Alatus
Alatus is a habitable alpine world, notable for being the homeworld of the Oviron and the capital of the Oviron Lodge. The planet is the third satellite of the Arcoterea System, and has a single orbiting moon of its own. Alatus is dominated by extensive mountain ranges, with arctic climates at the polar regions warming to temperate climates at the equator. Water is liquid at the equator, but becomes frozen at higher and lower latitudes. The planet also features extensive tectonic activity, resulting in a large amount of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Research indicates that the planet goes through cycles of heating and cooling, causing large bodies of water to melt and freeze repeatedly. This has created extensive canyon systems across most of the planet, particularly in the regions between the poles and equator.
The majority of the population of Alatus lives in the temperature equator, though significant numbers live in non-polar regions as well. Due to the rough geography of the planet, building space is limited. Settlements naturally emerged in fertile valleys, which continue to be populated to this day. Due to the competition between built-up areas and farmland in these limited spaces, much of the food for the planet is imported from offworld colonies, allowing for additional industrial and urban construction. Outside of the temperate zone, the main economic activity is mining. The planet is rich in metals, much of which is easily accessible in mountains, plateaus, and canyons. Advances in technology over the years have increased the cost effectiveness of mining deeper into the polar regions, driving many to live in remote mining settlements.
Most regions of Alatus are covered in multiple layers of ancient debris from long-lost Ovirine civilisations. The planet's extended cycle of civilisational collapse has left it as one of the foremost worlds in the field of archaeological research, and a popular tourist destination. Despite centuries of exploration, new ruins are discovered every year. While most of the ruins are safe, aside from the occasional fauna nest, some are dangerous due to intentionally laid traps or natural processes weakening the structural integrity of the sites. Some particularly well preserved sites have been found in extensive cave systems or buried beneath frozen lakes and glaciers.
The majority of the population of Alatus lives in the temperature equator, though significant numbers live in non-polar regions as well. Due to the rough geography of the planet, building space is limited. Settlements naturally emerged in fertile valleys, which continue to be populated to this day. Due to the competition between built-up areas and farmland in these limited spaces, much of the food for the planet is imported from offworld colonies, allowing for additional industrial and urban construction. Outside of the temperate zone, the main economic activity is mining. The planet is rich in metals, much of which is easily accessible in mountains, plateaus, and canyons. Advances in technology over the years have increased the cost effectiveness of mining deeper into the polar regions, driving many to live in remote mining settlements.
Most regions of Alatus are covered in multiple layers of ancient debris from long-lost Ovirine civilisations. The planet's extended cycle of civilisational collapse has left it as one of the foremost worlds in the field of archaeological research, and a popular tourist destination. Despite centuries of exploration, new ruins are discovered every year. While most of the ruins are safe, aside from the occasional fauna nest, some are dangerous due to intentionally laid traps or natural processes weakening the structural integrity of the sites. Some particularly well preserved sites have been found in extensive cave systems or buried beneath frozen lakes and glaciers.
Category
Alpine World
Designation
Empire Capital
Alpine World
Designation
Empire Capital
Type
Planet
Location under
Owning Organization
Inhabiting Species
Comments