Cosmic Wayfinder: Monarch, the Wild Wood

Monarch, the Wild Wood

Monarch, “The Wild Wood”, is the thirteenth planet from Sol and the only elliptical-shaped planet in the system due to its fast spin. Its surface is covered in dark forests and deep lakes, all shrouded under a persistent layer of blue clouds. Monarch’s rocky soils are viable for growing all kinds of plants, creating a rich ecosystem of impossible flora and fauna. Despite Sol’s light hardly reaching it, the planet’s atmosphere contains a consistent air of magic, which is visible in the evolutionary patterns of its species.

An image of Monarch from orbit

The Monarchs

There are three distinct species of Monarchs. High Monarchs have bright skin, thin antennae, and colorful wings, along with the largest wingspan of the three Monarchs. Fair Monarchs have dull skin, hooked antennae, and pale wings, along with the smallest wingspan of the three Monarchs. Deep Monarchs have monochrome skin and wings along with puffy antennae. All monarchs stand at around five feet tall, have wings that extend from their back, and have compound eyes. However, each species has a unique physiology and culture as well as a particular affinity for Essence.

The Ilfog

Creatures on Monarch have a biological reaction called the Ilfog, a bioluminescent glow that appears along their body during seasonal changes. This glow is typically heralded by a planetary haze that enriches the environment. Additionally, the Ilfog causes behavioral changes, implants migration patterns, and can even stimulate a creature’s affinity with Essence. Because of this, the Ilfog has cultural significance with Monarchs and is celebrated with a holiday.

From Across the Stars

Despite its relative distance in the Sol System, Monarch is active in the Republic, managing farming and agricultural production from their world to support commerce between worlds. Crops on Monarch grow at great rates, and Monarchs have great proficiency in tending to the natural world. Their cities are built without metal or alloys, and even their starships are constructed from reinforced silk and wood in the shape of cocoons, as opposed to most other vessels.