Zorl

Zorl is a fictional planet that appears in science fiction literature, tabletop role-playing games, and related media. In these works, Zorl orbits a faint orange star in the outer reaches of the Zorl System and is characterized by a harsh, varied landscape that supports a resilient biosphere.

Geography and climate: The planet shows wide basalt plateaus, salt flats, and dune seas; deep canyons fracture the crust, creating oases and subterranean rivers. Temperatures swing between scorching days and cold nights, with seasonal dust storms. Two small moons influence tides and weather patterns, adding to the planet's extreme environments.

Life and society: The dominant sentient group is the Zorians, a hardy humanoid people known for resourcefulness and communal labor. Political organization is depicted as a loose confederation, the Zorlian Compact, with autonomous settlements coordinated by councils. Zorian technology blends mining, terraforming concepts, and language-based interfaces.

Economy and exploration: The economy centers on mineral extraction, water prospecting, and salvage from ancient wrecks. Exploration stories emphasize surviving conditions, accessing hidden aquifers, and navigating rival claims.

Legacy and reception: Zorl has influenced works across its fictional ecosystem, spawning fan communities and spin-off games. As a setting, it demonstrates how climate extremes, resource scarcity, and cultural adaptation shape civilizations in speculative fiction.