Vesta is the fourth planet in the Oceanic star system. It is a terrestrial planet characterized by towering mountain ranges and deep, winding canyons. The planet's surface features a mix of rocky terrain and lush forests and floating islands suspended by powerful magnetic fields. These floating landmasses are rich in rare minerals.

Unlike neighboring planets Tempus and Vulcan, Vesta has no natural satellites. This absence of moons supports the environmental dynamics of the planet, with its magnetic fields and floating islands being the primary influencers of its weather patterns and geological features.

Geography and Terrain

The planet's surface consists of four primary biomes. The most common is the rocky lowlands, which consist of jagged mountain ranges and deep canyons carved by ancient rivers. In these lowlands, native flora has adapted to thrive in the dry conditions. Hardy vegetation clings to cliff faces, while fungi colonies habitate the canyon depths. The geological formations in these areas are often natural shelters for various indigenous species.

There is a transition zone into tropical and temperate rainforests, marked by cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. These atmospheric conditions created by the floating islands trap moisture and create persistent cloud cover. Abundant water and filtered sunlight has led to the evolution of many plant species with bioluminescent properties. The third major biome consists of vast wetlands and marshes that form in the areas where water collects from the floating islands above.

The floating islands make up the fourth biome—massive chunks of mineral-rich earth suspended high above the surface by Vesta's powerful magnetic fields. These landmasses vary in size from small, house-sized rocks to vast plateaus capable of supporting entire cities. The vertical geography of Vesta has led to the development of specialized ecosystems at different altitudes.

Environmental Factors

• Extreme Temperature Variations: Vesta's climate is characterized by drastic temperature shifts between its rocky terrain and floating islands. The surface can experience scorching heat, while the suspended landmasses often have cooler, more temperate climates.
• Magnetic Fields: Powerful magnetic fields on Vesta are responsible for keeping the floating islands suspended in the air. These fields interact with rare minerals found within the landmasses, creating a natural levitation effect. The Ohrinthi historically used these magnetic fields to power their gravity-defying transportation systems and energy-harnessing structures.
• Vertical Weather Patterns: Due to the unique vertical landscape, weather patterns on Vesta often move vertically rather than horizontally, creating distinct microclimates at different altitudes.

Elemental Sites

• Crystal Lofts: Massive crystal formations float among the islands, sustained by Vesta's magnetic fields. These structures once served as sacred sites and refuges for ancient Ohrinthine civilization. The crystals' unique interaction with the planet's magnetic properties made them ideal locations for the Ohrinthi's gravity-defying technology and cultural practices.
• Winds of the Dawn: These powerful magnetic currents flow through Vesta's upper atmosphere. The Ohrinthi mastered the art of harnessing these currents for their airborne vessels, developing intricate sailing routes that utilized the magnetic winds' predictable patterns. These wind paths remain crucial navigation routes, now used by both resistance fighters.
• The Ascendant Roar: Located atop one of Vesta's floating islands where the Winds of the Dawn create powerful currents, this shrine represents the AIR elemental mode. The shrine's placement takes advantage of the natural magnetic currents that flow through Vesta's upper atmosphere.

History

Vesta was initially a harsh, arid world dominated by massive supervolcanoes. Volcanic activity ejected vast quantities of mineral-rich magma into the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of the planet's floating landmasses. Over time, these crystalline formations grew and became suspended in the magnetic currents. The appearance of the crystal formations predates the arrival of the Ohrinthi civilization by millions of years.

The volcanic activity and the planet's magnetic field gradually transformed Vesta's climate.

People

For millennia, Vesta was home to the native Ohrinthi. The race built their cities vertically, using the planet's unique topography. Their sky clans developed technology that used Vesta's natural energy fields, such as gravity-defying transportation systems and energy-harnessing structures.

Vesta's history took a tragic turn when the Legion invaded the planet. The invasion forced most of the Ohrinthine population to flee. Many refugees found sanctuary on Tempus, forging new sky cities reminiscent of their lost homes.