A startling phenomenon has been observed with peldaks traveling to other worlds for military service or simple adventurism. When living beneath the sun for long enough periods, the skin of peldaks tends to turn darker. When in sunlight for too long the skin turns red and it becomes painful to touch until the redness fades in about three days, but in moderation peldak skin turns darker and stays that way. The skin beneath the clothing remains untouched so this is largely being seen on the face, neck, and arms.

A deeper inquiry led to our new monsoorai neighbors informing us that this strange occurrence is called a ‘tan’. Alien and peldak skin alike changes pigmentation because too much sunlight damages the skin in what’s called a ‘sunburn’, and darker skin is an adaptation meant to protect from excess sunlight. As Peldor does not orbit a star like seemingly every alien world does, elven skin has always been pale and nearly colorless. Any changes to our pale skin was due to natural or intentional dyeing, such as ash storms, mud baths, or eating certain fruits in large quantities.

Medics and doctors on deployment are noticing remarkable increases in health with those who tan, such as improved moods and higher energy levels, and each person has a ‘maximum tanness value’. Some peldaks will only develop spots of tanned skin, called freckles, some will add a bit more color and become more of a ‘peach’ shade, and others will become what the monsoorai call ‘olive skinned’, or ‘bronze’. Upon reaching their maximum tanness value, peldaks don’t seem to get any darker.

It remains to be seen what further benefits there might be to sunlight, or even if these skin tone changes are permanent.