Affinity
Affinity is a large, high-gravity waterworld with a great
deal of tectonic and volcanic activity, all of which occurs
beneath the ocean surface on undersea mountain
ranges. Eruptions are frequent along the seams of
its tectonic plates, spewing volcanic effluvia into the
ocean.
The Affinity rotational period is 36.7 hours long.
Affinity has two moons: Rapport, which orbits in a
prograde direction, quite closely at about 85,000
kilometres, just outside the Roche limit with an orbital
period of only 50 hours; and Chum, a much smaller
captured satellite with a retrograde orbit about 200,000
kilometres from Affinity. The interaction of these
planetary bodies produces highly unpredictable tidal
conditions on Affinity. While there are no permanent
land masses above the surface, at any given time
the world has dozens of transitory islands, low, flat
protuberances that rise above the surface when the
tides have ebbed.
The 30o axial tilt of Affinity produces a strong
Coriolis effect which, when interacting with its dense
atmosphere, causes a great deal of stormy weather
and some truly massive rogue waves. Affinity is rich in
resources but there are good reasons that the world
has no permanent habitations on its surface. There
are none on any of the transitory islands but there
are two undersea cities, Kayu and Uan, both nestled
against the broad escarpments of two neighbouring
seamounts where they avoid the worst of Affinity’s
tidal effects and storms.
Affinity has abundant native life, none of it exceedingly
intelligent. The oceans are rich in fish, algaes,
seaweeds and other life forms, although they are not
easily digestible by humans. Oils are extracted from
some of Affinity’s largest sea creatures and used for
organic lamps, salves, ointments and other products.
Aquaculture on Affinity focuses on plant life that can
be synthesised into useful materials and textiles rather
than foodstuffs.
Geography
100 % water world but still geologically active.
Ecosystem
Fully aquatic and rich with life.
A bacterial species plays
a key role in the behaviours of hundreds of Affinity’s
species, emitting radioisotopes that cross the bloodbrain
barrier and assist the host species with decisionmaking
processes. The bacteria simultaneously
releases alkylating agents that prevent these isotopes
from adversely affecting cellular growth. The bacteria is sensitive to
Affinity’s magnetic field and uses this ability to help its
host navigate the world’s ocean currents and weather
fluctuations. Migrations of affected animals appear to
be chaotic but are in fact guided by these microscopic
‘hitchhikers’ that keep them out of harm’s way.
Localized Phenomena
Coriolis effect and 2 moons cause very large tides and tsunamis.
UWP: B98A661-B
Type
Planet
Location under
Included Locations
Related Reports (Secondary)
