Planet
Definition
A "planet" in the Spelljammer setting is a large celestial body that (generally) fits all of the following criteria, though there are exceptions:
- Is large enough to possess an independent gravity field (standard rules do not apply; the gravity fields of stellar objects are almost always extremely small for the size of the object)
- Does not orbit another stellar body which orbits a primary
- Is not a strange object that forms a tail when its extremely oval orbit brings it close to a primary (that is, not a comet)
- Orbits a primary in such a manner that the orbit is circular, or nearly so
- Is shaped like a sphere, a cube, or other recognizable shape, including irregular (as opposed to dust clouds, nebulae, and visible sargassos that frequently have no recognizable boundaries, or at least, no permanent boundaries)
- Is at least 500 miles in diameter; smaller objects are usually called asteroids (but smaller objects might be called planets, according to local traditions, and this criterion definitely does not apply to cluster worlds)
- Is not located inside an asteroid belt (exceptions exist; these are almost always dwarf planets)
Notes
It is possible for a planet to be a primary (the planet Oerth in Greyspace is a very good example). In that event, it is still a planet. As noted above, cluster worlds are planets. Although the individual bodies of the cluster are typically far too small to be planets, the entire cluster qualifies as a planet.
Typical Qualities
Most planets have atmospheres, but some are void worlds, with no air of any kind. The air is usually breathable, but again, not always. Some planets have smaller worlds that orbit them, called moons. Some planets also have rings around them. In rare cases, a moon may have a moon or rings, or even both.
