Battleworld
The planet Eristes, better known as Battleworld, is the sole inhabited planet in a star system on the very edge of the Milky Way galaxy. It is unknown on Earth, but rather infamous among most space-faring civilizations. Technically existing within Imperium space, the Imperium forces have largely ignored it, as it contains no valuable resources and is of little strategic value.
Due to this rather dubious distinction, the planet has become a haven for intergalactic pirates, smugglers, slavers, and other unsavory types looking to lay low or otherwise disappear for a length of time; most law-abiding societies are unwilling to send military or police forces into Imperium territory, and risk inciting retaliation. Because of this, while a fugitive on Battleworld may need to keep a wary eye out for bounty hunters or undercover agents of whatever institution they’ve run afoul of, there is little to fear from anything resembling conventional law-enforcement.
As a natural side effect of this, Battleworld is not a particularly safe place to visit. The sprawling cities that have steadily grown without any thought to planning or long-term development tend to be run by gangs, crime syndicates, and the like. Violence is common, and depraved practices that would be quickly suppressed by outraged societies elsewhere in the galaxy are openly practiced. Virtually anything can be bought or sold here, provided you can make the right connections and not be robbed of whatever you intended to trade with.
Outside of the ramshackle slums that randomly dot the planet’s surface is a largely unexplored alien jungle. Predatory carnivores (of both the flora and fauna variety) prowling through the dense vegetation, deceptively calm pools of neurotoxic water, and rapid and unpredictable shifts in weather patterns make attempting to travel between cities on the ground all but impossible. Any number of down-on-their-luck spacers make a temporary living by shuttling travelers about the planet for those not wishing to come to a messy end in the wilderness.
However, it is not the cutthroat towns or the deadly jungles that have earned Battleworld its name. Under the direction of Zedracus the Inevitable, Eristes’ moon has been converted into a massive holographic facility, covered with arenas capable of replicating any conceivable environment. These arenas are the settings for the gladiatorial battles which give Battleworld its accurate, if not particularly subtle moniker.
Security here is as oppressive as it is lax on the planet below. Zedracus’ personal forces ensure a strict rule of law, and ensure that all combat occurs only within the arenas. Professional fighters, mercenaries looking to impress potential employers, and enemies of the Inevitable One sentenced to bleed for his amusement make up the majority of the combatants, although anyone who expresses sufficient interest and ability can participate in events that range from traditional one-on-one duels to mass melees and deadly obstacle courses. Warriors that catch Zedracus’ eye may well be invited to join his personal security detail.
Rules
- Anyone can come and go as they please on the planet itself, provided they have knowledge of the planet’s existence and a means of traveling there.
- There’s nothing much in the way of laws in the planet’s many cities. Causing too many problems or too much destruction will likely bring a character to the attention of one of the many criminal organizations invested in maintaining the status quo, however.
- The moon is slightly more restrictive; Imperium forces and registered combatants are permitted to carry weaponry, but observers and other guests must leave any and all weapons in their ships (all visitors are subject to scanning before leaving their hangar).
- The majority of the security forces employed by Zedracus are Grizzlons. They’re not especially bright, but they are strong fighters, and don’t require much provocation to use violence. If your character is going to cause trouble, make sure you sell their abilities.
- No special permission is required to take part in a gladiatorial battle; all you need to do is find someone to fight with and go at it! Conversely, just showing what your character can do in solo posts is also perfectly fine; the holographic facilities can create practically any environment and can even simulate any kind of opponent that isn’t available from the moon’s stock of fighters.
- Descriptions of the planet’s cities and landscapes have been left deliberately broad and vague to allow for creative development; feel free to detail neighborhoods, NPCs, and alien creatures that suit your RPs.
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