Cerlas

GEOGRAPHY

Cerlas is a unique and fascinating desert world, characterized by its shattered landscape and levitating landmasses. The planet's surface is primarily covered in vast, arid deserts, with occasional oases providing a lifeline for the diverse flora and fauna that call Cerlas home. It often has massive electromagnetic storms that plague the upper atmosphere that interfere with radio and omninet transmissions.
Much of Cerlas' land is fragmented, with large chunks of the planet's crust floating atop dense gas pockets that seemingly defy gravity. These levitating landmasses, known as the "Shattered Terrain," create a breathtaking and treacherous landscape, with deep chasms and constantly shifting land formations. This distinctive geological feature is both a source of wonder and danger, as travelers must navigate the precarious pathways and unstable platforms to traverse the planet.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The flora of Cerlas is uniquely adapted to the harsh desert environment and the planet's shattered landscape. The most notable plant species include:

• Gasroot Trees: These hardy, twisted trees have a unique root system that can tap into the dense gas pockets beneath the surface. The trees are capable of absorbing and storing the gas, allowing them to levitate along with the landmasses on which they grow. Their leaves are small and thick, designed to minimize water loss in the dry environment.

• Oasis Lilies: These large, vibrant flowers are found primarily around the planet's sparse oases. The lilies have an intricate system of roots that can reach deep underground to access hidden water sources, and their broad, flat petals collect and funnel moisture towards the center of the plant.

The fauna of Cerlas is equally diverse and adapted to the planet's unique challenges. Some of the most notable creatures include:Sand Skimmers: These agile, reptile-like creatures are native to the vast deserts of Cerlas. They have long, slender bodies and powerful legs that allow them to glide swiftly over the sand. Sand Skimmers possess unique sensory organs that help them detect the subtle vibrations of shifting landmasses, enabling them to avoid the dangers of the Shattered Terrain.

• Gas Drifters: These large, jellyfish-like creatures inhabit the skies above Cerlas, floating on the dense gas pockets that permeate the planet's atmosphere. Gas Drifters possess a series of specialized gas bladders that allow them to control their buoyancy and navigate the ever-changing landscape. They feed on airborne microorganisms and release spores to reproduce.

• Chasm Crawlers: These massive, insectoid creatures dwell in the deep chasms of the Shattered Terrain. Chasm Crawlers have powerful legs and specialized gripping claws that enable them to scale the sheer walls of the floating landmasses. They are known to be fiercely territorial and will attack anything that ventures too close to their nests.

Type

Planetoid