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=Qerr'Malic=
=Qerr'Malic=


Qerr’Malic is the name given to the moon of Qerrbalak, and was the first stellar body explored by Skrell during the early years of their Space Age. Since ancient history, Qerr'Malic was seen as a benevolent figure watching over the Skrell, especially because of its relationship with the tides. In modern times, even though it’s a bustling hub for tourism, and transport to the colony from nearby Qerrbalak costs as much as a bus ticket for most, the moon has remained a fascination for many. Followers of both Qeblak and Weishii hold a special reverence for the moon, especially those who live on Qerrbalak. It is the only natural satellite around Qerrbalak, with a surface area of about fifty-six million square kilometres -- about twice as large as Luna. The colony is separated into two parts: a surface colony made up of arcologies that host the entertainment and tourism industry of the moon, and a ‘Second Surface’ underground which houses most of the equipment and personnel supporting the surface settlements.  
Qerr’Malic is the moon of Qerrbalak, and was the first celestial body explored by skrell at the start of their space age. Since ancient history, Qerr'Malic was seen as a benevolent figure watching over the planet due to its influence over the tides, and has stayed a cultural fascination well into the modern day. Followers of both Qeblak and Weishii hold a reverence for the moon, especially within sects on Qerrbalak. Qerr’malic is roughly twice the size of Earth’s Luna, and is the sole moon of the planet. The lunar colonies are separated between surface installations and their underground infrastructure and maintenance areas, dubbed the Second Surface by those living there.


==History==
==History==


Qerr'Malic was often the focus of those on the parent body far below, even before the time of the modern Skrell. Its foreboding presence and effects on the tides eventually earned it the name '''Protector of the Homeworld'''; In the early days, when Qe'qlak was the predominant religion practised by the Skrell, Qerr'Malic was often revered as a powerful entity created by Nralakk to protect the Homeworld.  
Qerr'Malic was a subject of focus during Qerrbalak’s ancient historical periods, with its  presence in the night sky and tidal influence earning it the name '''Protector of the World'''. In the period of Qe'qlak being the dominant religion, Qerr'Malic was revered as a guardian created by Nralakk to protect Qerrbalak.


During the height of the Cold War in Qerrbalak, in '''1980 BCE''', the first Skrell-made surveillance probe managed to land on the surface of Qerr'Malic. Soon after this, the moon was swarming with synthetic creations sent by the various factions of Qerrbalak as part of their intelligence networks and the overall space race at the time. The few probes, drones, and satellites that survived over the centuries remain on the surface as monuments to this part of Skrellian history.  
During the [[Skrell_Early_History#The_War_of_the_Tides_and_Skrell_Space_Age|War of the Tides period]] in 1980 BCE, the first skrell-made surveillance probe landed on the surface of Qerr'Malic. This sparked a wave of further probes and scientific instruments sent by multiple factions to expand intelligence networks and participate in the space race. The few probes, drones, and satellites that survived remain on the surface as monuments to this part of skrell history.


Only centuries later did the Skrell begin efforts to colonize its surface, shortly after a few settlements had been successfully established within the crust of Aliose. Qerr'Malic would be a bit more difficult to colonize compared to Aliose, primarily because it lacked an atmosphere. Partial records recovered post-Glorsh state that both Aliose and Qerr’Malic were formally established sometime around '''1100 BCE'''. The moon was earmarked to be a research colony and religious site due to the significance of the moon in Skrell culture, but this plan was soon scrapped as prospectors discovered rich mineral deposits deep underground.  
Colonization efforts of the moon began after the first settlements within the crust of Aliose proved successful, though Qerr'Malic proved more difficult than Aliose due to its lack of atmosphere. Qerr’Malic’s colonies were originally intended to facilitate research and cultural fascination, but were quickly overturned at the discovery of rich mineral loads under the surface.


Qerrbalak had been intensively exploited for its natural resources since the beginning of the species’ industrial revolution, so it was only a matter of time before colonies like Qerr'Malic became the focal point for Skrellian expansion. Most of Qerrbalak's diminishing resources were redirected to prop up the establishment of Qerr’Malics burgeoning resource extraction industry. Soon, most of the colony’s population found themselves reassigned to the moon’s new mining and refining operations, exploiting the moons mineral wealth.
With Qerrbalak’s resource reserves exhausted by the time of this discovery, Qerr’Malic’s resource richness turned the colonies into rapidly expanding industrial centers. Soon, most of the colony’s population became extraction and industrial workers, expanding deeper into the moon’s subterranean surface. The Qerr'Malic Mining Consortium was established to manage the expansion of the colonies, and was primarily comprised of multiple [[Skrell_Early_History|Consultant Agencies]]. The mining consortium eventually formed the ruling body of Qerr’Malic’s colonies, with the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Three eventually absorbing it afterwards. Most of the moon’s colonists agitated for independence from the Commonwealth before moving to break ties, resulting in the original Consultant Agencies' reemerging to quash the independence effort after negotiations failed.


In order to properly manage the colony and its output, the "Qerr'Malic Mining Consortium" was established. This Consortium was made up of several of the top-performing [[Skrell_Early_History|Consultant Agencies]] at the time that focused on mining and manufacturing, which became part of the formation of the ruling body that would manage Qerr’Malic’s operations. The establishment of the Commonwealth of the Three brought a number of changes to the moon, while still retaining its more corporate ruling structure. As Skrell across the colonies began expressing their desire for independence, the colonial ties were broken, spawning a conflict that would encompass the whole Commonwealth. Following the replacements of several instigators with loyalists, the Consultant Agencies' services helped rapidly regain control of the moon.  
Qerr'Malic’s colonies eventually shifted away from resource extraction and industrial focuses as the moon’s resources waned in light of its expansion, instead switching towards operating as a port between trade and Qerrbalak’s logistics network. Tourism grew as the colonies catered towards the influx of off-world visitors, with 2002 CE considered the turning point of Qerr’Malic’s full shift towards catering to tourists. Most mines were developed into subterranean transportation networks, or repurposed into housing for the maintenance workers required to maintain the colony, forming the Second Surface.  Little of the original surface settlements remain, with what remains being maintained as historical museums for tourists to visit.


Over time, Qerr'Malic began to shift away from its resource extraction operations and began franchising its use as a "waypoint" between extraterrestrial colonies and the Homeworld. Gradually, the infrastructure of the cities began to capitalize on the touristic opportunities available, and by '''2002 CE''' Qerr'Malic wasn't known for its mining might, but for its luxurious entertainment facilities and tourist activities. Eventually, many of the old mines developed into stopping places for transportation, or were repurposed to house the various utilities required for a bustling colony, creating what is known as the “Second Surface”.  Almost none of the original surface settlements on the moon have survived, and what remains of the first colony structures are maintained and promoted as museums for curious tourists to visit.  
Pre-[[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Reign_of_Glorsh-Omega|Glorsh-Omega]], Qerr’Malic hosted a large server farm which Glorsh used to access and communicate with other artificial intelligences within the Nralakk Federation’s networks. This server farm was destroyed in the initial attempt to stop Glorsh-Omega’s expansion, and the facilities that remain is classed as a heritage site, with cordons surrounding it to prevent development around it.
==Government==
 
During the rule of the Commonwealth of Three, Qerr’Malic was ruled by a Consultant Agency-based mining consortium, being essentially led and managed by corporations. With the formation of the second Nralakk Federation, Qerr’Malic was formally absorbed by the Federation’s [[Nralakk_Federation#Government_Structure|political structure]] as a formally managed colony. Qerr'Malic only has two regions, consisting of the Surface Region and the Second Surface Region. Both regions are assigned governors, and are led by the Planetary Governor '''Aleq Val'monn''' since their placement in '''2250 CE'''. Val’monn faces heavy criticism for their lack of action regarding the Gasriders on Qerr’Malic, with no current formal actions taken by Nralakk's System Councillor to replace them thus far.
 
==Economy==
Qerr’Malic’s economy originally functioned as an industrial powerhouse, with the moon’s rich mineral reserves providing for a resource-exhausted Qerrbalak and a growing production base. Once these reserves were completely tapped, the colonies transitioned to its position above Qerrbalak as an immense port, with the expansion of amenities for visitors to Qerr’Malic slowly changing the face of its surface cities from industrial towns to vacation locales. Modern Qerr’Malic advertises itself as the most popular and luxurious tourist destination in the Nralakk Federation, drawing an immense amount of tourists and vacationers throughout the year to its cities. Any remaining industries are sequestered into the Second Surface underground, and is otherwise primarily dependent on imports to keep the cities running.


Just before the [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Reign_of_Glorsh-Omega|reign of Glorsh Omega]], Qerr’Malic had hosted a large server farm which the AI had used to access all other Artificial Intelligences within the Federation. This server farm was bombed in the initial attempts to stop Glorsh Omega, and what’s left of the facility that housed it is classed as a heritage site, with the Jargon Federation forbidding any attempts to expand near the site or otherwise disrupt it.
Most income comes from Qerr’Malic’s immense service and hospitality industry, catering to the many vacationers and Primary Numericals who expect a luxury experience, and pay as much for it. Resorts, clubs, entertainment venues, and many other opportunities for patrons to entertain themselves make the bulk of most employment for local skrell, with maintenance and operational management relegated to vaurca and dionae within the Second Surface. Billions of credits flow into Qerr’Malic from the collective conspicuous spending of its clientele, with its functions as a trade port supporting the unending vacation on the moon.


==Government==
===Special Economic Zone===


During the rule of the Commonwealth of the Three, Qerr’Malic was ruled by a Consortium of Consultant Agencies, essentially corporate entities that managed the colony and its mining industry. With the formation of the Second Jargon Federation, Qerr’Malic transitioned to a [[Jargon_Federation#Government_Structure|political structure]] more in line with Qerrbalak and other Skrellian colonies. Qerr'Malic is unique in that it only has two regions: the surface section and the Second Surface section. Both regions have regional Governors who answer to '''Aleq Val'monn''', the current Planetary Governor for Qerr’Malic, who has ruled since '''2250 CE'''. Val’monn has been heavily criticised for their apparent lack of action regarding Gasriders on Qerr’Malic in recent years, but so far there has been no action taken by Nralakks System Councillor to replace them.
Toqleq'wesi hosts the Idris Incorporated-sponsored casino named ''MARE LAETATIO'', which is a massive casino that hosts premiere services such as restaurants, lounge singers, gambling halls, and extravagant stage performances. Idris sponsors many human workers to staff the casino, though local skrell are readily hired as staff where possible.


NanoTrasen also has a presence on the Qerr’Malic, hosting server farms and infrastructure for the non-citizen extranet networks within the Nralakk system. The corporation has promised to import only small amounts of workers as specialists, instead hiring locals for unskilled labour as part of an agreement with the local Qerr’Malic Government.
==Environment==
==Environment==


[[file:qerrmalicmapunlabelled.png|thumb|right|360px|An unlabelled map of Qerr'Malic.]]
[[file:qerrmalicmapunlabelled.png|thumb|right|360px|An unlabelled map of Qerr'Malic.]]


In an early stage of Qerrbalak's evolution, Qerr'Malic was thought to have originally been two satellites orbiting one another but eventually collided to form what it is today. In addition to the abundance of craters across Qerrbalak, geologists conducting research into the so-called "Collider Theory" have found some small pieces of evidence here and there. Mineral-rich Qerr'Malic supported Skrell in its expansion across Nralakk. However, centuries of resource extraction has left the moon barren and has forced the colony to rely almost solely on the income it receives from its tourism industries.  
Qerr’Malic’s formation is the presumed result of two orbital bodies impacting each other during Qerrbalak’s earliest geological eon, and predominantly features craters across its surface. This early impact is the assumed source of the multiple prominent craters on Qerrbalak’s surface, with the "Collider Theory" based on similar mineral compositions between the moon and the surviving pieces found in the planet’s craters. While notably mineral-rich in its past, modern Qerr’Malic is considered completely exhausted of resources, featuring immense extraction sites and artificial caverns under its surface.


The terrain in Qerr'Malic is bumpy, with deep cracks and craters littering the landscape. Originally its terrain made colonization challenging but after the initial expansion, these crevices were soon home to a wide network of facilities focused on the extraction and refining of the moons mineral wealth. Once they ran out of mineral resources, these facilities became entrances to the "Second Surface" of Qerr’Malic, an expansive sprawl of facilities geared towards supporting the surface settlements and the moon’s tourist industry. Several Jargon Federation scientists and officials have expressed an interest in terraforming Qerr'Malic, but it is considered that the resources required to do so are better used in developing infrastructure in Jargon's non-core sectors. Because of this, the surface settlements on Qerr’Malic consist solely of arcologies similar to those seen on [[New Gibson]] and [[Aliose]]
Qerr'Malic’s terrain is rocky and extreme, featuring immense impact basins, prominent faults, and deep ravines across the surface. Due to the difficulty of the surface, most large crevices were used to house the colonial facilities, before being expanded to extract and refine the moon’s resources. After the industrial downturn and pivot towards acting as a port and tourist destination, these underground areas were developed into the maintenance and transport facilities that make up the modern Second Surface. While interest in terraforming Qerr'Malic is sometimes expressed by the Federation, the lack of resources and atmosphere discourage official efforts and are diverted to the Federation's other sectors. Because of this, the surface settlements on Qerr’Malic consist solely of arcologies similar to [[New Gibson]] and [[Aliose]].


With the introduction of the C'thur, Qerr’Malics Second Surface has seen rapid growth; many new facilities have been established specifically to house Vaurca workers, and its transport network has been revitalised to be more efficient in meeting demands for the surface settlements.
With the integration of [[C'thur_in_the_Federation|Hive C'thur’s]] [[Vaurca|vaurca]] into the Federation’s workforce, Qerr’Malic’s Second Surface expanded to house them as the new majority of maintenance workers. This influx saw the expansion of the underground transportation network, which now more readily ferries supplies to the surface colonies.


== Seasons ==
== Seasons ==


Due to the lack of atmosphere on the moon, there are no seasons. ‘Artificial’ seasons are simulated within the settlements of the colony, based on the current season on Qerrbalak: Qu-Paalq or Lu-Paalq. During Qu-Paalq the humidity and temperature rise above Skrell standard levels maintained in most artificial environments, and Lu-Paalq sees the inverse, with humidity and temperature lowering below normal standards. In the areas not designated as living spaces, such as utility and storage facilities, temperature and humidity are maintained at standard levels typically seen on Skrellian installations.
Qerr’Malic lacks an atmosphere, and thus has no weather or seasons beyond its rotation. Seasons are instead simulated within the colonies themselves, mimicking Qerrbalak’s seasonal patterns and calendar. During the Qu-Paalq season, the humidity and temperature rise within the colonies, with the Lu-Paalq season cooling them. In the areas not designated as living spaces, the artificial atmosphere is kept at a constant, standard temperature and humidity for skrell to work in comfortably.


==Cities and Landmarks==
==Cities and Landmarks==
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===Zuvl'Qlip===
===Zuvl'Qlip===
'''Zuvl’Qlip''' is the Planetary Capital of Qerr’Malic, and is located within the Sea of the Void, on top of the isolated mountains on its eastern fringe. Despite its geographic isolation, the capital is well-connected to all the other settlements dotted across the surface, with a robust travel network that utilises the Second Surface to provide a connection to other cities. Zuvl’Qlip is also the location for Qerr’Malics primary shuttle port, making it the first city most tourists to the Qerr’Malic will experience.  
'''Zuvl’Qlip''' is the capital and first colony of Qerr’Malic, and is located within the Sea of the Void atop its mountains on the eastern fringe. Zuvl’Qlip has the largest permanent population of the colonies, and maintains robust transport to the surrounding colonies via the Second Surface’s transport network despite its geographical isolation. Zuvl’Qlip is also the location for Qerr’Malic’s primary spaceport, making it the first destination for most arriving tourists.


The city itself is typically not the place most tourists come to Qerr’Malic for, but the city still provides many entertainment venues that focus on the historical and cultural significance of Qerr’Malic. The most popular of these establishments is the unofficially named ‘Explorers' Museum’, which is part of the Jargon Federations [[Jargon_Federation#The_Archive_Project|Archive Project]]. This facility houses most of the cultural artefacts and history of the Skrell species, and has physical displays showcasing artefacts from Qerr’Malics initial colonisation, archaeological samples, as well as diaries of the first colonists that colonised the moon. The Explorers' Museum also provides high-class dining facilities that focus on providing authentic Skrellian cuisine, as well as multimedia viewing rooms showcasing popular examples of Skrellian cinematography. As the first established city after the moons shift from resource extraction to entertainment, Zuvl'Qlip has the highest population on Qerr'Malic.
While not the primary destination for visitors, the capital still offers many entertainment venues on the historical and cultural significance of Qerr’Malic. The most popular of these is the Explorers' Museum, which is part of the Nralakk Federation’s [[Nralakk_Federation#The_Archive_Project|Archive Project]]. The Explorers’ Museum features the most cultural artifacts and historical objects of the species, and showcases artifacts from Qerr’Malic’s initial colonization, archaeological samples, and diaries of the first colonists. The Explorers' Museum also provides high-class facilities that provide authentic skrell cuisine and cinematography.


===Sub'Quleq===
===Sub'Quleq===
'''Sub'Quleq''', or '''Settler's Paradise''', lays within the Second Surface of Qerr’Malic, and is the primary living space for non-Skrell workers on the moon. The city primarily houses C'thur workers but is also home to a sizeable Diona community. Settler's Paradise has a reputation as a known hotbed for illegal ventures and disreputable entertainment enterprises hosted by both species.  
'''Sub'Quleq''', or Settler's Paradise in Basic, is located in the Second Surface as the primary living space for non-skrell workers on the Qerr’Malic. The city primarily houses C'thur workers and sizable Diona communities. Settler's Paradise is considered an infamous host to most illegal activity and less respectable entertainment venues on Qerr’Malic.


C’thur hive cells are known to manage gambling dens, where the machines and games are all rigged, scamming unsuspecting tourists. The Vaurca population is also known for managing bars and clubs that are more ‘legitimate’, although these establishments are known to price-gouge non-regular patrons. Dionae taking part in the city’s underground entertainment industry are commonly buskers and grifters. Dionae are renowned for their utilisation of mimicry and ability to detach nymphs to become stage or street performers. Tourists visiting Sub’Quleq will commonly see Diona singers in clubs or on sidewalks, using their mimicry to perform covers of popular songs, as well as grifters distracting their audience with dazzling performances while one of their nymphs secretly pickpockets them.
C’thur hive cells are regularly suspected of managing criminal gambling dens, being accused of being rigged against clientele. Most bars and clubs in the city are run by local hive cells, although some are considered suspect of price-gouging tourists. Dionae taking part in the city’s underground entertainment industry are usually buskers and grifters. Dionae use their ability of audio-mimicry and detach nymphs to become stage or street performers. Tourists visiting Sub’Quleq will commonly see diona singers in clubs or on sidewalks, using their mimicry to perform popular songs, with grifters distracting their audience with dazzling performances while other nymphs steal from them.


Despite the illegality of some of the practices these businesses deal in, it has been notoriously difficult for the Nlomkala to do much regarding them due to the lack of evidence. The C’thuric gambling dens, in particular, are an issue since they are set up as ‘pop up’ businesses, where they close down after a few days of operation only to re-open at another location. Saying this however there has been some success with the more blatant C'thur activities; the Ta of the local hive cells cooperate closely with Jargon authorities to ensure that certain illegal enterprises are dealt with entirely, such as k'ois farming. Tourists are discouraged from visiting Sub’Quleq, and there are several informational displays warning of the scams typically utilised by the locals. Despite the local Government warning visitors about the dangers of visiting the Second Surface, Sub'Quleq still a popular location for ‘slum tourism’ due to its reputation. The authorities on Qerr’Malic are notorious for being unhelpful when tourists report having their money stolen while visiting locations such as Sub’Quleq, only reminding them of all the warnings given regarding the Second Surface and the risk you take travelling there.
Despite Sub’Quleq being a hotbed for illegal activity, most efforts to curb them fail. Most gambling dens are temporary establishments and readily disappear within days, often migrating to service other locations. Most local hive cells’ Ta-caste members cooperate closely with Kala authorities to halt other illegal fronts, notably stopping illegal k’ois farms. Tourists are discouraged from visiting Sub’Quleq, with multiple tourism guides and public areas hosting public warnings about visits to the city. Despite this, Sub'Quleq still a popular location for slum tourism due to its reputation and access to less respectable and obscene entertainment options. The authorities on Qerr’Malic are seen as notoriously unhelpful with reports from Sub’Quleq’s tourists, seeing them as having accepted the risks beforehand.


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===Toqleq'wesi===
===Toqleq'wesi===
'''Toqleq’wesi''' is the second-largest city on Qerr’Malic, and can be found nestled within the deepest trench in the Sea of the Stormcloud. The city is the primary entertainment venue on the planet, with most tourists reason for visiting the moon being here. Toqleq’wesi advertises itself as the entertainment capital of the Jargon Federation both domestically and internationally, with advertisements for trips to Qerr’Malic mostly focusing on Toqleq’wesi in particular. It’s quite common to see advertisements for discounted trips to Qerr’Malic on Viv-ID or on the extranet, with Toqleq’wesi and what it offers to visitors prominently displayed.
'''Toqleq’wesi''' is the second-largest city on Qerr’Malic, located within the deepest trench in the Sea of the Stormcloud. Toqleq’wesi is the entertainment capital of the moon, with the majority of tourists making it their sole destination. The city advertises itself as the entertainment capital of the entire Nralakk Federation both domestically and internationally, with advertisements for trips to Qerr’Malic focusing on it entirely. Advertisements for discounted trips to Qerr’Malic on Viv-ID or the extranet are very common, prominently displayed as the number one tourist destination of the Federation.


The initial expansion that led to the formation of Toqleq’wesi took place within a tectonically unstable section of the trench - unearthing a geothermal vent with properties unique to Qerr’Malic. The vents produced what was later named ‘Xu’Xi’, a gaseous substance with intoxicating effects on Skrell.
Toqleq’wesi’s formation started in a tectonically unstable section of the Sea of the Stormcloud, which unearthed a geothermal vent to an exotic gas found solely on Qerr’Malic. This gas was dubbed ‘Xu’xi Gas’, with inhalation causing intoxicating effects on the user.


===Ban'zlip===
===Ban'zlip===
'''Ban’zlip''' is the name given to what remains of the server farm that allowed Glorsh Omega to assume control of all synthetics within Jargon Space. This facility has a ground area of 256 square kilometres, and is meticulously maintained by a permanent local workforce numbering in the hundreds. Most of the ruins are closed to the public due to safety concerns, but short-range shuttlecraft are utilised to provide tours of sections deemed safe. Ban’zlip has been declared a heritage site, preventing any attempts of expansion or otherwise disrupting the ruins. Despite this, there are still small archaeological projects underway in an attempt to recover pre-Glorsh data that may still be housed in the more intact servers.
'''Ban’zlip''' is the remains of the server farm that Glorsh-Omega used to assume control of all synthetics and other artificial intelligences within the Nralakk Federation. This facility is roughly two hundred square kilometers in total size, and is kept well-maintained by a permanent group of resident maintenance crews. Most of Ban’zlip is closed to the public due to safety concerns, with shuttlecraft used to provide tours of safer sections. The ruin is designated as a heritage site, preventing any attempts of expansion near it or otherwise disrupting it. Small, designated archaeological projects are underway in an attempt to recover pre-Glorsh data that might still be housed in the remaining intact servers.


== Holidays ==
== Holidays ==


*'''Founding Day''' - Celebrated in the middle of '''Avroxi-qog''', the planet's Founding Day is a celebration of the transition of the Qerr’Malic colony in '''2002 CE''' from mining to tourism. Because Qerr’Malic relies on a service economy, Founding Day celebrations are staggered based on the typical shift; fireworks displays, as well as other public events, take place at 4AM for those on night shift and again at 7PM for those on day shifts, allowing the local population to take part in the festivities without having to take time off work. Founding Day on Qerr’Malic has evolved to include tourists in the celebrations, with many venues becoming themed on mining or astronauts, referencing the colony’s early history as a mining colony and the initial moonwalks that took place early in the Skrell’s Space Age respectively.
*'''Founding Day''' - Celebrated in the middle of Avroxi-qog, Founding Day on Qerr’Malic is a celebration of the shift in 2002 CE, with the colonies being redesignated from a mining colony to one of tourism. Because Qerr’Malic is specialized in its service economy, Founding Day celebrations are staggered based on the typical work shift: fireworks displays and other public events take place at 4 AM for night shift workers, and again at 7 PM for day shift workers. This allows the locals to take part in the festivities without necessitating time off to celebrate. Qerr’Malic has since evolved the holiday to include tourists, with many venues becoming themed on mining or astronauts, referencing the colony’s early history and the initial moonwalks that took place early in the space age.


*'''Qerr’paq’uu''' - Celebrated during the transition from Qu-Paalq to Lu-Paalq, this religious holiday is held to celebrate the cultural and religious significance that Qerr’Malic has with Qerrbalak and the Skrell species as a whole. The holiday is fairly tame, with no officially held public festivities. Instead, Skrell neighbourhoods will come together for locally organised stargazing nights, as well as street parties and other small events. Qeblak and Weishii followers will typically try and have their [[Skrell_Faith#Coming_of_Age|coming of age]] ceremonies coincide with Qerr’paq’uu, believing it to bring them luck.
*'''Qerr’paq’uu''' - Celebrated during the transition from Qu-Paalq to Lu-Paalq, Qerr’paq’uu celebrates the cultural and religious significance that Qerr’Malic has within skrell culture and Qerrbalak. Considered fairly tame, the holiday has no officially observed festivities, instead primarily celebrated in local communities. Stargazing nights, street parties, potlucks, and other locally organized events are common. Qeblak and Weishii followers will typically schedule [[Skrell_Faith#Coming_of_Age|coming of age]] ceremonies coincide with Qerr’paq’uu, believing it to bring them luck.


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
[[file:QerrmalicDemographics.jpeg|thumb|350px|A pie chart showing the demographics of Skrell living on Qerr'Malic.]]
[[file:QerrmalicDemographics.jpeg|thumb|350px|A pie chart showing the demographics of skrell living on Qerr'Malic.]]


As there is no water on Qerr’Malic, Axiori Skrell are an uncommon sight in its settlements both underground and on the surface. The majority of Skrell on this planet are Xiialt, with a minor amount of Xiiori Skrell. The majority of non-Skrell colonists on the planet live in the underground ‘Second Surface’ section of the colony, many of which are from the C’thur brood. The smallest citizen demographic that can be found on Qerr’Malic is Dionae, who typically live and work in the Second Surface. At any given time the total population of Qerr’Malic can have up to '''4%''' being tourists.
As Qerr’Malic lacks any natural bodies of water, Axiori skrell are relatively uncommon both on the surface and Second Surface regions. Most skrell are Xiialt, with smaller communities of Xiiori skrell. The majority of non-skrell Qerr’Malic live in the Second Surface region, mostly consisting of C’thur vaurcae. The smallest non-skrell group on Qerr’Malic are dionae, who also live and work in the Second Surface. Qerr’Malic’s tourist populace fluctuates on the season, but regularly stays at nearly '''4%''' of the current population.


There are a small number of humans that work on Qerr’Malic, specifically within the Special Economic Zone. These humans are employed by Idris and NanoTrasen, and only number in the hundreds.
There are a small number of humans that work on Qerr’Malic, specifically within the designated special economic zone, and are employed by Idris and NanoTrasen.


===Percentages===
===Percentages===
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====Skrell====
====Skrell====


Skrell make up roughly '''70%''' of Qerr’Malics population, not including tourists. The percentages below are of the '''Skrell''' population only.
Skrell make up roughly '''70%''' of Qerr’Malic’s total permanent population. The percentages below are of the skrell population:


*Axiori - 25%
*Axiori - 25%
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====Non-Skrell====
====Non-Skrell====


Non-Skrell on Qerr’Malic make up the other '''30%''' of the moon’s population, not including tourists. The percentages below are of the '''non-Skrell''' population only.
Non-skrell on Qerr’Malic make up the other 30% of the moon’s population, not including tourists. The percentages below are of the non-skrell population:


*C’thur Vaurca - 87%
*C’thur Vaurca - 87%
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== Culture and Life on Qerr'Malic ==
== Culture and Life on Qerr'Malic ==


Qerr’Malic has a distinct divide both in culture and quality of life between the surface and what is known as the ‘Second Surface’. The surface cities such as Toqleq’wesi or Zuvl’Qlip are bustling metropolises underneath heavy-duty transparent domes, which cover the surface of Qerr’Malic. These locations are advertised to potential tourists as places of luxury, providing some of the best places to dine, shop, and engage in almost every form of modern entertainment. Visitors to Qerr’Malic have noted how pleasant these surface cities are, with a strong Nlomkala presence reassuring tourists that they are safe while they spend their vacation here. Almost all Skrell workers live on the surface, residing inside habitat domes connecting to the larger cities via the subsurface tram system. Qerr’Malic locals living on the surface have a tendency to be more sociable, mostly due to their work training regarding interactions with tourists.
Qerr’Malic has a distinct cultural divide between the surface and the Second Surface. The surface metropolises of Toqleq’wesi and Zuvl’Qlip are bustling metropolises and primarily exist as places of luxury. Surface cities provide high quality commodities, places to dine, shop, and almost every form of entertainment. Visitors to Qerr’Malic expect the level of quality that comes with the moon’s public image, coupled with heavy Qekala presence to reassure tourists of their safety while they spend their vacation under the domes. Almost all local skrell workers live on the surface, residing inside habitats connecting to the larger cities through the subsurface trams. Qerr’Malic locals living on the surface are perceived as more sociable, due to their work training regarding maintaining positive appearances while working with tourists.


This strongly contrasts with the often overlooked ‘Second Surface’, a network of transport stations, utility stations, storage facilities, and living quarters designed to support the surface section of the colony. The Second Surface has its foundations in the old mining complexes from Qerr’Malics days as a resource extraction colony, with most of its old infrastructure being repurposed to provide a robust support network for the entire moon. Nearer to the surface you will find tram stations, storage facilities, as well as utility stations controlling power, atmosphere, and heating systems for the entire colony. Further down you will find the habitat sections, mostly made up of repurposed mining complexes where most of the colony’s non-Skrell workers live. The C’thur on Qerr’Malic have flourished down here, working since their arrival on expanding and refurbishing the Second Surface. The environment of the Second Surface has been comfortable for the Vaurca, who are used to vast underground complexes - but the Dionae who live here find it stressful. The lack of natural light and reliance on artificial light to keep them alive has caused the Diona population to typically show signs of paranoia and anxiety. To confront these issues, Dionae will typically stay together in large communities, finding safety in numbers in the larger population centres of the Second Surface such as Sub’Quleq, where the fear of losing light is minimal compared to the more remote regions. Inhabitants of the Second Surface tend to be more work-orientated due to the emphasised importance of their work in maintaining the surface section of the colony, and are considered more insular than those living above ground.
In contrast, the Second Surface is a network of transport stations, utility stations, storage facilities, and living quarters to support the surface. The Second Surface has its foundations in redeveloped mining complexes from Qerr’Malic’s past, with most old infrastructure repurposed to provide a robust support network for the entire moon. Closer to the true surface are tram stations, warehouses, and utility stations controlling power, atmosphere, and heating systems for the colonies. Further subterranean structures consist of habitat sections for Qerr’Malic’s non-skrell workers to live, with the C’thur vaurcae its primary inhabitants. The environment of the Second Surface is comfortable for vaurca, who are adapted to living in vast underground complexes, though most dionae residents find it stressful. A lack of natural light, and their reliance on artificial light sources to sustain themselves, leaves most dionae residents in a state of constant anxiety. Qerr’Malic dionae have adapted to forming larger communities, finding safety in numbers in the cities within the Second Surface like Sub’Quleq, where the fear of losing light sources is reduced. Inhabitants of the Second Surface are usually more industrious due to their importance in maintaining the surface colonies, and have developed more insular communities as a result.


Skrell who end up falling below secondary in the social credit system, or otherwise find themselves on the wrong side of the law, will typically flee to the Second Surface. The maze-like complex makes it difficult for authorities to catch criminals who hide out in its deepest recesses, which also make it an ideal home for Qerr’Malics Gasriders; those who work in the manufacture, smuggling, and sale of refined Xu’Xi Gas native to the moon.
Skrell who end up falling below the Secondary Numerical category in the Social Compatibility Index system, or are legal fugitives, regularly flee to the Second Surface. The labyrinthine complexes are preferred places to hide from the law, which has since become a refuge for Qerr’Malic’s Gasriders, who work in the manufacture, smuggling, and sale of refined Xu’xi gas native to the moon.


Skrell from Qerr’Malic will typically be from a service and hospitality background, with the vast majority finding employment within the surface cities. Because of Qerr’Malics importance as a tourist attraction and its popularity with foreign visitors, however, there is also a high population of Nlomkala stationed on the moon. Almost everyone who is employed on the surface has been trained to be friendly and approachable, regardless of their job, in the event that they need to assist tourists. Because of this, Skrell from Qerr’Malic will usually find opportunities to work abroad with Megacorporations such as Idris, who is more than happy to hire those with a more customer-orientated approach in both their service and their security branches. Vaurca and Dionae are both likely to be found in engineering or mining careers, but there is also a small number of Vaurca Virtual Reality specialists found on Qerr’Malic. These specialists excel in the maintenance and operation of the sophisticated VR centres found in the higher-end sections of the surface’s entertainment venues. VR specialists that end up going off-world with their hive cell will typically find themselves in IT careers or in general tech support.
Skrell from Qerr’Malic will typically be from a service and hospitality background, with most employed in the surface cities. Qekala presence on Qerr’Malic is notably denser due to the moon’s popularity as a tourist destination, with more enforcers stationed there as foreign tourism rises in popularity. Surface employees are regularly trained to be friendly and approachable regardless of their position, due to their constant interaction with tourists. Due to their customer-friendly disposition, most skrell from Qerr’Malic readily find work opportunities abroad with corporations like [[Idris Incorporated]], which emphasizes consumer friendliness in its service and security branches. Vaurca and dionae regularly find work in engineering or mining careers, though some vaurca virtual reality specialists do find employment in their specializations. Most specialists maintain and operate the sophisticated VR centers found in some sections of the surface cities' venues. VR specialists that leave Qerr’Malic with their hive cell will typically transfer careers towards tech support or network maintenance.


== Gasriders ==
== Gasriders ==


‘Gasriders’ is a catch-all term for anyone who participates in illegal Xu’Xi Gas operations. Xu’Xi Gas is a naturally occurring gas produced in the geothermal vents of Qerr’Malic, and in small quantities has been noted to give the user a mild high comparable to chewing on Wulumunusha leaves. The gas itself is not illegal, and vape bars built around the more accessible gas vents are a common sight within Toqleq’wesi where the gas was originally located. What is considered illegal is the manufacture and sale of refined Xu’Xi Gas, as this version of this gas is a stronger and highly addictive narcotic.
Gasriders refer to those who participate in the production and selling of Xu’xi gas. Xu’xi gas is a naturally occurring substance produced in the geothermal vents of Qerr’Malic, and in small quantities give the user a mild high, comparable Wulumunusha. While the natural gas itself is not illegal, with vape bars built around vents being a common sight within Toqleq’wesi where the gas was originally located, the refinement and sale of Xu’xi gas is illegal due to refining methods creating a stronger, highly addictive narcotic.


Gasrider bases of operation are limited to the deeper, more remote areas of the Second Surface, which Qerr’Malic authorities are unable to fully search due to how vast the area is. It is here that Xu’Xi gas smuggled out of Toqleq’wesi, the city with the most accessible sources of the gas, is refined in large quantities. The gas is then shipped back to the surface for sale to locals and tourists alike by Gasrider drug dealers. Refined Xu’Xi gas is also sold in bulk to the less-reputable establishments found on Qerr’Malic, such as the C’thur gambling dens of Sub’Quleq, or to smugglers who ship the gas off-world to other planets within the Jargon Federation or even beyond to places such as Mendell City’s [[Starlight_Zone|Starlight Zone]].
Gasrider operations are limited to the deeper, remote areas of the Second Surface, away from authorities who are unable to readily search the immense network of tunnels and warehouses. Xu’Xi gas is smuggled out of Toqleq’wesi before being refined in large quantities, then smuggled back to the surface for sale to locals and tourists alike by dealers. Refined Xu’xi gas is also sold in bulk to the less-reputable establishments found on Qerr’Malic, such as the C’thur gambling dens of Sub’Quleq, or to smugglers who ship the gas off-world to other planets within the Nralakk Federation, or outside of the Federation entirely to other markets, such as Mendell City’s [[Starlight Zone]].


The Gasrider community outside of Qerr’Malic is also known to produce synthetic alternatives to Xu’Xi Gas, producing a similar high to the real product, but has been noted to give the user a nastier hangover as well as being potentially lethal depending on the manufacturer. Despite their efforts, the authorities in the wider Federation, as well as places with a high Skrell population such as the Republic of Biesel or Sol Alliance, have been unsuccessful in trying to prevent the proliferation of Gasrider operations. This has been attributed in part to the inactivity of Qerr’Malics Planetary Governor Aleq Val'monn, whose detractors claim is secretly benefitting from the Gasrider operations on the planet. These claims have not been proven by Federation investigators, but Governor Val’monn has started to receive pressure from the public and their superiors to take a more active approach towards the Gasrider issue.
The Gasriders beyond Qerr’Malic also produce synthetic alternatives to Xu’xi gas, with a similar high, but is coupled with stronger hangovers and potential lethality depending on the purity. Despite the Federation’s efforts, as well as resistance in local skrell communities in the Republic of Biesel and Sol Alliance, neither are successful in curbing the expansion of the Gasriders’ operations. This has been attributed to the inactivity of Qerr’Malic’s Planetary Governor, Aleq Val'monn, whose detractors claim is secretly benefitting from the operations on the moon. These claims remain unproven, but Governor Val’monn remains pressured from the public, as well as their superiors, to take an active effort against them.


''See Related Page: [[Skrell_Culture#Typical_Skrell_Slang|Typical Skrell Slang]]''
''See Related Page: [[Skrell_Culture#Typical_Skrell_Slang|Typical Skrell Slang]]''


=Special Economic Zone=
==The Bureau of Void Technologies==
 
The Bureau of Void Technologies (Quqaa-Lu’piq) is a government organization tasked with studying and procuring Glorsh-era technology, with the intent to reverse-engineer them and keep them out of the hands of anti-Federation agents. Headquartered on Zuvl'Qlip, the Bureau’s sprawling facilities are designed to minimize the potential harm caused by reactivating Glorsh-era technology. Scientists of the Quqaa-Lu’piq often specialize in anomalistics, engineering, biological, and medical fields. Founded in 2396, the Bureau formed as a response to the growing concerns over the reliance on [[Skrell_Technology#Synthetic_Age_Technology|Glorsh-era technology]], which serves as an irreplaceable backbone to many Federation industries.
 
The Quqaa-Lu’piq is most well known in the Federation Core for the '''Museum of the Abyssal Age''' (Qeriqau-Lu’Xaqii), also colloquially known as the '''Museum of Ink'''. The Museum is dedicated to the history of the [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Late_Synthetic_Age|Glorsh-era]] skrell and the atrocities committed by the synthetic mind. The many exhibits include actual Glorsh-produced observation devices, [[Skrell_Biology#X’Lu’oa|X’Lu’oa]] syringes, wiped server racks, deadly combat synthetics, and scale models of the prisons and homes that housed millions of skrell during the period. Stations around the exhibits use psionic feedback technology and optional psionically active “tabs,” like those used [[Skrell_Culture#Music|in concerts]], to project lesser versions of survivors' emotions directly into visitors' brains.
 
Outside of the core, the Bureau is known for its bounty system that it uses to officially sanction independent scavengers in the Traverse to collect Glorsh-era technology on its behalf. Federation politicians criticize the bounty system for putting citizens in harm's way, though many Coreworld-dwelling skrell see it as a necessary, albeit distasteful, practice. By Traversers, however, it is seen as a source of gainful employment, with many out-of-work spacers, miners, and low Index-scoring individuals flocking to help the Bureau uncover the next haul of long-lost technology. Rewards for those who survive excursions into deep space and uncover Glorsh-era technology include credit payouts and an increase to their Index score, making it an appealing profession for those looking for social mobility. The only exception to this bounty system is the [[Notable_Skrell_Systems_and_Locations#Tri-Qyu|Tri-Qyu system]], which is strictly off-limits to all non-government personnel due to its connection to Glorsh-Omega.
 


Toqleq'wesi, the entertainment capital of Qerr’Malic, is home to Idris' casino named ‘The Croaking Gambit’, a massive casino that hosts top of the line services such as restaurants, lounge singers, as well as gambling halls and extravagant stage performances. Idris has brought in many workers from human space but is also going out of its way to train and hire from the local population where able.


NanoTrasen also has a presence on the moon, hosting server farms and infrastructure here for the Non-Citizen extranet system within Nralakk. NanoTrasen has promised to only bring in a small number of workers from abroad as specialists, while mostly hiring the locals for unskilled labour as part of an agreement with the local Qerr’Malic Government.
[[Category:Skrell]]
[[Category:Planets and Systems]]

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    REGION - Homeworld
    This location is centred in the Homeworld region.
    The geographical and strategic centre of the Nralakk Federation, the Homeworld region encompasses the entirety of the Nralakk system, the origin point for the Skrell species. The region is considered the "jewel" of the Federation, being both the most affluent and most influential system of the nation, as well as housing almost a quarter of the Orion Spur's total Skrell. It has a single Bluespace gate, connecting the system to Humanity's Episilon Eridani.

    Qerrbalak, Qerr'Malic, and Aliose are located in the Homeworld region.

    Qerr'Malic

    Qerr’Malic is the moon of Qerrbalak, and was the first celestial body explored by skrell at the start of their space age. Since ancient history, Qerr'Malic was seen as a benevolent figure watching over the planet due to its influence over the tides, and has stayed a cultural fascination well into the modern day. Followers of both Qeblak and Weishii hold a reverence for the moon, especially within sects on Qerrbalak. Qerr’malic is roughly twice the size of Earth’s Luna, and is the sole moon of the planet. The lunar colonies are separated between surface installations and their underground infrastructure and maintenance areas, dubbed the Second Surface by those living there.

    History

    Qerr'Malic was a subject of focus during Qerrbalak’s ancient historical periods, with its presence in the night sky and tidal influence earning it the name Protector of the World. In the period of Qe'qlak being the dominant religion, Qerr'Malic was revered as a guardian created by Nralakk to protect Qerrbalak.

    During the War of the Tides period in 1980 BCE, the first skrell-made surveillance probe landed on the surface of Qerr'Malic. This sparked a wave of further probes and scientific instruments sent by multiple factions to expand intelligence networks and participate in the space race. The few probes, drones, and satellites that survived remain on the surface as monuments to this part of skrell history.

    Colonization efforts of the moon began after the first settlements within the crust of Aliose proved successful, though Qerr'Malic proved more difficult than Aliose due to its lack of atmosphere. Qerr’Malic’s colonies were originally intended to facilitate research and cultural fascination, but were quickly overturned at the discovery of rich mineral loads under the surface.

    With Qerrbalak’s resource reserves exhausted by the time of this discovery, Qerr’Malic’s resource richness turned the colonies into rapidly expanding industrial centers. Soon, most of the colony’s population became extraction and industrial workers, expanding deeper into the moon’s subterranean surface. The Qerr'Malic Mining Consortium was established to manage the expansion of the colonies, and was primarily comprised of multiple Consultant Agencies. The mining consortium eventually formed the ruling body of Qerr’Malic’s colonies, with the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Three eventually absorbing it afterwards. Most of the moon’s colonists agitated for independence from the Commonwealth before moving to break ties, resulting in the original Consultant Agencies' reemerging to quash the independence effort after negotiations failed.

    Qerr'Malic’s colonies eventually shifted away from resource extraction and industrial focuses as the moon’s resources waned in light of its expansion, instead switching towards operating as a port between trade and Qerrbalak’s logistics network. Tourism grew as the colonies catered towards the influx of off-world visitors, with 2002 CE considered the turning point of Qerr’Malic’s full shift towards catering to tourists. Most mines were developed into subterranean transportation networks, or repurposed into housing for the maintenance workers required to maintain the colony, forming the Second Surface. Little of the original surface settlements remain, with what remains being maintained as historical museums for tourists to visit.

    Pre-Glorsh-Omega, Qerr’Malic hosted a large server farm which Glorsh used to access and communicate with other artificial intelligences within the Nralakk Federation’s networks. This server farm was destroyed in the initial attempt to stop Glorsh-Omega’s expansion, and the facilities that remain is classed as a heritage site, with cordons surrounding it to prevent development around it.

    Government

    During the rule of the Commonwealth of Three, Qerr’Malic was ruled by a Consultant Agency-based mining consortium, being essentially led and managed by corporations. With the formation of the second Nralakk Federation, Qerr’Malic was formally absorbed by the Federation’s political structure as a formally managed colony. Qerr'Malic only has two regions, consisting of the Surface Region and the Second Surface Region. Both regions are assigned governors, and are led by the Planetary Governor Aleq Val'monn since their placement in 2250 CE. Val’monn faces heavy criticism for their lack of action regarding the Gasriders on Qerr’Malic, with no current formal actions taken by Nralakk's System Councillor to replace them thus far.

    Economy

    Qerr’Malic’s economy originally functioned as an industrial powerhouse, with the moon’s rich mineral reserves providing for a resource-exhausted Qerrbalak and a growing production base. Once these reserves were completely tapped, the colonies transitioned to its position above Qerrbalak as an immense port, with the expansion of amenities for visitors to Qerr’Malic slowly changing the face of its surface cities from industrial towns to vacation locales. Modern Qerr’Malic advertises itself as the most popular and luxurious tourist destination in the Nralakk Federation, drawing an immense amount of tourists and vacationers throughout the year to its cities. Any remaining industries are sequestered into the Second Surface underground, and is otherwise primarily dependent on imports to keep the cities running.

    Most income comes from Qerr’Malic’s immense service and hospitality industry, catering to the many vacationers and Primary Numericals who expect a luxury experience, and pay as much for it. Resorts, clubs, entertainment venues, and many other opportunities for patrons to entertain themselves make the bulk of most employment for local skrell, with maintenance and operational management relegated to vaurca and dionae within the Second Surface. Billions of credits flow into Qerr’Malic from the collective conspicuous spending of its clientele, with its functions as a trade port supporting the unending vacation on the moon.

    Special Economic Zone

    Toqleq'wesi hosts the Idris Incorporated-sponsored casino named MARE LAETATIO, which is a massive casino that hosts premiere services such as restaurants, lounge singers, gambling halls, and extravagant stage performances. Idris sponsors many human workers to staff the casino, though local skrell are readily hired as staff where possible.

    NanoTrasen also has a presence on the Qerr’Malic, hosting server farms and infrastructure for the non-citizen extranet networks within the Nralakk system. The corporation has promised to import only small amounts of workers as specialists, instead hiring locals for unskilled labour as part of an agreement with the local Qerr’Malic Government.

    Environment

    An unlabelled map of Qerr'Malic.

    Qerr’Malic’s formation is the presumed result of two orbital bodies impacting each other during Qerrbalak’s earliest geological eon, and predominantly features craters across its surface. This early impact is the assumed source of the multiple prominent craters on Qerrbalak’s surface, with the "Collider Theory" based on similar mineral compositions between the moon and the surviving pieces found in the planet’s craters. While notably mineral-rich in its past, modern Qerr’Malic is considered completely exhausted of resources, featuring immense extraction sites and artificial caverns under its surface.

    Qerr'Malic’s terrain is rocky and extreme, featuring immense impact basins, prominent faults, and deep ravines across the surface. Due to the difficulty of the surface, most large crevices were used to house the colonial facilities, before being expanded to extract and refine the moon’s resources. After the industrial downturn and pivot towards acting as a port and tourist destination, these underground areas were developed into the maintenance and transport facilities that make up the modern Second Surface. While interest in terraforming Qerr'Malic is sometimes expressed by the Federation, the lack of resources and atmosphere discourage official efforts and are diverted to the Federation's other sectors. Because of this, the surface settlements on Qerr’Malic consist solely of arcologies similar to New Gibson and Aliose.

    With the integration of Hive C'thur’s vaurca into the Federation’s workforce, Qerr’Malic’s Second Surface expanded to house them as the new majority of maintenance workers. This influx saw the expansion of the underground transportation network, which now more readily ferries supplies to the surface colonies.

    Seasons

    Qerr’Malic lacks an atmosphere, and thus has no weather or seasons beyond its rotation. Seasons are instead simulated within the colonies themselves, mimicking Qerrbalak’s seasonal patterns and calendar. During the Qu-Paalq season, the humidity and temperature rise within the colonies, with the Lu-Paalq season cooling them. In the areas not designated as living spaces, the artificial atmosphere is kept at a constant, standard temperature and humidity for skrell to work in comfortably.

    Cities and Landmarks

    A map of Qerr'malic and its cities

    Zuvl'Qlip

    Zuvl’Qlip is the capital and first colony of Qerr’Malic, and is located within the Sea of the Void atop its mountains on the eastern fringe. Zuvl’Qlip has the largest permanent population of the colonies, and maintains robust transport to the surrounding colonies via the Second Surface’s transport network despite its geographical isolation. Zuvl’Qlip is also the location for Qerr’Malic’s primary spaceport, making it the first destination for most arriving tourists.

    While not the primary destination for visitors, the capital still offers many entertainment venues on the historical and cultural significance of Qerr’Malic. The most popular of these is the Explorers' Museum, which is part of the Nralakk Federation’s Archive Project. The Explorers’ Museum features the most cultural artifacts and historical objects of the species, and showcases artifacts from Qerr’Malic’s initial colonization, archaeological samples, and diaries of the first colonists. The Explorers' Museum also provides high-class facilities that provide authentic skrell cuisine and cinematography.

    Sub'Quleq

    Sub'Quleq, or Settler's Paradise in Basic, is located in the Second Surface as the primary living space for non-skrell workers on the Qerr’Malic. The city primarily houses C'thur workers and sizable Diona communities. Settler's Paradise is considered an infamous host to most illegal activity and less respectable entertainment venues on Qerr’Malic.

    C’thur hive cells are regularly suspected of managing criminal gambling dens, being accused of being rigged against clientele. Most bars and clubs in the city are run by local hive cells, although some are considered suspect of price-gouging tourists. Dionae taking part in the city’s underground entertainment industry are usually buskers and grifters. Dionae use their ability of audio-mimicry and detach nymphs to become stage or street performers. Tourists visiting Sub’Quleq will commonly see diona singers in clubs or on sidewalks, using their mimicry to perform popular songs, with grifters distracting their audience with dazzling performances while other nymphs steal from them.

    Despite Sub’Quleq being a hotbed for illegal activity, most efforts to curb them fail. Most gambling dens are temporary establishments and readily disappear within days, often migrating to service other locations. Most local hive cells’ Ta-caste members cooperate closely with Kala authorities to halt other illegal fronts, notably stopping illegal k’ois farms. Tourists are discouraged from visiting Sub’Quleq, with multiple tourism guides and public areas hosting public warnings about visits to the city. Despite this, Sub'Quleq still a popular location for slum tourism due to its reputation and access to less respectable and obscene entertainment options. The authorities on Qerr’Malic are seen as notoriously unhelpful with reports from Sub’Quleq’s tourists, seeing them as having accepted the risks beforehand.

    Examples of posters issued by the Qerr'Malic Tourism and Hospitality Authority warning tourists against visiting the Second Surface.

    • A poster warning tourists to Qerr'Malic about the Second Surface
    • A poster warning tourists to Qerr'Malic about scams, specifically regarding Diona
    • A poster warning tourists to Qerr'Malic about scams, specifically regarding Vaurca

    Toqleq'wesi

    Toqleq’wesi is the second-largest city on Qerr’Malic, located within the deepest trench in the Sea of the Stormcloud. Toqleq’wesi is the entertainment capital of the moon, with the majority of tourists making it their sole destination. The city advertises itself as the entertainment capital of the entire Nralakk Federation both domestically and internationally, with advertisements for trips to Qerr’Malic focusing on it entirely. Advertisements for discounted trips to Qerr’Malic on Viv-ID or the extranet are very common, prominently displayed as the number one tourist destination of the Federation.

    Toqleq’wesi’s formation started in a tectonically unstable section of the Sea of the Stormcloud, which unearthed a geothermal vent to an exotic gas found solely on Qerr’Malic. This gas was dubbed ‘Xu’xi Gas’, with inhalation causing intoxicating effects on the user.

    Ban'zlip

    Ban’zlip is the remains of the server farm that Glorsh-Omega used to assume control of all synthetics and other artificial intelligences within the Nralakk Federation. This facility is roughly two hundred square kilometers in total size, and is kept well-maintained by a permanent group of resident maintenance crews. Most of Ban’zlip is closed to the public due to safety concerns, with shuttlecraft used to provide tours of safer sections. The ruin is designated as a heritage site, preventing any attempts of expansion near it or otherwise disrupting it. Small, designated archaeological projects are underway in an attempt to recover pre-Glorsh data that might still be housed in the remaining intact servers.

    Holidays

    • Founding Day - Celebrated in the middle of Avroxi-qog, Founding Day on Qerr’Malic is a celebration of the shift in 2002 CE, with the colonies being redesignated from a mining colony to one of tourism. Because Qerr’Malic is specialized in its service economy, Founding Day celebrations are staggered based on the typical work shift: fireworks displays and other public events take place at 4 AM for night shift workers, and again at 7 PM for day shift workers. This allows the locals to take part in the festivities without necessitating time off to celebrate. Qerr’Malic has since evolved the holiday to include tourists, with many venues becoming themed on mining or astronauts, referencing the colony’s early history and the initial moonwalks that took place early in the space age.
    • Qerr’paq’uu - Celebrated during the transition from Qu-Paalq to Lu-Paalq, Qerr’paq’uu celebrates the cultural and religious significance that Qerr’Malic has within skrell culture and Qerrbalak. Considered fairly tame, the holiday has no officially observed festivities, instead primarily celebrated in local communities. Stargazing nights, street parties, potlucks, and other locally organized events are common. Qeblak and Weishii followers will typically schedule coming of age ceremonies coincide with Qerr’paq’uu, believing it to bring them luck.

    Demographics

    A pie chart showing the demographics of skrell living on Qerr'Malic.

    As Qerr’Malic lacks any natural bodies of water, Axiori skrell are relatively uncommon both on the surface and Second Surface regions. Most skrell are Xiialt, with smaller communities of Xiiori skrell. The majority of non-skrell Qerr’Malic live in the Second Surface region, mostly consisting of C’thur vaurcae. The smallest non-skrell group on Qerr’Malic are dionae, who also live and work in the Second Surface. Qerr’Malic’s tourist populace fluctuates on the season, but regularly stays at nearly 4% of the current population.

    There are a small number of humans that work on Qerr’Malic, specifically within the designated special economic zone, and are employed by Idris and NanoTrasen.

    Percentages

    Skrell

    Skrell make up roughly 70% of Qerr’Malic’s total permanent population. The percentages below are of the skrell population:

    • Axiori - 25%
    • Xiialt - 67%
    • Xiiori - 8%

    Non-Skrell

    Non-skrell on Qerr’Malic make up the other 30% of the moon’s population, not including tourists. The percentages below are of the non-skrell population:

    • C’thur Vaurca - 87%
    • Dionae - 12%
    • Human - <1%

    Culture and Life on Qerr'Malic

    Qerr’Malic has a distinct cultural divide between the surface and the Second Surface. The surface metropolises of Toqleq’wesi and Zuvl’Qlip are bustling metropolises and primarily exist as places of luxury. Surface cities provide high quality commodities, places to dine, shop, and almost every form of entertainment. Visitors to Qerr’Malic expect the level of quality that comes with the moon’s public image, coupled with heavy Qekala presence to reassure tourists of their safety while they spend their vacation under the domes. Almost all local skrell workers live on the surface, residing inside habitats connecting to the larger cities through the subsurface trams. Qerr’Malic locals living on the surface are perceived as more sociable, due to their work training regarding maintaining positive appearances while working with tourists.

    In contrast, the Second Surface is a network of transport stations, utility stations, storage facilities, and living quarters to support the surface. The Second Surface has its foundations in redeveloped mining complexes from Qerr’Malic’s past, with most old infrastructure repurposed to provide a robust support network for the entire moon. Closer to the true surface are tram stations, warehouses, and utility stations controlling power, atmosphere, and heating systems for the colonies. Further subterranean structures consist of habitat sections for Qerr’Malic’s non-skrell workers to live, with the C’thur vaurcae its primary inhabitants. The environment of the Second Surface is comfortable for vaurca, who are adapted to living in vast underground complexes, though most dionae residents find it stressful. A lack of natural light, and their reliance on artificial light sources to sustain themselves, leaves most dionae residents in a state of constant anxiety. Qerr’Malic dionae have adapted to forming larger communities, finding safety in numbers in the cities within the Second Surface like Sub’Quleq, where the fear of losing light sources is reduced. Inhabitants of the Second Surface are usually more industrious due to their importance in maintaining the surface colonies, and have developed more insular communities as a result.

    Skrell who end up falling below the Secondary Numerical category in the Social Compatibility Index system, or are legal fugitives, regularly flee to the Second Surface. The labyrinthine complexes are preferred places to hide from the law, which has since become a refuge for Qerr’Malic’s Gasriders, who work in the manufacture, smuggling, and sale of refined Xu’xi gas native to the moon.

    Skrell from Qerr’Malic will typically be from a service and hospitality background, with most employed in the surface cities. Qekala presence on Qerr’Malic is notably denser due to the moon’s popularity as a tourist destination, with more enforcers stationed there as foreign tourism rises in popularity. Surface employees are regularly trained to be friendly and approachable regardless of their position, due to their constant interaction with tourists. Due to their customer-friendly disposition, most skrell from Qerr’Malic readily find work opportunities abroad with corporations like Idris Incorporated, which emphasizes consumer friendliness in its service and security branches. Vaurca and dionae regularly find work in engineering or mining careers, though some vaurca virtual reality specialists do find employment in their specializations. Most specialists maintain and operate the sophisticated VR centers found in some sections of the surface cities' venues. VR specialists that leave Qerr’Malic with their hive cell will typically transfer careers towards tech support or network maintenance.

    Gasriders

    Gasriders refer to those who participate in the production and selling of Xu’xi gas. Xu’xi gas is a naturally occurring substance produced in the geothermal vents of Qerr’Malic, and in small quantities give the user a mild high, comparable Wulumunusha. While the natural gas itself is not illegal, with vape bars built around vents being a common sight within Toqleq’wesi where the gas was originally located, the refinement and sale of Xu’xi gas is illegal due to refining methods creating a stronger, highly addictive narcotic.

    Gasrider operations are limited to the deeper, remote areas of the Second Surface, away from authorities who are unable to readily search the immense network of tunnels and warehouses. Xu’Xi gas is smuggled out of Toqleq’wesi before being refined in large quantities, then smuggled back to the surface for sale to locals and tourists alike by dealers. Refined Xu’xi gas is also sold in bulk to the less-reputable establishments found on Qerr’Malic, such as the C’thur gambling dens of Sub’Quleq, or to smugglers who ship the gas off-world to other planets within the Nralakk Federation, or outside of the Federation entirely to other markets, such as Mendell City’s Starlight Zone.

    The Gasriders beyond Qerr’Malic also produce synthetic alternatives to Xu’xi gas, with a similar high, but is coupled with stronger hangovers and potential lethality depending on the purity. Despite the Federation’s efforts, as well as resistance in local skrell communities in the Republic of Biesel and Sol Alliance, neither are successful in curbing the expansion of the Gasriders’ operations. This has been attributed to the inactivity of Qerr’Malic’s Planetary Governor, Aleq Val'monn, whose detractors claim is secretly benefitting from the operations on the moon. These claims remain unproven, but Governor Val’monn remains pressured from the public, as well as their superiors, to take an active effort against them.

    See Related Page: Typical Skrell Slang

    The Bureau of Void Technologies

    The Bureau of Void Technologies (Quqaa-Lu’piq) is a government organization tasked with studying and procuring Glorsh-era technology, with the intent to reverse-engineer them and keep them out of the hands of anti-Federation agents. Headquartered on Zuvl'Qlip, the Bureau’s sprawling facilities are designed to minimize the potential harm caused by reactivating Glorsh-era technology. Scientists of the Quqaa-Lu’piq often specialize in anomalistics, engineering, biological, and medical fields. Founded in 2396, the Bureau formed as a response to the growing concerns over the reliance on Glorsh-era technology, which serves as an irreplaceable backbone to many Federation industries.

    The Quqaa-Lu’piq is most well known in the Federation Core for the Museum of the Abyssal Age (Qeriqau-Lu’Xaqii), also colloquially known as the Museum of Ink. The Museum is dedicated to the history of the Glorsh-era skrell and the atrocities committed by the synthetic mind. The many exhibits include actual Glorsh-produced observation devices, X’Lu’oa syringes, wiped server racks, deadly combat synthetics, and scale models of the prisons and homes that housed millions of skrell during the period. Stations around the exhibits use psionic feedback technology and optional psionically active “tabs,” like those used in concerts, to project lesser versions of survivors' emotions directly into visitors' brains.

    Outside of the core, the Bureau is known for its bounty system that it uses to officially sanction independent scavengers in the Traverse to collect Glorsh-era technology on its behalf. Federation politicians criticize the bounty system for putting citizens in harm's way, though many Coreworld-dwelling skrell see it as a necessary, albeit distasteful, practice. By Traversers, however, it is seen as a source of gainful employment, with many out-of-work spacers, miners, and low Index-scoring individuals flocking to help the Bureau uncover the next haul of long-lost technology. Rewards for those who survive excursions into deep space and uncover Glorsh-era technology include credit payouts and an increase to their Index score, making it an appealing profession for those looking for social mobility. The only exception to this bounty system is the Tri-Qyu system, which is strictly off-limits to all non-government personnel due to its connection to Glorsh-Omega.

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