Cosmic Wayfinder: Phaëton, the Verdant Expanse

Phaëton, the Verdant Expanse

Phaëton, the fifth planet from Sol, is a world of beautiful shorelines and rolling plains. For this splendor, it earned the name “The Verdant Expanse”. An even mixture of oceans and tropical islands, Phaëton’s biodiversity is similar to Earth’s but more homogenous and less varied in elevation or climate. Spots of volcanic islands carry precious minerals that are valuable in creating starships. Phaëton is known for its pleasant climate, with the most severe weather on Phaëton coming from its violent thunderstorms that can last for weeks. Most wildlife on Phaëton is marine or amphibious, but their populations have dwindled in the face of industry.

An image of Phaëton from orbit

The Phaëtons

The Phaëtons are humanoids standing at an average of five feet tall and occasionally possessing a pair of antennae that hang from their scalp. Most Phaëtons have tan, green, or grey skin, varying hair lengths, and bioluminescent facial features. Phaëtons live in collectives, typically large cities built along coastlines and space stations. Much of Phaëton is unpopulated by its native species, instead used for resources or business property.

Carving a Piece of Home

Due to Phaëton’s flat landscapes, advancements in tractor-beam technology were made to terraform the land. Parts of Phaëton have been transformed into artificial mountains and rivers to manage the climate. Phaëton’s tractor-beam technology has become commonplace within the Republic and elsewhere, and Phaëton remains a valuable territory to this day in the eyes of many.

A Race of Wanderers

The Phaëtons practice sending space arks throughout and beyond the Sol System to spread their race and create new sects of life. Many colonies in the Republic were initially started by Phaëtons, who are the only race to form a colony beyond the Sol System alongside humanity. Those who stay on their homeworld manage businesses that revolve around marking Phaëton and its resources to the world, such as tourism, mining, and fishing. Phaëton’s small size makes it a contested jewel for those contending for its splendor.