Bittera

Bittera is a fictional planet located in the outer rim of the Orion Arm. It is a terrestrial world with a dense atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of methane. The planet's surface is characterized by vast, arid deserts and rugged mountain ranges, with limited bodies of liquid water found in subterranean reservoirs. The climate is harsh, with extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night.

The flora of Bittera is sparse and hardy, adapted to survive in arid conditions. Typical plant life includes tough, spiny shrubs and resilient, low-lying mosses that cling to rocky outcrops. Fauna on Bittera is equally adapted to survival, with most species being nocturnal scavengers or burrowing creatures that avoid the intense daytime heat. Notable indigenous life forms include the Sand Strider, a six-legged reptilian creature, and the elusive Cave Dweller, a bioluminescent insectoid.

Bittera is largely uninhabited by sentient species. However, archeological evidence suggests that an ancient civilization once thrived on the planet, leaving behind ruins of advanced, yet mysterious, structures. The planet's remote location and harsh environment have made it an infrequent destination for interstellar exploration. Its primary resource of interest to off-worlders is a rare mineral, known as 'Aethelite,' found deep within its geological formations, which possesses unique energy-conducting properties. The exploration and mining of Aethelite have led to occasional, brief interactions with small exploratory mining outposts.