Rordak was a planetary body situated within the Rordak system. Functioning as a penal colony under the Imperial regime, it was protected by an orbital nightcloak. A significant battle transpired there, spanning from 3681 BBY to 3653 BBY, pitting the forces of the Sith Empire against those of the Galactic Republic. This conflict culminated in a Republic triumph when Bouris Ulgo himself boarded the battlecruiser commanded by Moff Ceptor.
Inmates sent to Rordak were either made to toil in the perilous mines or were sold into servitude, working for a Viska noble. Since all prisoners on the planet had been given life sentences, the Empire regarded them as property, to be used as the prison's guards saw fit.
Rordak stood as the solitary planet within its system. Initially, there were three planets closer to the star, but they were all destroyed when the star expanded to form a red giant. The impact on Rordak was significant, leading to scorched seas, major tectonic shifts, and the extinction of most life forms. Over millions of years, new life forms evolved, including the Viska. The planet was rich in metals but possessed a harsh atmosphere and high levels of geological activity.
Rordak was a relatively small planet, characterized by mountains and scarred terrain, the result of constant volcanic activity. The surface was marked by enormous mountains and deep gorges. Water was scarce, and rainfall was highly acidic due to the constant release of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere was extremely tiring for most newcomers. Temperatures fluctuated dramatically, averaging 45 degrees Celsius during the day and 5 degrees Celsius at night. Seasonal changes could cause temperature variations of up to 20 degrees.
Few native species inhabited the planet. Plant life consisted of stunted trees and brown grasses. Some grazing animals evolved, but few wild animals remained, found only in the most remote mountainous regions.
Rordak was home to four starports: Dreggusom, Azkulkt, Whosk, and Deggaruls. The largest prison camp was called Alpha TR-8.
The Viska resided in groups of buildings powered by repulsorlifts. This practice originated from the need to avoid the ground, to avoid volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. With modern technology, the Viska began constructing floating platforms, adapting to a completely aerial way of life. Their structures were large, open-air buildings (to accommodate their large wingspans), attached to a large repulsor column, exceeding 500 meters in length and nearly 100 in diameter. The cities were built on multiple levels, reaching thousands of meters into the air. The royal Viska clans occupied the upper levels, while the lowest workers and clans were relegated to the bottom levels. The middle section housed most of the manufacturing facilities, trade locations, and landing pads.
The most extensive prison camp was Alpha TR-8. All prison facilities were built on the ground, exposing prisoners to the dangers of earthquakes. An orbital nightcloak hovered above each camp, blocking sunlight and plunging the camps into perpetual darkness.