Risa is a M-class planet located within the binary Epsilon Ceti star system in the Beta quadrant approximately 90 lightyears from the Sol system and is a member of the United Federation of Planets.
Before the Risians developed warp capability their planet was geologically unstable and suffered from frequent earthquakes, high levels of volcanic activity and violent thunder storms. By the early 22nd century the Risians had developed and installed a sophisticated weather control system transforming their planet in to a beautiful and comfortable tropical environment.
Thanks to a combination of the climate and the very open sexuality of the Risians, the planet rapidly became a major player in the interstellar tourist trade and by the mid 22nd century the tourist industry on Risa accounted for almost 70% of the planetary economy.
Whilst the Risians were a peaceful people the planet was known to have issues with criminal activity where vulnerable tourists were specifically targeted by alien thieves and scammers. This situation was not helped by the Risians having a lack of firm deterrents against criminal activity and it was well known that the Risian government would usually only punish criminals as a last resort.
Risa joined the United Federation of Planets in 2249 and quickly became the most popular tourist destination within the Federation and later the entire Beta quadrant. The planet also routinely hosted functions such as medical conferences and scientific seminars.
Risians are typically quite long lived and in terms of their physical appearance they age very slow after reaching adulthood. Typically, Risians physically age at about half the rate of Humans up until mid life at which point their ageing is more or less the same as Humans.
Risians are extremely open and outgoing, this is especially noticeable when it comes to sexuality. The sexual practice of Jamaharon was offered freely to anyone displaying a horga'hn, an easily obtainable statue that symbolised fertility.
Lohlunat is a major celebration on the planet Risa. The celebration is typically hosted at Suraya Bay on Risa. Before the night of the celebration Suraya Bay hosted a range of events including dance parties, sand castle making, powerboard races and flying competitions.
Lohlunat translates to "The Festival of the Moon". The ancient Risians believed in rejuvenation being associated with the moon, the Risians living around Suraya Bay have an ancient fable saying that one of the suns was part of a couple with the moon and their children were the stars , and when the moon is pregnant, it becomes round, and then becomes crescent after giving birth to a child.
These beliefs made it popular among Risians to worship the moon and to give offerings once a year, it is from this practice that the well known Risian phrase "What is ours is yours" comes from.
DURING THE DAY
DURING THE NIGHT
SAFURA BAY
WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER HALSEY - CHRIS.HALSEY@UFPLANETS.COM
EDITED BY TORINTH - STEPHEN.HALL@UFPLANETS.COM
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