Begali ([bɛgɑːliˑ])

Begali is a stark yet serene world. As the closest sister to Eshan, it shares the cold, pale light of their distant sun but reflects it in a soft, icy glow. Begali’s surface is a vast expanse of rugged tundras, glacial plains, and sprawling taigas, their muted colours blending seamlessly with the ever-present frost that clings to the ground. Towering cliffs and jagged mountain ranges rise above the landscape, their snow-covered peaks gleaming like silver in the faint light.

The planet’s climate is cold yet survivable, with brief but crisp summers and long, frostbitten winters. Its taigas are blanketed with resilient flora, including hardy conifers, frost-tolerant shrubs, and dry lichen. The mineral-rich soil, tinged red by its unique composition, is unsuited for agriculture but lends an austere beauty to the land. Begali’s oceans are vast, their cold depths concealing a surprising abundance of life. Icebergs drift lazily in the polar seas, while shimmering auroras frequently illuminate the night skies, creating breathtaking displays of natural light.

Glacial valleys cut deep into the land, creating networks of frozen rivers and streams. Expansive plateaus stretch across the tundras, broken by towering ice spires and rocky outcroppings. In the warmer months, waterfalls tumble from cliffs, fed by the slow melt of ancient glaciers, while mist rises from hidden geothermal springs that dot the landscape. Coastal regions are rugged and remote, their icy shores battered by frigid winds and waves.

The cities of Begali are as practical as they are striking. Many are built into mountainsides, sheltered within valleys, or nestled along cliffs to protect against the elements. The architecture is robust, with stone and metal structures designed to endure the harsh climate. Underground networks, heated by geothermal energy, provide additional shelter and house much of the planet’s industry.

The planet's mineral-rich soil yields precious metals, gemstones, and crystals, which are mined with precision and care to preserve the surrounding environment. These resources are transported across the system and beyond.