The largest moon in the Solar System, Ganymede, is also one of the most populated. It is a cold moon, as much rock as it is ice. Permafrost makes agriculture hard on Ganymede, which to this day relies heavily on herds, fishing, and hunting.
Lately Ganymede has gained notoriety as a major player in the
Catamite Wars.
Inner Ocean
Under the crust of Ganymede is a gargantuan subsurface ocean. It is one of the largest oceans in Sol, but only naturally accessible through caves. Submarines and teams of oceanic
nymphs have been sent to explore the depths. They describe a dark labyrinthe of underwater ice caverns. A few native species have been brought up for study, most of them pale, blind, and bloated from the difference in pressure.
Two explorers were lost on one mission, where they encountered what they described as 'all teeth, and hunting us for fun'. Another mission was terminated after one scientist was overwhelmed by the smell of blood upon the reopening of a cavern.
The Catamite Wars
The nations of Ganymede come together to vote on lunar matters in the Ganymedean Council of Nations. The Council drew Interplanetary attention when the Independence Vote of 220017 turned the simmering hostilities between the Jovian Moons and Jupiter into outright conflict.
With Jupiter's blessing, Ganymedes' nations gathered to vote on whether the moon should formally and legally secede from Jupiter. Mysia vetoed the motion for the vote. Hoping to stop it dead in the tracks, Mysia instead found themselves sparking rebellion when the other nations decided to ignore the veto and vote anyways. Radicalized by what was seen as a blatant attempt to stop the procession of democracy by Jupiter, the vote was unanimous: Ganymede would be independent.
Notable Nations of Ganymede
Galileon, the largest nation on Ganymede.
Etana, the north pole manufacturing capital.
Perrine, by the Niveneh Sea, famous for it's canneries.
Mysia, a small but very wealthy country, well known for its deep ties to Jupiter.
That wasn't how things turned out. Instead of acceptance they were met with sanctions, and eventually an invasion of Ganymede. The war was long, bitter, and indecisive, leading to staggering losses of life and infrastructure. It has, however, underscored the need for Ganymedean solidarity and closer ties between nations.
Mysia remains the elephant in the room. It technically did not surrender, but it was excluded from reconstruction treaties due to its perceived betrayal of Ganymede. Some believe that true peace can only come from reintegrating Mysia, but it is a difficult pill to swallow.
Oooooo, the cave oceans sound fun. I'd love to know what kind of critters are found there!
Yeah! I have some vague ideas, but there's so many other places that need critters too!