Bendon

## Overview

Despite the far-reaching diaspora of Bendonites, there still remains a significant population on Bendon, their original home planet. Bendon is located in a solar system consisting of seven planets orbiting a K-class star. This star type features an expansive habitable zone, allowing for the presence of life on four of the planets within the system. Bendon itself boasts a rich history and unique biodiversity, with an interesting evolutionary path that led to the development of the sentient Bendonites.

## Evolution and History of Bendon

The evolution of life on Bendon is marked by an unusual pattern of species interbreeding, leading to the development of the sentient Bendonites. Early in the planet's history, three primitive species coexisted and interbred, resulting in a more balanced mix of genetic material. This unique blend of traits allowed the Bendonites to become a highly adaptable and diverse species.

The planet's pre-industrial society was primarily agrarian, with communities centered around farming and animal husbandry. Bendon was uplifted by the Mission shortly after their Industrial Revolution, introducing the Bendonites to advanced technology and interstellar society. As such, Bendon never faced any of the three crises.

## Notable Fauna

Bendon is home to a variety of fascinating creatures, including:

1. The Glisselk, a large, bioluminescent fish with a transparent body, which navigates the depths of Bendon's oceans using electroreception.
2. The Rendu, a social, six-legged mammal with a thick fur coat, adapted for life in Bendon's colder regions. Rendu have a complex communication system involving vocalizations and body language. In ancient times, great Rendu (a now-extinct variety) was a key species for many hunter-gatherer groups and remains a symbol of bounty.
3. The Zinnet, a colorful, flying insect with a symbiotic relationship with certain plant species. The Zinnet pollinates these plants while feeding on their nectar, and their vibrant colors help attract other pollinators.

## Bendon's Moon

Following the pattern some species tend to follow, Bendon's single moon is simply called "The Moon," or "The Bendon Moon" in situations where a distinction needs to be made. This moon is distinct due to its unusual geological features. The surface is covered with crystal-like formations that shimmer and sparkle in the sunlight. These crystals have unique electromagnetic properties that create spectacular auroras in the night sky when they interact with Bendon's magnetic field.

## The Star of the Bendon System

The Bendon system orbits around a K-class star, characterized by its orange hue and lower temperature compared to a G-class star. Its expansive habitable zone allows for the existence of life on multiple planets, making the Bendon system a remarkable example of a life-supporting stellar system.

## The Solar System

The Bendon system consists of the following planets:

1. Bendon: The homeworld of the Bendonites, teeming with life and a diverse ecosystem.
2. Tendari: A rocky, terrestrial planet with rudimentary lifeforms of simple plants and microorganisms.
3. Meldod: A large gas giant with a dense atmosphere and an abundance of extremophile microorganisms.
4. Vardon: A terrestrial planet with a wide variety of life, including flora and fauna, but no known sapient species.
5. Cendol: A barren, rocky planet with no signs of life.
6. Langon: A smaller gas giant with a turbulent atmosphere and strikingly colorful cloud patterns.
7. Grendal: An icy, distant planet with a subsurface ocean, housing aquatic flora and fauna well-suited for the cold temperatures.