Qerrbalak

Qerrbalak, the Homeworld

Qerrbalak is the fourth planet from Nrallak, and the origin of the Skrell. One of two habitable planets within the system, comprised of various climates ranging from taigas to tropical rainforests. Qerrbalak is 1.8 times the size of Earth, and sports an atmospheric composition of 82% Nitrogen, 17% Oxygen and 1% other. Qerrbalak is currently undergoing slow terraforming efforts to reduce the damage inflicted by the Skrell during unenlightened times.

Environment

A map of Jargon IV (Qerrbalak), unlabelled to show the terrains and landmasses.

Qerrbalak does not have much diversity in biome, however, is perfect for the Skrell. Largely very humid, and marshy, with most of it being covered in freshwater and saltwater seas, The saline levels are lower than most seas elsewhere; which his uniquely suits the Skrell, as they can safely survive in any of the seas across the Homeworld. It also has polar icecaps, where some Skrell Research Facilities are located and the Headquarters of the Jargon Federation Security Forces.

Before the Skrell entered an era of profound modernisation, Qerrbalak was rich in abundant mineral deposits - both in the planet's deep oceans, and its surface. It quickly changed as the Skrell poured resources into pillaging their planet, with little regard for conservation of the resources until it was too late. Now, Qerrbalak orbits Nrallak will little resources left to extract, which prompted the erection of the Jux'Qwi Monument - a reminder that exponential growth cannot go unchecked.

Cities destroyed by the enormous storms still litter Qerrbalak - now sprawling ruins that are uninhabited by the Skrell, instead just husks of their previous metropolis status. These cities remain untouched, and used to teach young Skrell about the damage done by the massive storms - with many comparing it to an analogy of life.

Calendar

Long before Skrell had formed the first proto-cities, they looked to the stars for guidance and enlightenment. It lit a desire of curiosity in the Skrell prompting the species to probe, query and investigate the planet they called home, Qerrbalak. The inquisitive nature of the Skrell gave rise to the early development of the Nral-oqq (Nrallak Year) and subsequent development of a chart depicting the days (‘viq), weeks (‘viqi), and months (-qog) of the year (-oqq).

Due to Qerrbalaks relative proximity to Nrallak, and axial tilt, the Nral-oqq has been devised into six months that each harbour 48 days - resulting in a total year being 288 days in length. One Nral-oqq is equal to 1.18 Solarian Years.

Seasons

Nral-oqq has been split into two seasons; Qu-Paalq and Lu-Paalq, each respectively meaning Warm Currents and Cold Currents. Temperatures, and humidity, will commonly spike during Qu-Paalq - with some days reaching 42°C with a humidity index cap of 92%. On the other end of the spectrum, Lu-Paalq is associated with cooler weather prevailing, however, an increased probability of massive tropical storms to develop. The development of the Skrell has mostly accommodate the humongous storms, with some even welcoming them as a way to ‘reset’ Qerrbalak for the upcoming Nral-oqq. Temperatures will dip to usually 25°C and a humidity index that will cap at 50%.

Months

The six months that form the Nral-oqq have guided Skrell for millennia - usually revolving around the most prevalent constellation spotted at the time of the calendar’s formation. Each month is divided into eight weeks. The current iteration of the Nral-oqq is commonly adapted to other planets inhabited by the Skrell for it to be accurate.

• Slaq-qog, the first month of the Nral-oqq. Slaq-qog also falls in Qu-Paalq, with the months average temperature capping usually around 37°C which is accompanied by lower than average humidity index of 64% due the month following the end of Lu-Paalq. The most prominent constellation in Slaq-goq is the Hatching Egg, a good indication of what is supposed to be felt during Slaq-qog. Skrell are expected to undertake new hobbies, or explore out their comfort zone during Slaq-qog.

• Avroxi-qog, the second month of the Nral-oqq. Following the prior months, Avroxi-qog falls into Qu-Paalq, with a slight increase from Slaq-qog’s average temperature and humidity index - 39°C and 72%. The Qu’Poxii is the brightest set of stars during Avroxi-qog, also coincidentally the month in which most Skrell will lay their eggs so that they may hatch during Slaq-qog. During the early weeks of Avroxi-qog, Skrell are encouraged to couple, and form Quya - adding to the romantic atmosphere of Avroxi.

• Phaka-qog, the third month of Nral-oqq. The first half falling in Qu-Paalq, whilst the second half occurs during Lu-Paalq - which has resulted in varying average temperatures and humidity indexes. It commonly will start hot, humid and moist bur as the months continues will allow cooler weather to prevail - but also for tropical storms to occur. The most prominent constellation during Phaka-qog is the Stormcloud, a good representation of what is coming. Most Skrell will begin preparing their abodes for the upcoming storms, but also prepare themselves.

• Xepus-qog, the fourth month of Nral-oqq. Falling into Lu-Paalq, Xepus-qog usually has a much larger dip in temperatures than Phaka-qog - an average of 32°C and a 51% humidity index. The bulk of the tropical storms that plague Qerrbalak occurring during Xepus, complimented by the tides shifting and resulting the various coastal regions being submerged for days at a time. The most prominent constellation during Xepus-qog is the Island. In bygone times, the Skrell typically migrated to higher lands, however, in modern times majority of the coastal cities are outfitted with domes that will encompass the city during its submerging. Skrell are encouraged to reflect on themselves during Xepus-qog.

• Yonio-qog, the fifth month of Nral-oqq. Much like Xepus-qog, Yonio-qog occurs during Lu-Paalq, evident by its further decreased average temperature and humidity index - respectively sitting at 25°C and 46%. Whilst the tides again retreat to their position before Xepus-qog, the tropical storms become much more severe during Yonio-qog. The most prominent constellation of Yonio-qog is the Gnarled Tree. Nearing the final stretch of Nral-oqq, Skrell commence annual traditions during this period, mostly revolving around their Quya.

• Loroq-qog, the sixth and final month of Nral-oqq. The last month in which Lu-Paalq continues, as well as the dissipating of most of the tropical storms which results in increased travel as the circumstances become safer. Temperatures, as well as the humidity index, increase slightly - approaching 34°C and 57% quickly. The most prominent constellation is actually the Void, a chilling reminder to the Skrell that despite surviving the year many did not.

Major Cities

• Kal'lo, the largest city across both the planet and entirety of the Federation. Containing a population of just over 12 million - as well as spreading over 10,556 squared kilometres. Kal'lo hosts both the Headquarters for the Jargon Federation, and the largest Solarian Embassy across the Orion Spur. City Planners are routinely employed to help plan around the evergrowing population, especially in regards to keeping a balance between essential service and residential growth.

• Regluk'Qlip, the scientific powerhouse of Qerrbalak. Sporting thousands of facilities used to house information, scientific data and dossiers of the myriad of discoveries that have occurred over the last few millennia. Regluk'Qlip is also known for hosting an annual event in which Skrell from across the Orion Spur are invited to share their theories and discoveries - with the best being awarded the Weshii Prize, a great sign that a Skrell has accomplished great feats.

A map of Jargon IV (Qerrbalak) labelled.

• Ploat'nil, a city renowned for the amount of tourists that visit. Hosting the Tzqul Archives, which are a part of a competition in which Skrell compete to attempt to break the encryption set by Glorsh-Omega. Ploat'nil has adapted to the massive migrations of Skrell visiting during the Tzqul Challenge, and is littered with restaurants, hotels and other recreational activities.

• Qerr'wesi, the largest underwater city on Qerrbalak. Created in 760 CE, it features a massive dome surrounding its external walls - a method of keeping aquatic fauna from entering the city. Qerr'wesi currently hosts the largest population of slimes, which are studied and milked for ingredients that are in turn used to produce the enigmatic 'Age Serums'. Some Skrell will visit Qerr'wesi to 'mourn' as they believe the slimes to be remnants of those killed during the reign of Glorsh-Omega.

Points of Interest

• Tzqul Archive, a facility that houses a vast majority of Skrell History. It was encrypted by Glorsh-Omega shortly before it disappeared, and has yet to be unlocked. In 2461, a Skrell attempted to break the encryption through illegal means, which resulted in the Archive commencing various actions that had never been observed before - as well as begin glowing a hue of maroon.

• Mount Haq'Xaq, a dormant volcano located southwest of Miftaup'Nion. Mount Haq'Xaq was said to have last erupted in 601 CE, and is due for another one in the coming decades. Hundreds of geologists monitor the volcano in hopes of detecting seismic activity so that the can prepare to witness the eruption in all its glory. It is roughly equivalent in size to Mount Everest on Earth.

Fauna and Flora

Fauna

Vru'qos (Leviathon)

the Vru'qos, or Leviathon, is a large aquatic cetacean-like mammal. Resembling a Blue Whale, with appendages similar to the Skrell headtails, it can reach up to 40 meters (131 feet) and weigh up to 367 tonnes (404 tons). It is one of the largest animals on Qerrbalak, as well as the eldest - with their lifespans capable of reaching up to six hundred years. The Vru'qos has shown psionic capabilities, utilizing it to find mates and smaller aquatic animals to feed on.

The Vru'qos stick close to the surface, but have been spotted close to the bottom of the various oceans across Qerrbalak.

Aqoliz (Mollusk)

The Agoliz, or Mollusk, are amphibias creatures similar in appearance to giant Snails that typically were found along the coasts of the various island dotting the seas of Qerrbalak before their domestication. Capable of reaching 1.8 metres (5'9 feet) in length, and a weight of 12 tonnes (13.2 tons), the species provides dozens of Skrell with vital nutrients after they've been culled. They are said to have an exquisite flavour and tender feel when ingested by the Skrell - other species usually going out of their way in avoiding it due to its horrific aroma.

Noni-Qii (Sky Grazer)

The Noni-Qii, or Sky Grazer, a type of avian fauna that inhabits the skies of Qerrbalak - infamous due to their pest-like nature. Similar to a Mantaray, but on a much smaller scale; reaching up to 1 meter (3 feet) and weighing only 7 kilogrammes (15.4 pounds). Their small stature has allowed for the species to easily get between Dyn and Wulumunusha bushes and pick their ripe bearings. After the near-extinction of the species in 1622 CE, the Federation began a programme to increase their numbers once again - prompting a revival of the species that continues to prey on the Skrell plantations.

Flora

Dyn

First found along the river deltas across Qerrbalak, Dyn has since been domesticated by the Skrell. Plantations can typically be found in various lakes, bogs and marshes that grow hundreds of kilometres worth of the plant. Dyn is typically used to create various drinks, or peeled and then mashed in order to create a delightful meal known as Qrathe. Dyn is typically the first seeds planted in colonies, and has become a staple part of Skrell Cuisine.

Wulumunusha

Wulumunusha naturally grows in alpine climates, typically closer to the poles of the Homeworld. With roughly only a dozen or so plantations dedicated to the growth of the plant, prices tend to skyrocket when out of season. It is used by both Qeblak and Weishii followers, and is said to unlock barriers to both Nlom and Srom. Outside of religious usage, Wulumunusha has also managed to gain a nefarious reputation especially since a gene-spliced sample, that supposedly originated on Mars, has begun to be introduced across the Federation.