Palmasta

Palmasta is a fictional planet located in the outer rim of the Andromeda galaxy. It is characterized by its vast, arid deserts and towering, crystalline rock formations that reach miles into the sky. The planet's atmosphere is thin and possesses a high concentration of nitrogen, making it difficult for most known life forms to survive without specialized equipment.

The indigenous species of Palmasta are known as the Xylos. These silicon-based lifeforms are adapted to the harsh desert environment, possessing tough exoskeletons and the ability to absorb energy directly from solar radiation. They are a nomadic people, constantly seeking out areas with scarce underground water sources. The Xylos have a complex social structure based on communal living and a deep spiritual connection to the planet's geology.

Palmasta is rich in rare minerals, particularly lumina crystals, which are highly sought after for their energy-conducting properties. This has led to intermittent interest from off-world corporations, though the planet's remoteness and the Xylos' fiercely protective nature have prevented large-scale exploitation. Several small research outposts have been established, primarily by xenobiologists studying the unique Xylos species and the planet's geological phenomena. The Xylos communicate through a series of resonant frequencies and subtle light emissions, a language that remains largely undeciphered by external observers.