Planet of the Cuttlefolk

The **Planet of the Cuttlefolk** or Planet Cuttlefish, also called Planet Planet by Jan Korevaar, is a desert planet disconnected from the Andromeda Gate Network as the DHD is missing. It was rediscovered by Jan Korevaar and Joela Vallis, and is inhabited by a civilization of Ni'uta dubbed Cuttlefolk. When Jan and Joela arrived on Planet Planet, they were initially mistaken for gods, but treated more as curiosities than objects of worship by the Cuttlefolk. This misunderstanding has more or less been sorted out and now Mu has a trading relationship with Planet Cuttlefish, trading fruits and vegetables from Mu for meats from Planet Cuttlefish.

## History

At some point in the distant past, Planet Planet was connected to the Gate Network and had at least some contact with other humanoid species, as a Cuttlefolk makes mention of ancient tapestries showing humanoids with smooth skin and hair. However, the DHD was destroyed long before living memory and the idea of Stargate travel was treated as a myth by modern Cuttlefolk right until some of the Mu Squad *did* come through the Stargate.

## Geography and Climate

Planet Planet has a hot, dry climate and briny oceans. The equatorial region is uninhabitable and the Cuttlefolk are spread across the southern continents with no knowledge of the northern territories. Mountains and rain shadow deserts are common.

It orbits a binary star 🡭, discernible in the sky with the naked eye only with some effort.

## Locations

Right beyond the Stargate is Ocla's Town, the first Cuttlefolk settlement contacted and one of the most advanced on the planet, possessing crude iron weapons and tools. The town is surrounded by a protective wall with torches that are lit every night, and so are most others. Ocla's Town sits between a desert and a dying iron mine.

## Demographics

The Cuttlefolk live in scattered, permanent settlements, each of which takes up a large footprint for the few Cuttlefolk ho actually live there. Night stalkers are an extremely common threat outside of these settlements, far outnumbering Cuttlefolk.

## Economy

The Cuttlefolk economy is very basic, based on trade and barter. They generally produce only what's needed to survive, with very few innovations over the millennia, though there are exceptions. For example, one of the Cuttlefolk has recently invented a crude printing press.

## Society and Culture

The Cuttlefolk are solitary, despite living in towns: Houses are spaced out and personal territory is highly valued, even defended. Hunter-gatherers, children are raised into a trade early and often follow that career path for life. Cuttlefolk enjoy decorating their homes with pretty rocks, bits of metal, and carvings.

### Religion

There is at least one religion venerating gods called 'the Creators', whose priests wear hairpieces to mimic the Creators and preach that the gods will one day return through the Circle (the Stargate) from their heavenly realm. They believe that the Cuttlefolk were once the favoured children of the gods, but that their rebellious and independent nature led to the gods abandoning them to silver demons.

## Technology

The Cuttlefolk have developed basic ironworking and have surprisingly advanced plumbing systems, but are otherwise at a bronze age level of development at best.

## Government

Each town on Planet Cuttlefish has its own governance, traditionally consisting of a mayor supported by guild leaders of the major industries. Mayors are elected democratically from adults who meet certain physical and mental requirements, under the logic that citizens are less likely to rebel against a democratically-elected official and save everybody a bunch of time. (Most Cuttlefolk don't bother voting, however, and simply ignore mayors they don't like. Leading Cuttlefolk is very much like herding cats.)