The two stars of the Shanda solar system are both young, yellow stars of a magnitude similar to that of most standard stars. They are called, by the creatures of Shanda, Shardsii, in Chomakalli meaning “young one,” and Earerse, meaning “the brighter.” Earerse is the larger of the two and it rises last in the sky of Shanda. Shardsii rises first and sheds a sort of twilight on Shanda, this twilight lasts for about six ourjhs, or Shandan hours. This is also the time that most hnau of Shanda go down to rest. The interesting thing about the twin stars is the fact that while the stars are rising they appear to be separate orbs, but not long after they rise melt into one light source. Often the morning is the brightest time of a Shanda light, this is also the time that most creatures are sleeping.
The Two Moons of Shanda
The two moons of Shanda mean blessings to the Chomashi, they bring signs to the Nonoshan, and captivate the Sharro, but each species has come to honor and revere the satellites of Shanda.
The moons have almost opposite orbits around the planet, and each are visible to every continent at one time or another. They are usually in separate parts of the sky, and not at the same time for Tono, the smaller, white moon, is set slightly ahead of Choni, the red satellite.
The moons go through cycles four times a season. Tono is the first to appear and when it moves away from that part of the sky after about ten lights, Choni rises and remains for another ten lights. After an equal time period without either moon, Tono will return.
Tono: Tono’s rising is often seen as good luck, mostly by the superstitious Nonoshan, and to be born under it means good things for the young and their family.
It was the white moon that was hit by debris from the star explosion that caused the Chomdi Disaster. Almost a quarter of the moon’s orb was taken off with the impact, and it is believed, though not proven, that the shattered moon has changed its orbital path somewhat. It still shines down on Shanda and is seen with the same reverence, but now only a part of the satellite remains in the sky, and strangely, because of this, Tono casts its own shadow. Tono’s surface is hard silver stone coated over in the thick layer of permanent ice. Its remaining form sports the shimmering colors of the rainbow as it’s frozen surface reflects the light of the Twin Stars.
Choni: Choni is a rather large moon, its surface pockmarked by small eruptions and meteor impacts. Choni is seen as the dark moon, and unlike its sister moon, it is said to bring bad luck, and evil doings are often associated with it.
Its light is a dull red glow and on Shanda it casts strange shadows. The surface of the moon is a dark red and just below the rock layer is a center of magma, white heats the satellite and prevents it from freezing over. This magma is also the cause for the moon’s many craters. When pressure grows beneath the surface, as the moon is hidden behind Shanda, where the stars’ light no longer reaches it, the rock layer begins to crack. This allows the magma to press out, and many times explode into the vacuum of space leaving the strange craters that are seen today.
The Six Planets of the Shanda Solar System
Doshu: Doshu is the planet closest to the twin stars and its path actually goes through the outermost reach of Earerse’s corona. This planet is also the only planet smaller then Shanda in the solar system. Doshu is surrounded by a cloud of dust and larger particles, however, it does not have any known satellites. The little planet is extremely dense and because of this has an extremely high gravity for its size (Doshu has a diameter of 7,689 km).
Torlii: Torlii is the second planet from the twin star and it is 11,063 km across. Its surface is striped with jagged, twisting canyons, and though it is close to the stars, the planet shows strong evidence of once supporting life on its surface. The planet appears to have lost its atmosphere at one time, for in relation to its gravity Torlii’s atmosphere is very thin. The planet also may have been thrown out of its original orbit. There is little known about Torlii before these changes occurred and it former inhabitants are little more then myths.
Sarr: Sarr is the third planet from the stars and it is one of the larger planets in the system, with a diameter of 47, 590 km. It is the only gaseous planet in the Shanda solar system, and it has exceptional beauty. It is one of the only planets that can be seen with the naked eye from Shanda’s surface, besides Tiisa-Soo.
Ushaso: Ushaso is the fourth planet from the stars. Its original size can only be estimated, but it is thought to have been an extremely large planet. It played a large role in the Chomdi disaster. Currently, the once great planet is reduced to nothing more than shards of planetary materials. It is believed that there was once life on it at one time as well.
Tiisa-Soo: Fifth planet from the stars, Tiisa-Soo (also called Newab by the Sharro and Nonoshan) is the only other planet that has life on it at present. It is a strange planet in that it is the largest in the system with a diameter of 54,082 km. Only because of its low density is life able to survive on its surface. Tiisa-Soo appears very clearly in the skies of Shanda throughout the passing, but it is the clearest during the colder season.
Shanda: Shanda is the last planet in the system and it has the smallest mass. Comparing surface area, Shanda is the second smallest with a diameter of 9,775 km. Shanda is home to the Sharro, Nonoshan, Chomashi, Derve’sii, and several groups of mixed blooded creatures.
A Note on the Shillizon Galaxy
The Shillizon galaxy was once an oasis of life amid the silence of the universe. It was spotted with bright nebulae, and sported and array of different stars types. The majority of its systems had life and in many cases on more then one planet. Many were amazed at its fertility and beauty. But it was not to last.
One of cluster of larger core stars exploded (to this day the cause of the explosion is unknown) and made a massive chain reaction in the stars near by. Hundreds of systems were destroyed, and thousands more were altered.
At present the Shillizon galaxy is a strange place. Many of its stars are unstable and the radiation levels are extremely high, causing many native species to mutate. At the outer edges of the galaxy a ring of debris has formed; this ring, called the Shillizon Crumble Load, has become a hub for space pirates and traders. Despite the changes and dangers of the galaxy, Shillizon remains one of the most fertile galaxies in the upper universe.
