Varos
Often described as one of the “death moons” of Bretheda, Varos is a hellish landscape of smoke and fire, and rises to temperatures so high that the very air has been known to cook human flesh. It is otherwise known for its valuable gemstones that are created only by the moon’s mantle, which are used in the construction of starships, outposts, and Drift Beacons.
While home to a number of elementalist fireworkers who can withstand the climate, the Barathu installed a prison just outside the moon’s atmosphere, known to most as the Sauna. The prisoners onboard were used to mine in the worst of Varos’ climates, which also happen to produce the highest-quality gemstones. They are delivered to the Sauna’s parent ship, the mighty Jasper, which handled incoming flight traffic for the planet, and enforced Barathu law.
After the destruction of the Jasper and the Sauna in 317 AG, Varos still remains a popular mining location, but is currently not a nexus of the Barathu's prison system.
Demographics
The majority of Varos' inhabitants are either free miners, prison guards, or prisoners. While the Sauna accepted all types, Brimstone Station and Station 4 can only be inhabited by those with resistance to fire or heat, either naturally or by biochemical/mechanical enhancement.
Government
Varos is managed by the Brethedan Bureau of Prisons, and was under the purview of Captain Ohm until the escape of Mining Team 6 in 317 AG -- during which the Sauna, Sauna Station, and the Jasper were destroyed.
In the modern day the planet is still overseen by the BBP, but until plans to rebuild the prison facilities are complete, it sees only light management from Confluence.
Defences
At one time, it was the role of the Jasper to defend Varos from outside threats and smugglers, which it did with abundant enthusiasm. While the planet's warden vessel has not been replaced after its destruction, enemy ships that land on Varos are usually not readily-equipped to handle the environmental dangers, and the on-planet defenses ensures those that are properly defended will not be by the time they breach the atmosphere.
Industry & Trade
Varos is one of two celestial bodies (the other being Thyst) in the Pact Worlds that produces gemstones of such quality that they can be used in the crafting of Drift Beacons. This has made exports from the moon incredibly valuable, and is regularly on the agenda of the system's leaders. Many civil rights groups claim that the Pact Worlds turns a blind eye to the moon for this very reason, despite overwhelming evidence of abuse in its prisons.
Infrastructure
Most of the structures on Varos are defensive in nature, including large walls and gates to keep out monsters, and sealed enclosures that fight off the heat. Geothermal energy is an abundant source of power for those with the technology to store it, although some (such as Sauna Station) do not use it for security reasons. There is no infrastructure on Varos outside these small settlements, and those within the walls are often of poor quality.
Guilds and Factions
Brimstone Station is run by a small coalition of miners and craftsman that lives on Varos surface, which pay hefty taxes to mine gemstones from the local area. All other stations and satellites are owned by the Barathu, and thus Confluence.
Geography
The majority of Varos can be described as being in one of two categories - cooler desert plains roiling with smog, or fiery hellscapes that regularly reform after volcanic activity. As the highest quality gemstones are found in volcanic rifts, all settlements are stationed somewhere in the latter area.
As the temperature on Varos can easily reach over 140° F, specialized suits are required for the majority of visitors, which use a cooling rig and custom water packs to keep their inhabitants cool. A broken suit or a burst water pack is essentially a death sentence on Varos, unless a Suit or Camel is nearby and ready to act.
Artwork by Vadim Sadovski
Maps
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Varos
Type
Orbital, Station
Population
150
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
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