical hub for the planet's aquatic ecosystems. It supports a variety of fish species, including the Shimmerscale fish, which is known for its iridescent scales that shimmer like a liquid mirror when sunlight strikes them. These fish form large schools, providing a source of food for larger predators such as the Aquavorn, a semi-aquatic mammal that hunts in packs. The Aquavorn has webbed feet and a streamlined body, allowing it to swim at high speeds through the lake’s waters, chasing after schools of Shimmerscale. The Stripedfin trout, another resident of Lake Cervus, is a particularly aggressive species known for its sharp teeth and territorial behavior, often clashing with Aquavorns over food. Amphibious creatures like Frogleaps and Waterhoppers make their homes in the shallow waters near the lake's edge, their long legs allowing them to leap great distances in search of insects and smaller aquatic prey. However, the increasing presence of Caniic settlers and scientific expeditions has begun to have an impact on Surniic’s delicate ecosystems. The Caniic Hierarchy, while cautious about their environmental footprint, has built research outposts and exploratory stations, leading to an increase in man-made structures and infrastructure. As a result, some species have begun to show signs of stress, and conservationists are growing concerned about the long-term effects of caniic activity on Surniic’s flora and fauna. While many of the planet’s native species have developed remarkable adaptations to survive, the influx of outsiders threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystems that have evolved over millennia. The Caniic are aware of the need for sustainable exploration, but their ambitions to uncover the secrets of the planet’s ancient past may ultimately come at the cost of Surniic’s fragile natural beauty.