Zoreth is a chaotic binary system. Only the jungle world of Aketi naturally supports life, and the sentient inhabitants died out before uplift. Despite the risks, two stars offer great potential, and have continued to draw the desperate and the ambitious to the system.
The Starsmiths have a massive presence in the system, controlling many shipyards and, more importantly, a Dyson swarm that provides power to the whole sector, and beyond. This has facilitated the attempted terraforming and settling of Sonhandra and Nightfall.
Artificial worlds, deep jungles, cheap energy, and a fiery sky result in a system full of thrill-seekers, outlaws, inventors, and tourists, as well as the locals just struggling to get by.
Notable Places
Shipyards: While the primary yard is run by Starsmiths, many smaller, licensed hubs work on repairs and ship refits. These stations are full of bored spacers looking for any distraction from the wait. Starsmiths sometimes hire foolhardy pilots for prototype tests.
Belt of Fire: The region of superheated plasma currents between the Zorinth binary stars. Spacers spin yarns about the Old Dragon — a vast space creature living there. While the name is whimsical, the Hegemony issued a Quarantine order for the area after several ships disappeared.
Bright Wind: A large gas cloud ejected from the Belt of Fire, now used as racing grounds by the Echo Wave Riders. Despite it being both lethal and illegal, racers from all over the sector compete for credits and fame. Invitations to the races are exclusive and require qualifying in equally hazardous conditions.
Isotropa Max Secure: Isotropa, a deep space blacksite far beyond the gates, is the most notorious prison in Procyon. Wardens broker audiences with prisoners and grant commutations for the powerful and wealthy. They report to Malklaith, but the prison is functionally self-governed.
Aketi
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This verdant jungle world would be more settled, were it not for the incredibly hostile natural life. Between rapidly spreading carnivorous plants, seasonally rampaging beasts, and hyper-aggressive fish, only a few distinct types visit Aketii: researchers, poachers, and criminals hiding from the law. The planet is officially a Malklaith "nature preserve."
Rule: Nobody comes here who doesn’t have to. The planet hates you, and jobs are hard to find. Even bounty hunters pass it by. When you lay low on Aketi, take +1d.
Scenes
Heavily armed guards patrolling the tall walls of Base Camp One, nervously eyeing the jungle.
Research crews packing for their next expedition into the jungle, a few miles away from a poacher camp doing the same.
A smuggler discussing arrangements with a client in a tent while a personal barista makes them drinks.
Notables
Razor: A hunter mounting an expedition to catch the deadly Grand Phereniki for a rich client. (callous, experienced, gambler)
Intal Brel: Psy-blade-wielding Concordiat Knight. Travels with a nine-foot-tall xeno, an ex-priest, and an avatar of Authority. Recently lost a party member and hopes to replace them. (religious, vigilant, honourable)
Asha Ravann: Base Camp One commander. Instituted a wall-mounted flamethrower measure that’s kept the jungle at bay. (tired, jaded, relentless)
Sonhandra
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Despite the chaotic orbit of the binary system, Sonhandra is functionally tidally locked: the same side of the planet faces the stars at all times. The day side is blistering. Oddly, all light sources extinguish about a kilometre into the night side. Most of the settlements are in the twilight border zone, including the capital city, Ugar. Known for its lax policies regulating trade, it’s become a choice destination for smugglers and fences alike.
Rule: +1d on Engagement rolls for Social and Transport plans.
Scene
Perpetual twilight amid paved streets and concrete buildings.
Howling of frequent wind storms between the day and night climate zones.
Masked and cloaked strangers congregating around a steel warehouse before an auction begins.
Row after row of ships parked in the open dirt on the outskirts of Ugar.
Notables
Del Hex: Outlaw gunslinger. Has some obvious cybernetics from his Guild days. Wanted in several systems. Runs a vibro-weapon fighting ring deep in the day side. (ruthless, fast, cautious)
Zeed "Tank" Marak: Mercenary turned Nyct farmer. Knows where and how to hide ships on the night side. (gambler, commanding, experienced)
Osha: Nyct-smoking, grizzled ex-bodyguard. Runs the Three Suns, a gambling den and the biggest local dive. (deadly, retired, steely)
Nightfall
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Named for frequent eclipses caused by the planet’s 13 moons. Their erratic movements, couple with the chaotic binary system, make day and night unpredictable without extreme computation. The city of Yaw is nestled where night and day usually last between 2 and 12 hours each. It bustles with economic activity and is a frequent destination for tourists and traders. Known for its haute cuisine and theatre.
Rule: Nightfall is the centre of culture in the system, and everything is mostly about who you know. When you acquire assets, roll with consort instead of crew quality.
Scene
High-rises lighting up block by block as the city goes from day to night in the span of minutes.
A rowdy night club spilling dancers clad in black, glow-accented outfits onto a sun-lit street.
The blue glow of a public data kiosk projecting tomorrow’s night schedule and market changes.
Notables
Saren Galia: Data broker and bookie. When you can’t pay your debts, you become her informant. (paranoid, fast, connected)
Lotus: Fashionista and taste-maker, dressed in elaborate costumes. Secretly a high-powered fixer. Has been known to take charity cases when the cause appeals to her. (popular, passionate, meticulous)
Jet Wolffe: Scarlet Wolf Assassin. Can be hired at a price, but only takes off-world jobs. Travels with a large, blue-skinned alien animal of unknown origin. (aloof, confident, unforgiving)
Sal Brighton: Best lawyer in the sector. (cunning, connected, expensive)