Keleros

0.9% Argon

0.2% Carbon Dioxide

## **Overview**

**Keleros** is a mostly tropical aquatic planet of average size situated in the Outer Core region in the azure galaxy of Kardesh. As one of the first oceanic worlds to be colonized by the Arcturium Civilization, Keleros has had a long history of colonization, and as such, is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the entire galaxy.

Keleros is naturally habitable to many species in Kardesh, and due to its distance from its parent star, the waters are very temperate and hospitable, making the populace on the planet have no need to wear protective suits or retreat within pressurized structures.

Keleros is filled to brim with plant and animal life both on land, and in it's aquatic environments. This abundance of life caused Keleros to be classified as superhabitable.

## **Biology**

The shallowness of Keleros' oceans has allowed photosynthesis to take effect nearly everywhere, and cause a huge amount of flora to rise. Flora itself is so common that it is found in every part of the planet, from the shallowest shores to the deepest caves, there are plants. These flora species can range from species of bioluminescent kelp, growing steadily in pursuit of sunlight, to plants that filter water into oxygen and release it as bubbles upward and plants that resemble giant tentacles growing in the darkest of caves. A huge variety of corals and aquatic plants have made their home in the waters of this world, both living in harmony with each other, at least in most cases. Some species have developed into more aggressive forms, effectively trying to force their species wherever there's water for them. This has lead to the decline of some other species, but also to the rise of new, specialized predators.

Keleros is often known for it's aquatic ecosystem of fauna, with apex predators like Irridalli seen sailing the tropical seas, or the majestic and highly intelligent Krayens are seen preying on smaller fish. A seemingly infinitely diverse number of fauna species exist on Keleros. The deep sea of Keleros is an unique environment, without any sunlight, life has evolved far differently that in the shallower areas. Bioluminescence is a common trait in these deep parts. Most life is gliding through the sea motionlessly, only moving when escaping or attacking, as energy is rare and precious at these depths.

The terrestrial flora is mostly made of made up of trees and flowers, with only a few dozen of grass species, even less bush species and nearly no fungi species. Although the grass species are few in number, they grow fast and cover wide areas. The trees and flowers cover a lot more though and because they use up most of the nutrients, other species like shrubs and fungi haven't been able to reach higher numbers.

Roaming the idyllic forests and grasslands of Keleros are various species animals of most commonly mammalian origin. A few prominent examples of widespread mammalian species are the Hyenopers and Phinece. Besides the mammalian species, life of all sorts inhabits the land. As a side effect of there being so little land and so much water, many species have evolved to become semi-aquatic, and can survive both on land and sea.

## **Climate**

Keleros has a warm climate with the average global temperature being near 17°C in most areas. Near and on the equator, the average climate gets far hotter, even extending to average temperature of 36°C. This has caused a whole new ecoystem of flora and fauna to specifically inhabit the equator. Near the poles, the climate has been known to fall down to -5°C, with life being adapted to the cold, causing several differences such as fur for land-based animals. Like on most aquatic worlds, the climate of Keleros is easily predictable due to there being nearly no landmasses to block the air current.

## **Population**

Keleros has a population of around sixteen billion individual civilians, ranging from many species such as the dominant Aquelis, to Bilphon. Around fifty two other sapient species make their home on this lush oceanic world. The main part of the population resides in the ever so abundant aquatic cities in the shallower areas, or the many cities covering entire islands.

## **Geography**

Keleros is one of the most shallow planets covered by a global ocean, making the average seafloor depth at around two hundred meters, making plant life being able to use photosynthesis for energy, and animals to consume the many plants at the seafloor.

The seafloor of Keleros is rather ragged, and filled with many mountainous areas, but many undersea plains also have formed. Many metal deposits exists in the mountainous areas, covered by a naturally formed outcrop of stone or sandstone.

The shallow depths of the oceans have led to many islands being formed, with life having spread to them quickly. Interestingly, the islands are all small and aren't seem from space, nevertheless some bigger islands are starting to form.