Hren Dau

## Overview

Hren Dau is the homeworld of the Hren Dau, a sentient avian species. The planet is known for its steep canyons, towering rock structures, and massive native trees. It is the third planet in the Rylith system, which is composed of seven planets orbiting an unusual star called Rylith Prime.

## Rylith Prime

Rylith Prime is a highly unusual star, possessing characteristics of both a red dwarf and a yellow dwarf. This rare hybrid nature results in a unique solar radiation spectrum, which has shaped the ecosystems on its orbiting planets. Rylith Prime is also known for its intense solar flares, which occasionally impact the planets within the system, causing auroras and other phenomena.

## Hren Dau's Moons and Flora and Fauna

Hren Dau has three moons, Arinor, Thaliss, and Pali. Arinor is a rocky moon with a thin atmosphere, while Thaliss is primarily composed of ice, with a subsurface ocean that may harbor microbial life. The interesting thing about these moons is they are nearly identical in size, differing by only a factor of 1.3%. The gravitational interactions between Hren Dau and its moons cause tidal forces that influence the planet's weather patterns and ocean tides. Pali is a much smaller moon and does not have a uniformly spherical appearance.

The planet's flora and fauna have adapted to the unique radiation from Rylith Prime. Among the most iconic lifeforms on Hren Dau are the massive native trees, which can grow hundreds of feet tall and provide nesting grounds for the Hren Dau species. The trees' extensive root systems help stabilize the canyon walls and cliff sides where they grow.

The fauna of Hren Dau is diverse and includes a variety of avian, reptilian, and mammalian species. Some notable examples include the Galethian flyers, large gliding reptiles that navigate the canyons with ease, and the nimble Teryx, a small mammal species that lives in the treetops and relies on its quick reflexes to evade predators. The planet's unique ecosystems also support a variety of insectoid and aquatic species, many of which display bioluminescent characteristics due to Rylith Prime's unusual radiation.

## History

Hren Dau's history is marked by the rise of the sentient Hren Dau species and their gradual expansion throughout the planet. Early Hren Dau civilizations were built around the massive native trees and along the canyon walls, taking advantage of the natural resources and protection these environments provided.

Warfare is not a major aspect of Hren Dau history and major disputes have often been resolved as acts of trade rather than violence.

As the Hren Dau developed, their society became even more heavily focused on trade and commerce, leading to a complex web of economic relationships that spanned the entire planet. As their technology advanced, they began exploring the Rylith system and establishing contact with other species across the galaxy.

Despite their xenophobic nature, the Hren Dau have managed to maintain a stable society by adapting to the changing needs of the galactic economy. Their neutrality in galactic affairs, along with their critical role in trade between the Mission and the Union, has ensured their continued influence and importance.

## Environmental Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Hren Dau's unique ecosystems face various environmental challenges, including deforestation, habitat loss, and the introduction of invasive species due to increased trade and contact with other worlds. To mitigate these threats, the Hren Dau have implemented conservation efforts to protect their native flora and fauna.

Some of these initiatives include the establishment of protected zones within the canyons and forests, stringent regulations on the import and export of biological materials, and the development of sustainable practices in their trade and commerce.

## Planets in the Rylith System

1. Fyn Dor: Fyn Dor is a small rocky planet closest to Rylith Prime. Its surface is scorched by the intense radiation from the star, making it inhospitable to life.
2. Cae Lara: Cae Lara is a super-Earth with a thick atmosphere, composed primarily of methane and ammonia. The high-pressure environment and extreme temperatures make it unsuitable for life as we know it.
3. Hren Dau: The third planet in the system, Hren Dau is home to the sentient avian species of the same name. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from steep canyons to massive native tree forests, support a wide variety of flora and fauna.
4. Vyysara: Teeming with life but devoid of known sentient species, Vyysara is a lush, jungle-covered planet. Its unique biosphere, fueled by the unusual radiation from Rylith Prime, has given rise to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. Some notable creatures include the bioluminescent Vyrliths, arboreal predators with prehensile tails, and the towering Vyysaran trees, which can grow up to a mile high. These trees lead to speculation that Rylith's radiation can best be dealt with by larger-than-normal fauna, since there are two planets in the system with very large tree types.
5. Zel Kora: Zel Kora is a gas giant with a vibrant, multicolored atmosphere. Its powerful magnetic field and numerous moons make it a point of interest for researchers studying the Rylith system.
6. Iandria: Iandria is an icy world with a thin atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. While its surface is mostly frozen, subsurface oceans are believed to exist beneath its icy crust.
7. Gel Thar: The outermost planet in the Rylith system, Gel Thar is a dwarf planet composed mainly of rock and ice. Its extreme distance from Rylith Prime and the resulting low temperatures have prevented the development of life.