History
Samur is what some astronomers refer to as an “Elder Planet”. Believed to be extant within the Antei system for some seven billion years, its craggy surface holds rich mineral deposits that have formed flawlessly, undisturbed over the eons.
Meaning “old one” in Ruurese, Samur had passed the ages in relative neglect until some time in 777 BBY, a Ruurian probe on galactic survey returned hyperspace telemetry suggesting the presence of a nickel-iron core planetoid before losing contact. The probe was never heard from again, but Ruurian scientists extrapolated rudimentary characteristics and relative age of the planet. Intrigued, three more probes were launched in an effort to gather more data, but all shared the fate of the first.
In 764 BBY, a manned mission was launched in order to investigate the communication problems between the probes and Ruuria as well as determine the probes’ fates. A painstakingly reconstructed telemetry stream indicated that the Antei system was “shrouded” in an impenetrable field making navigation impossible and communication nearly so. At mission time +17 standard hours, all contact was lost with the three-man crew and neither they nor the research vessel were ever recovered. After 761 BBY no more missions or probes were sent.
More recently, 18 ABY, the Dark Jedi Brotherhood’s scientists undertook the task of geological survey. These documents, made public through the Deputy Grand Master’s investigation of the planet, suggest that Samur is rich in many relatively uncommon minerals. In 24 ABY, the planet was officially annexed by the Dark Council’s mining guild and construction began on the Automated Mining Facility known as Site 17. Construction was completed a year later and ore extraction, processing and off-world shipping activities began in earnest.
No authorization for visitation or communication to the planet is given outside of Dark Council’s personnel, subsidiaries, or licensed contractors.
Geography
Fosia
The landmass covering the Northern hemisphere of the planet, Fosia is rich in mineral ore and home to Site 17. Primarily the continent is barren and quite rocky. Many treacherous crags and fissures pock its surface. Fosia is also home to the tallest peak on Samur, Mt. Gol, centrally located and classified as an active volcano, though no noted eruption has occurred in 45,000 standard years.
Arktavum
The planet’s Southern-most continent, Arktavum qualifies as near-tundra being comprised of frozen rocky soil rich in sedimentary ore. It was once thought a civilization may have existed on this landmass, but it was later determined the archeological remains were naturally occurring and not indicative of advanced life.
Korshin
Located on the equator, Korshin is habitually the warmer of the three landmasses and also the site of the famed Ribs of Samur. The eastern half of the continent is riddled with deadly sinkholes that collapse the surface with frequent cave-ins.
Landmarks
Site 17
Located in the Northwest quadrant of Fosia, the DC mining facility is a marvel of technological sophistication and corporate execution. Site 17 is reputed to be one of the most advanced mining facilities in the sector. At a cost of just over 125 million credits, the facility is the flagship mining enterprise of the Antei system. Fully automated, the site runs 27 hours a day continuously extracting, refining, and shipping minerals, metals, and ores off-world and throughout the nearby systems.
One of the primary sites for extrusion of selenium, Site 17 is the sector-leader in bringing the semi-rare material to market. Used in the manufacture of starship hull armor, selenium is heavily traded throughout the galaxy and prized for its energy refracting properties.
The Spires of Samur
Found on Korshin, the Spires of Samur rise fifty meters into the air in an array resembling the exposed ribcage of a long dead warrior. A fable exists among Ruurian society that many eons ago, Korshin, a titanic warrior lay down to rest after battle. His enemies, finally seeing an opportunity to slay the great warrior, poisoned him where he lay. Death came in minutes for the giant and so massive was his corpse, no effort was made to move his body.
It is rumored that the rock, or calcified bone if you believe the story, is ideal for forging hand-crafted blades of remarkable durability. Also of note, Korshin’s Spear is said to rest buried somewhere nearby the Spires, though it has never been confirmed.
Political Outlook
Samur is enormously important to the Brotherhood’s financial interests in the region. It is the primary source of high-grade ores used in the production of alloys to include starship components, weapons systems, and export to open market.
As the Brotherhood continues to expand its influence throughout the sector, the exploitation of these valuable resources is a key element in the execution of the organization’s designs.
Military
No less than seven squadrons of Mark I Vulture droids patrol the planet and its orbit. These forces are routinely augmented by pickets and flotillas from the Clans who pull regular rotations in the region.