Vesk-8 is the outermost planet of the Ghavaniska system, sharing its orbit with Vesk-7 and home to the contemplative kothamas. Kothamas refer to Vesk-8 as simply 'home' in their native tongue, as the species originally evolved here before spreading to Vesk-7 via the shared moon Traverse. Vesk-8 is extremely mountainous and prone to volcanic eruptions, the result of gravitational tug of war between the planet, Vesk-7, and Traverse that heats its core. The planet has so many mountains that many joke its environment is so hostile it is covered in thorns pointing into space. It has the highest mountain peaks of any world in the Veskarium, most notably Mount Matha, which reaches toward the edge of the atmosphere. Shimmerstone, a translucent blue mineral with psychic calming properties, is found only in Vesk-8's frozen mountains. The only surface water exists at the bases of mountains, where liquid water bubbles up from volcanic depths to form sulfuric hot springs. Deep valleys between mountain ranges are frozen deserts devoid of nearly all life. Beneath the mountains, lava tubes and natural fissures form an underground network spanning the entire planet. Geothermal heat and meltwater create a thriving subterranean ecosystem of lush fungus forests filling large caverns with pulsing bioluminescence — believed to be among the largest and most diverse fungal colonies in the galaxy. Only one major entrance to the labyrinth exists on the surface, and reports of a civilization of large sentient plant creatures living in the tunnels remain unverified. The shimmerstone miners at Penal Colony 8 are growing restless, with talk of throwing off Veskarium rule and selling the shimmerstone themselves. High Despot Jularaz the Frozen often has 'important business' on other worlds, leaving most governance to subordinates.