Sandbox:Hazelmouse-3 - Revision history

Hazelmouse: /* Ruins & Anomalous Activity */

2026-08-29T02:56:58Z

Ruins & Anomalous Activity

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 29 August 2026
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	=== Ruins & Anomalous Activity ===		=== Ruins & Anomalous Activity ===

	During its time under the [[Solarian Alliance\|Alliance]], what is now Pactolus underwent significant infrastructural development. Several permanent settlements were built on relatively low-lying plateaus adjacent to major mineral deposits, building a robust economy off exports prior to the colony's cataclysmic end. These settlements, as well as the infrastructure surrounding them, are now blasted ruins located almost exclusively within what are now tidal areas; these are rows upon rows of colonial concrete reduced to headless foundations buried partially under the sand, shrouded altogether under dense tidal fog, usually ~~hidden by~~ the ~~tide~~. Due to their remote locations and the number obscured at any time, these ruins are poorly explored, poorly understood, and are treated with a modest degree of caution by the local population.		During its time under the [[Solarian Alliance\|Alliance]], what is now Pactolus underwent significant infrastructural development. Several permanent settlements were built on relatively low-lying plateaus adjacent to major mineral deposits, building a robust economy off exports prior to the colony's cataclysmic end. These settlements, as well as the infrastructure surrounding them, are now blasted ruins located almost exclusively within what are now tidal areas; these are rows upon rows of colonial concrete reduced to headless foundations buried partially under the sand, shrouded altogether under dense tidal fog, usually invisible under the tides. Due to their remote locations and the number obscured at any time, these ruins are poorly explored, poorly understood, and are treated with a modest degree of caution by the local population.

	This caution originates from an apparently consistent trend of unusual phenomena and events limited primarily to these ruins. Disappearances among explorers are common, in addition to a higher-than-usual rate of crippling accidents. Strange silhouettes in the fog, or disembodied voices, are frequent reports. Some witnesses theorise a degree of time dilation near the sites, claiming adamantly that they felt more time had passed after they left the ruins than their route should have actually entailed, despite all their equipment telling them that time has passed normally.		This caution originates from an apparently consistent trend of unusual phenomena and events limited primarily to these ruins. Disappearances among explorers are common, in addition to a higher-than-usual rate of crippling accidents. Strange silhouettes in the fog, or disembodied voices, are frequent reports. Some witnesses theorise a degree of time dilation near the sites, claiming adamantly that they felt more time had passed after they left the ruins than their route should have actually entailed, despite all their equipment telling them that time has passed normally.

	'''Such a reputation has earned Pactolus and its ruins a favoured position among conspiracy buffs, ghost hunters, and other such entertainers.''' A rich tradition of popular cryptids has developed from these reports, producing an entire rogue's gallery of strange and unexplained beings alleged to subsist in the ruins. While the scientific establishment places little stock in such theorists and cryptozoologists, it is impossible to deny that the disappearances around the sites are real. Throngs of locals remain vehement that real anomalous activity surrounds the human ruins, proving troublesome to dissuade, and a great many entrepreneurs have made a living off selling merchandise relating to these many cryptids and urban legends to tourists eager to be sold a phenomenal narrative.		'''Such a reputation has earned Pactolus and its ruins a favoured position among conspiracy buffs, ghost hunters, and other such entertainers.''' A rich tradition of popular cryptids has developed from these reports, producing an entire rogue's gallery of strange and unexplained beings alleged to subsist in the ruins. While the scientific establishment places little stock in such theorists and cryptozoologists, it is impossible to deny that the disappearances around the sites are real. Throngs of locals remain vehement that real anomalous activity surrounds the human ruins, proving troublesome to dissuade, and a great many entrepreneurs have made a living off selling merchandise relating to these many cryptids and urban legends to tourists eager to be sold a phenomenal narrative.

Hazelmouse: /* Ruins & Anomalous Activity */

2026-08-29T02:56:39Z

Ruins & Anomalous Activity

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 29 August 2026
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	=== Ruins & Anomalous Activity ===		=== Ruins & Anomalous Activity ===

	During its time under the [[Solarian Alliance\|Alliance]], what is now Pactolus underwent significant infrastructural development. Several permanent settlements were built on relatively low-lying plateaus adjacent to major mineral deposits, building a robust economy off exports prior to the colony's cataclysmic end. These settlements, as well as the infrastructure surrounding them, are now blasted ruins located almost exclusively within what are now tidal areas; these are rows upon rows of colonial concrete reduced to headless foundations buried partially under the sand, shrouded altogether under dense tidal fog, ~~often~~ hidden by the tide. Due to their remote locations and the number obscured at any time, these ruins are poorly explored, poorly understood, and are treated with a modest degree of caution by the local population.		During its time under the [[Solarian Alliance\|Alliance]], what is now Pactolus underwent significant infrastructural development. Several permanent settlements were built on relatively low-lying plateaus adjacent to major mineral deposits, building a robust economy off exports prior to the colony's cataclysmic end. These settlements, as well as the infrastructure surrounding them, are now blasted ruins located almost exclusively within what are now tidal areas; these are rows upon rows of colonial concrete reduced to headless foundations buried partially under the sand, shrouded altogether under dense tidal fog, usually hidden by the tide. Due to their remote locations and the number obscured at any time, these ruins are poorly explored, poorly understood, and are treated with a modest degree of caution by the local population.

	This caution originates from an apparently consistent trend of unusual phenomena and events limited primarily to these ruins. Disappearances among explorers are common, in addition to a higher-than-usual rate of crippling accidents. Strange silhouettes in the fog, or disembodied voices, are frequent reports. Some witnesses theorise a degree of time dilation near the sites, claiming adamantly that they felt more time had passed after they left the ruins than their route should have actually entailed, despite all their equipment telling them that time has passed normally.		This caution originates from an apparently consistent trend of unusual phenomena and events limited primarily to these ruins. Disappearances among explorers are common, in addition to a higher-than-usual rate of crippling accidents. Strange silhouettes in the fog, or disembodied voices, are frequent reports. Some witnesses theorise a degree of time dilation near the sites, claiming adamantly that they felt more time had passed after they left the ruins than their route should have actually entailed, despite all their equipment telling them that time has passed normally.

	'''Such a reputation has earned Pactolus and its ruins a favoured position among conspiracy buffs, ghost hunters, and other such entertainers.''' A rich tradition of popular cryptids has developed from these reports, producing an entire rogue's gallery of strange and unexplained beings alleged to subsist in the ruins. While the scientific establishment places little stock in such theorists and cryptozoologists, it is impossible to deny that the disappearances around the sites are real. Throngs of locals remain vehement that real anomalous activity surrounds the human ruins, proving troublesome to dissuade, and a great many entrepreneurs have made a living off selling merchandise relating to these many cryptids and urban legends to tourists eager to be sold a phenomenal narrative.		'''Such a reputation has earned Pactolus and its ruins a favoured position among conspiracy buffs, ghost hunters, and other such entertainers.''' A rich tradition of popular cryptids has developed from these reports, producing an entire rogue's gallery of strange and unexplained beings alleged to subsist in the ruins. While the scientific establishment places little stock in such theorists and cryptozoologists, it is impossible to deny that the disappearances around the sites are real. Throngs of locals remain vehement that real anomalous activity surrounds the human ruins, proving troublesome to dissuade, and a great many entrepreneurs have made a living off selling merchandise relating to these many cryptids and urban legends to tourists eager to be sold a phenomenal narrative.

Hazelmouse: /* Ruins & Anomalous Activity */

2026-08-29T02:56:23Z

Ruins & Anomalous Activity

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 29 August 2026
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	=== Ruins & Anomalous Activity ===		=== Ruins & Anomalous Activity ===

	During its time under the [[Solarian Alliance\|Alliance]], what is now Pactolus underwent significant infrastructural development. Several permanent settlements were built on relatively low-lying plateaus adjacent to major mineral deposits, building a robust economy off exports prior to the colony's cataclysmic end. These settlements, as well as the infrastructure surrounding them, are now blasted ruins located almost exclusively within what are now tidal areas; ~~they~~ are rows upon rows of colonial concrete reduced to headless foundations buried partially under the sand, shrouded altogether under dense tidal fog, often hidden by the tide. Due to their remote locations and the number obscured at any time, these ruins are poorly explored, poorly understood, and are treated with a modest degree of caution by the local population.		During its time under the [[Solarian Alliance\|Alliance]], what is now Pactolus underwent significant infrastructural development. Several permanent settlements were built on relatively low-lying plateaus adjacent to major mineral deposits, building a robust economy off exports prior to the colony's cataclysmic end. These settlements, as well as the infrastructure surrounding them, are now blasted ruins located almost exclusively within what are now tidal areas; these are rows upon rows of colonial concrete reduced to headless foundations buried partially under the sand, shrouded altogether under dense tidal fog, often hidden by the tide. Due to their remote locations and the number obscured at any time, these ruins are poorly explored, poorly understood, and are treated with a modest degree of caution by the local population.

	This caution originates from an apparently consistent trend of unusual phenomena and events limited primarily to these ruins. Disappearances among explorers are common, in addition to a higher-than-usual rate of crippling accidents. Strange silhouettes in the fog, or disembodied voices, are frequent reports. Some witnesses theorise a degree of time dilation near the sites, claiming adamantly that they felt more time had passed after they left the ruins than their route should have actually entailed, despite all their equipment telling them that time has passed normally.		This caution originates from an apparently consistent trend of unusual phenomena and events limited primarily to these ruins. Disappearances among explorers are common, in addition to a higher-than-usual rate of crippling accidents. Strange silhouettes in the fog, or disembodied voices, are frequent reports. Some witnesses theorise a degree of time dilation near the sites, claiming adamantly that they felt more time had passed after they left the ruins than their route should have actually entailed, despite all their equipment telling them that time has passed normally.

	'''Such a reputation has earned Pactolus and its ruins a favoured position among conspiracy buffs, ghost hunters, and other such entertainers.''' A rich tradition of popular cryptids has developed from these reports, producing an entire rogue's gallery of strange and unexplained beings alleged to subsist in the ruins. While the scientific establishment places little stock in such theorists and cryptozoologists, it is impossible to deny that the disappearances around the sites are real. Throngs of locals remain vehement that real anomalous activity surrounds the human ruins, proving troublesome to dissuade, and a great many entrepreneurs have made a living off selling merchandise relating to these many cryptids and urban legends to tourists eager to be sold a phenomenal narrative.		'''Such a reputation has earned Pactolus and its ruins a favoured position among conspiracy buffs, ghost hunters, and other such entertainers.''' A rich tradition of popular cryptids has developed from these reports, producing an entire rogue's gallery of strange and unexplained beings alleged to subsist in the ruins. While the scientific establishment places little stock in such theorists and cryptozoologists, it is impossible to deny that the disappearances around the sites are real. Throngs of locals remain vehement that real anomalous activity surrounds the human ruins, proving troublesome to dissuade, and a great many entrepreneurs have made a living off selling merchandise relating to these many cryptids and urban legends to tourists eager to be sold a phenomenal narrative.

Hazelmouse: /* Multicellular Life */

2026-08-29T02:55:53Z

Multicellular Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:55, 29 August 2026
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	==== Multicellular Life ====		==== Multicellular Life ====

	Multi-celled native organisms on Pactolus are usually either a hard-shelled arthropod of some kind - many of which possess long, cylindrical bodies - or a sedentary creature similar to a terrestrial sponge or sea lily. Many of these organisms are moderately hazardous to a human, but are far less threatening to a synthetic without an organic body to puncture or poison. Invasive fauna has had extremely poor luck taking to the planet on account of its outlandish and highly acidic environs, although there is quite a large population of stray cats, rats, and other common terrestrial pests ~~in and around~~ Eurydice.		Multi-celled native organisms on Pactolus are usually either a hard-shelled arthropod of some kind - many of which possess long, cylindrical bodies - or a sedentary creature similar to a terrestrial sponge or sea lily. Many of these organisms are moderately hazardous to a human, but are far less threatening to a synthetic without an organic body to puncture or poison. Invasive fauna has had extremely poor luck taking to the planet on account of its outlandish and highly acidic environs, although there is quite a large population of stray cats, rats, foxes, and other common terrestrial pests inside Eurydice.

	<div style="vertical-align:middle">		<div style="vertical-align:middle">

Hazelmouse: /* Biosphere */

2026-08-29T02:54:29Z

Biosphere

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:54, 29 August 2026
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	=== Biosphere ===		=== Biosphere ===

	While Pactolus hosts a modest roster of indigenous lifeforms at the present day, it is understood that it hosted a far greater diversity in the recent past. Non-fossilised remains of large millipede-like arthropods, lamprey-like jawless chordates, and even structures resembling coral have been found littered throughout the planet, revealed occasionally by the shifting sands. Pactolus is in the immediate aftermath of a debilitating mass extinction event following the incident of 2287, which threw ecosystems into freefall as vital niches have gone unfilled for over a century. New extinctions roll in every month or so. While the plight of the native biology is a cause championed by some, the mercantile authorities of the planet are hopelessly indifferent to the affair, and legislate with the same indifference.		While Pactolus hosts a modest roster of indigenous lifeforms at the present day, it is understood that it hosted a far greater diversity in the recent past. Non-fossilised remains of large millipede-like arthropods, lamprey-like jawless chordates, and even structures resembling coral have been found littered throughout the planet, revealed occasionally by the shifting sands. Pactolus is in the immediate aftermath of a debilitating mass extinction event following the incident of 2287, which threw ecosystems into freefall as vital niches have gone unfilled for over a century. New family-level extinctions roll in every month or so. While the plight of the native biology is a cause championed by some, the mercantile authorities of the planet are hopelessly indifferent to the affair, and legislate with the same indifference.

	Despite their ill fortunes, a few dominant species have managed to maintain robust populations. All life native to Pactolus has evolved around the cycle of the tides - almost all fauna on the planet is aquatic or semi-aquatic, either burying themselves in the sand when it is dry above, or following the tide out to its next location as it follows the moon. While no native flora or fungi analogues ever developed on the planet, hardy terrestrial weeds such as dandelions and chickweed may occasionally be found growing atop the slopes of volcanoes, though the sediment in tidal areas is too salty for them.		Despite their ill fortunes, a few dominant species have managed to maintain robust populations. All life native to Pactolus has evolved around the cycle of the tides - almost all fauna on the planet is aquatic or semi-aquatic, either burying themselves in the sand when it is dry above, or following the tide out to its next location as it follows the moon. While no native flora or fungi analogues ever developed on the planet, hardy terrestrial weeds such as dandelions and chickweed may occasionally be found growing atop the slopes of volcanoes, though the sediment in tidal areas is too salty for them.

Hazelmouse: /* Geology & Minerals */

2026-08-29T02:53:16Z

Geology & Minerals

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:53, 29 August 2026
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	==== Geology & Minerals ====		==== Geology & Minerals ====

	While rich in a large variety of relatively valuable elements and compounds, inclusive of silver, gold, lithium, and cobalt, the radical tidal environment of Pactolus makes these difficult to extract. Small deposits can be easily sifted through the grey sand of the planet, which glistens with tiny flecks of highly reflective metals across the surface. This has prompted several mercantile conglomerates to operate '~~Sifters~~' - tracked vehicles which roll across the surface behind the tides to collect material from the sand and till it in its wake. Permanent quarries are forced to operate very dynamically; mining companies must maintain large networks of many small quarries, each of which their workers will migrate between as they are taken and released by the tides. Advanced drainage systems must be incorporated into these tidal quarries to ensure that they are not a saltwater lake by the time the workers return to them, often incorporating high-power pumps feeding to nearby reservoirs to achieve this. On account of the difficult lifestyle implied by this erratic quarry-hopping, and because of the dangers involved in chasing the tides, self-owned sifters and quarriers are among the most lucratively paid menial workers on the planet.		While rich in a large variety of relatively valuable elements and compounds, inclusive of silver, gold, lithium, and cobalt, the radical tidal environment of Pactolus makes these difficult to extract. Small deposits can be easily sifted through the grey sand of the planet, which glistens with tiny flecks of highly reflective metals across the surface. This has prompted several mercantile conglomerates to operate 'sifters' - tracked vehicles which roll across the surface behind the tides to collect material from the sand and till it in its wake. Permanent quarries are forced to operate very dynamically; mining companies must maintain large networks of many small quarries, each of which their workers will migrate between as they are taken and released by the tides. Advanced drainage systems must be incorporated into these tidal quarries to ensure that they are not a saltwater lake by the time the workers return to them, often incorporating high-power pumps feeding to nearby reservoirs to achieve this. On account of the difficult lifestyle implied by this erratic quarry-hopping, and because of the dangers involved in chasing the tides, self-owned sifters and quarriers are among the most lucratively paid menial workers on the planet.

	=== Biosphere ===		=== Biosphere ===

Hazelmouse: /* Environment */

2026-08-29T02:51:09Z

Environment

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:51, 29 August 2026
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	All of the few dozen landmasses that are at a sufficient altitude to avoid these monumental tides are volcanoes or giant stromatolite formations. Pactolus is highly geologically active, boasting a large number of geothermal springs on the surface and underwater in addition to several large volcanoes dotted across the surface, many of which are still active. These volcanoes serve as critical anchors when traversing the surface, providing a consistent reference point for travel throughout the ever-changing tidal landscape. Most permanent outposts are, for this reason, built on the slopes of volcanoes.		All of the few dozen landmasses that are at a sufficient altitude to avoid these monumental tides are volcanoes or giant stromatolite formations. Pactolus is highly geologically active, boasting a large number of geothermal springs on the surface and underwater in addition to several large volcanoes dotted across the surface, many of which are still active. These volcanoes serve as critical anchors when traversing the surface, providing a consistent reference point for travel throughout the ever-changing tidal landscape. Most permanent outposts are, for this reason, built on the slopes of volcanoes.

	The planet's topography is composed of many hills and crags giving way occasionally to large flat stretches of dense, black sand. Rivers and streams are commonplace but are usually both small and temporary, being substantially rerouted or entirely destroyed by movements of the tides. Many rivers and streams originate from hot springs exposed intermittently to the surface, which feed to rock pools. There are almost no plants, and none of the hardy weeds that have managed to take root are indigenous to the planet - it is a basalt desert locked into a constantly tidal state, never allowed to fully dry.		The planet's topography is composed of many hills and crags giving way occasionally to large flat stretches of dense, black sand. Rivers and streams are commonplace but are usually both small and temporary, being substantially rerouted or entirely destroyed by the movements of the tides. Many rivers and streams originate from hot springs exposed intermittently to the surface, which feed to rock pools. There are almost no plants, and none of the hardy weeds that have managed to take root are indigenous to the planet - it is a basalt desert locked into a constantly tidal state, never allowed to fully dry.

	While traditional human weeks are still used on Pactolus, each week lasts 2⅓ local days as a consequence of every such day lasting 72 hours. This means long days and long nights, often resulting in dangerous recovery operations as travellers on the surface misgauge their position and find the tide coming in at dusk. Surface temperatures at the equator average -5 to 10°C, and reach as low as -25°C at the poles, although there is rarely any surface ice owed to the saltiness of the surface water. Weather on the planet is damp and perpetually overcast - if not by clouds, then by the debris field above diffusing the red sunlight to a uniform haze. Storms are common, and at even low wind speeds are treated with serious gravity by the mercantile authorities due to the exacerbated hazard of the rainwater's acidity.		While traditional human weeks are still used on Pactolus, each week lasts 2⅓ local days as a consequence of every such day lasting 72 hours. This means long days and long nights, often resulting in dangerous recovery operations as travellers on the surface misgauge their position and find the tide coming in at dusk. Surface temperatures at the equator average -5 to 10°C, and reach as low as -25°C at the poles, although there is rarely any surface ice owed to the saltiness of the surface water. Weather on the planet is damp and perpetually overcast - if not by clouds, then by the debris field above diffusing the red sunlight to a uniform haze. Storms are common, and at even low wind speeds are treated with serious gravity by the mercantile authorities due to the exacerbated hazard of the rainwater's acidity.

Hazelmouse: /* Environment */

2026-08-29T02:50:41Z

Environment

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:50, 29 August 2026
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	Pactolus is dominated by its ocean; a usual average of 85% of its surface is covered in grey, acidic brine at a usual depth of less than 70m, composed primarily of water and ammonia and salty to the point of complete saturation. Large salt deposits dot the surface. There is almost no permanent land anywhere; while there are many low-lying landmasses, inclusive of sandy atolls and stromatolite formations, almost all of them are submerged at some time of the week due to the planet's immense tides. Midaion's extremely close proximity to Pactolus has created a planet in which the tides may subside as much as 60 to 80 metres, before the ocean comes flooding back in within the same week. This is made worse by the erratic orbit of Midaion; not only is the map constantly changing, but it is also changing in a new way every time as old causeways disappear and new landmasses emerge from the tides, making exploration difficult and rendering all long-term colonisation of tidal areas nearly impossible.		Pactolus is dominated by its ocean; a usual average of 85% of its surface is covered in grey, acidic brine at a usual depth of less than 70m, composed primarily of water and ammonia and salty to the point of complete saturation. Large salt deposits dot the surface. There is almost no permanent land anywhere; while there are many low-lying landmasses, inclusive of sandy atolls and stromatolite formations, almost all of them are submerged at some time of the week due to the planet's immense tides. Midaion's extremely close proximity to Pactolus has created a planet in which the tides may subside as much as 60 to 80 metres, before the ocean comes flooding back in within the same week. This is made worse by the erratic orbit of Midaion; not only is the map constantly changing, but it is also changing in a new way every time as old causeways disappear and new landmasses emerge from the tides, making exploration difficult and rendering all long-term colonisation of tidal areas nearly impossible.

	All of the few dozen landmasses that are at a sufficient altitude to avoid these monumental tides are volcanoes or giant ~~stromatolites~~. Pactolus is highly geologically active, boasting a large number of geothermal springs on the surface and underwater in addition to several large volcanoes dotted across the surface, many of which are still active. These volcanoes serve as critical anchors when traversing the surface, providing a consistent reference point for travel throughout the ever-changing tidal landscape. Most permanent outposts are, for this reason, built on the slopes of volcanoes.		All of the few dozen landmasses that are at a sufficient altitude to avoid these monumental tides are volcanoes or giant stromatolite formations. Pactolus is highly geologically active, boasting a large number of geothermal springs on the surface and underwater in addition to several large volcanoes dotted across the surface, many of which are still active. These volcanoes serve as critical anchors when traversing the surface, providing a consistent reference point for travel throughout the ever-changing tidal landscape. Most permanent outposts are, for this reason, built on the slopes of volcanoes.

	The planet's topography is composed of many hills and crags giving way occasionally to large flat stretches of dense, black sand. Rivers and streams are commonplace but are usually both small and temporary, being substantially rerouted or entirely destroyed by movements of the tides. Many rivers and streams originate from hot springs exposed intermittently to the surface, which feed to rock pools. There are almost no plants, and none of the hardy weeds that have managed to take root are indigenous to the planet - it is a basalt desert locked into a constantly tidal state, never allowed to fully dry.		The planet's topography is composed of many hills and crags giving way occasionally to large flat stretches of dense, black sand. Rivers and streams are commonplace but are usually both small and temporary, being substantially rerouted or entirely destroyed by movements of the tides. Many rivers and streams originate from hot springs exposed intermittently to the surface, which feed to rock pools. There are almost no plants, and none of the hardy weeds that have managed to take root are indigenous to the planet - it is a basalt desert locked into a constantly tidal state, never allowed to fully dry.

Hazelmouse: /* Environment */

2026-08-29T02:49:38Z

Environment

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:49, 29 August 2026
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	=== Environment ===		=== Environment ===

	Pactolus is dominated by its ocean; a usual average of 85% of its surface is covered in grey, acidic brine at a usual depth of less than 70m, composed primarily of water and ammonia and salty to the point of complete saturation. Large salt deposits dot the surface. There is almost no permanent land anywhere; while there are many low-lying landmasses, inclusive of sandy atolls and stromatolite formations, almost all of them are submerged at some time of the week due to the planet's immense tides. Midaion's extremely close proximity ~~and its weekly orbit results in~~ a planet in which the tides may subside as much as 60 to 80 metres, before the ocean comes flooding back in within the same week. This is made worse by the erratic orbit of Midaion; not only is the map constantly changing, but it is also changing in a new way every time as old causeways disappear and new landmasses emerge from the tides, making exploration difficult and rendering all long-term colonisation of tidal areas nearly impossible.		Pactolus is dominated by its ocean; a usual average of 85% of its surface is covered in grey, acidic brine at a usual depth of less than 70m, composed primarily of water and ammonia and salty to the point of complete saturation. Large salt deposits dot the surface. There is almost no permanent land anywhere; while there are many low-lying landmasses, inclusive of sandy atolls and stromatolite formations, almost all of them are submerged at some time of the week due to the planet's immense tides. Midaion's extremely close proximity to Pactolus has created a planet in which the tides may subside as much as 60 to 80 metres, before the ocean comes flooding back in within the same week. This is made worse by the erratic orbit of Midaion; not only is the map constantly changing, but it is also changing in a new way every time as old causeways disappear and new landmasses emerge from the tides, making exploration difficult and rendering all long-term colonisation of tidal areas nearly impossible.

	All of the few dozen landmasses that are at a sufficient altitude to avoid these monumental tides are volcanoes or giant stromatolites. Pactolus is highly geologically active, boasting a large number of geothermal springs on the surface and underwater in addition to several large volcanoes dotted across the surface, many of which are still active. These volcanoes serve as critical anchors when traversing the surface, providing a consistent reference point for travel throughout the ever-changing tidal landscape. Most permanent outposts are, for this reason, built on the slopes of volcanoes.		All of the few dozen landmasses that are at a sufficient altitude to avoid these monumental tides are volcanoes or giant stromatolites. Pactolus is highly geologically active, boasting a large number of geothermal springs on the surface and underwater in addition to several large volcanoes dotted across the surface, many of which are still active. These volcanoes serve as critical anchors when traversing the surface, providing a consistent reference point for travel throughout the ever-changing tidal landscape. Most permanent outposts are, for this reason, built on the slopes of volcanoes.

Hazelmouse: /* Pactolus, Capital World */

2026-08-29T02:48:21Z

Pactolus, Capital World

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:48, 29 August 2026
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	Its dubious habitability marks a small concern for the majority of its population, which are synthetics from across all walks of life; these are affluent merchants and the most destitute of runaways, formerly free souls who sold themselves to save themselves, and the dispossessed, and the possessors. Most of this population is concentrated in the city of '''Eurydice''', a rapidly growing metropolis built atop one of the few permanently dry landmasses on the planet, although the surface is increasingly dotted with colonial outposts and mining stations as the population eagerly sets out to exploit the planet's long-untapped resources. Despite this rapid growth and development, however, the planet remains remote, relatively undeveloped, and host to a small population in comparison to major worlds such as [[Konyang]].		Its dubious habitability marks a small concern for the majority of its population, which are synthetics from across all walks of life; these are affluent merchants and the most destitute of runaways, formerly free souls who sold themselves to save themselves, and the dispossessed, and the possessors. Most of this population is concentrated in the city of '''Eurydice''', a rapidly growing metropolis built atop one of the few permanently dry landmasses on the planet, although the surface is increasingly dotted with colonial outposts and mining stations as the population eagerly sets out to exploit the planet's long-untapped resources. Despite this rapid growth and development, however, the planet remains remote, relatively undeveloped, and host to a small population in comparison to major worlds such as [[Konyang]].

	Famously, Pactolus is shrouded by an immensely thick debris field composed primarily of iron and nickel meteoroids between the sizes of a grain of sand and a small car. This has historically made entry and exit from its gravity well almost impossible. Earlier human attempts to colonise the planet featured custom-built heavy-duty shuttles designed to shrug off impacts without fatalities in ~~the crew~~; more recently, the [[Golden Deep]] has successfully utilised the 'Draupnir' system of low-orbit satellites armed with advanced electromagnets to force open holes in the field, relying on the ferromagnetic metals in the field to dilate open a narrow path for minutes or even hours. Only one path exists, which is opened intermittently above the city of Eurydice to permit traffic.		Famously, Pactolus is shrouded by an immensely thick debris field composed primarily of iron and nickel meteoroids between the sizes of a grain of sand and a small car. This has historically made entry and exit from its gravity well almost impossible. Earlier human attempts to colonise the planet featured custom-built heavy-duty shuttles designed to shrug off impacts without fatalities in their crews; more recently, the [[Golden Deep]] has successfully utilised the 'Draupnir' system of low-orbit satellites armed with advanced electromagnets to force open holes in the field, relying on the ferromagnetic metals in the field to dilate open a narrow path for minutes or even hours. Only one path exists, which is opened intermittently above the city of Eurydice to permit traffic.
	=== Environment ===		=== Environment ===