Ouroboros Cluster (Turn 5, December 8, 2004)

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Heart Region (region, hyperspace) The core of the Achilles Cluster is a densely region of ancient stars. No major starfaring race has risen to prominence in this region. Cauldron (system, red giant) Were it not for the presence of The Ring the ansible beacon that led the young Races here, the Cauldron system would have nothing to interest explorers. Cauldron's companion star, a pale, roiling body too hot to be a planet, too small to become a star, swept any material capable of forming a planet into its own mass billions of years ago. Battleship Hammurabi (ship, peacekeeper) Gamemaster The ancients, in their wisdom, knew that force might sometimes be required to keep the peace. They built the peacekeeper fleet, a fleet of robotic warships, some of titanic proportions. The Peacekeepers will ruthlessly enforce peace in the Cauldron system. A powerful AI commands each ship, though operations can be improvde by the addition of a sentient bridge crew. The Peacekeepers function at the command of the Consul. Notes: military battleship peacekeeper weapon: nullification cannons ancient ship force field mobile Battleship Solon (ship, peacekeeper) Gamemaster The ancients, in their wisdom, knew that force might sometimes be required to keep the peace. They built the peacekeeper fleet, a fleet of robotic warships, some of titanic proportions. The Peacekeepers will ruthlessly enforce peace in the Cauldron system. A powerful AI commands each ship, though operations can be improvde by the addition of a sentient bridge crew. The Peacekeepers function at the command of the Consul. Notes: military battleship peacekeeper weapon: nullification cannons ancient ship force field mobile Battleship Numa (ship, peacekeeper) Gamemaster The ancients, in their wisdom, knew that force might sometimes be required to keep the peace. They built the peacekeeper fleet, a fleet of robotic warships, some of titanic proportions. The Peacekeepers will ruthlessly enforce peace in the Cauldron system. A powerful AI commands each ship, though operations can be improvde by the addition of a sentient bridge crew. The Peacekeepers function at the command of the Consul. Notes: military battleship peacekeeper weapon: nullification cannons ancient ship force field mobile Peacekeeper Shipyards (space station, shipyard) The repair and maintenance platform for the peacekeeper fleet, Peace 1, orbits 220 miles ahead of The Ring around the substellar object, The Devourer. Insectoid Explorer (ship, diplomatic) Insectoid Insectoid ships are strange, sleek craft studded with sensor spines. Notes: mobile military The Devourer (world, substellar body) "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." --John Milton, Paradise Lost Avalon (ship, diplomatic) Terpsichore The sleek design of the Avalon reflects the faded glory of the Terpsichoran empire. Notes: mobile military Star Barque (ship, courier) Majestic Sir Mojnar prefers his light Barque to heavier vessels. Notes: mobile military scout fast Iron Cuttlefish (ship, diplomatic) Ilithids Ilithid ships are sleek, strange vessels that resemble metallic squids. Notes: mobile frigate cargo bay weapon: psychic ram Seed (ship, diplomatic) Orchera famous as the site of the first contact between the Orchera and Ilithids, the Seed is actually a ship of unknown alien manufacture. This led to much mystery and confusion over the nature of the Orcheran race. Notes: mobile frigate offensive style alien famous The Ring (space station, ring) The older Races have long known that The Ring existed, but its location was secret. Built by the Ancients as a place of assembly and peace, it has been kept functioning over the millennia by the mysterious technologies of the ancients and its silent guardians, the sentinels. The Consul, an ancient AI of startling power, presides over the assembly. It is programmed to ensure that The Ring fulfills the function for which it was built, to provide a place for assembly and debate between the intelligent spacefaring Races of the Ouroboros Cluster. The Ring is a ring-shaped space station four miles in diameter. The inner surface of The Ring is studded with beautiful towers and structures whose meaning or purpose is now unknown. The outer ring contains docking ports for the diplomatic residences. At the center of the ring lies the Assembly, a golden dome where all the Races can meet in discussion. The Consul acts as speaker of the assembly through a large golden robot built in the image of an unknown alien Race. The Ring is cared for by the Keepers, a race of robotic beings possibly created by the ancients. The Consul (AI, Ancient) Gamemaster The Consul is the ancient AI that presides over all the resources of The Ring. Its programming requires it to act according to the needs of the young races while allowing them to pursue their own paths. Its first principle is to allow the New races to rule themselves by offerring them assistance without coercion. To this end, the The Consul has invited all intelligent races to participate in a Council at the Ring. The Consul will act as chairbeing of this council, through it's mouthepeice, a robotic torso anchored in the center of the Council Dome. Notes: ancient immobile Uhrmax (leader, diplomat) Ilithids Uhrmax is the current Ilithid representative to the Ring. Notes: Race: Ilithid psychic diplomat elite loyal mobile Ilithid Diplomatic Team (team, diplomatic) Ilithids A diplomatic team can carry out simple diplomatic tasks, such as voting in the Ring Council. It may not suggest a motion, vote for chairman, or accept a political appointment, however. The Ilithid Diplomatic Team is well supported with a detachment of Morlock servants. Notes: diplomat Race: Ilithid Tendril (leader, diplomat) Orchera Tendril's bloodline obviously descends from a flowering variety of plant as is evidenced by his striking colors and pleasant scent. Tendril is notably more expressive than the average Orcheran and would be considered by most to be quite pleasing to the eye. Notes: Race: Orchera office: chairman diplomat intelligent charismatic friendly mobile Diplomatic Gathering (team, diplomatic) Orchera A diplomatic team can carry out simple diplomatic tasks, such as voting in the Ring Council. It may not suggest a motion, vote for chairman, or accept a political appointment, however. Notes: Race: Orchera diplomat Malas (leader, diplomat) Terpsichore Malax's attitude towards the council is one of aloofness. He generally considers it beneath him to vote unless the direct interests of the Terpsichorans are at stake. Notes: Race: Terpsichore office: ouroboros administrator mobile diplomat aloof proud Terpsichore Entourage (team, diplomatic) Terpsichore A diplomatic team can carry out simple diplomatic tasks, such as voting in the Ring Council. It may not suggest a motion, vote for chairman, or accept a political appointment, however. Notes: Race: Terpsichore diplomat Delegate Istak (leader, diplomat) Insectoid Most other races were suprised when the Insectoids sent one of their own to the Ring Station. Notes: diplomat Embarked elite cunning charismatic Race: Insectoid mobile diplomatic swarm (team, diplomatic) Insectoid A diplomatic team can carry out simple diplomatic tasks, such as voting in the Ring Council. It may not suggest a motion, vote for chairman, or accept a political appointment, however. The Diplomatic swarm is composed of a rather small, but well-spoken variation on the Insectoid form. Notes: race: Hive diplomat Ring SSA-1 (ship, space station assembly) Orchera The space station assembly is a towable assembly site for a military space station. Once it is moved to its destination and assembled, it becomes a permanent, immobile station. This model include heavy weapons to defend against attack. Notes: mobile University Diplomatic Attachment (team, diplomatic) The Scientists A diplomatic team can carry out simple diplomatic tasks, such as voting in the Ring Council. It may not suggest a motion, vote for chairman, or accept a political appointment, however. Notes: diplomat - Ancient technology (mystery, technology) The technology of the ancients remains an impenetrable mystery. Surely they were far beyond any Race of today. - Ancient defences (barrier, defenses) The Ancients foresaw that some of the young Races might fail to see the wisdom of their plan. To discourage any sort of violent behavior against the ring itself, automated weapons systems and attack droids protect its vital points, not to mention intelligent viruses to guard the computer systems. The Consul and associated systems are well protected by anti-intrusion devices of stunning complexity. - Ring Factory Level (industrial base, heavy) Orchera The Ring includes an extensive factory level that extends all the way around the ring just above the space docks. The factory is capable of producing a wide range of goods, including food and equipment. This is not only for the care of the ring and the diplomats, but to provide emergency resources that the council can use to aid the needs of the member Races or replenish losses in the Peacekeeper fleets. The factory level is a maze of ancient chambers, many of which are empty, thier use forgotten. http://www.gric.at/gallery/bild053.htm Diplomatic Residence (outpost, diplomatic) The Ring includes diplomatic residences that, with a little effort, can be converted into quarters for the diplomatic corps or any Race that holds a seat on the Assembly. The diplomats are well cared for by the Keepers. - The Worlds Fair (attraction, cultural) Terra A direct offspring of the former Office of Cultural Exchange, the Worlds Fair is a combination restaurant/arcade/bar/mall. The Worlds Fair will has foods of all the major races, places to talk, night life, and entertainments of every sort (Terran videogames and other amusements for the Majestics and Humans, Orb Chess, Orcheran Foliage Films and Leaf Identification, Terpsichore Web Spinning contests, Gron Chakos-drinking races, and Tongo (a game of Acquisition from Ferengi-Bradley!) for the Barter race and the Tribe. Notes: tourist attraction Terran Diplomatic Corps (team, diplomatic) Terra A diplomatic team can carry out simple diplomatic tasks, such as voting in the Ring Council. It may not suggest a motion, vote for chairman, or accept a political appointment, however. The Terran Diplomatic Corps are known for their snappy uniforms. Notes: race: Terran diplomat Barter (system, outpost) Barter's main world is one of the oldest trade stops in the cluster. The natives of Barter, a herbivorous race of tripeds, have a complex language which requires a dual set of vocal chords to speak. Their own name for themselves and their system has long been forgotten by most races. The system is now simply called Barter, and the herbivores are called the Barter Race. - Ouroborus Route-Barter (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a stopping point on the route. Notes: trade boom Nomad Armada One (world, homeworld) The Tribe The Nomads have been wandering the stars for so long, that not even they remember or even care where their homeworld was. The Nomad Armada follows the Ouroboros route, carrying trade goods and knowledge from place to place. Their arrival often brings a minor economic boom as they are always laden with trade goods from the far corners of the cluster. Notes: mobile world fleet trade boom Felix (leader, diplomat) The Tribe Felix's luck has saved him from more than one bad scrape. Notes: race: Tribe lucky honest diplomat mobile Audax (leader, administrator) The Tribe Audax's eyes have seen more stars and planets than perhaps any other creature alive. Notes: race: Tribe administrator chief executive careful cautious fast mobile Nomad Armada Militia (army, militia) The Tribe A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. The Nomad Militia are issued with an abundance of good quality, standardized equipment made in the nomad industrial plants. Notes: military undisciplined well equipped Nomad Defender (ship, defender) The Tribe Most Nomad ships have been repaired and refurbished so many times, that few or no original parts may remain. Notes: capital ship powerful mobile military The Battlestar (ship, battlestar) The Tribe The Battlestar is an ancient battle station modified to act as command center and seat of The Tribe's government. It cannot leave the fleet, but presents a serious threat to anyone contemplating an attack. Notes: heavy weapons armored slow slow immobile military - Industrial Base-Nomad Armada One (industrial base, heavy) The Tribe An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. The Nomads have developed methods to carry out industry even while travelling in hyperspace. Beagle (ship, science) The Tribe This vessel retains some of the rag-tag appearance typical of Nomad vessels, even though it is a state-of-the-art science vessel. Notes: mobile frigate science Sophia (leader, diplomat) The Tribe Sophia has a reputation for honesty and fair dealing, a rarity among star traders. Notes: race: Tribe diplomat fast saintly trustworthy cunning aged scientist mobile Nomad Courier (ship, courier) The Tribe Most Nomad ships have been repaired and refurbished so many times, that few or no original parts may remain. Notes: frigate mobile stealthy lucky Cinder (world, airless) Theorists beleive that Cinder was struck by a large asteroid of planetoid in its youth. The young world was sundered into semi-molten peices that never fully coalesced. The result is a bizarre, scarred planet with chasms hunderds of miles deep. Notes: airless feature: gargantuan bottomless caverns Chaff (world, asteroid field) Barter's asteroid field extends from the orbit of Cinder almost to that of Barterworld iteslf. It may be composed of fragments of the collision that gave Cinder its current form. Several regions of the field are dangerously unpredictable and considered un-navigable. Notes: asteroid field dense un-navigable Barterworld (world, desert) Barterworld's history goes back millennia to the very first Young Races. Its surface is a patchwork of landing pads and trade stations, most clustered around its ancient spaceport. Barter's native race of semi-nomadic herbivores make a living by charging a small fee for use of the planet's surface. This fee is usually paid in the form of foodstuffs to whatever herd happens to be in the area at the time. A very few of the Barter race have gone into trade themselves, running taverns or hangers for visiting ships. Notes: desert trade boom - Barterworld Spaceport (city, trading) Independent Barterworld Spaceport barely deserves the name of city, for although it's size is huge, it has little central authority or planning. Things seem to function well enough, though, and local trouble is usually put down quickly as being bad for business. Notes: trade station feircely independent Heartstrand Region (region, hyperspace) The Heartstrand is a bright arm of younger stars and star formation regions. These feed from energy drawn off the heart by a supermassive black hole billions of years ago. This region is the origin of the Human Race. Sidaris XVI (system, black hole) The spinning corona of hot gasses surrounding the suppermassive black hole Sidaris XVII dominates the night sky of all the worlds in the Heartstrand. The regions is classified as 'extremely dangerous', and automated buoys warn approaching ships of the gravitational and radiation hazards. Sol (system, Terran home system) Terra This star system contains an unusually large number of planetary bodies of varied composition. It is also the home system of the Terran Race. There is considerable trade between the various worlds and outposts. The largest settlements, outside of the capitol world Earth, are, first, the Mars Colonies, and second the mining outpost on Mercury. The system is still recovering from the brief, failed war of Maritian independence. The current government, with an elected Senate and President, represent a compromise between the warring factions. Notes: Race: Terran - Ouroborus Route-Sol (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a main stopping point on the route. - system defenses (barrier, defenses) Owing to the many intra-Human conflicts over the decades since they left their homeworld to explore their own system, the Terran race has a wide range of automated defenses, including interceptors, system ships, and armed sattellites around major worlds. Mercury (world, airless) Terra Mercury is a rocky, airless world that has one side locked facing Sol. Several Terran mining settlements straddle the line between the dark side and the light side. Even this environment is harsh. Only the toughest or most desperate of Humans try to make their life here. Notes: airless Mining locked aspect inferno mineral rich H.E.A.D habitats Venus (world, venusian) Due to its dense cloud cover and crushing temperature, Venus has never been colonized. Notes: venusian rocky hostile storms Earth (world, homeworld) Terra Earh, the origion of both the Terran and Majestic races is also known as Terra. More than half of this verdant world's surface is covered by water. The Capitol of the Human Confederacy is located here. Billions of Humans live here, filling almost every useful surface on the planet. Notes: habitable agriculture mining heavy industrial base life Earth Militia (army, militia) Terra A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. Notes: military undisciplined - Earthforce (barrier, planetary defense force) "The planetary milita wants YOU!" --Earthforce Recruitment Poster - Industrial Base-Earth (industrial base, heavy) Terra An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. Earth's great factory cities spread hundreds of miles across the surface of the world. Kubric Station (space station, spaceport) Terra Kubric station is the primary stopping point for interplanetary and interstellar trade in the Sol system. Beings of many races can be found here. Kurbic station is composed of two large counter-rotating rings. The "upper" includes commercial and private structures, the "lower" is the main base for the Human fleet. Notes: armored The Asteroid Field (world, asteroid field) This imaginatively named region is a loose field of miscellaneous rocks. A refeuling depot for the Human Fleet is located on one of the larger lumps, named Ceres. Ceres Outpost (space station, fuel depot) Terra The primary refeulling post for traffic in and out of the inner system, Ceres is infamous amoung Human naval personnel as the most boring station in the Navy. Notes: Military Mars (world, desert) Terra In the aftermath of the Earth-Mars war, may regions of the planet are still scarred, even uninhabitable. Anger and bitterness continues to fester in the three major domed cities. The bulk of the populous, however, are content to run their moisture farms and vote in the Solar elections. Notes: desert agriculture Feature: Olympus Mons, gigantic volcano Jupiter (world, gas giant) Terra While a few brave gas skimmers live on the inner moons and make a living off the valuable organic compounds in Jupiter's atmosphere, no commercially viable way to harvest it has yet been developed. Jupiter has dozens of moons, ranging from tiny rocks, to the deep-ocean iceball, Europa, and the volcanic inferno, Io. A major colony, consisting of a central egg-shaped floating dome with numerous appendages, floats in the eye of the Great Red Spot. The grizzled vetrans of the Jovian moons eye these newcomers with disdain and amusement. Notes: gas giant many moons Feature: Great Red Spot H.E.A.D babitats Valuable gasses superhurricane winds President Gault (leader, president) Terra Only an administrator as charismatic as President Gault could have united the warring factions and won the popular vote on both Mars and Earth. Even in old age, President Gault continues to be a paragon of leadership. Notes: chief executive administrator charismatic ambitious famous elder mobile aged honest Race: Terran Saturn (world, gas giant) Terra Mysterious and beautiful, Saturn is the home of a young Terran colony. Legends and tales about the ringed world abound. Several settlements dot the outer moons, but the jewel of the colony is the floating orb of Taggata City, high in the clouds of the gas giant. The city is named for Admiral Taggata, the hero of the battle of Saturn. Notes: gas giant mineral poor feature: ring system beautiful artifacts H.E.A.D habitats HE3 negative construction project: building agriculture Earthforce Defender 954 (ship, interceptor) Terra Human ships are often sleek in design, reflecting the shape of the avians of the human homeworld. Notes: military mobile cruiser Admiral Taggata (leader, admiral) Terra "War is the continuation of politics by alternative means" -- Clausewitz Notes: drunkard fast elite military mobile Race: Terran Embarked Neptune (world, gas giant) Neptune is truly the frontier of the Solar system. It's moon Triton features a small colony, the farthest civilian settlement of any size from Earth. Notes: gas giant Uranus (world, gas giant) Uranus is a gas giant with a large number of moons. Notes: gas giant hostile ice storms Pluto (world, iceball) Pluto is a barren, frozen world. The only Human habitation of note is a listening post and observatory. Notes: iceball Feature: Delicate ice spires Cocoon Nebula Region (region, hyperspace) Ironically, the beautiful Cocoon Nebula is all but invisible to those who live nearest it. The streams of incandescant gases that make it up are too thinly spread to be easily visible from close range. In order to properly view its majesty, one must travel as far from it as possible. Those few residents of the region who have undertaken the journey, claim it is worth it. Majestic (system, Majestic Colony Home System) Majestic In the early days of Terran space exploration, during the First Ecological Disaster, a combine of rich philanthropists built the Majestic, the first Terran colony ship. The dream of its builders was the hope that humanity might survive somewhere among the stars even if it were to perish on Earth. The Majestic used conventional drives to accelerate to near light speed. Nevertheless, the journey was to take generations. The colony was thought lost until a Nomad trade convoy happened upon a Majestic scout. Terra immediately claimed the colony as its own, but has never attempted to press its claims. Ragnarok (world, gas giant) Deep in the heart of Ragnarok's atmosphere, an array of titanic monoliths float. Each is over 3 miles high, and they are arrayed in a ring around the equator of the planet 713 miles apart. Because of the hostility of the atmosphere, few studies of these objects have yet been undertaken. http://www.gric.at/gallery/bild170.htm Notes: gas giant artifacts giant electrical storms Inquisitor Barque (ship, inquisition) Majestic The Queen likes to keep a close eye on what happens in her domain. The Inquisitional cruiser's job is to police the realm and resport directly to the Queen. Notes: stealthy mobile military The Advisor (leader, spy) Majestic The alien creature known as the advisor arrived in system from parts unknown during the coronation of the young queen Isolda. It quickly ingratiated herself to the Queen and her council. It quickly rose to a position that many native born nobles envy. Notes: Race: Alien 81 spy administrator intelligent dictatorial ambitious corrupt mobile Embarked Prospero (ship, alien) Majestic Prospero is an ancient AI ship dug from the surface of Majestica. The ships' AI has no memory of its function or past, and is anxious to learn. Majestic scientists have not hesitated to take it under their wing. Notes: mobile heavy weapons nimble ancient military New Venus (world, airless) The crust of New Venus is covered in highly reflective dust. From space, the world has a bright appearance, which the first colonists compared to Venus in the Sol System. Notes: airless beautiful volcanic rocky Majestica (world, homeworld) Majestic Initially, the Majestic colonists were not encouraged by what they saw, a system with no earthlike planets. When they discovered signs of life on the third world, however, they made the decision to land their colony ship immediately. The bulk of the inhabitants still live in the region surrounding the city of Landfall. Landfall is built on an icy plain above a deep resevoir of fresh water teeming with life. Mining has been a difficulty, however, as little usable ore can be found near the surface, and infestations of ice snakes are always a problem. The Majestic Colony thought they were the first to explore Majestica, until a boring crew uncovered an alien hull frozen hundreds of meters below the surface. Notes: iceball artifacts ice mountains life mineral poor agriculture mining treaty: trade agreements with Orcherans lifeform: insidious snakes lifeform: bipedal abominations well administrated Queen Isolda I (leader, administrator) Majestic Queen Isolda is beloved of her subjects, though those close to her know she has some unsavory habits. Notes: Race: Majestic Sapiens administrator chief executive inspiring careful currupt monarch mobile battleship Hugin (ship, battleship constcution site) Majestic This ship is under construction. The battleship is the ultimate fighting vessel, pushing current technology to its limits. Though slow, a battleship can engage opponents at any range. Notes: construction site immobile vulnerable - Fenris Guard (barrier, defense) All young nobles who are not first born must serve a period in the Fenris Guard, the defense squadron of the homeworld. Consisting mostly of squadrons of fighters launched from sattelites and static bases, the Guard is capable of responding quickly to any threat. Majestica Militia (army, militia) Majestic A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. Notes: military undisciplined - Industrial Base-Majestica (industrial base, medium) Majestic An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. - Trouble: lack of raw materials (trouble, resource) What little mineral wealth can be found near the surface of Majestica is rapidly being depleted. Peacekeeper Squadron Cassandra (ship, squadron) Majestic The ships of the peacekeeper squadrons are light, fast, ships of an ancient design. Notes: mobile fast squadron military ancient Cassandra AI (leader, AI) Majestic The Cassandra AI is an ancient computer sapience that follows the orders of the duly elected Peacekeeper Commodore. Notes: military AI loyal Odin (world, iceball) Odin's surface bears the scars of numerous impacts. A recent volcanic eruption melted a huge region of the surface, which re-froze into a shape that the Majestics beleive looks like a gigantic eye, hence the name of the world. Notes: iceball hostile rugged terrain cratered ice volcanos Ajax (system, outpost) The Ajax system is a stopping point on the great Ourobors trade route. The system consists of a yellow sun and a small brown dwarf star on an extreme eliptical orbit. There are a number of asteroids and sub-planetoid chunks, but little else of interest here. - Ouroborus Route-Ajax (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a stopping point on the route. Ajax Minor (world, substellar body) Ajax Minor is too small to be poperly called a star, but too massive and too hot to be truly called a gas giant. Notes: brown dwarf Capernau (system, Cappocean Home System) Capernau has been a trade stop on the Ouroboros route for generations. The friendly Cappocean race provides an important source for exotic foodstuffs and biochemicals used throughout the cluster. Cappocean Militia (army, militia) Independent A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. Notes: military undisciplined acquatic - Ouroborus Route-Capernau (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a stopping point on the route. Peacekeeper Squadron Atlanta (ship, squadron) Majestic The ships of the peacekeeper squadrons are light, fast, ships of an ancient design. Notes: mobile fast depleted squadron military ancient Sir Mojnar (leader, diplomat) Majestic Sir Mojnar is a noted warrior and always wears a necklace of teeth from a Storm Bear he killed himself. Notes: Race: Majestic Sapiens office: peacekeeper commodore diplomat intimidating farmer nobleman healthy reckless mobile Timsu (world, gas giant) Timsu has an impressive ring system and hundreds of moons. Most of these are small fragments captured from the Alura belt. Timsu is named for an important character in Cappocean myth. Those capable of understanding the Cappocean language affirm that the Ballad of Timsu is among the most beautiful examples of epic poetry in the Cluster. Notes: gas giant ringed many moons ice storms Alarua Mercator (world, asteroid field) The Alura belt is actually several small clusters of pre-planetary fragments that never fully coaslesced. Several uncharted prospecting communities have alternately prospered or failed, fed by the hope of trade with Cappocea. Notes: asteroid field Cappocea (world, ocean) The green oceans of Cappocea harbor the largest intelligent species known to galactic civilization. Three islands, comprising about 25 square miles are the only dry land on the planet. Here, in the deep-water harbor of the trade city of Apar, the Cappocean's trade deep water kelp and exotic shellfish for metals and such technologies as are useful to them in their deep ocean habitat. Notes: ocean habitable agriculture lifeform: intelligent whales lifeform: dangerous predators lifeform: poisonous slugs - Cappocean Defenses (barrier, militia) Though their relations with other races have been generally friendly, Cappocean society has a long history of armed conflict carried out by their warrior caste. In time of trouble, all Cappocean knights are bound to fight to defend the greater good. - Industrial Base-Cappernau (industrial base, light) An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. The Cappocean's do not engage in heavy industry, but do have small, craft based guilds that produce a wide range of goods made from native ceramics. Durable corals or imported metals provide the raw materials for weapons and other goods. Onir (world, airless) Onir is the nearest world to the star Capernau. A long network of ridges, bright with Quartz depostis, give it a wrinkled look from space. Notes: airless rocky Olympus Region (region, hyperspace) The Olympus region is so-named for the star Olympus, a high-radiation white star that is the brightest visible in the night sky through most regions of the Ourobors Cluster. Sechi (system, inhabited) Ilithids Several races and guilds have voiced the desire to establish a permanent claim on the Sechi system. Because of its strategic location, however, the Ilithids have always strenously objected to any such plan. The recent discovery of valuable minerals in the upper cloud levels of Sechi II have again renewed this interest. - Ouroborus Route-Sechi (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a stopping point on the route. Sechi Defense (ship, squadron) Ilithids Squadrons provide fast, lightweight defense that can react quickly to incursions. Notes: mobile fast squadron military Ilithid Protectorate Embassy (space station, diplomatic) Ilithids Because the Ilithid Protectorate lies off the main Ourboros route, the Ilithids maintain an embassy station in Sechi. Those who have business to transact with the Protectorate can contact them through the diplomatic staff of the station. Notes: immobile armored IPE Diplomatic Team (team, diplomatic) Ilithids The IPE team keeps the embassy running smoothly. Notes: Race: Ilithid diplomat Sechi IV (world, gas giant) Sechi IV is a particularly large gas giant, almost classifyable as a sub-stellar object. It glows with an eerie inner light. Notes: gas giant feature: glowing cloud bands locked aspect Starlight (space station, settlement) Independent Starlight's complete laws are inscribed on a metal plate taken from the hull of the first ship to explore the system. This plate sits in the main landing bay of the station. They read 'Welcome to Starlight. No explosives permitted. No bazookas. No pets.' Notes: armored heavy weapons criminal Mister Ewell of Starlight (leader, kingpin) gamemaster Mister Ewell of Starlight has not offical standing, no apparent wealth, and no job to speak of. He can be found, three days of the week, in a certain booth in a certain canteen on the outer hub of Starlight. It is generally known that when he says a thing will happen on Starlight, it happens. In the end, if you want to deal with Starlight, you deal with him. Notes: administrator spacer criminal cunning scarred Sechi III (world, gas giant) Sechi III's erratic orbit takes it well above and blow the plain of the ecliptic, contributing to its unpredictable five season weather cycle. This planet has few visitors. Notes: gas giant Sechi II (world, gas giant) Ilithids Sechi II's atmosphere is rich with rare organic minerals and exotic gases. The Ilithids have founded a colony here in the upper atmosphere. Notes: gas giant mineral rich Sechi I (world, asteroid field) Independant The Sechi I debris field stretches from just inside the orbit of Sechi II all the way to Sechi's upper corona. The heat is so intense that many of the inner asteroids are partially liquid balls of metal-rich magma and slag. Notes: asteroid field inferno hostile mineral rich mining Ironforge (space station, mining outpost) Independent Ironforge is more a ragtag collection of scrapped hulls and hollowed out rocks welded into a semi-coherent whole than a space station. Nevertheless, this city is home to some twenthy thousand miners and prospectors, most of them Gron. Small mining camps dot the asteroids, though the living is far from easy. Notes: treaty: Military alliance with Ilithid Protectorate Master Czuvik of Ironforge (leader, miner) independent Master Czuvik, through the respect of his fellows and the sweat of his brow, leads the Gron at Ironforge. Notes: Race: Gron miner honest administrator Satyr (system, outpost) Independent A small refeuling outpost ran by a coalition of traders form a minor race called the Gron serves as the main stopping point for ships travelling between Olympus and the Ring Station. The spectacle of this binary system serves as a reminder of the terrors and hazards of space. The secondary star, Satyr II, is a black hole orbiting close to the blue supergiant Satyr. A bright filament of hot gasses connects the two as Satyr slowly falls into its dark neighbor. Satyr Station (world, asteroid) Satyr Station wouldn't even be worth including on the charts, were it not for the small but busy refeuling depot located here. The station is feircely independant and will sell fuel to any and all who call. Notes: airless asteroid Great Olympus (system, Uninhabited) The white star Olympus is the brightest star visible in all regions of the cluster from the Widow's Gap to beyond Olympus region. Olympus I (world, airless) This rocky world orbits close to its parent star, Olympus. Notes: airless irradiated rocky Olypus II (world, gas giant) The gas giant Olympus II is bathed in the endless storm of radiation thrown out by Olympus. Notes: gas giant irradiated Farstrand Region (region, hyperspace) The farstrand is a region of luminous gasses pulled from the Heart stars by some ancient cataclysm. Llorasc (system, Ilithid Home System) Ilithids Llorasc is the home system of two races, the enigmatic Ilithids and the servient Morlocks. For centuries, the Ilithid Protectorate has been one of the most peaceful regions of the cluster. Thrall (world, venusian) Ilithids The Morlocks, the native inhabitants of Llore are an ancient race. They were initially prevented from acheiving space travel by the high gravity and obscuring thick atmosphere of their world. When they finally took the first tentative steps into space near the dawn of the age of Young Races, the Ilithids were waiting for them. Over the centuries, the relationship between the two races has become symbiotic, some even say exploitive. The Morlocks provide the Ilithids with manual labor, while the Ilithids provide for the the Morlocks' needs. In recent decades, the Morlock population has shown a slow but steady decline. Notes: venusian high gravity mining life lifeform: cuddly snakes lifeform: radioactive bacteria lifeform: intelligent herbivores - barrier fleet (barrier, defenses) Most Ilithid transports and merchant ships carry some armaments. As a result, the Protectorate has a considerable fleet of non-jump capable defense ships it can call upon in an emergency. The Ilithon (world, homeworld) Ilithids According to the most acient accounts, Llore's close-orbiting moon The Ilithon entered the system in ancient times and was captured by the gravity of Llore. Others point out that this is physically unlikely, and suggest that the Ilithids migrated to the Ouroboros cluster form a neighboring galaxy. The Ilithids live in great presurized networks of subterrenean caverns and undergound cities that honeycomb the planetoid. Notes: airless rocky hollow agriculture Protector Thrask (leader, administrator) Ilithids The chief protector holds responsibility for the well-being of all Ilithids and the care of all Morlocks. Notes: Race: Ilithid chief executive psychic stealthy charismatic mobile Oulomb (leader, military) Ilithids Although Oulomb is as alien-looking as the rest of his kind, he has a particular flair for fashion that even non-Ilithid races find pleasing to the eye. His military dress robes are sharp and stylish. Notes: Race: Ilithid psychic disciplined poet beautiful mobile astral projection team (team, science) Ilithids "How typical of the young races that they imagine hyperspace travel to be a physical phenomenon." -- Juxat Gol, The Science of the Minds Notes: race: alien scientist Ilithon Militia (army, militia) Ilithids A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. The Ilithon militia contains a higher proportion of Ilithid troops to Morlocks than is usual for Ilithid military units. Notes: military undisciplined - Industrial Base-The Ilithon (industrial base, heavy) Ilithids An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. Almost all industrial work on the Ilithon is carried out by Morlock workers - trouble: labor shortage (trouble, population) Due to the reduced Morlock population, the Ilithid protectorate's industrial capabilities are seriously jeopardized. Iron Squid (ship, cargo) Ilithids Ilithid ships are sleek, strange vessels that resemble eerie metallic squids. Notes: mobile weapon: psychic ram cruiser cargo bay battle scarred military Iron Octopus (ship, desroyer) Ilithids Like you'd think from the name, it's not as sleek as the squid-like vessels, but just as deadly. Notes: mobile psychic ram military ghost cloak Morlock Shock Troops (army, militia) Ilithids Thralls are not known for the initiative or cleverness, but they are extremely durable. Notes: military undisciplined Iron Anemone (ship, science) Ilithids This Ilithid vessel resembles an iron sea anemone - rather than the sleek squid-like appearance of the military vessels, it has thicker arms supporting various scientific instruments and sensors. Notes: mobile science ship frigate ghost cloak Urskek (leader, scientist) Ilithids Urskek is somewhat accident prone, but otherwise skilled. Notes: Race: Ilithid scientist corrupt unlucky psychic mobile slow Terpsichore (system, dead) Terpsichore was once the home of a thriving race of arachnoids. The Terpsichorans were a highly advanced race with a number of small colonies and outposts in the Terpsichore system and beyond. The system was devastated when their sun went nova unexpectedly. Now this branch of the Ouroboros route is closed, due to the lack of goods, and the serious navigational hazards in the region. Terpsichore Prime (world, dead) Terpsichore A burned out husk is all that remains of the once prosperous and powerful Terpsichoran home world. Notes: dead irradiated hostile airless Thsoull (outpost, trade station) There are few outposts in the galaxy as forelorn as Thsoull. And yet, a few Terpsichorans choose to live here in radiation armored domes. These few stubbornly refuse to recognize any Terpsichorans who live offworld to be true Terpsichorans. Ovlost (world, airless) Ovlost is a barren, forsaken world. Notes: airless irradiated cratered Belt of Tears (world, asteroid belt) Terpsichore A few Terpsichorans still inhabit the outer asteroid belt of the system, mostly living as pirates or privateers. Their presence makes the system even more unfriendly to travellers.. Notes: asteroid field dense The Last Outpost (outpost, pirate) Terpsichore The Last Outpost is located inside a hollowed-out asteroid. The inhabitants are an increasinly poor lot who make their way by trading with, and occassionally raiding neighboring systems. Notes: heavy weapons force field Terpsichore Militia (army, militia) Terpsichore A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. Notes: military undisciplined Transept Region (region, hyperspace) Transept region contains a number of dead worlds that bear the mark of some ancient cataclysm. Origel (system, uninhabited) Origel is a near uninhabited system on the Ourobors trade route. A small trade station provides a place for travellers of the route to rest, swap stories and trade goods. - Ouroborus Route-Origel (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a stopping point on the route. Origel Station (space station, depot) Origel Trade orbits far from the star Origel and provides a convenient stopping point for trade caravans following the Ourobors route. An array of defenses, including automated and manual missle arrays and turrets help make the station a poor prospect for pirate attack. Notes: automated defenses trade station Origel Beta (world, iceball) Origel Beta's surface is regularly re-covered by upwellings from its deep oceans of briny water. Legend tells of a lost ancient city buried deep beneath the surface, but the active movement of the ice sheets makes this unlikely. Nevertheless, the phrase "Goods from Origel" remains parlance for particularly fantastic and rare items. Notes: iceball mysterious cueball ice volcanos Origel Alpha (world, airless) Origel Alpha bears titanic scars that many experts have said could not have resulted from meteorite strikes. It is now beleived by a growing number of scientists that Origel Alpha is a scarred survivor of some ancient cataclysm or war in the Ancient era. Notes: airless dusty scarred cratered Selenis (system, sacred) Orchera Selenis System is home both to the last surviving colony of Terpsichorans, and to a newly founded Orchera outpost. - Ouroborus Route-Selenis (trade route, Ouroboros) The Ouroboros route crosses through the territories of several major races and provides the main route of trade through the galaxy. This system is a stopping point on the route. Selenis I (world, desert) The magrinal desert world of Selenis I has attracted two colonies, one Terpsichoran, one Orchera. The surface of the world is covered with thick grasslands, some of which are dangerous to traverse. Notes: desert rough terrain agriculture dusty life terraformed lifeform: exotic grass lifeform: insidiious vines lifeform: poisonous grass lifeform: luxat vine - Cholust (settlement, agricultural) Orchera Cholust is a small agricultural enclave of the Orcheran race. Because of the scarcity of water, the colony has had hard times, but the durability of Orcheran food plants helps significantly. whip (ship, courier) Orchera The courier places a preimum on speed and agility at the cost of any serious weaponry. Notes: mobile fast frigate Cholust Militia (army, militia) Orchera The Orchera keep a small, lightly armed militia to guard the Cholust colony. Notes: mobile military undisciplined - industrial base-Cholust (industrial base, light) Orchera An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. - industrial expansion project-Cholust (construction, industrial) Orchera - Outpost 573 (settlement, research) Terpsichore Outpost 573 was a Terpsichoran research base located near the south pole. Since the destruction of the Terpsichoran homeworld, suriviors have flocked to the base. The colony still struggles to survive with limited resources in the harsh climate. The base is defended by a trio of three large ion cannons capable of hitting ships in near orbit. Notes: heavy weapons Tears of Terpse (ship, cargo) Terpsichore The Tears is an ageing vessel, tasked with carrying supplies to the penal colony on Terpsichore II. Notes: mobile cruiser armored slow military - Industrial Base-Outpost 573 (industrial base, light) Terpsichore An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. Selenis II (world, airless) Terpsichore Selenis II is the location of an old Terpsichoran penal colony. Rather than free the criminals, the Terpsichoran outpost at Selenis I elected to continue to supply the base and use it as a dumping ground for criminals. Notes: airless dusty mining well administered Pod (leader, scientist) Independent Pod moves about on a multi-legged bio-construct of its own design. Since his dismissal from the service of the Orchera, he is a common sight in Cathedral City. Notes: Race: Orchera scientist cybernetic limb powerful mobile Ousl's Pride (ship, escort) Terpsichore An escort is a lightly armed, interstellar craft suitable for swift patrols, or light defensive duties. Notes: mobile military frigate - Industrial Base-Selenis II (industrial base, light) Terpsichore An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. Selenis II Penal Colony (outpost, penal) Terpsichore The Penal Colony is an armored dome defended by a small contingent of guards. Terpsichoran criminals work here, trading ore for supplies from Selenis I. Notes: armored Ousl Terps (leader, diplomat) Terpsichore Ousl Terps, the one-time guard captain of the penal colony, has declared himself supreme spokesman for the Terpsichoran race, with little dissent. Notes: Race: Terpsichore chief executive popular beautiful administrator powerful criminal mobile Gramond (leader, military) Terpsichore Gramond survived his long incarceration in the Selenis Penal Colony through determination and by owning a personal force field. He is now Ousl Terps right-hand man. Notes: Race: Terpsichore mobile slow criminal military personal force field Selenis II Guards (army, militia) With the growth of the colony of Selenis II, the guards were ordered expanded into a fully fledged militia. Notes: undisciplined military criminal Science Ship I (ship, diplomatic) The Scientists This ship features a number of interesting, non-standard additions. Notes: mobile powerful stealthy lucky slow Shrine of the Tree (outpost, shrine) The Tree was discovered when a group of traders set down on Selenis II for repairs. Though there are a few lifeforms native to vaccum environments, The Tree conforms to none of them. Neither has any other example of it been found on Selenis II. In several ancient religious traditions, the Tree is the symbol of the Prophet's work. As a result, a small shrine has grown up around the tree to facilitate the growing number of pilgrims to the reputedly miraculous site. Even a few of the unreligious Orchera have visisted the spot. Notes: religious Scientist 003 (leader, delegate) The Scientists The first evidence that the Hive meant to enter stellar civilization was its allocation of a single representative to the University. Scientist 003 has since become a valuable member of the scientific team. Notes: Race: Hive diplomat scientist stealthy cunning swashbuckler mobile Codex Animam (team, science) Orchera The Orchera are fascinated with the ability of the Shrine Tree to survive in a vaccum. They have dispatched a team of scientists to monitor and study the tree. Notes: scientist The Red Angels (team, military) Independent The Red Angels are the self-appointed guardians of the Shrine of the Tree. Notes: military religious Selenis III (world, gas giant) Selenis III's raging storms make for a good show from space. Notes: gas giant hostile beautiful Trellian (system, frontier) Before the fall of Terpsichore, Trellian was a popular pilgrim stop on the Ouroboros route. The system holds an important place in several of the religions and superstitions of the Ouroboros cluster, partially because it is beleived to be the birthplace of the prophet Zyyaz of old. Spiral (world, airless) The near perfect smoothness of Spire's surface is broken by slender spire mountains tens of times higher than they are wide. There are several clusters of these Spires rising from teh surface, but the most spectacular range nearly encircles the west pole of the world. Scientists speculate that the spires are the result of a bizarre interaction between early violent volcanism and the vacuum of space. The spires have a religious significance to several faiths in the Ouroboros cluster. Spiral also boasts a few small permanent communities. Visitors are always welcome, not only for news, but because they offer a market for religious trinkets. Notes: airless mysterious spires mineral rich cueball feature: Crown of Zyyaz Crystal (world, airless) Crystal's ice mountains are one of the more interesting sights in the cluster. Notes: airless ice mountains Redoubt (world, gas giant) Redoubt is interesting for its bizarre retrograde cloud rotation and the presence of the Redoubt Community on one of its moons. Notes: gas giant mysterious Redoubt Abbot Angecal (leader, subtype) Independent Abbot Angecal has overseen the Redoubt community for many years. He is devoted to the protection of the relics of Zyyaz. Notes: Race: Terpsichore mobile monk administrator honest saintly The Redoubt Community (outpost, monastery) The Redoubt Community is a monastic retreat carved from the very rock of one of Redoubt's small asteroid moons. The monks do not court outside contact, though they welcome the occasional traveller and are sworn to aid the needs of pilgrims. The relics of Zyyaz are kept in a deep inner chapel. Notes: monastery Macia (world, airless) Though Macia has spires that are apparently similar (though smaller) than those on Spiral, few stop there, because of the high radiation. Notes: airless spires irradiated Brovis (system, uninhabited) Brovis is a brown dwarf star that offers little of interest beyond a navigational aide and stopping point on hyperspace jump. Brovis I (world, airless) Brovis I might have supported life if it had orbited a brighter star. Instead, its rains turned into glaciers, its oceans froze, and its atmosphere decayed, leaving an airless hunk of ice and stone. Notes: airless icy rocky Propspero Region (region, hyperspace) Prospero Region is the home region of the Orchera plant beings. Orchera Beta is a hot substellar object with two planets orbiting it. Vas Orchera (system, Orchera home system) Orchera Vas Orchera is the home system of the Orchera race. It is a binary system, with two of its principle worlds orbitting the small companion star. - Defense Orbs (barrier, defense) In order to help defend their home system, the Orchera have built a number of defense bases throughout the system. Each base is a single orb with a hollow space dock in its interior. The orb has a number of particle cannons and a squadron of short range fighters. The Fragmentary Oblique (world, asteroid field) The fragmentary oblique is a globular region of commetary fragments and planetoids occupying the inner orbits of the Vas Orchera system. The Terpsichorans visited this system and even did some preliminary mining in antiquity. Later, there settlement was turned into a pirate hold. It's scorched remains stand as a testament to the wrath of the Orcheran pirate hunting forces. Notes: asteroid field icy suspected pirate activity Orchera Prime (world, homeworld) Orchera At some point in its evolution, a large asteroid slammed into Orchera, leading to drastic climate change. All animal species were wiped out, but some aggressive plants survived. Today, Orchera is a deadly jungle world of corrosive gasses and deadly plants. The sentient Orchera thrive in this environment, however, and have several large tree-cities. Notes: habitable deathworld life hostile earthquakes jungle treaty: trade agreements with Majestic Empire lifeform: poisonous grass lifeform: insidious vines lifeform: carnivorous plants feature: Orchera impact crater Ominix (leader, administrator) Orchera Ominix bears a striking resemblance to the mythical Sol being 'Treebeard.' He is covered in a thick brown bark and his face bears a certain wisdom that comes from administrating an entire planet for many years. While Ominix often speaks very slowly, it is only because he is carefully considering what is the best thing to say. Notes: Race: Orchera office: Ring Factories Administrator administrator chief executive fast courageous elite mobile Orchera Prime Militia (army, militia) Orchera A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. Notes: military undisciplined - Industrial Base-Orchera Prime (industrial base, heavy) Orchera An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. Orchera LCS 1 (ship, large colony) Orchera A large colony ship can be used to found a new colony. The ship is dismantled to provide materials for the new colony. Notes: mobile military Advanced Terraforming Research (team, science) Orchera Advanced Terraforming research team. Notes: scientist Thorn (ship, flagship) Orchera The small pirate squadrons that plague Vas Orchera assidiously avoid contact with the Thorn, when they can. Notes: mobile capital ship military heavy weapons Fist (leader, military) Orchera Fist's bloodline obviously descends from a harsh desert plain. His 'skin' is rough and mottled. Thorns adorn his body but it is unclear as to whether they are vestigial or if they truly are as sharp as they appear. Notes: Race: Orchera embarked military popular disciplined bitter selfish elite mobile Rain of Thorns (ship, squadron) Orchera Orchera ships have an interesting biological look to them. Notes: mobile fast squadron military Orchera Beta (world, substellar object) Orchera beta is a hot world that never fully became a star. Notes: substellar object irradiated Luminar A (world, airless) Orchera Despite its harsh environment, Luminar A is a rich source of minerals. The fact that they regularly well up in liquid form from the mantle makes harvesting relatively easy. The River of Fire is a lava river that can extend as long as a thousand miles during peak volcanic activity. Notes: airless mining mineral rich high gravity volcanic feature: River of Fire - Ouloch (city, mining) Orchera Ouloch is built on a high plateau above the River of Fire under an armored dome. A squadron of defense ships is sufficient to discourage direct pirate attack. Notes: armored fighter squadron Luminar B (world, airless) Luminar B has large dust oceans. Notes: airless dusty Orchera Gamma (world, gas giant) The sight of lightning arching between Orchera Gamma and its innermost moon moves even the strange souls of the Orchera to poetry. Notes: gas giant beautiful giant electrical storms Sprout (ship, science) Orchera Notes: mobile science ship Stellar Investigation Team (team, science) Orchera A science team can be created to research a new technology, investigate a location, or other task. The team will automatically disband when their task is complete. This team's task is to carry out scientific investigations of stellar and other phenomena. Notes: race: Orchera scientist Far Orchera (world, gas giant) In recent years, at least one pirate base hidden in the ring system of Far Orchera has been destroyed by Orchera ships. Notes: gas giant ringed Widows Gap (region, hyperspace) The Widow's Gap is a region of loosely packed stars. The region is poorly explored and contains many wonders for those willing to brave its hazards. Hive (system, Insectoid Home System) Insectoid Hive is the home of a xenophobic inesctoid race that has shunned contact with outsiders. Trade ships are allowed to approach the trade station on the outermost world, but ships that venture closer are inevitably destroyed. No military ships of any sort are welcome. Hive I (world, airless) No non-Insectoid sentients have visited Hive I since the system was first charted by Ortad explorers. Notes: airless locked aspect cratered Feature: ice mountains Home Hive (world, homeworld) Insectoid The first explorers to visit this red-orange world of ice and dust were slaughtered by the native inhabitants. The Insectoids have since developed space travel, but have shown little interest in other races, except for some small trade operations. Their cities rise from from the plains of Home Hive like massive termite mounds studded with lights. Notes: desert mining agriculture life supercrops lifeform: Insidious flyers lifeform: hostile predators lifeform: docile plants Hive Queen (leader, queen) Insectoid The Insectoids speak in glowing, almost religious terms about their Queen and her beauty. While no living member of another race has gazed upon her, it seems unlikely that she is as attractive as she is described. Notes: Race: Hive chief executive administrator loyal brilliant immobile Hive Research Institute (team, science) Insectoid The Hive Research Institute functions with an efficiency that easily rivals any institution in the galaxy. Notes: Race: Insectoid scientist institution Insectoid Destroyer One (ship, destroyer) Insectoid The destroyer is a larger warship, still fast and versatile by most standards, but packing larger weapons than any but the most belligerant merchant vessel. Notes: mobile military heavy weapons Home Hive Militia (army, militia) Insectoids A militia is an army of lightly armed, lightly trained troops. Notes: military undisciplined Hiveclaw (ship, frigate) Insectoid The Hiveclaw resembles a wasp with rocket engines. Notes: mobile frigate military - Hivefleet (barrier, defense fleet) Insectoid The Insectoid fleet forms an impressive barrier to exploration. They will attack any military ships that enter the system, and any ships at all that approach the inner planets. - Industrial Base-Home Hive (industrial base, heavy) Insectoid An indsutrial base is required to build ships and other heavy equipment. It also improves the economy by providing goods for trade. Hive III (world, iceball) Insectoid In seeming contradiction to their xenophobic repuation, the Hive makes every effort to make visiting traders welcome, quizzing new races as to their culinary and environment needs so as to meet their needs better. Nevertheless, it remains a trader's adage "If a Hiver wants to have you for dinner, be sure to say no." Notes: iceball Pitacrin Trade Station (outpost, trade station) Carved into a natural ice cave in the rim of Hive III's largest crater, Pitcarin features spectacular views. The facilities, however, are primitive at best. The rooms are always damp, and the booze is poor. Notes: immobile Peer (system, Uninhabited) Because the Peer system is uninhabited and contains no planets, ships passing through this region must be sure to carry enough fuel to finsish the trip to their destination.