Callax

## Overview

Callax is a diverse and vibrant planet located in the Nythar solar system, home to the sentient species known as the Callaxians. The planet is divided into four continents: Tarn, Rayz, Kemper, and the uninhabited arctic Jii. Each continent boasts its own unique geography, culture, and history. With a rich and complex social tapestry, Callaxians practice various faiths and customs, the most dominant of which is Stratism. The Stratist belief system supports a hereditary class system called the Stratum, which is practiced and often enforced to varying degrees across the planet.

## Geography

### Tarn

Tarn is a diverse continent featuring various countries, such as the autonomous region of New Bray'ed, governed by the Calla Monarchy, and Norvia, and several others. Tarn is known for being the most strict continent when it comes to the enforcement of the Stratum.

### Kemper

Kemper, an island continent, consists of three culturally rich countries with open borders: Velseria, Lyrondia, and Ildaria. A century ago, Kemper abolished the Stratum.

### Rayz

Rayz is a largely desert continent home to a single country inhabited by both the Stratist descendants of Tarnish settlers and the native Sunrunners. With six large northern islands and the southern Tikka island adding to its cultural diversity, Rayz enforces the Stratum more leniently, allowing for a more diverse array of beliefs and practices.

### Jii

A virtually uninhabited northern polar continent, Jii is largely covered in ice. It is home to various species of birds and predatory mammals.

## Callaxian Evolution

Leading scientific research indicates that modern Callaxians most likely evolved from a very large ape species in the rainforests of what is now known as Lansica approximately 250,000 years ago. That ape species, referred to as the Great Ape, still exists in the year A4550 and has evolved to be even larger than it once was, standing nearly twice the height of the average Callaxian adult and weighing nearly five times as much. Due to the lack of an origin myth in the Angelic Verses, there has historically been very little resistance to the acceptance of the evolutionary history of modern Callaxians, even by devout Stratists. However, the Sunrunner people of Rayz have a strong oral tradition of their people being birthed from a watery cave hidden in the Rayz Desert, and there has been some tension among their people in this regard.

## Fauna

The fauna of Callax is incredibly diverse, with numerous species inhabiting the planet's various ecosystems. Some notable examples include:

* Cipple: A beast of burden common throughout much of Tarn, known for their unappealing appearance. It is said that the uglier a cipple is, the more useful it is to the farmer.
* Courlum: A cute, highly intelligent, and neurotic mammal smaller than a loaf of bread. They are kept as pets and are popular throughout Callax, featuring circle-shaped ears.
* Gem Fly: Beautiful sparkling flies that make a pleasant hum. They only eat food that's already decomposing, so they don't bother people outdoors and are considered to be good luck.
* Havvok: A fearsome predatory bird half the size of a typical adult Callaxian.
* Chida: A crafty desert lizard native to Rayz.
* Whisperfin: A small, iridescent fish that inhabits the rivers and lakes of Kemper. Its scales emit a soft, soothing glow that is particularly enchanting at night. Believed to bring serenity and inner peace to those who observe them, Whisperfins are often found near places of contemplation and meditation, and their presence is considered auspicious.
* Godas: Horse-like creatures revered by Sunrunner culture for their strength and endurance. With agile legs and sun-hued coats, these dependable animals serve as both mounts and agricultural aids, symbolizing the deep bond between the Sunrunners and their cherished godas.
* Great Apes: An enormous ape species native to the rainforests of Lansica in Tarn, standing nearly twice the height of the average Callaxian adult and weighing nearly five times as much, considered the likely evolutionary ancestor of modern Callaxians. Bramblehoof: A stocky, four-legged creature covered in a thick coat of fur, known for its incredible strength and endurance. It is often used by the people of Kemper to carry heavy loads over long distances, much like a pack animal. With its gentle nature and charmingly shaggy appearance, the Bramblehoof is a beloved symbol of Kemper's pastoral lifestyle.
* Sandswifter: A small, agile mammal found exclusively in the Rayz desert, well-adapted to the harsh environment and known for its impressive speed and ability to burrow quickly into the sand for shelter.
* Frostfang: A large, predatory cat-like creature with a thick, white fur coat that camouflages it perfectly against the snowy landscape. Its powerful build and razor-sharp fangs make it a formidable hunter in its icy domain. Despite its fearsome appearance, the Frostfang is also known to exhibit a deep bond with its family and can be surprisingly gentle with its young, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of life in Frostbourne in Tarn.

## Flora

Callax is home to a vast array of plant life, with unique flora across its continents. Some notable examples include:

* Vespyra: A resilient vine native to the arid deserts of Rayz, renowned for its flowers which yield Vesma, a substance deeply ingrained in Sunrunner rituals and medicine. However, Vesma's euphoric and sensory-enhancing effects have led to its widespread misuse as an illicit substance, tarnishing its cultural significance.
* Jii rose: a flowering multi-color plant native to the polar, ice-covered continent of Jii. Many people associate this plant with strength and power in times of adversity.
* Flassa tree: A tree native to the deserts of Tarn, known for its ability to store water in its thick trunk, enabling it to survive the harsh environment.
* Lumibloom: A bioluminescent flower found in the dark forest floors of Kemper, emitting a soft glow that lights up its surroundings.
* Veilfern: A delicate, fern-like plant with translucent leaves, commonly found in the humid regions of Rayz.
* Snowspike: A hardy, cone-shaped plant adapted to the cold climate of Frostborne in Tarn, with sharp, ice-resistant leaves.
* Mistpetal: A delicate flowering plant with soft, velvety petals that shimmer in the gentle morning dew. The Mistpetal's subtle fragrance is said to have a calming effect on those who breathe it in, making it a popular choice for gardens and peaceful sanctuaries throughout Kemper.
* Sunblaze Blossom: A vibrant, sun-loving flower with fiery orange and red petals that resemble a blazing sunset. Found in the sun-drenched fields and meadows of Parinar in Tarn, the Sunblaze Blossom has become a symbol of passion, creativity, and the warmth of the Parinarian people. Its striking appearance and intoxicating scent make it a cherished addition to gardens and floral arrangements throughout the country.
* Quenchbloom: A tall cactus-like plant abundant in the deserts of Rayz, providing a crucial source of water and edible fruit for the native desert-dwellers.
* Spiralvine: A climbing vine with spiraling tendrils found in the jungles of Lanisca in Tarn, known for its vibrant flowers and sweet fruits.
* Windwhisper Grass: A tall, slender grass that rustles and whispers in the breeze. The soothing sound it produces has become emblematic of the tranquil countryside in Kemper.

## The Solar System

Callax resides in the Nythar solar system, which consists of a G-type main-sequence star called Nythar at its center. Nythar has a slightly large mass and high luminosity, resulting in a deeply blue sky on Callax during sunny days. The solar system comprises several planets, moons, and unique celestial events, as listed below:

1. Xanthis: A massive gas giant with a protective atmosphere that shields the inner planets from space debris; has numerous small moons and fifteen large moons, including Friidole, a rocky moon with simple life-forms.
2. Callax: A planet with strong tides and two moons, Fo'mul and Go'mul, influenced by the massive gas giant Xanthis, resulting in an orbital resonance and spectacular aurora events every 5.426 years.
3. Lyrion: Another gas giant, slightly smaller than Xanthis, with a unique system of four moons, including one with a thick atmosphere of methane and ammonia.
4. Kyros: A rocky, terrestrial planet with a surface rich in minerals and metals; has no atmosphere and is not habitable.
5. Valtir: A planet with a complex and unique geological history, featuring a molten interior and an icy crust for a distinctive appearance.
6. Nistral: An ice giant planet with a system of 10 moons, including one covered in glaciers and hosting simple microbial life-forms.

## Callax's Strong Tides and Engineering Solutions

The strong tides on Callax are primarily influenced by the gravitational pull of its two moons, Fo'mul and Go'mul, and the massive gas giant Xanthis. The combined gravitational effects of these celestial bodies result in higher high tides and lower low tides, with even more extreme tidal ranges occurring during The Confluence, when both moons are full.

To deal with the challenges posed by these strong tides, Callaxians have developed various strategies and engineering solutions to protect their coastal cities and infrastructure:

1. Building on higher ground: Coastal cities are often built on higher ground or elevated platforms to avoid the most significant impacts of tidal fluctuations, such as flooding and erosion.
2. Constructing coastal barriers: Seawalls, breakwaters, or other coastal barriers are built to protect cities from high tides and storm surges, dampening the impact of tidal fluctuations and reducing the risk of flooding.
3. Employing floating structures: In areas where tidal fluctuations are particularly extreme, floating structures are used to adapt to the changing water levels, rising and falling with the tides.
4. Developing adjustable infrastructure: Ports, docks, and other coastal infrastructure are designed to accommodate the significant tidal fluctuations. For example, adjustable ramps or floating piers can be used to ensure that ships can still dock at various tide levels.

Through careful planning, engineering, and adaptive infrastructure, Callaxians have managed to minimize the challenges posed by their planet's strong tides, allowing them to thrive and build thriving coastal communities.