Rapiris
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Rapiris
Hex 0525 of No Man's Land
Geography
Rapiris is the fourth of six planets in the system that orbits the star Carthenum. The Rapirian year lasts 401 days, which are split into four Kiys (seasons) of 100 days each. New Years day does not belong to any season. The day-night cycle is twenty four hours long. Rapirians (the residents of Rapiris) follow this calandar and time schedule, much to the confusion of travelers.
Rapiris is a large planet, with a diameter of approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles), almost double that of Earth. Due to the lack of large quantities of rock and liquid water, the planet is not very dense, and has a gravitational coefficient of only 1.2G. The average temperature on Rapiris is cold by most standards, varying between -100 Celsius annual temperature at the poles and 20 degrees Celsius at the equator. Eridani enjoy the sub freezing temperatures and the methane-based atmosphere. There are enough inert gases here to prevent the atmosphere from being flammable.
Rapiris is 80% water, but that number is deceiving. The Rapirian ocean is one of only two bodies of water on the planet. It covers the surface of Rapiris within 15 degrees of the equator and encircles the globe. It is broken only at longitude 170 east at the Bun-San Mountain Chain. As there is no snow or ice covering the ocean, dry land pokes up in many areas. There are literally thousands of islands, seasonal islands, and peninsulas in this region. The seasonal islands are areas in the flux lands (see below) that are sometimes islands surrounded by water, but are connected to the enormous ice caps the rest of the year. Although the amount of visible dry land varies seasonally, peninsulas are land areas that are connected to the ice year round. Icebergs are a constant threat to those who cross these oceans. Hovercraft are greatly preferred to surface vessels to eliminate the risk of underwater icebergs.
At the edges of the Rapirian ocean are the Flux Lands. These areas cover the planet roughly between fifteen and twenty degrees of latitude. They change on a seasonal cycle between snow and liquid. There are a few areas that are churned by tectonic movement and are year-round slush.
Most of the other "water" areas on Rapiris are covered in snow about 10 meters deep. Deeper than 10 meters, the snow has packed itself into ice. While walking through this area, the average Eridani will sink only about a meter deep. Snowshoes reduce this to about one third. Considering that the average Eridani is over two meters tall, this is not difficult to move through.
Most of Rapiris is snowy plains, extending as far as the eye can see. It takes about twenty five square kilometers (ten square miles) of the sparse vegetation and animal life that exists here to support one Eridani. As there are no streams or other landmarks, it is easy to become lost here. Native Eridani always carry a compass or GPS (Global Positioning System) whenever away from home.
While most of the planet is flat, it is broken in a few locations. In some cases the wind has formed large areas of hills and mountains that are made of snow and ice. The most beautiful of these are the Crystal Caverns of Tsocanth. Eridani are fond of entering these caves and watching sun sparkle through the icy roof overhead. Visitors agree that the best time for watching this natural light show is at sunrise and sunset. Many holograms have been made of this area and sold to those who are unable to travel here. There are a few areas where rock protrudes above the snow and ice. These are mountain ranges that are mostly submerged below the ice, with only the tops visible. They are typically barren rock, without soil.
Animals and Vegetation
Buc is a hemispherical plant that grow like black domes from the arctic conditions. Buc's
roots stretch far to gather nourishment, then rise to form another dome. Buc thus grow in sparse fields. Due to the limitation of nourishment, nothing else can grow in a field of Buc.
It is eaten by cracking open the hard outer shell, and eating the flesh within. Buc is a
major food item for the Eridani who live outside of the city. Since the decline of space travel, the cities are also relying heavily on Buc to feed the masses.
In 2184, Eridani imported canti, avian herbivores similar to a flying dragon. They were let loose to populate the planet in an attempt to eliminate the renshaw (see below) by providing superior competition. The attempt was unsuccessful. Canti thrive on the indigenous plant life of Rapiris, and quickly spread across the planet. The animal is about 5 meters long, but its thin body makes it size class seven. Canti have d8+10 body points, and fly at a speed of 16 meters per second. As the canti's flight is unstable, it rarely flies more than seven meters from the ground. Eridani enjoy hunting canti, and view it as a challenge, as the animal can fly above their swords, and is far faster than the hunters. The hunters are sure to use as much of a slain canti as possible. They eat the meat, tailor the fur into warm clothing, and use the bones for everything from eating utensils to ceremonial ornaments.
Canus is a type of moss that grows well in the cold Rapirian mountain ranges. It is white, and is easily confused with snow. Eridani do not eat Canus, rejecting it not only for taste but the distaste of eating something scraped off of some rock. They instead sell it as food to other races. Since the damage to the spaceports, the harvest has continued. It has been treated, packaged, stockpiled and buried outside to freeze in large quantities. Consequently, the market price has plummeted. Large profits are made in places where spacecraft can land reliably. Traders who are bringing high-tech weaponry to Rapiris are often loading Canus for the return trip. Zen and Ikrini Geomancers are particularly fond of Canus.
Kai Nar is an equivalent of sugar cane and is the only large plant that survives the fierce storms of the tropics of Teksa. It typically grows about 2 meters tall, and 5 centimeters in diameter. Kai Nar is a warm-weather plant, and Teksa is the only place it can survive on Rapiris. It is processed into bread, eaten as a vegetable, and used in many food dishes.
The renshaw is an indigenous animal species, physically resembling turtles. They are white and can grow up to a meter long. The renshaw have large hooks that run down the length of their underside and stick out under each side of their jaw. These hooks are able to jut into the hard shell of Buc, and then pull it apart, allowing the creature to eat the flesh that lies inside. It is omnivorous, but primarily feeds on Buc. The renshaw scavenges dead creatures, or will sneak up on sleeping creatures. Although battle with awake creatures is avoided by the renshaw, it will engage an awakened opponent. Its hooks have a 50% chance to hit, doing one point of damage. These hooks will stick into armor. On subsequent rounds, the renshaw will rip the target apart, causing 1-6 points of damage (ignore threshold). The renshaw travels by pushing on the snow with its four flippers and using its two hooks as sled runners. It can attain a speed of 12 meters per second, but it cannot turn very well. Treat the renshaw as having stealth skill level 6. The creature has a threshold of 3 due to its exoskeleton, and has d4+2 body points. Although the renshaw does not have enough meat to justify hunting it, some Eridani hunt renshaw. The Eridani are motivated by uses of the bones of the renshaw and to stop the renshaw's menace to sleeping Eridani and to their food supply.
Tesini trees were called by one observer "The mushrooms from hell." Their trunks are purple, knarled and very serpentine. The trees often wind around each other or around themselves. They are topped by a single black leaf that is sometimes as high as 10 meters off the ground and have a diameter over 13 meters. The wood of a Tesini tree is exceptionally hard, but its shape and difficulty to harvest it from the remote areas of mountain in which it grows prevent its widescale use as lumber. Tesini only grows within 45 degrees of latitude of the equator.
Vetra Cadu, "Flying Wings" are an unusual animal species. They are indigenous to Rapiris and live in the Rapirian Ocean. Vetra Cadu are triangular beings that are about one meter long and only 7 centimeters thick. A single eye fills the front tip of the creature. This eye can see everything in the front 180 degrees simultaneously, but as the eye does not rotate, it is not able to see behind the Vetra Cadu. A large portion of their body is muscle, and they have no bones. They use their muscles to swim through water or fly through the air. Their maximum water speed is an impressive 15 meters per second. They can attain speeds of 25 meters per second while airborne. They have a unique metabolism that requires oxygen and methane to survive. While under water, gills that cover the leading edge absorb oxygen. Methane is absorbed the same way while airborne. Vetra Cadu must alternate between flying and swimming to breathe, spending no more than four hours in one habitat. They feed on any fish or avian that will fit in their mouths. When the food supply is low, Vetra Cadu have been known to consume insects. They have d6+2 body points.
History
2150 The Human exploration ship Trailmaker discovers the planet, claims it for the Earth government, and names it "Icy Trail." Due to the methane atmosphere and cold climate, it is deemed unsuitable for human colonization.
2172 Teksa erupts, spewing a layer of ash that rose for kilometers. The ash settled into a thin layer that covered the entire planet. Geologists use these layers of ash to date rock formations.
2177 In "The Trade of the Century", Eridine trades three systems that have planets with oxygen atmospheres for three Human planets with methane atmospheres. Icy Trail is acquired, and is renamed Rapiris, after Telexi Rapiri, one of the negotiators.
2179 Eridani from Eridine and Jani colonize Rapiris.
2269 Phentari raider Black Slayer raids Emic, and is engaged over Aansolon by Eridani cruiser Ben-la. Despite being within range of ground based defenses, the Ben-la destroys the Black Slayer. The Ben-la excapes unscathed.
In response to the Black Slayer incident, 53 Phentari warships stage a surprise attack on Rapiris and Emic. Casualties are heavy on both sides. Five Phentari warships are destroyed, and seven Eridani cargo ships and one Eridani frigate are destroyed. Aansolon claims this was a preventitive attack, as these planets were stocking war goods as a prelude to an invasion of Aansolon. The Rapiris-Aansolon war begins.
2270 Thirty Eridani warships approach Aansolon to demand a Phentari surrender. Despite estimates that the Aansolon fleet consist of only 12 operational warships, the fleet is engaged by 45 Phentari vessels and the partially completed base station "Torture". The Rapirian fleet disengages at the loss of nine ships. "Torture" is destroyed along with 5 Phentari vessels.
In a deliberate show of force, 23 Phentari vessels slowly approach Rapiris, broadcasting challenges to Eridani vessels and the fleet's intent to destroy everything they encounter. All Eridani vessels from Emic and Rapiris are honor-bound to answer this challenge, although they understand that this is a trap. As the different vessels from all different units converge on the 23 obsolete Phentari warships, 40 prime warships appear out of hyperspace and engage the attackers. A few fragments of the Eridani forces manage to excape the slaughter. As a result of this humiliating loss, all Eridani warships are placed under the command of Rex Nakitari.
2271 In a show of strength and superior fleet size, Phentari begin wide-scale carpet bombardment of Rapiris, Emic and Andula. Due to the low population densities on these worlds, damage is light. It is widely regarded as a waste of firepower. These vessels are not challenged by the remnants of the Eridani fleets.
2272 Phentari orbital bombing gains precision after recording location of population centers and building types. Power plants and space stations are targeted and destroyed.
Battlelord Pakula Kinsa is killed in his palace during a nightime bombing raid. The palace is reduced to rubble. Lord Raginis Mecadalia is voted into power as his replacement.
2273 Rapiris determines that Aansolon is getting assistance from other Phentari planets.
Battlelord Raginis Mecadalia requests assistance from Eridine and other Eridani planets. Various planets send a token amount of personnel, weaponry and spacecraft. These spacecraft join the Rapiri fleet under their united command of Rex Nakitari.
After a Phentari invasion of Andula, Eridani destroyer "Bek-Te-Nar" evacuation of last 4 survivors. The 300 miners, although not skilled in battle, used their knowledge of the mining shafts to draw the 500 Phentari warriors to pits and areas that could be caved in. There were no Phentari survivors of the invasion force.
2274 Scattered bands of Orion mercenaries join forces with Aansolon for the joy of killing Eridani.
The city of Kendal sinks into the ice from a Phentari attack.
Phentari Heavy Mauler "Grim Reaper" has life support systems destroyed. Unable to survive the return trip to Aansolon, it rams the base station Balded Sun. One thousand Eridani perish in the span of five seconds, with an additional 500 succumbing from wounds.
Battlelord Raginis Mecadalia is assassinated by a car-bomb. Lord Shipa-Tan is elected to fill his position.
2275 The Cutting Crew start a riot in Phentari city of Assithous. After the third day of rioting, the Eridani cruiser Ben-la takes advantage of unmanned defenses and destroys the city.
Last survivors from Emic reach Rapiris.
Aansolon lands 2,000 search-and-destroy teams on Rapiris. Each team consists of three Phentari. Although the teams perform a lot of sabotage and slaughter, they are unfamiliar with the plants on Rapiris. Many Phentari perish of starvation in the barren plains.
2276 Phentari stage an attack Teksa isle using 4 wings of 3 trans-atmospheric craft each. 10 ships perish in two separate storms. The two remaining craft leave without locating the island.
Battle of Ssoniss - With coordition training completed and all ships refurbished, Admiral Trask begins the first offensive attack of the war, the bombardment of Ssoniss, and Aansolon city. This engagement is generally viewed as the turning point in the war. Twenty five Phentari vessels engage his fleet which has only 15 ships. Capitalizing on the coordination training, the Rapirian forces catch the Aansolon vessels in a vicious cross-fire, and are victorious. Five Phentari ships make emergency landings in Ssoniss, the remaining twenty are destroyed. Admiral Trask has lost only three of his vessels. Bombardment of the city resumes, and is concentrated at the space port at which the five damaged ships landed.
2277 The Cutting Crew stage two separate revolts in Phentari prison camps. With aid of a large number of smuggled swords, over two thousand Eridani battle their way to freedom.
Admiral Trask commands a raiding fleet of five light vessels to land commandos on Aansolon and rescue the Eridani who revolted. Phentari military intelligence discovers his plan, and fifteen warships await his small raid. Trask selflessly broadcasts his personal position and maneuvers his ship to draw the attackers away from the rest of the fleet.
The mission is accomplished, but Trask's ship is atomized by the Phentari forces. Admiral Trask was awarded a posthumous Legion of Honor for his bravery and willingness to sacrifice one hundred Eridani to save two thousand countrymen.
2278 Rapiris requests further assistance from Eridine. Eridine sends the seventh fleet, including the famous dreadnought Icandamous toward Rapiris.
The city of Hypix is bombed, and Hypix Station is destroyed. This is the last landing pad on Rapiris capable of handling vessels larger than a Mauler.
The Ashanti contact the Rapirian and Aansolon governments to set up peace talks. The talks are conducted on the Ashanti hospital ship "Mercy", located in deep space equidistant from Rapiris and Aansolon.
2279 Wanting to make progress before the armistice, Aansolon forces ravage Base station Balded Sun at the loss of eleven vessels. A photographer was present at the battle and took a photograph that is known throughout No Man's Land. It shows many Phentari and Eridani corpses orbiting the planet, with a few derelect ships drifting in the background.
The "Mercy Meetings" come to fruition - peace is declared.
The Seventh Fleet of Eridine arrives, only to find the spaceports damaged too far to support such a large fleet. Eridi corp sponsored a new mission for the fleet. Over one thousand Eridani whose homes had been destroyed were reclassified as Erimas (colonists), and boarded the fleet. The first stop was Andula, dropping some Erimas and equipment to repair the mining facilities. The fleet is presently en-route to support Eridi-Corp's claim on Tran-Seca, a former shadow world that has entered normal space near Heimdall. The present population is an unknown race that is technologically advanced and is violent. Mercenaries are sought to help domesticate or control the present population by any means necessary, including eradication.
Social Issues
Rapiris is a world trying to come back from a brutal war. Just ten years ago, it had a population of over 500 million. Now the population has plummeted to 345 million, and over 99% of them are Eridani. The when war broke out, the five million non-Eridani businessmen left, along with some Eridani Vax from the business community. During the war, 50 million died, 100 million were wounded, and 140 million were left homeless.
The end of hostilities has fragmented the Rapirian culture. Many blame the government for quitting before the Phentari were annihilated or agreed to a complete surrender. The fact is that the Rapirian government was unable to continue a protracted war. Most of the media continuously downplayed the damage sustained, notably to the spaceports and to the battle station. This has deluded the citizens into believing that the war was on the verge of victory.
Most citizens do not realize the poor shape of the spaceports. Most of them have been fixed with more regard for speed of repair than for durability. A few ships have already been damaged when landing pads underneath them collapsed. There was also tremendous damage to the orbiting battle station, Balded Sun. Although some citizens believe that all damage was minor and the repairs must have already been completed, the damage is much more serious.
The resentment of the peace declaration and continuing hatred for Phentari and citizens of Aansolon in particular has made it easy for White Lion Entertainment, the producers of the hit Tri-V show "Survival Warrior". They are having little difficulty recruiting contestants with prior military experience from various areas on the planet for an upcoming Rapiris vs Aansolon special.
Rapiris has a mandatory 7 year military service for males, and five years for females. Nog do not have any mandatory service, but they can enlist. They do not perform combat functions, but are used in strategic planning and military bureaucratic functions. The military judicial system is composed almost exclusively of Nog. Re-enlistment can be done for any number of years, with pay increasing for longer contracts. The government also gives instant bonuses to people who re-enlist. Some of these bonuses are cash or equipment, some are free training or a transfer to a desirable company. The most popular posts are staffed exclusively by those who re-enlist. Re-enlistment is popular, especially among Mudig, who see a military career as a way to "make it" in life. Due to the low survival rate inherent in the position, the soldiers of the front lines are composed of large numbers of Mudig. Some of the front-line officers are the Vax and Tolude who are not popular with their superiors. The front lines are seen as a low position in which to show your ability. Although there are no requests, those who show ability are transferred to a more tactical location. This is viewed as an honor to one's ability. Mudig will employ captured Phentari archaic powder weapons. Due to their successes with these weapons against Phentari who wear light armor, the Rapirian elite are reconsidering their disdain of the weapons.
Even after the cessation of hostilities, an alarming number of ships bound for Rapiris have been sabotaged. In the last month 8 ships have exploded when they jumped into hyperspace. Although Eridani everywhere blame the Phentari and the Aansolon government in particular, Phentari universally deny it. Galactic Police have looked into this matter, and have found evidence of many groups independently doing the sabotage. Some are committed by Phentari. So far, no proof has surfaced of contact with the Aansolon government. Dan "Scruffy" Mcgruff, has claimed responsibility for some. Scruffy is an Orion terrorist happy to see urgent Eridani supplies turned into space dust. Two of the cases were committed by a competitor of the ships' owners. Due to the urgent need of Rapiris, large profits are made for those who can get Eridani sized armor and kits to convert captured Phentari gripped weapons to Eridani handles. These weapon kits and armor can sell for 50% more on Rapiris than they will on other planets. As this large profit margin will last only until that need is filled, some businessmen have employed saboteurs against competitors to prolong this need. Rumor circulates that some Phentari ships have been engaged and destroyed in retribution.
The tax rate on Rapiris has increased dramatically since the beginning to hostilities. The tax rate is now 50% of earnings. There is a 15% sales tax, and some businesses have imposed a 10% rebuilding surcharge. This enormous tax rate is very controversial. Battlelord Shipa-Tan and Controller Mecidam claim that it is a temporary measure necessary to rebuild the infrastructure. The tax rate caused a lot of bad feelings among the populace, who also need money to rebuild private structures. This enormous tax rate has caused profits to plummet, forcing Vax to leave for more prosperous planets whenever possible.
The population concentrations of Rapiris vary widely. Ten years ago, there were 25 cities of over one million inhabitants. All have been reduced to rubble, with the survivors valiantly trying to clear the wreckage and rebuild. Cement has been used to piece together pieces of rubble to make temporary shelters.
Camps of refugees are also a common sight. Acres of tents abound on the outskirts of cities where Eridani live while rebuilding their homes. Although there is no law or decree forcing them to do so, all citizens of these tent cities who are able to work do so from dawn to dusk. All of the refugees repair the cities, move back, and then work to help the others and build public buildings. Although there is a lack of high-tech tools, work is going quickly. Many factories are producing the tools that are easier to manufacture. There are 14 cities that expect to have nuclear power restored within one year. Despite the buried wealth, there is no evidence of looting or other crime.
There is construction going on under The Plains of Tsari, where slaves are being used to build an underground city. This city is composed entirely of underground tunnels that are not marked on the surface as to hamper future aerial attack. It has multiple widely spaced exits to the surface. Some of the slave workers are Phentari prisoners of war. Through a loophole in the armistice, the return of some of the captured Phentari was not required. It amuses the Eridani overseers to see the Phentari working side by side with those who were their slaves, each for the good of the Eridani.
Most inhabitants of Rapiris live in small buildings carved into the snow and ice called Yuts. Yuts show a great resemblance to igloos with multiple rooms. Most Yuts have built-in furniture, with benches and shelves carved into the walls. Some Eridani also carve sculptures into the ice. The repair or expansion of a yut is a simple process. Snow is melted, poured, and let to freeze. These dwellings are typically widely spaced, but sometimes are built in communities near mountains that have mineral deposits. It is typical to find a Yut in the midst of a field of Buc.
Common Vehicles
Most of the inhabitants of arctic areas travel from place to place by snowmobile or snowcat. This is true of rural and urban areas. Non-treaded vehicles do not work well in the snow. Families living on the rural islands of the Rapirian Ocean own one or more boats, while their urban counterparts ride mass-transit hovercraft.
Places of Note
Wakon-Town Latitude 02 North, Longitude 49 East
The Takai Mountain Chain is an experiment by the Eridani. Eridani warriors captured about 1,600 Wakon slaves from the Phentari. The Eridani found them too difficult to handle under the present barbaric conditions, and let them go free to set up their own city. The Rapirian government released them with 30 Eridani supervisors on the Takai Mountain Chain. Rapirians nicknamed the mountain chain "Wakon-Town". This mountain chain extends from the snow and ice of the south, rising north through the flux lands and into the Rapirian Ocean as a peninsula. This peninsula is 5,000 kilometers long, ending barely north of the equator. Even on the equator, the Wakon dislike the brutal cold. No expeditions have been sent to monitor their progress, and it is unknown if any have survived. The Wakon have agreed not to attack any Eridani settlements, but the Eridani are unsure if the Wakon understand what this means. To reduce the risk of the barbaric Wakon attacking Eridani citizens, all Eridani living on the peninsula were evacuated.
The Kendal Ice Flats Latitude 45 North, Longitude 82 West
This was once the site of a beautiful prospering city, housing one million Eridani. Although most buildings on Rapiris are made of ice, Kendal was a city made almost entirely of steel. The city planners were strict on their desire to make Kendal the most beautiful city on Rapiris. Top Eridani architects designed elevated hallways to connect the buildings that leapt from the plains to the sky. A flux-shield of experimental design covered the entire city.
During a Phentari bombardment, the new flux shield held up remarkably well, dissipating the energy from the bombardment into the ground. This energy melted the packed snow and ice that the city was built on, and the city slowly sank into the newly-formed lake. Due to the relatively slow melting process, the residents were allowed time to escape. Damage from the attack was low - 100 dead, and only 1,000 missing. When the lake re-froze, all that remained was a flat sheet of ice that covers about one hundred square kilometers. Now, only one building, the Itix Spire, breaks that surface. The 40 story tower has the top 2 floors above the ice. As the Eridani consider the entire city as a tomb, no-one has entered this building. Surviving relatives can come to look through the ice, leave tokens of rememberance, and see the blurry tombed city below.
Rumors circulate that the passages between the buildings are still intact, and that the treasures of a million people lie ripe for the taking. Others claim to have seen lights and movement from this burried city. These claims have yet to be verified.
Teksa Isle (The Teksa Volcano) Latitude 43 South, Longitude 150 West
Teksa Isle is one of the few land areas on Rapiris. The entire island is just the tip of an enormous volcano. This volcano, the only one on the planet, is the largest in the sector. Although the volcano is 22 km high, only the top 10 km (6 miles) rises above the ocean. This volcano is so enormous that even at the peak, it is 100 km (60 miles) across.
The heat given off has melted a liquid sea around it, 300 kilometers in diameter. At times, the water approaches boiling near the isle itself. The average temperature on the island is a balmy 38 degrees Celsius, cooling to 24 near the peak. Storms created from the enormous heat given off by the volcano frequently batter the isle. There is at least one major storm on the Teksa Sea at all times.
Despite the decade of war, there are still a few Ikrini Geomancers here, kept only due to the incalculable potential energy of the volcano. The Geomancers say that this area unleashes such potential that they can get six times their base power while on the island. Due to their willingness to prevent eruptions and defend the volcano from the Phentari, the Ikiri are welcome here. The Ikiri obviously treasure the island far more than the Eridani inhabitants, who dislike the warmth and constant barrage of storms.
Teksa is totally undamaged from the decade of war. Despite repeated Phentari attempts, the storms that surround Teksa prevent any effective attack. The volcano is used for many purposes. Hazardous medical waste and byproducts from the planet's nuclear reactors were brought here for safe disposal into the magma. This practice has stopped since the wars destroyed the medical testing facilities and the planet's nuclear power plants. The Teksa Energy plant at the rim of the volcano cone harnesses the heat for ecologically friendly energy. It not only provides energy for the isle, but also powers one of the few industries on Teksa - the re-charging of laser energy packs and other batteries for export.
The ground of Teksa is extremely fertile, and so food and seedlings are another exported. The inhabitants of Teksa have made many sectional walls of hardened transparent plastic that are assembled into large grids to protect crops from the storms.
The only concentration of buildings on Teksa is the town of Teksa. It is centered around the landing pad and weather station. Operation of the station is crucial for anyone approaching Teksa. Due to the damage to all landing sites within range of Teksa, there have been no trips to or from Teksa in the past three years.
The sea that surrounds Teksa is home to many unique forms of aquatic life. Eridani fisherman harvest these odd creatures.
South Kitari Forest Latitude 15 North, Longitude 110 West
The Kitari Mountains protect this area from winds while providing some soil. It is one of the few places on Rapiris where trees will grow. In 2278, shortly before the end of the war, a Phentari glider drop ship landed here. Phentari warriors remained in this forest even after the cessation of hostilities. The Eridani informed them by loudspeaker broadcasts in the Phentari language that a truce is in effect, but the Phentari claim that it is a devious trap. The warriors have been seen spying on reconstruction, and have staged raids for supplies. Despite repeated protests, Aansolon has taken no action, and disavows any prior knowledge of this group, or any contact with them. Rumors are circulating that they are a forward observation post for a future invasion. Eridani in the area have detected the presence of tight beam transmissions to orbiting cargo vessels, but are unable to intercept the contents of the message. After a few ill-fated attempts to eliminate this Phentari threat, the surrounding area is massing troops to invade the forest in force.
San-Tar Archipelago Latitude 21 North, Longitude 123 West
On the north side of the Kitari Mountains is the Gash Tsar Sea (Sea of Slush). It is a 25,000 square kilometer body of water that is perennially slush. The San-Tar archipelago are smooth peaks of rock rising up from the slush.
Residents of San-Tar have stopped paying their taxes to the central government, claiming inability. They are using the money to rebuild destroyed buildings. The archipelago was devastated two years ago by a typhoon that did more damage than a decade of war. In only one day, most buildings on the islands were turned into rubble. San-Tar citizens are very nervous about the Phentari of the South Kitari forest, and are participating heavily in attempts to cleanse the forest of the vermin. Mercenaries are welcome.
Techna-Loc Islands Latitude 04 South Longitude 53 East
This island chain consists of 373 separate mounds of land that rise from the Rapirian Ocean. It is one of many such island chains. It has arable soil, and is highly prized for farming. Some of the islands are small enough for one family to tend to as many as ten of them. Most farmers can not afford a hovercraft, and so they move by boat from island to island to tend the fields. They travel must be done slowly and with caution, as icebergs have caused many farmers never to return home again. It is though the work of these farmers that Rapiris is able to be self-sufficient for food.
The only towns on these islands are small trading posts.
Snow Pits of Junda Berde Valley - Latitude 85 North, Longitude 183 West
This area is not clearly distinguished, appearing identical to the surrounding plains and hills. Due to the precise shape of the surrounding mountains, the snow that falls in this 150 kilometer long valley is particularly light and dry. This snow does not pack, and anything placed in this valley will sink down at least 15 meters. Unknown numbers of Eridani, Phentari raiders, and canti have become trapped and buried in this deep pit of snow. The most notable of these is Lord Pi-Trei-Sang of the Sang House of Eridine. His craft was lost in this valley with all of his worldly possessions.
Barrens of Toka-Roc - Latitude 76 South, Longitude 34 West
This is a visually unremarkable area covering approximately 100,000 square kilometers. When viewed from the air, the usual snow-covered plains are seen. Toka-Roc, a historian and hunter, was the first to notice that people who traveled to this area never returned. Some Eridani have tried to move into this area. Partially completed houses are all that remains of their efforts. A group of 15 heavily armed Eridani warriors lead by Toka-Roc himself traveled to this area with a locator beacon. The group was in frequent radio contact with associates in a vehicle on the edge of this area, who also watched the locator. After Toka-Roc had trudged through snow for three days, the locator beacon ceased to function, and the party failed to answer radio calls. Viewing their tracks from the air, the associates found that the tracks suddenly stopped. No signs of the party have ever been found.
Sagis Mountains - Latitude 53 North, Longitude 31 East
Before the Rapiris-Aansolon war started, the Sagis Mountain range was typical for Rapiris. It was barren, with some areas growing Canus. A small grade C Ti-Tritium mine was the major income for the area. Phentari heavily bombed the area five years ago, believing that the mine was a secret army-planning area. The chemical weapons that they dropped killed few inhabitants, as the Rapirians were living far apart. However, the mercury from the bombs still lingers. For an area covering 20,000 square kilometers, the few traces of vegetation left are discolored and poisonous. The area is incapable of supporting animal life. The mine has been abandoned.
In one section of a remote valley, there is a mutated strain of Canus that will not pick up mercury from the soil. Tests are being performed to modify the taste to that of regular Canus. The few people who know of its existance are not harvesting it, to give the scientists ample specimens to modify and to let it spread naturally to other areas.
Wyas - Latitude 48 South, Longitude 00 East
Wyas the planet's capital, and is the largest city on Rapiris. All government buildings have been heavily damaged. Most other building have likewise taken heavy damage. The Phentari weapons destroyed the upper layers of the buildings, burying the lower levels in rubble. The Eridani did not clear the rubble, but instead tunneled through it to access the lower levels of the buildings. The Phentari forces, viewing the damage from above, considered these buildings totally destroyed. In actuality, the lowest third of most government buildings were in use throughout the war.
Pakula Kinsa Palace was the center of the government, and also the official residence of the Battlelord. It is always named after the current holder of the Battlelord position. The palace was a monumental structure made of gleaming white marble - a symbol of the might and purity of Eridani everywhere. It contained over 100 rooms, and was furnished with the finest luxuries available. The longitude measurements of the planet are defined as to go through the site of the palace.
The palace was heavily targeted as soon as the Phentari mapped its location. The first bombs killed Battlelord Pakula Kinsa, and reduced the building to rubble. Battlelord Raginis Mecadalia ordered false facades to be quickly erected between attacks. This tactic was effective in disrupting Aansolon damage estimates, and drawing bombs away from other targets. These facades were repeatedly blasted into dust. Battlelord Shipa-Tan continued this practice after Kinsa died from a car-bomb.
Since the cessation of hostilities, the entire area has been bulldozed, and a new palace, to be named "Shipa-Tan Palace" is under construction. It is said to be larger and better defended. Public relations has refused to divulge the current residence of Shipa-Tan. It is believed that he is staying in a military space vessel that is unfit for flight.
Eridi-Corp's sector headquarters is in the Eridi-Corp Building. It was once the largest building in Wyas. The Phentari Warcruiser "Slaughter" attacked Wyas in poor weather in 2271. The order for "low altitude bombing" was taken too literally, and Slaughter accidentally crashed into the Eridi-Corp Building, removing the top 15 floors. Slaughter turned into a tumbling fireball, demolishing 10 city blocks. Eridi-Corp is hiring many construction workers to travel to Wyas to fix its headquarters.
Wyas Temple of the Self is known to receive a large funding by Eridi-Corp. It has used these donations to purchase and maintain large botanical gardens in the city suburbs. It is in these gardens and interspaced small buildings that its specialized teaching staff operates. Archaic hand weapon and body equilibrium skills cost 1/2 price for an Eridani, Kizanti or Eridi-corp employee, and 2/3 price for all other races. Body equilibrium is taught in only 10 months. Phentari bombardiers considered the buildings to be for botanical purposes, and the temple continued to teach throughout the battles. Many citizens came for classes, and which were put to good use when the Phentari landed. Orions and Phentari are banned from temple grounds.
Krakow - Latitude 61 South Longitude 116 East
Krakow is a typical city. It once housed 1,500,000 Eridani. All buildings have taken
some damage, and most are destroyed. Areas in proximity to the governmental sector, the spaceport, and the power plant suffered greatly. All Eridani who have been rendered homeless in the area are temporarily living in tents. There is a ring of thousands of white tents surrounding the city. All of the tents are white, as to blend them with the snow and make them less susceptible to attack. Owners of Yuts in the area are lending a hand in shelter and manpower.
Each and every Eridani is working to the best of their ability to clear the debris and
re-build the city. All observers agree that this re-construction is a lesson in efficiency.
There are relatively few supervisors for a construction product of this size. The supervisors
are more likely to be ex-construction workers teaching their trade to others than former managers. Budon priests are re-building their homes and temples, doing the same work as the Tolude re-building the low-income housing. It is widely viewed as dis-honorable to be disagreeable or lazy in a time of communal crisis. A byproduct of this co-operation is the deterioration of the class system that was previously embedded into the Eridani culture. Sociologists will study if the class system is re-instated once the construction is complete.
The Krakow Steel Works is a large building, filling an entire city block. The production
area has only one floor, but it is larger than most warehouses, and towers 10 meters tall. The only temporary repair is the tin roof. All other repairs have been made permanently and solidly. The generator is on-line, and all six production lines are operational. Hammers, nails, shovel blades, axe heads, I-beams, and various brackets are being manufactured in three rotating shifts, so that the production lines never stop. Eridani can purchase these tools at the factory. When excess quantities have been made, they are loaded onto a truck. The truck is driven around the city. As the driver sees groups of workers, he stops, and sales are made from the back of the truck. Eridani without money can sign a purchase agreement to repay the factory once he regains possessions. As Eridani dislike being in the debt of another, especially a company, it is well known that these debts will be paid in full as soon as possible. If the purchaser dies before the debt is paid, the next of kin will be sure to repay the debt and clear the honor of the deceased. The Krakow Steel Works has traded some of these goods to surrounding cities in a barter system for food, fuel, and other requirements of Krakow.
South Pole Science Station/ice mining - Latitude 90 South Longitude N/A
This station was first populated in 2214 by a few Eridani scientists wanting a remote
region with high magnetism to conduct experiments. The scientists dabbled in plans to harness the planet's magnetic field to economically produce energy. They also attempted to manufacture metal sheets of enormous strength using the magnetic fields. While the first experiment proved fruitless, the work of Rexina Trai helped to improve the manufacture and characteristics of plas-steel.
During a visit to Rexina, Eridi-Corp scientists noted the area had exceptionally pure snow. Eridi-Corp enlarged the landing pad, and started mining the snow and ice. They transport it to Veg (Hex 1425 of Hell's Kitchen) in exchange for food. Even though the landing pad was enlarged, it is considered small by most standards. Eridi-corp keeps a small cargo ship at the site to service larger vessels. The cargo ship makes a few trips to fill the larger craft. The ferry performed admirably during the ten year conflict, frequently dodging between Phentari craft to provide badly needed income for Rapiris. To the dismay of the workers, the ferry cargo ship was heavily damaged on the ground during a Phentari bombing raid. The hulk is too damaged to be worth repairing to space worthiness. It has been converted into use as lodging for mining personnel. Eridi-corp has provided a new cargo ship for the ice mining station.
The mining has gouged a huge pit in the ground. It covers 100 square kilometers and is uniformly 75 meters deep throughout. Rumors circulate about why the pit is exactly that deep. Some theorize that an ancient civilization lies below. Eridi-Corp scientists explain that a deeper pit will flood with liquid methane.
There are a few lakes of liquid methane in the area. There are likewise other methane lakes around the north pole. Due to the high methane concentration of the atmosphere over the lakes, the air is flamable in these regions. Eridani can swim in them for short periods of time (approximately 15 minutes) without ill effects. Those that stay too long in the high methane area will become dizzy. Fainting generally occurs after one half hour. If Eridani drink the liquid methane, their body heat will vaporize it inside of their body. This effect is similar to Caisson's Disease, "the bends", that affects deep sea divers. It is is very hazardous, and can be fatal.
Base Station Balded Sun - orbiting Rapiris, ground position varies
This artificial satellite was once the pride of Rapiris. It was the post for 7,000 officers and enlisted men from the Galactic Navy and an additional 1,200 pilots from the galactic fighter corp. An additional 4,000 people would be here at any given time, stopping to refuel their vessels or transfer cargo. After ten years of skirmishes and planning attacks around the position of Balded Sun, the Phentari made a last ditch effort to destroy it. The Phentari attack plan used Balded Sun's gravity to pull crippled ships from both sides to collide with it. The damage sustained was enormous. Although some small fighters and other damaged craft remain relatively intact on Balded Sun, the landing docks are too cluttered with debris to be operable.
There are an unknown number of Eridani trapped in different sections of Balded Sun. One group of 13 Eridani, lead by Systems Operator Trec-Sai, is the only known group on the Balded Sun with a working radio. The group is composed of communications and repair staff with only one soldier to protect them. They report using morse code and rapping on the walls to contact another group of 27 Eridani from the medical staff. The medical staff is trapped in an interior area of the station, and has no light or viewports. Through the morse code communication, the medical crew has been able to repair the damage to the base station's Data V and Washburn proton cannons. The soldier has taught the communications staff the basics of proton weapon operation. It is not known if the repairs will hold under heavy fire. They also report hearing footsteps of multiple people in two indistinct locations. The remaining groups have no access to an escape craft or airlock. Their food reserves and remaining methane are questionable.
The survival of the communication crew is a saga followed day by day by those within radio range of Balded Sun. The broadcasters at many of the Rapiri radio stations that are operational are somewhat disturbed as they listen to their own past war accounts. While not lying, they wanted to portray all events as great victories, increasing Eridani morale into a frenzy. They are trying to cover their past semi-ethical conduct by highly editing Trec-Sai's broadcasts. They eliminate any reference that would cast doubt on what they previously said. Radio stations that portrayed the events accurately broadcast Trec-Sai's reports intact. Trec-Sai has become a celebrity in the areas that can hear him for his reporting of the situation. Judging from damage estimates and his experience, he estimates that there are approximately 100 Eridani still alive on Balded Sun.
Key People:
1) Battlelord Shipa-Tan
The Rapirian government, like all other Eridani governments is a militocracy. It is lead by Battlelord Shipa-Tan. After the assassination of his predecessor by a Phentari bomb, he was duly elected by the Rapiris Council of Lords. All Lords who reside on Rapiris are automatically members of this Council. The Battlelord appoints his advisors, who are traditionally high ranking officers, such as a Forces Commander or Chief of Surgery.
Shipa-Tan's courage and strength are well known throughout the planet. The decision to sign the peace treaty was "the toughest decision of his life". His three major goals are to re-unite the people behind the goal of rebuilding, repair Balded Sun, and repair public buildings and spaceports, in that order. He has needlessly banned all Phentari from Rapiris and Rapiris air-space. All military forces have orders to fire on sight.
2) Controller Oxipitan Mecidam
Oxipitan Mecidam is the Financial Controller. Although officially he advises Shipa-Tan in financial matters, it is well known that Shipa-Tan has more interest in politics than in economics. Shipa-Tan trusts Oxipitan to control the money wisely to rebuild the economy. Although the repairs are going well, the primary cause of this seems to be the strong Eridani work ethic, not the wise use of funds. Oxipitan's past before the war began is not widely known, and it is rumored that he has a strong connection to organized crime. Some say that a large amount of drug money from sales of Lepeisan is being laundered. Other claims include bribery, kickbacks, and embezzlement. Sha-Ta-Ta, a major accuser of Oxipitan, was killed by a mercuric bullet during a Phentari bombardment.
3) Lord Pa-Tsei-Nar
Pa-Tsei-Nar is in charge of the day to day operation of the Rapiris military. He rose
quickly through the military ranks based on achievement and sheer number of Phentari kills by him and the warriors under his command. He is a powerful and charismatic leader, and has the full support of military, from the common the foot soldier to the generals. Much to the dismay of others, Pa-Tsei-Nar insists on a forward command post. This tactic shortens the lines of communication, allows him to see the action first hand, and raises troop morale. It also puts his command at extreme risk. Many who view the Aansolon-Rapiris war credit Pa-Tsei-Nar with the 3:1 kill ratio that the Rapiris military continued throughout the war.
4) Forces Commander Rex Nakitari
Rex Nakitari is a naval leader who gives a lot of autonomy to his underlings, notably the
late Admiral Trask. He studied how to fly from the best - the humans. When he became a tactical leader, he went to the Ashanti to learn tactics. He is a perfectionist who expects those around him to follow him, and to perform well. Nakitari does not care about race or gender. He simply wants the best. He is quick to demote those that question an order or do not have the ability to perform what is required of them. He is a good negotiator, having the ability to get various factions to agree. This is accomplished through a clever mixture of kind words and implied threats. It is well known that his wrath can reach out and destroy anyone on Rapiris.
5) Lieutenant General Ben Tomasulo "The Liberator" The Marse Plan was an offer that was issued at the outbreak of hostilities that allowed bands of adventurers to join the military, keeping some resemblance of independence. This plan was not restricted to citizens of Rapiris, or even Eridani. The military immediately got thousands of recruits though this plan. Doubtless the best catch was Ben Tomasulo and the rest of The Cutting Crew. Ben Tomasulo is a Gen Human, and the leader of The Cutting Crew. He has turned down multiple offers of desk jobs or transfers to less hazardous positions. His band likewise has declined to leave, even if advancement to officer positions was included. The specialty of The Cutting Crew is riots and uprisings. They have infiltrated four Phentari slave camps on Aansolon and has caused all of them to successfully revolt and seize control of the camp. Clever uses of lies, rumors, planted evidence, theft, and sabotage caused two Phentari cities to riot. Both sustained heavy damage from fires and looting. Ben and his crew have become very wealthy, be it from from officially reported by The Cutting Crew and the "looting" attributed to others is not understood by those outside the band. The party is presently training and increasing their skills on Rapiris before finding new adventures.
6) Sergeant Major Ithi-Tiar
Ithi-Tiar was a member of The House of Five, an Eridani mercenary group. Ithi-Tiar left
the group at the outbreak of hostilities to join the military special forces. On his first mission, he was trapped on Aansolon and left for dead. Ithi-Tiar moved from town to town, killing any Phentari bold enough to travel alone or in small groups. He is credited with the slaying of 1,312 Phentari, ranging from farmers and factory workers to politicians and warriors. Over 95% of his killing blows were decapitations. Ithi-Tiar severed the head of those that died from other wounds. With all of his kills, he placed the head on top of the chest as a trademark. The Rapirian government has awarded him the Tias Blade for his efforts. Ithi-Tiar has vowed to return to Aansolon as a lone warrior to slaughter a thousand more Phentari if hostilities resume.
7) Lord Bekidiya Kanata
Lord Kanata is the highest ranking female in the Rapirian government. She governs the
San-Tar archipelago. Her method of decision making is well known. She listens quietly to her counselors, asks a few intelligent and important questions and listens to the councelors' replies, then leaves for solitude in which to make her decision. Her personal ambition and fierce sense of independence and isolationism have made her many bitter enemies on the Rapiris Council of Lords. A lot of Kanata's decisions are unpopular not only with Battlelord Shipa-Tan, but also Kanata's subjects. Some of her subjects quietly comment that her disagreements with her subjects and superiors make her unfit for the position that she holds. Many believe that she is bitter about not being elected to the Battlelord position and is considering taking it by a coup-de-ta.
8) Methiss Phentari Methiss is the leader of the Phentari in the North Kitari forest. He is a brilliant tactician on small skirmishes and setting ambushes, but has yet to have his mind tested for larger scale encounters. He is known to use the natural terrain to great advantage, cutting trees to make camouflaged fortifications, digging pits and using the wood and vines to make traps, and hiding in the Tesini trees of the North Kitari to surprise the enemy from above. Methiss had 212 Phentari under his command when he landed. The exact numbers of survivors is not known. He still leads his band as though war is still in effect. It is not clear if Methiss has had contact with Aansolon since the armistice.
