Shalita

Shalita, or Surkaria II, is the second planet in the Surkaria system of the Sagittarius Arm of the Milkyway Galaxy. It is the homeworld of the Shilizal and boasts a unique environment that is both beautiful and harsh. The planet is home to vast seas, mountains, canyons and sprawling deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see.
One of the most striking features of Shalita is its two moons, Kurkora and Gurda. These celestial bodies hang in the sky like shimmering jewels, casting a soft glow over the planet's surface. The Shilizal believe that these moons hold great power and significance, and they have built many temples and observatories to study their movements. Despite its natural beauty, life on Shalita is not easy. The planet's climate is harsh and unpredictable, with fierce storms and extreme temperatures that can make survival a constant struggle. The Shilizal have adapted to these conditions, building elaborate cities, and developing advanced technologies to help them thrive in this challenging environment.

Geography

Shalita is a harsh planet, located on the innermost edge of the Surkaria system's habitable zone, allowing for a wide variation in landscapes, vegetation, and temperatures. With a diameter of 15,038 kilometres (9,344 mi), Shalita has a gravity of 24.957 m/s2 and an average surface temperature of -5 °C to 96 °C (23 °F to 204.8 °F). The planet has a diameter of 15,038 kilometers, making it larger than Earth. Shalita's landmass is divided between six continents—Ahkura, Durc, Whakura, Quona, Yutara, and Ebkana, and are dominated by vast deserts, savannas, canyons, and mountain ranges. The Surkarian Ocean, between Quona and Ebkana, is the largest of Shalita’s oceans, covering approximately 30% of the planet’s surface.

Ahkura Geography

Ahkura is a vast and rugged continent with a varied and challenging landscape, bordered by a harsh, rocky coastline to the west and a series of jagged peninsulas to the north. Unlike other continents with smooth shorelines or vast lowland plains, Ahkura’s coastal regions are shaped by tectonic activity, featuring a mix of steep cliffs, narrow coves, and eroded rock formations that extend into the ocean. The coastline is irregular, with sections of raised plateaus dropping sharply into the sea, and in some places, long, finger-like land formations stretch outward, creating a series of natural barriers against the waves.
Inland, the continent is dominated by mountain ranges, plateaus, and deep canyons. The Shil-Rok range runs through much of the central region, consisting of jagged, uneven peaks with rocky slopes broken by deep crevices. These mountains are not particularly tall but remain difficult to navigate due to their fractured nature and unstable ground in some areas. Water is scarce, with most of the continent’s rivers either drying up seasonally or remaining as little more than shallow, winding channels. The terrain between the mountains is rough and uneven, consisting of scattered boulder fields, dry basins, and occasional ridges that extend for kilometers before dropping off into steep cliffs. Further south, the land transitions into a series of elevated plateaus, where the ground is cracked and eroded by centuries of wind exposure. These plateaus vary in size and elevation, some forming broad, flat expanses while others are broken by deep gullies and isolated rock formations. Occasional depressions in the rock hold onto water after storms, creating temporary pools that sustain patches of hardy plant life. However, most of the land remains barren, with only sparse vegetation adapted to the dry conditions. The northern and northeastern parts of Ahkura feature a more fragmented landscape, where erosion has carved out an intricate network of deep ravines, ridges, and winding valleys. Many of these valleys follow the paths of old riverbeds, some of which still carry water during the planet’s wettest periods. The terrain here is particularly unstable, with sections of crumbling rock and landslides reshaping the land over time.
Ahkura’s western coastline is rugged and exposed to strong ocean currents, with sharp, angular rock formations rising directly from the water. Waves crash against these formations, gradually wearing them down into unique, jagged shapes. In some places, the coastline features small, sheltered inlets where the cliffs part just enough to allow the ocean to reach further inland, forming deep, narrow bays. These areas are often surrounded by steep rock walls, limiting accessibility. To the far east, the land flattens slightly into rolling hills and stretches of rocky plains, though the ground remains dry and cracked. Unlike other continents, Ahkura has little in the way of fertile land or natural resources suitable for widespread agriculture.

Durc Geography

Durc is the second largest continent on Shalita, positioned east of Ahkura and shaped by the relentless forces of tectonic activity and erosion. The landscape is defined by sprawling volcanic fields, plateaus, and weathered mountain ranges that extend across much of its interior. While not excessively high, Durc’s mountains are rugged and uneven, with slopes carved by persistent winds and minor rockslides. These mountains often have deep crevices and caves formed by shifting rock layers and the gradual breakdown of softer stone. Some areas feature exposed basalt formations, the result of long-cooled lava flows, giving parts of the terrain a dark, craggy appearance. The coastline of Durc is irregular, with jagged cliffs plunging into the ocean. Many sections of the coast have been shaped by powerful waves, leaving behind natural arches and sea caves. Further inland, vast plateaus dominate the central regions, covered in cracked earth and sparse vegetation that clings to crevices where moisture accumulates. These plateaus descend into deep valleys where rivers wind through rocky terrain, sustaining patches of greenery along their courses. The rivers are often narrow and winding, their banks lined with resilient plant life adapted to the continent’s dry conditions.
To the south, Durc transitions into rolling badlands, where layers of sedimentary rock have been eroded into sharp ridges and scattered mesas. The terrain here is uneven, with gullies and ravines formed by seasonal floods. The soil is dry and compact, often taking on reddish hues due to its high iron content. In the western regions, isolated geothermal vents dot the landscape, releasing plumes of steam and forming mineral deposits around their openings. These vents provide pockets of warmth and moisture, fostering unique ecosystems in an otherwise dry and inhospitable environment. Durc’s easternmost region features a series of interconnected canyons, some stretching for hundreds of kilometers. These canyons expose layers of rock shaped by wind and water over time, with sheer walls rising on either side of winding riverbeds. Many of these rivers flow intermittently, surging with water after heavy rains but drying to shallow streams in drier periods. The rocky terrain continues to the southeastern reaches of the continent, where weathered hills and undulating ridges dominate the landscape before giving way to the vast ocean beyond.

Whakura Geography

Whakura, the southernmost continent of Shalita, is distinguished primarily by its expansive desert landscapes and extensive canyon systems. Covering vast stretches of the continent's interior, the Whakurian Dunes form an immense and ever-changing sea of sand. Wind erosion continuously shapes these dunes, sculpting them into long, sinuous ridges that stretch hundreds of kilometers and create intricate wave-like patterns. Sandstorms are frequent here, driven by powerful winds capable of reshaping the dunes overnight and burying or revealing rocky outcroppings and ravines. Towards the south, the desert gradually transitions into a complex network of deep canyon systems known collectively as the Ziro Canyons. These canyons cut through layers of sedimentary rock, creating intricate patterns of rugged cliffs and narrow gorges. Many of the canyon walls display striking bands of color, from shades of rust and ochre to deep reddish-browns, indicative of varied mineral compositions. At the canyon floors, dry riverbeds snake across the terrain, carved by brief, intense seasonal floods that periodically surge through the region following rare rainfall events.
While vegetation is sparse across much of Whakura due to its arid climate, hardy shrubs and drought-resistant plants dot the canyon floors and sheltered depressions, providing brief pockets of greenery amid the dominant reddish-brown hues of the desert landscape. The continent's coastline is relatively uniform, characterized by extensive rocky cliffs and steep slopes plunging directly into the surrounding seas, limiting access and settlement opportunities along its shores. Whakura's geographic isolation and challenging terrain contribute significantly to its reputation as one of Shalita’s least hospitable continents.

Quona Geography

Quona is the smallest continent on Shalita, positioned to the west of Durc and bordered by the expansive Surkarian Ocean. The continent exhibits a stark yet captivating geography, distinguished by broad stretches of open plains interspersed with moderately elevated, rocky uplands. These uplands gradually transition into rounded hills and gentle slopes rather than abrupt peaks, forming a terrain that is rugged yet accessible. The elevated regions are frequently dissected by extensive ravines and deep gullies, products of sustained erosion and intense seasonal rainfall.
Inland, large swathes of dry grass-covered plains extend uninterrupted for hundreds of kilometers, punctuated occasionally by exposed rocky outcrops and clusters of hardy shrubs that thrive in the semi-arid conditions. Sporadic rains cause significant fluctuations in Quona's river systems, resulting in broad but shallow riverbeds, which fill swiftly during seasonal monsoons. These rivers carve winding paths across the landscape, depositing nutrient-rich sediments along their banks, thus fostering small pockets of fertile land amidst the predominant dryness. The coastline of Quona is rugged and deeply indented, characterized by steep cliffs composed of layered sedimentary rocks, weathered and sculpted into intricate patterns by relentless waves and wind. Narrow beaches of coarse sand and gravel appear intermittently, nestled between cliff faces and the turbulent ocean waters. Hidden coves and inlets, sheltered by rocky promontories, punctuate the coastline, offering natural protection against powerful ocean currents.

Yutara Geography

Yutara, positioned along Shalita’s equator, exhibits distinct geographic features shaped primarily by active geothermal and tectonic phenomena. The continent's terrain is characterized by expansive lava plains resulting from frequent volcanic activity, creating vast basaltic flats interspersed with rugged hills and scattered volcanic cones. The landscape is consistently reshaped by eruptions, earthquakes, and seismic activity, making Yutara one of the most geologically dynamic regions on the planet. The continent hosts extensive geothermal fields, which include numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, and steaming vents. These features cluster densely in central Yutara, where the crust is particularly thin. The intense geothermal activity influences the soil chemistry, promoting the growth of specialized vegetation such as hardy mosses, heat-tolerant shrubs, and sparse grasses adapted to mineral-rich substrates. Surrounding these fields are vast areas of rocky terrain, dominated by pumice and volcanic ash deposits.
Yutara lacks significant bodies of surface water, with rivers being rare and typically short-lived. The primary water sources are scattered, mineral-rich hot springs and groundwater reserves accessed through cave networks. Beneath the surface, extensive cavern systems traverse the continent, formed through persistent geological upheaval and erosion. These caves, interconnected by tunnels and chambers, can span hundreds of kilometers and descend to considerable depths. Inland regions of Yutara feature moderate mountain ranges composed of volcanic rock, uplifted by tectonic forces rather than formed by traditional orogeny. These mountains are typically rounded and eroded due to continuous seismic shaking and volcanic debris deposition, rather than sharp or steep. Due to Yutara’s equatorial position and geothermal heating, temperatures remain consistently high year-round, excluding the possibility of snowfall or permanent ice formations anywhere on the continent.

Ebkana Geography

Ebkana, located across the Surkarian Ocean from Quona, is distinguished by its varied yet moderately gentle geography. Dominating the continent's central region is the expansive Ebkanean River basin, a fertile area featuring broad floodplains and winding river channels that nourish extensive agricultural lands. These plains transition gradually into gently rolling hills covered in hardy shrubs and grasses suited to the mild climate. The river itself branches frequently, creating a network of smaller tributaries and shallow lakes scattered across the interior, forming habitats rich in aquatic life and plant diversity.
The northern and eastern regions of Ebkana gradually rise into moderately elevated ranges characterized by smooth, rounded mountains that lack significant snowfall due to the continent's temperate climate. These mountains, mostly below 2,000 meters, are typically covered in dense evergreen woodlands, their slopes deeply etched by seasonal rainfall, forming steep-sided valleys and deep ravines. Rocky outcrops occasionally break through the tree cover, creating distinct landmarks amid the thick vegetation. Towards the western coastline, the terrain becomes more rugged, with cliffs and bluffs shaped by persistent ocean erosion. Here, rocky shores alternate with sheltered sandy coves and pebble-strewn beaches, interspersed with tidal pools and marshy estuaries supporting diverse coastal ecosystems. The southern reaches of Ebkana transition smoothly into semi-arid plains, marked by dry riverbeds and sparse vegetation adapted to drier conditions, creating a sharp contrast with the lushness of the continent's interior.

Climate

Shalita's climate is characterized by severe temperature extremes and significant regional variability due to its elliptical orbit around Surkaria-A and Surkaria-B. The planet experiences intense solar radiation at perihelion, causing rapid warming that triggers powerful storms, while the cooler aphelion period results in significant drops in temperature. Shalita lacks extensive forests or grasslands due to these harsh fluctuations and limited annual rainfall.
The equatorial regions, notably Yutara, sustain consistently scorching temperatures, averaging from 45°C to highs of 96°C (113°F to 204.8°F). This extreme heat is primarily a result of continuous and intense geothermal activity beneath the continent’s surface, characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions, hot springs, and geysers. The region experiences minimal seasonal shifts due to its position near the equator, but it suffers constant seismic disturbances, including regular earthquakes and volcanic tremors, significantly shaping both the land and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Mid-latitude continents such as Ahkura and Durc exhibit substantial climatic variability, with summer temperatures often soaring to extreme highs accompanied by violent dust storms. These storms drastically reduce visibility and cause rapid landscape alterations. Winters in these regions, however, can be quite harsh, with nighttime temperatures frequently plunging below freezing, presenting severe survival challenges for the planet's inhabitants. Rainfall in these mid-latitudes is erratic and typically comes in brief but intense bursts. Such torrential downpours swiftly carve new channels through rocky terrains, creating sudden flash floods capable of reshaping entire regions overnight and temporarily replenishing local water reservoirs.
Polar regions and higher latitudes experience cooler average temperatures, typically ranging between -5°C (23°F) during winter nights to highs rarely exceeding 30°C (86°F) during peak summer days. These areas, such as Ebkana and Quona, offer relatively mild climates compared to other regions on Shalita but remain predominantly arid due to limited annual rainfall. Occasional precipitation, often in the form of brief yet intense monsoons, temporarily rejuvenates the otherwise barren landscape, allowing sparse vegetation to flourish briefly.
Seasonal variability is particularly pronounced in these areas, with clearly defined, prolonged dry seasons followed by short-lived rainy periods. The powerful monsoons not only nourish hardy vegetation but also trigger significant erosion and sediment displacement, shaping the terrain. Dust storms frequently sweep across these latitudes, driven by strong winds that can drastically alter visibility and transportation routes. Additionally, occasional heatwaves raise temperatures abruptly, posing challenges to agricultural productivity and settlement sustainability. Localized thunderstorms provide temporary relief, but their unpredictable nature often results in flash flooding, demanding adaptive and resilient lifestyles from local inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns to favor more sheltered and resource-accessible locations.

Biodiversity and conservation

Shalita's biodiversity is adapted explicitly to its challenging climate and varied geography, characterized by resilient, hardy species evolved to endure harsh temperature extremes, aridity, and sporadic rainfall. Vegetation is predominantly sparse and scrub-like, composed mainly of drought-resistant shrubs, hardy succulents, and low-growing plants adapted to minimal moisture and nutrient-poor soils. Species such as the Shalitan Thornbush and Red Spineweed dominate dry regions, their tough, leathery leaves conserving water efficiently. These plants often possess deep, extensive root systems that tap into underground water reserves, allowing them to survive extended dry spells. Additionally, many species have evolved spiny or thorn-covered surfaces, providing defense against herbivores while simultaneously reducing evaporation by minimizing leaf surface area. Seasonal rains briefly transform the landscape, prompting rapid blooming cycles where plants flower, reproduce, and then return swiftly to dormancy as water becomes scarce again. These unique survival strategies contribute to the striking resilience and adaptability observed across Shalita's plant life.
Animal life on Shalita exhibits remarkable adaptability to the planet's harsh conditions. Desert-adapted reptiles dominate much of the arid interior landscapes, featuring species like the armored Durcan Lizards, whose thick scales and reflective skin minimize water loss and deflect intense solar radiation. These lizards often inhabit rocky outcrops and cliffs, where they bask during cooler morning hours and seek shade or subterranean burrows as midday temperatures become lethal. Small mammals have similarly evolved survival strategies, exemplified by the Whakurian Sand Rats. These creatures create extensive underground tunnel networks, where stable, cooler temperatures allow them to escape extreme heat and conserve moisture. Their nocturnal lifestyle further minimizes exposure to harsh daytime conditions, enabling them to forage under cover of darkness for sparse, drought-resistant vegetation and insects. Coastal and canyon regions host specialized avian life uniquely adapted to Shalita's challenging ecosystems. The cliff-nesting Shalitan Stormhawks utilize powerful flight muscles and keen eyesight to hunt fish and small marine creatures along rocky coastlines, while the elusive Kurkoran Nightwings navigate canyon walls and rocky outcrops with exceptional agility during twilight hours. Both species have adapted efficient moisture conservation techniques, including specialized kidneys and water-recycling nasal passages, allowing them to thrive despite the limited freshwater availability.
Aquatic biodiversity flourishes within the Surkarian Ocean and other seas, a vast and dynamic marine environment shaped significantly by seasonal nutrient upwellings driven by oceanic currents and thermal gradients. Despite its limited connection to inland water systems, the ocean supports a surprisingly rich array of marine organisms uniquely adapted to Shalita's challenging climate and oceanic conditions. Among the most notable inhabitants is the armored Surkarian Grouper, a formidable predator characterized by tough, overlapping scales and powerful jaws capable of crushing the armored shells of its prey. These groupers typically inhabit rocky seabeds and underwater caves, preying on crustaceans, smaller fish, and mollusks. Dominating the ocean depths are the colossal Ebkanean Sea Leviathans, immense filter-feeders that can reach lengths exceeding 60 meters. These giants roam the deep waters, following seasonal blooms of plankton that flourish during nutrient-rich upwelling events. Their massive bodies are adapted to withstand the immense pressures of deep-water environments, featuring dense musculature and reinforced skeletal structures. Other marine species include bioluminescent squid and resilient deep-water crustaceans, which utilize specialized metabolic adaptations to thrive in cold, nutrient-scarce depths. Despite comparatively limited species diversity, Shalita's marine life exhibits extraordinary resilience, thriving amid environmental pressures such as temperature fluctuations, intense storms, and limited coastal habitats.

Known residents

The only known intelligent species to inhabit Shalita are the Shilizal, a proud and honorable saurian species. They have long been the dominant species on the planet and have established a thriving society on each of Shalita's continents.
Shilizal society is highly structured and hierarchical. At the top are the kings, who hold absolute power and are considered divine figures by their people. Below them are warriors (known as citizens) who hold positions of power in government, military, and other essential roles. Non-citizens, including women and children, work for the benefit of all but have limited opportunities for advancement. And at the very bottom of this social order are slaves, typically prisoners of war or lower-class non-citizens who have fallen out of favor with their superiors. Despite this strict social structure, there is a strong sense of community among the Shilizal. They value honor, loyalty, and bravery above all else and will go to great lengths to protect their kin and homeland. They also have a deep respect for their ancestors, with many rituals and traditions centered around honoring them.

Shalita

by Dawood

Astrographical Information

System

Surkaria system

Orbiting

Surkaria-A, Surkaria-B, & Proxima Surkaria

Orbital position

second planet

Orbital Distance

1 AU

Orbital characteristics

Aphelion: 1.047 AU (1.566 × 10⁸ km) – Shalita’s furthest distance from its primary stars occurs during aphelion, where its elliptical orbit extends beyond the standard AU due to minor gravitational influences from Proxima Surkaria.

Perihelion: 0.953 AU (1.425 × 10⁸ km) – At perihelion, Shalita’s orbit brings it closest to Surkaria-A and Surkaria-B, leading to a noticeable increase in solar radiation and temperature fluctuations.

Semi-major axis:

1.000 AU (1.496 × 10⁸ km)

Eccentricity: 0.047

Orbital period (sidereal): 645.5 days

Average orbital speed: 26.9 km/s

Mean anomaly: 178.2°

Inclination

• 3.1° – Surkaria-A, Surkaria-B, & Proxima Surkaria's equator;

• 2.7° – invariable plane;

• 5.4° – J2000 ecliptic

Longitude of ascending node: 127.6°

Time of perihelion: 2.13 × 10⁷ s (approx. 246.8 Earth days from the start of the year)

Argument of perihelion: 87.4°

Moon(s) Two; Kurkora and Gurda

Orbital Rotation: 30.3 hours (1.09 × 10⁵ s)

Physical Information

Diameter: 15,038 kilometres (9,344 mi)

Mean radius 7,519 km (4,672 mi)

Equatorial radius 7,533 km (4,680 mi)

Polar radius: 7,505 km (4,661 mi)

Flattening: 0.0037

Circumference

47,294 equatorial

46,987 meridional

Surface area: 711,000,000 km²

• Land: 350,000,000 km²

• Water: 361,000,000 km² (50.8% of the Shalita’s surface)

Volume: 8.92 × 10¹¹ km³

Mass: 5.81 × 10²⁴ kg

Mean density: 6.46 g/cm³

Gravity: 24.957 m/s² (2.55 G)

Moment of inertia factor: 0.331

Escape velocity: 16.8 km/s

Synodic rotation period: 30.7 hours

Sidereal rotation period: 30.3 hours

Equatorial rotation velocity: 364.5 m/s

Axial tilt: 21.6°

Albedo

• 0.27 geometric

• 0.32 Bond

Temperature: 318 K

Surface temperature

• -5 °C (23 °F) Min

• 45 °C (113 °F) Mean

• 96 °C (204.8 °F) Max

Atmosphere

Surface pressure

112.984 kPa

Composition by volume

• 78.2% nitrogen (dry air)

• 19.1% Oxygen (dry air)

• ≤1% water vapor (variable)

• 1.5% Argon

• 0.8% CO2

• 0.3% CH4

• 0.1% He

Societal Information

Species

Shilizal (Homeworld)

Population

Approx. 5.6 billion people

Society

Aristocratic/Militant/Patriarchal

Technology Tier

Tier 2

Government

Kingdom of Shalita