Chapter Text
Chapter 1:
Excerpt from “The Origins of Aquos Dhaen — Vol. 017”
Of the Ossus Reclamation Corps
Compiled by Dhomon Lex, Archivist
The terrestrial planet Aquos Dhaen is of singular wonder, situated deep within the galaxy’s Unknown Regions—an uncharted sector situated beyond the established Galactic Outer-Rim, characterized by treacherous and unreliable hyperspace routes, unique and often dangerous alien civilizations, and strange gravitational anomalies. These regions were largely left unexplored due to navigational hazards, acting as a haven for various groups throughout time, including the first Jedi Order and ancient Sith.
Hemmed in by wild gravity wells and turbulent Hyperspace corridors, the planet lies beyond the reach of conventional star charts and navi-computers. The only habitable planet of its star system, Aquos Dhaen remained only marginally accessible to those with precise coordination and the patience for micro-jumps—knowledge of the region long predates Hyperdrive technology.
Geologically rich and biologically violent, Aquos Dhaen was a crucible of extremes: a world of ash-choked skies, molten rivers, and vast oceans. A unique source of particular power are the Ebon Crystals—resonant minerals found only in this star system which were highly reactive to the Force, altered by ancient alchemy, and believed by some to be a sort of proto-Kyber Crystal in nature. The influence of Ebon is, perhaps, the key to understanding the most enduring mystery of Aquos Dhaen: its dominant native species.
The planet’s radiation-bathed lands nurtured a singular evolutionary marvel: the Valyrians. Sometimes called the Proto-Valyrians in Core World nomenclature—they were not merely a Homo Sapien offshoot, as was long assumed by early High Republic Xenologists. Evidence points to an ancient, distinct, naturally Force-sensitive humanoid species born with an innate attunement to their extraordinary amounts of midi-chlorians—microscopic, sentient organisms that inhabit the cells of every life form. They originated from the foundation of life in the center of the galaxy, and their existence is integral to the all-encompassing energy field known as The Force.
The midi-chlorians serve as the link between the Living Force to the Cosmic Force. As such, they live in a symbiotic relationship with their organic hosts. This mutually advantageous relationship allows the midi-chlorians to communicate the will of the Force to their hosts who, with sufficient training, were capable of utilizing the powers of the Force. The more of these tiny organisms a being possesses, the greater potential for power in the Force that being has.
Adapted to their world’s anomalous Force-storms and volcanic toxicity, the tall and slender Valyrian’s emerged some twelve million years before the rise of the Galactic Republic. Their amethyst eyes, silver-gold hair, and pearlescent scales which emitted a soft bioluminescence, are said to be a biological adaptation to withstand the frequent solar radiation storms that ravaged the atmosphere and reflect Force-enhanced vision.
The Valyrian’s evolutionary cradle was in the planets eastern hemisphere. It was there on a southern peninsula of the continent Essos, among the obsidian cliffs and lava-fed deltas, that the first known Valyrian civilizations took root. After an event mythologized in certain texts as The Severing, the Valyrian hunter-gatherers developed rudimentary agriculture and domesticated several native beasts—most famously the horse, a four-legged draft animal adapted to traverse across various terrains. From this foundation arose the first permanent settlements clustered along rivers and coastal inlets. Over several millennia, villages evolved into cities and independent states, each with its own pantheon, rites, elemental magic and ruling Houses.
The eastern and southern continents of Ulthos and Sothoryos were reached only during glacial migrations via temporary land bridges. As geography often shapes culture, the Essosi states, which were isolated by diverse and often hostile environments, remained sparsely populated and culturally distinct for thousands of years. By the Dawn Age (dating standards vary), many mighty civilizations blanketed Essos. Among the greatest were the proud and quarrelsome Tall Men of Sarnor, the Great Empire of the Dawn with its Thousand Jeweled Cities in Yi Ti, and the Old Empire of Ghis—a rising power whose archives provide the most complete, if propagandized, record of early contact.
Much of Aquos Dhaen’s early history remains disputed amongst scholars. Some suggest the Valyrians had already achieved orbital flight during this period, while others argue that any such advancement occurred only after the discovery—or perhaps the creation—of the Dragons. One thing which all the chroniclers agree: from this crucible of flame and time rose a civilization unmatched in glory and terrible in its fall.