Description

Mefitis, named for the Roman goddess of poisonous gasses from the Earth, is a rather Earth-like planet.  It has two main moons, and rotates at about 1/3 the speed of the Earth, with about twice the gravity.  Mefitis also has an unusual biosphere.

The life-forms of Mefitis are roughly as complex as terrestrial plants and animals, with the apex species being similar to terrestrial lizards.  The thing that makes them unique is the fact that the organic molecules they are based on are primarily prions, (differently folded versions of common organic molecules that can infect cells with the normal versions of that molecule).  Perhaps because of this, the plants and animals of Mefitis generally have vaguely unsettling appearances.  The organic pigments that color them are slightly different from those on most planets, their movements are strange, and their forms seem slightly wrong.  

History

When explorers from the Planetary League first reached Mefitis, they quickly discovered the nature of the biosphere, and placed the whole planet under strict quarantine.  Unfortunately, ambitious bio-prospectors from Cosmid had arrived first, and several deadly infections had been accidentally set loose upon the galaxy, including the dreaded Mefitis Plague, (also known as the zombie virus).  A tightly controlled and quarantined research station was set up, mainly focused on curing those same diseases.

During Era-2, after the Holy Empire of Man took over, Mefitis became a prime source for its horrific biological weapons.