Aravu (aɾˈavʊ)

Aravu is a small inhabited planet nestled within the greater Uran System and orbited by one large moon which casts a purple glow at night. There are approximately 25 hours in a day, five recognized seasons, and 500 days in each year. Every region teems with unique geographical features and ecosystems, but only a sliver has ever been explored by its sophont inhabitants.
Historically speaking, Aravu is best known for hosting two of the oldest civilizations in the known universe. Together, the Yashelin and the Fas species have tended to the Kotuye Continent since the dawns of their civilizations. The continent is unusually rich in natural resources, such as metals, vimstones, and fertile soil. So rich, that neither civilization saw a good enough reason to leave the comfort of Kotuye's shores, let alone research anything about the world beyond it.
A cultural disinterest in the rest of the planet of Aravu has severely limited the amount of data available about it as a whole in comparison to their home continent. Researchers and explorers based out of the Babikiye Research Center continue to make major advancements in our knowledge every day, however. From satellite imagery of our solar system to intrepid explorers setting sail on Aravu's oceans for the first time, there has been no end to the excitement.
Recent research has also confirmed the fears of its peoples, unfortunately: their beloved Kotuye Continent is slowly but surely succumbing to the Advancing Frost, or the rapid cooling of their planet. As their homeland drifts steadily down to the south pole and the planet as a whole cools, Aravu's inhabitants are forced to wonder: what comes next?

Flora & Fauna

Native Sophonts

Aravu hosts two known native sophont species, the eternal Yashelin and the ephemeral Fas peoples. They live on the continent of Kotuye and, as of yet, have not expanded beyond those borders.

Yashelin

The Yashelin are the predominant sophont species on the planet of Aravu. They are the longest continuously running civilization in the known universe of Babikiye, with a civilization dating back to over one million years ago. Their civilization's founders are still alive and well, too. Not a single member of their species has ever died from natural causes, or at least not yet. As a species, they are most renowned for and distinguished from other sophonts via their near immortality, magical prowess, and ability to fly.
There is much debate over the taxonomy of the Yashelin as a species. Though they appear to take after the birds and the dragons that can be found all over the planet, they are not directly related to either of those species. Rather, the Ida created them more-or-less wholecloth. The Ida was clearly inspired by the animals of Aravu during the creation process, though.

Location Type

Inhabited Planet

Solar System

The Uran System

Moons

One large moon named Hesha.

Geographic Features

Kotuye Continent
Southern Kotuye
Vanora Ocean

Native Sophonts

Yashelin
Fas

Related Ethnicities

Aravun Yashelin
Mapek Gens
Fenwell Gens

Native Flora & Fauna

Dragons
Pippits
Fenip

Important Settlements

Heshi Ariko
Caso Rovash
Shushani Pithin

Other Features

Chamatoye Public Railway
Kotuye Library
Babikiye Research Center

Fas

The Fas are the most proliferate of the Aravun sophonts. They are the spiritual byproducts of the excess residual spiritual energy produced by the magitechnology that runs everyday Yashelins society. They have short lifespans, living only for approximately 25 years before they fade away. Fas society is divided into Gens, which are maintained via snatching up and indoctrinating newly formed Fas folks as quickly and/or strategically as possible. The Fas are distinguished from the other sophonts of Babikiye via their harrowingly short life span, ruthless organization, and their primary currency: the value of their time.
Like the Yashelin, the Fas are taxonomically unique. They do not evolve over the course of generations. Instead, they are formed when enough excess spiritual energy concentrates in a singular location, enough to form Spirits, another word for a being's consciousness. How the Fas achieves a corporeal body at all is not well understood, but they are exceptionally fragile.

Native Fauna

The known regions of Aravu are dominated by animals such as birds, reptiles, dragons (which are regarded as a unique mixture of the two), and small mammals. Fresh water animals, such as fish, are plentiful in streams and rivers. Sealife is a major knowledge blind spot ripe for further discovery. Most animals on Aravu are on the smaller side, with the exception of some dragon species, selectively bred cattle, and impressively sized fish.

Native Flora

Most the native fauna in the known parts of the planet are on the smaller side. In comparison, megaflora abounds.

Invasive Species

Although Aravun civilizations have taken great care to prevent the spread of invasive species from the planet of Kivria, there are always bound to be a few oddballs. Some were even transplanted to Aravu from Kivria on purpose. Orange trees were brought over because of their delicious fruit resembling those in the story of the Tree Folk, for example. Chamu's ducks are another, though much more limited, example of introducing nonnative species to the planet.

Geography

Traditional Geography: the World as We Knew It

Kotuye Continent

For the majority of the history of the planet, the sophonts of Aravu only knew a single continent. In fact, until recently, the word Aravu popularly referred both to the continent and the planet as a whole since Kotuye was all they knew. They only used the word Kotuye to refer to distinguish solid ground from the water.
The Kotuye Continent has been traditionally divided into three major geographic regions:

North Kotuye

As the name implies, North Kotuye refers to the northernmost regions of the continent. The largest settlement in this region is Shushani Pithin, a small town composed of a mixture of Yashelin and Fas peoples.

Central Kotuye

Central Kotuye is the center of Yashelin civilization. It is known for its verdant forests, dramatic mountainous vistas, and perilous winter conditions. The settlements of Heshi Ariko and Caso Rovash are located here.

Southern Kotuye

Only the hardiest of people ever travel to Southern Kotuye due to its frigid temperatures and inhospitable landscape. The southernmost region is a polar desert. Despite the difficulties, the Mapek Gens settled here.

A New Geography: Recent Discoveries, Summarized

Aravu

Open full size

The first satelite image of Aravu, taken via the use of Kivrian technology.

Astronomical Research

Aravu has benefited greatly in recent years from the introduction of the field of astronomy, only made possible by an extensive collaboration between Aravun and Kivrian scientists. Astronomy is the newest, most cutting-edge scientific field for Aravun sophonts. It is old hat for the Kivrians, and many of their scientists excitedly - and generously! - jumped at the invitation to join the Babikiye Research Center.
First, Babikiye Research Center sent satellites into orbit around the planet of Aravu. Although the Yashelin can fly and have taken comprehensive photos and recordings of their continent from rather high in the sky, nothing they had ever recorded could compare to what these satellites uncovered clear beyond the planet's atmosphere.

"You asked me if I wanted to visit and research an alien planet in a whole other damned galaxy and you're surprised that I didn't hesitate? Do I look like a fool to you?"

— Kivrian astronomer

Besides the excitement of having the first ever global view of their little planet, they also discovered other important information as a result of these satellites. Firstly, it revealed just how much of the world has gone unexplored (see section Other Continents & Oceans). Secondly, it confirmed fears of the population that the world was undergoing a global cooling (see section The Advancing Frost). Thirdly, it revealed that Aravu was part of a much larger solar system (see article Uran System).

Other Continents & Oceans

There are four major continents on the planet of Aravu. The exact delineation between oceans and seas is currently untested, but according to satellite imagery, Aravu may have at least five distinct oceans. Only the Kotuye Continent and the Vanora Ocean has been formally named so far.

The Advancing Frost

The Advancing Frost is an umbrella term which refers to the climate crisis that Aravu is currently facing. Below is a brief description of the two main climate and geological factors that are causing the Advancing Frost, thus impacting the long-term habitability of Kotuye Continet are:

1. The continent is slowly but surely drifting southward. The southernmost portion of the continent has already entered the south pole region. Eventually, it is projected that continental drift will cause the whole continent to enter polar south and freeze it in its entirety.
2. Aravu is entering what appears to be the early stages of a glacial period, which should not pose a risk to Aravu's habitability as a whole. It does, however, exaceberate the above issue since all of Aravu's sophont inhabitants are uncomfortably close to the south pole.

by Dennis Zhang, altered by AsterVela

History

Pre-Civilization

Aravu has existed long before its sophonts called it home and it will likely continue to exist long after they must leave it behind. There is still much to be uncovered about both the planet’s present state, however, let alone its ancient history. The Yashelin and the Fas have never left their home continent, you see, so while some is known, they belong to a much wider, older world that remains a mystery.

Dawn of Civilization

Over a million years ago, the Ida created the Yashelin and introduced them to the mountains of the Kotuye Continent. Since then, they have had a profound impact on the land. They built communities, developed agricultural lands, and honed their technological capabilities.
The advent of magitechnology began early, but its applications were humbled by its limitations. Yes, they could, did, and in many ways still do plunder the lands for resources. Depending one's perspective, they sometimes extracted an excessive amount of resources in comparison to what the environment could handle in the long-term. Sustainability of their ecosystem wouldn't occur to them until the next generation, however, and so it continued relatively unimpeded so long as it was far enough away from their settlements. Magitechnology, however, is only partly dependent on resources the land could provide. They could harvest all the resources in the world, and it wouldn't matter if it didn't have a source of spiritual energy. Back then, the Yashelin provided all of it using themselves as conduits.

Advancement at a Cost

Despite these limitations, Yashelin society flourished in relative comfort for hundreds of thousands of years before the Ida introduced them to the planet of Kivria and its many wonders. After its discovery, the Yashelin's greatest minds came together with a bold new idea: to harvest the spiritual energy from Kivria's sophonts as a power source. In response, the Ida created a realm known as the Afterlife. Free from the restraints of their own spiritual capacities, magitechnology developed to unprecedented levels.
Their newfound power source made life easier in many ways, shepherding in a veritable technological, artistic, and intellectual renaissance. This time period also introduced new societal challenges, however. Firstly, the surplus of spiritual energy produced via the Afterlife gave rise to the Fas peoples. The Yashelin and the Fas had to learn not only how to coexist with one another socially, but also how to share the limited space and resources of their homeland. Secondly, the rate of migration amongst Yashelin skyrocketed. Meanwhile, the Fas also began to establish communities and develop industries of their own.
For a time, the land paid the price of advancement. Resource extraction increased. Swathes of forest were cleared to make way for expanding communities. Some species of plants and animals were hunted or foraged near to extinction.

Finding a Balance Between Nature and Development

Almost immediately after the advent of the Afterlife, environmental sustainability became a major rallying cry of Aravu's peoples in the midst of so much actual and potential change before them.
Some viewed magitechnology and other related societal changes, especially industrialization, only through the lens of the damage it could do. Others viewed it only through the lens of how much benefits it could have for the people. Thankfully, those with a more balanced perspective won the day in the end. Rather than view magitechnology and the environment as two natural enemies, they saw how the two could come together for the greater good.

The Yashelin Chamu and their collaborators are especially credited with paving the way for a peaceable co-existence between technological advancement and the natural world that is still enjoyed today. The world slowed back down as society debated its next steps.
This period of contemplation saw the creation of the Chamatoye Public Railway, a major collaboration between Yashelin and Fas of all walks of life to create a long-term, sustainable way for all peoples to travel freely and safely throughout the majority of the continent. Additionally, the Natural World Preservaton Act was passed into law, which protected enormous areas of land from most development, save for that which was necessary and/or desirable for educational and recreational purposes.

"Just because we are capable of anything does not mean we should rush to do every idea that pops in our heads, Areta! Clearing the way for all these roads would be faster, sure. I understand, but can't you see that we're at a crossroads? If we're patient, if we all slow down and think this through, we can build something even better."

— Chamu

Fas Protections

The Fas were not entirely forgotten in this process, either. Some of the most vocal proponents of environmental protections came from these individuals. Unfortunately, however, history has not been kind enough to preserve their stories except for the villages, nature preserves, and trails that were named in their honor. In addition to the Natural World Preservation Act, current Fas settlements were protected from Yashelin interference and other land was set aside for them to use however they saw fit. The largest land grant for the Fas was in the fertile grasslands around the city of Shushani Pithin.
Each Fas Gens are ethnically distinct from one another. Therefore, each Gens has historically taken diverging stances on how they relate to Aravu's natural world. While they are forced to respect the land formally protected by the Yashelin, they have the right to use their land however they wish so long as it does not damage or otherwise interfere with shared resources. The Fenwell Gens, for example, prioritized agricultural development over other forms. Some other Gens live on or around Yashelin cities, but primarily use their lands for hunting and gathering. The Mapek Gens, on the other hand, developed a small, isular community and largely ignores the rest of the world entirely.

Into the Modern Era

"Nature belongs to no one and everyone."

— Chamu

Today, the people of Aravu enjoy the fruits of the labors of their elders in not only preserving the natural landscape around them, but advancing the technological development of their society. Most of the laws and practices introduced in the previous era have continued into the modern day. People still use the same trail systems through forests protected under the Natural World Preservation Act. Some of us still throw Bonfire Parties on the beaches of Kotuye's protected shorelines. Nature watchers can enjoy native flora and fauna without worrying about invasive species from Kivria because of strict protective laws.
If nature isn't one's forte, there isn't a single aspect of everyday life that isn't touched by patient, deliberate magitechnological advancement. Everyone uses the Chamatoye Public Railway nearly every single day, after all. Clean, fresh water running through pipes is simply a luxury compared to the questionable waterpipes of yore. All homes have electricity, now!

Post-Aravun Civil War

Environmental Damage: Industrial and Agricultural Sites

During the The Aravun Civil War, insurrectionists targeted many sites of great industrial and agricultural importance.
For the most part, industrial sites bounced back into operation quickly. The waste from some of these industrial sites, however, measurably harmed the surrounding environment. Thankfully, the damage done to industrial sites and the land they stand on had limited consequences due to the quick and passionate response by the sites' caretakers and other emergency responders in the days and weeks after the war.
The agricultural industry has not been nearly as lucky. For example, untold acres of Uyam Tree orchards were destroyed via "wildfires" set by those who were supposed to be their caretakers. Thousands of invaluable, ancient trees were killed in the fire. Not to mention hundreds of acres of crops and the creatures that called these fields and orchards their homes. Many of trees and crops that managed to survive fire succumbed later due to disease and pests. Nearby nature preserves were also damaged or outright destroyed by the inferno.

Demographic Changes

Furthermore, the Aravun Civil War temporarily changed the demographic map of the continent. Many Yashelin moved to the city of Heshi Ariko temporarily after the war, seeking safety and comfort in numbers. This put an even greater strain on the city and the surrounding area, which was the worst hit between the fighting and the massive wildfires. As the shock of the war wore off and anxiety took hold instead, most people dispersed back to their former residences. The Fas had a similar reaction, but rather than flock towards the Yashelin, they temporarily took refuge away from their volatile neighbors and slowly dispersed back into the old rhythm.

Simulation of Galactic Interaction by NASA Hubble Space Telescope Unsplash

A Missing Moon

Hesha stopped appearing in the sky at night after the Aravun Civil War. Since tides continued unbothered by the disappearance of the moon, many now attribute this to a magic trick of the Ida. Since Heyir was tied to the moon directly and they were banished from the planet after the war, many also suspect that Heyir took the moon with them somehow. Wildlife and sophonts alike freaked out a while, understandably, but thankfully the night sky is rather brilliant because their galaxy is in the middle of a galactic merger.
Nevertheless, it became much darker than before. Some nocturnal species that depended upon the light of the moon to hunt tragically did not survive the change. After Heyir's return from exile, the moon took its place back in the sky.

Into a Glacial Period

Changing Perspectives: Youths & Nature

Youths who were raised in the aftermath of the Aravun Civil War were raised differently from older generations. One area of concern is how the youngest generations relate to the environment. There appears to be a generational tendency to stay closer to home, likely due to policies such as the Nightly Curfew which restricted their movements in such a way that prevented them from fully partaking in natural recreation the same way as previous generations. Compared to previous generations, younger Yashelin spend less time in natural environments than older generations. Rather than seeking out natural recreation or related activities, they prefer to stay within city centers and their own homes. They are also demonstrably less concerned with balancing magitechnologcal and industrial progress with the natural world, so long as it makes their lives more convenient in the short-term.
Importantly, older generations were the ones that created the cultural environment that produced youths with less interest in the natural world. Older generations are the ones who closed their children off to the freedoms that they themselves so highly valued when they were young. The demand for higher short-term convenience and a tendency to stay closer to home is not exclusive to the youths, either. Although the youngest generations had a higher tendency towards those things, the tendency has grown exponentially amongst adults and elders as well.
Now that the Nightly Curfew and other restrictions have either been repealed or weakened, it is hoped that the newest and future generations will grow up unimpaired compared to today's youth. Although there is no going back to normal as a society, it is hoped that all generations may heal their relationship with the land.

Introduction of Astronomy

Once the Aravuns began to collaborate with the Kivrians to discover more about the world via the study of astronomy, many things about their planet came to light. They discovered just how big their planet was, and just how small their continent was.
Astronomy also revealed the reasons for the disappearance of the moon. Although the moon was invisible from the ground, it was still in orbit around Aravu just as it had always been. People rather quickly grew suspicious that this is where Heyir and most of exiles had been taken. The Ida confirmed it but refused to elaborate.

"You bid me exile them and now you place all the blame on me for listening? No. Fix your own problems, this time. Bring Heyir back yourself."

— The Ida

When the people succeeding in landing on Hesha, the moon came faintly back into view. Upon the return of Heyir and other exiles, the moon returned in full force as if it had never left in the first place. In the interim, the world's creatures had adapted to a live in comparative darkness. The struggle was not nearly as harsh as the days when the moon had disappeared, however, and the natural world appears to have largely adapted back to the old ways.

Contemplating New Horizons

Everyone is now aware that Aravu is entering a period of potentially extreme global cooling and that their continent is on the way to getting frozen solid as it drifts through the south pole. Although the timeline for their continent is uncertain, they almost certainly have plenty of time to do proper research, debate, and exploration first before they make any decisive moves. What impact their research, exploration, and eventual farewell to the Kotuye Continent will have on Aravu's sophont societies and the planet itself remains a mystery.