Silselrik

Silselrik is a study in uncommon phenomena combining in uncommon ways. As a world in an elliptical orbit around a binary star system, it would be unusual enough even with no other abnormalities. But its composition makes it stranger still: an irregular core of extremely heavy metals, suspended in liquid form due to incredible heat and pressure, that nevertheless bears pockets of low-density gases. As the planet’s orbit exposes it to the equidistant heat of both stars twice a year, parts of the mantle also liquefy and intermingle with the denser metals at the core, only to cool and harden again as Silselrik moves toward the more extreme edge of its orbit.
Thought the mechanisms for this interaction have yet to be discovered (and may involve extraplanar links, massive chthonic ooze creatures, magic, or other hidden factors), the result is a sloshing, unstable interior beneath a relatively sturdy outer crust, which combines with the varying pull of the two suns to cause highly variable gravity patterns across the planet. The gravity in a given area might be anywhere from a standard low-gravity environment to high gravity, but these patterns are highly unpredictable, and when areas of differing gravity come into contact, they form wild gravity storms that can cause areas of sudden zero-g, crushingly severe gravity, and rapid alternations between these extremes. These forces of gravity combined with the suns’ heat have drawn the atmosphere close, creating an atmosphere denser than on most worlds, but still nominally breathable to many oxygen-dependent species.
The intense fluctuations of the planet’s gravity wreak havoc on its geology and geography, driving up new mountain ranges and subsuming others over the course of a few short years. While some bodies of water exist on the planet, they are in a near-constant state of flux, functioning more as ever-wandering rivers than the oceans and seas found on a typical world.
Despite the inhospitable environment, Silselrik nevertheless has spawned life in the form of a diverse array of oozes that diverge from the typical mindless entities. Notable among these are the enormous megadolorids, flat oozes reaching over a half-mile across in size that draw sustenance from external kinetic energy. The creatures evolved feeding on the energy generated by the planet’s gravity storms, and over time they have developed a peculiar form of symbiosis with the planet’s other primary species. Now the gentle leviathans roam the surface of the world with massive cities called megadoplexes built upon their backs by the intelligent oozes known as selamids, feeding upon the kinetic energy of the civilizations they carry and carefully avoiding the more severe gravity storms, to the benefit of their symbiotic kin.

Tourism

The following are some of Silselrik’s more notable locations.
CORE RESEARCH STATION The various phenomena that create Silselrik’s anomalous gravity attract scholars from many fields: astrophysicists, geologists, and even planar theorists. This latter group posits that the gas pockets within the planet’s core are possible only due to breaches to the Plane of Air. The researchers thoroughly understand that disturbing the planet’s already complex mechanisms would be disastrous to its inhabitants, but a few continue to push the boundaries of safety in their experiments and observations.
DIAMOND MINES The fluctuating gravity on Silselrik has some benefits, the most prominent of which is an abundance of easily accessible, high-quality diamonds valued for both artistic and industrial purposes. The best sources for these stones, however, lie in the more tumultuous regions where geological stresses force new veins to the surface beneath the largest gravity storms, making the mining industry a dangerous one.
GRAVITIC HALLS While most solarian temples focus equally on the photon and graviton aspects of the Cycle, the Gravitic Halls specialize in teaching the graviton aspect, using the planet’s abnormal gravity as a teaching tool. Instructors emphasize their teaching as only half of the larger Cycle. A few graduates, however, specialize solely on the graviton aspect, viewing it as purity rather than an imbalance.
MIDIOS The largest of the megadoplexes, Midios (named for the creature upon which it is built) favors wide, flat plains—a preference that led its residents to construct the planet’s only spaceport. The landing pads are set on heavily reinforced platforms to protect the host creature from the heat of starship engines, but the megadolorid Midios adores the immense energy it can absorb from a launch, its frilled edges rippling in pleasure each time a starship departs. Offworld trade opportunities have led to Midios bearing the densest population of any settlement on Silselrik.
MIDIOS NG megadoplex Population 21,389 (98% selamid, 2% other) Government council Qualities mobile, technologically underdeveloped Maximum Item Level 11th QUALITIES Mobile The settlement is not fixed at a single geographic location; it is difficult to map, and teleportation to the settlement is not possible without line of sight.
ORBITAL DOCK This space station provides a location where a starship pilot can dock in relative safety from the planet’s fluctuating gravity. A team of pilots specially trained in navigating the planet’s dangerous conditions resides on the station, available for hire to pilot a starship to the Midios spaceport at very reasonable rates. Very few independent pilots risk unaided journeys to the planet’s surface, though a few insist on trying anyway, often resulting in deadly collisions with the planet’s rocky crust.

Planet Plagued by Severe Gravity Storms; Diameter: ×3/4; Mass: ×1-1/4; Gravity: Variable from low to high, with localized storms ranging from zero-g to extreme gravity; Location: Near Space; Atmosphere: Thick; Day: 18 hours; Year: 3/4 year

Type

Planet