Malthust (Mal-Th-Uh-St)

The Crimson Moon, Malthust is the first orbiting moon of Sitagus, its scarlet glow casting an otherworldly hue across the night sky. Known for its rugged, Mars-like terrain, this moon harbours a subterranean world rich in mystery and peril. Geothermal activity warms hidden caverns, fostering unique ecosystems of luminescent fungi. As archeologists and mages unravel its secrets, Malthust beckons to those bold enough to explore its depths.

Geography

The geography of Malthust is a captivating blend of contrasts, shaped by the interplay of its surface's starkness and the hidden intricacies beneath. Similar to Mars, Malthust's rugged terrain is dominated by jagged mountains, deep canyons, and vast plateaus that stretch across the landscape. Remnants of past volcanic activity, including lava flows and craters, bear witness to its tumultuous history. The moon's surface is adorned with scattered boiling pools and lakes of toxic chemicals, remnants of its geothermal past. Toxic oceans shimmer with eerie colours, emanating noxious gases that render them highly hazardous. However, the true marvels lie below the surface, where extensive cave systems house bioluminescent flora, intricate crystal formations, and subterranean rivers. These caverns provide refuge for various life forms seeking protection from the moon's harsh surface conditions. Malthust's geography is a testament to the interplay of geological forces, creating a world of both peril and hidden beauty waiting to be explored by those daring enough to venture into its depths.

Ecosystem

Life on the Crimson Moon has adapted to its extreme conditions. Hardy fungi and mosses flourish in crevices, absorbing moisture from the air and ground. Their bioluminescence illuminates the caves and provides sustenance for various creatures. The hardy fungi and mosses on the Crimson Moon have developed a remarkable symbiotic relationship. The fungi possess unique properties that enable them to absorb and neutralize toxins from the air, boiling pools, and ground. In return, the mosses provide essential nutrients and support for the fungi's growth. Fungi's mycelium network extends through the soil, absorbing toxic substances and converting them into harmless byproducts. As the fungi thrive, they release purified gases that contribute to a localized, breathable atmosphere within the cave systems. The bioluminescent nature of both fungi and mosses is not only visually stunning but also functional. Their soft glow serves as a visual indicator of areas with improved air quality. Myconids and other creatures learn to navigate these glowing patches, which become safe havens within the moon's hostile environment. The fungi-moss symbiosis plays a crucial role in continually renewing and stabilizing the atmosphere within the cave systems. This allows a diverse range of flora and fauna to thrive, relying on the purified air for sustenance and survival. Myconids have learned to harness this symbiosis, cultivating specific fungi-moss pairings to create artificial pockets of purified air within their bioluminescent cave dwellings. These patches not only provide a safe environment for myconids but also attract other creatures seeking refuge. The purified air, filtered through the fungi-moss partnership, creates a cascade effect, benefiting the entire ecosystem. Herbivores graze on the mosses, while predators hunt the herbivores, forming a delicate balance within the caves. The majority of life on the moon is found in its cave systems. Moss and fungi create a unique ecosystem, providing nourishment for herbivorous creatures, while predatory species hunt in the darkness.

Ecosystem Cycles

The bioluminescent flora and fauna follow their own cycles, often tied to the moon's erratic day-night shifts. During the moon's dimly lit day, bioluminescence is less prominent, but it becomes vibrant during the colder and darker nights. Due to the challenging conditions on the surface, many organisms have developed unique reproductive strategies. Some species release spores or seeds during brief windows of milder temperatures, maximizing their chances of survival.

Localized Phenomena

Localized phenomena on the moon are both mesmerizing and perplexing, offering glimpses into the mysterious forces at play in this unique world. One of the most captivating occurrences is the phenomenon of "Fungal Veils," where delicate and iridescent fungal structures occasionally form overhead, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the moon's surface. These ephemeral veils are believed to be a result of the symbiotic interactions between Myconids and the surrounding flora, creating a breathtaking display that adds an ethereal touch to the moon's stark landscape. Another phenomenon involves the sudden emergence of "Bioluminescent Blooms," where patches of ground come alive with pulsating hues of light, illuminating the darkness below. These blooms are thought to be triggered by certain climatic conditions, a dazzling testament to the interconnectedness of the moon's ecosystem.
The moon's geothermal activity creates pockets of warmth in otherwise frigid caves. These warm areas are often inhabited by heat-loving fungi, which in turn attract herbivores seeking food and warmth. Crystals are a common feature in the cave systems, growing over millennia due to the unique geological conditions of the moon. Some crystals emit a faint glow, adding to the ethereal ambiance of the underground world. This radiant display is further enhanced by the occasional occurrence of "Crystal Reverberations," where vibrations from underground movements resonate through the crystal formations, producing a hauntingly beautiful and harmonious symphony that echoes throughout the subterranean chambers. These localized wonders continue to intrigue and inspire those who venture into the moon's depths, serving as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of life that thrives in even the most challenging of environments.

Climate

The moon's climate is a study in contrasts, a dance between extremes that shape its unique and enigmatic environment. Above ground, the atmosphere is thin and hostile, where desolate and rocky terrain stretches out under an unforgiving sky. Daylight is a harsh and piercing light, its intensity softened only by the eerie luminescence of the fungi that dot the landscape. Toxic gases occasionally waft across the surface, a reminder of the volatile subterranean origins of this moon. Pockets of boiling, poisonous pools further punctuate the barren landscape, their vapors mingling with the air. Yet, beneath the surface, the moon's subterranean realm hosts a complex and interconnected network of caves, passages, and chambers. Here, the climate shifts to a damp and cool ambience, nourished by the bioluminescent mosses and the nurturing presence of the Myconids. These subterranean oases provide refuge for the moon's inhabitants, where the delicate balance of temperature and humidity sustains life amidst the moon's harsh exterior.

Fauna & Flora

The moon's flora is a result of the teleportation of Underdark elements from Sitagus. Luminescent fungi, mycelial networks, spore-bearing plants, and bioluminescent mosses dominate the landscape. These plants have evolved to rely on the spores released by Myconids for pollination, forming a unique and vibrant ecosystem. The flora interacts with the moon's fauna, creating a harmonious balance between light and shadow in the moon's underground world.
The moon's fauna, transplanted from the Underdark of Sitagus, includes a diverse range of creatures. Among them are Myconids, Bulettes, Hook Horrors, Flumphs, Umber Hulks, Cloakers, Rust Monsters, and various fungal parasites. These creatures have adapted to the moon's unique environment, contributing to an intricate ecosystem where luminescent fungi, mycelial networks, and bioluminescent mosses play significant roles. The moon's fauna interact in predator-prey relationships, shaping the landscape and creating a captivating and mysterious world.

Natural Resources

Malthust's natural resources form a unique and multifaceted tapestry, interweaving geothermal riches and fungal abundance. Beneath the moon's surface lies a wealth of geothermal energy sources, warming specific cave systems that support diverse ecosystems. Luminescent fungi flourish in these underground realms, fostering a symbiotic cycle of nutrient exchange that sustains life. Scattered throughout the moon's caverns are crystalline formations, some possessing faintly glowing properties, offering not only aesthetic allure but also potential for crafting, alchemical processes, and even energy generation. Toxic pools and lakes on the surface harbour mineral deposits with latent promise, despite the risks they pose.

Malthust's natural resources extend beyond the aesthetic and practical, offering potential solutions to the challenges posed by its harsh environment. Geothermal energy sources hold the key to sustainable living, providing a potential means to harness energy and overcome the inhospitable conditions. Meanwhile, the bioluminescent properties of the moon's flora hint at a range of applications, from providing illumination in the darkness to potential medical uses through the extraction of bioluminescent compounds. As inhabitants of Malthust explore and uncover the hidden treasures within their moon's landscape, they may discover innovative ways to thrive in this unique and challenging world.

Tourism

Malthust is linked to the world of Sitagus by ancient portals. These passages allow travel between the harsh surface of Malthust and the realms of Sitagus, including the Underdark. While the Drow of Malthust have mastered these portals, Sitagian Drow and other explorers have ventured to the moon, often with uncertain outcomes. The origins of these portals are shrouded in mystery, with the people of Sitagus considering them as rare planar anomalies.

Alternative Name(s)

The Moon that Lives within

Type

Planetoid / Moon