Ptolomea

Ptolomea
Astrographical
Region:	Mid Rim
System:	Cocytus
Suns:	Imperius
Moons:	Alberigo and Zanche
Distance from Core:	984 million km
Physical
Diameter:	16,242.1 km
Atmosphere:	Roughly standard, though with substantially higher oxygen content. 37
Climates:	“Super” Tropical to Tropical to Subtropical proceeding away from Equator in either direction, temperate “cool” zones at poles. Gratuitous rainfall.
Gravity:	12.44
Primary Terrain:	Open grasslands, temperate forests, tropical jungles, mountains, lakes and rivers. Continents are seperated by oceans.
Societal
Native species:	human
Primary language(s):	Basic
Affiliation:	Clan Scholae Palatinae, House Caliburnus
[ Source ]

Ptolomea is the home planet of House Caliburnus. As the outermost planet within the Cocytus System, Ptolomea serves as the bastion world and is a world bristling with military strength. It is also a planet of great beauty and many hidden dangers.

Ptolomea

Planetary Statistics

Mass: 6.5689×1025 kg

Mean Radius: 8,121.05 Kilometers

Circumference: 51,021.06 Kilometers

Aphelion Distance (from Star): 984 Million Kilometers

Gravity (in meters per second): 12.44

Sidereal Rotation Period: 26.35 hours

Sidereal Orbit Period: 5,101.3 days

Axial Tilt: 0.9°

Atmosphere: Breathable (High Levels of Oxygen, “heavy and humid”)

Average Equatorial Temperature (AET): 80-110 Degrees

Climate: “Super” Tropical to Tropical to Subtropical proceeding away from Equator in either direction, temperate “cool” zones at poles. Gratuitous rainfall.

Terrain: Rocky Shorelines, Large Continents, Mountainous Interior, Large Tidal Floodplains, Open grasslands, temperate forests, tropical jungles, lakes and rivers. Sizable Oceans; 40% of the Surface is Ocean

Majority Species: Human

Other Species: Primitive Human-like Societies, Massive Biodiversity in Wildlife

Population: 39 Million Total, 500 million Indigenous species

Capitol: Almagast, (All-mah-gast)

Landmarks: Almagast, Potentium Gorge, Blood Forest, Serpent’s Vanguard, Ruined Temples, Temple of Caliburnus, Iluvian Whorl, Podium Mount, Mesantine Coast, Cradle of Amlanca, Horner’s Maw, Jormungand Quarry and Mines, Daggerspine Mountain range, Crystalridge Falls.

Continents: 2 (Helia, Gaias)

Island(s): 5 (Marynos, Capurnicom, Cladis, Ygp, Scylica)

Island Chain(s): 2 (Tetralibros, Isles of Tartarus)

Cities: Almagast, Port Harbinger, Bronato, Tetoulichican, Masa Pluris, Serpent’s Vanguard, Ft. Hammer, Ft. Lance, Ft. Arrow, Darkpointe.

Primary Exports: Military Weaponry, Exotic Food Stuffs, Pelts and Meat

Primary Imports: Ores, Medicine, Alcohol, Technology, Grains

Satellites: Zanche, Alberigo

History

Segregated from the remainder of the Cocytus System, Ptolomea is the last planet in the chain of rocky worlds. Ptolomea’s creation bred an empty world of Ice and rock. As the geological clock tick through the eons, Ptolomea saw a burst of life from the frozen rocky soil. By chance, the world saw global temperatures rise as a faithful satellite slowly melted the surface below. Oceans grew and the atmospheric blanket settled over the sphere. In a matter of time, the barren terrain sprung forth with plant-life. Dense jungles dug deep into the heart of the landscape, hiding ages upon ages of geological history.

Around the age of the expanding Infinite Empire, Ptolomea came to be settled by humans or human-like beings. In the many millennia that followed, societies rose and fell on the harsh jungle world. Empires controlled vast parcels of land and built many statues, temples, and other grand works. Towers and Pyramids, Sciences and Mathematics, Astronomy and Language soon sprung up out of the now native beings. Tribal Chieftains evoked the power of their knowledge and reared powerful nations.

Basic society among the Neolithic Empires was focused around the direct calculation of one astrological moment, the total alignment of Ptolomea and her two moons with their solar body. This moment, unified the classical cultures in terror. Priests of nearly every cult like polytheistic religions of the time foretold of this day as the destruction of the planet Ptolomea and the end of all life. Generally regarded as superstition, the modern population of Ptolomea regards the customs and ideas of the natives as little more than primitive beliefs.

Archaeological evidence shows that at some point prior to modern colonization visitors came to the planet and drastically changed the course of social development. In the span of several thousand years, Ptolomean natives changed structure from a geocentric view of the universe to embracing a complete structured idea of foreign organisms and life forms. In the wake of this shattering scientific revelation, Ptolomean culture which had been, until then, lead by the priesthood, fell into decay.

With the crumbling of the loose Empires, Ptolomea fell back into a state of relatively feral nature. Tribal chieftains could no longer establish the base of control they had managed in the past and accordingly the social group size regressed into small hordes of family groups. This informational regress is often paired with the mysterious disappearance of the lightsaber Caliburnus from Sith records.

After many untouched generations, the Planet Ptolomea once again saw change. A small cabal of Dark Jedi claimed the planet based on several sets of prophesies. In time, the Dark Jedi sought out the weapon Caliburnus which had come to settle on the Planet. Upon this discovery, the House was forever attached to the world which had served as the bastion for the weapon. In light of this, Clan Scholae Palatinae sought to protect the wealth and enigmas of the tropical orb.

Due in part to its inaccessibility and rough terrain, Ptolomea never served as a functional place to base the military of the Clan. However, when the Yuuzhan Vong began their siege of the world many geographical features were changed substantially. This rough change and violent uprising left scars on the planet where the Vong had slashed though the jungles. When the world was spared, the damages done to the planet actually appeared to be beneficial in some respects. New holes in the terrain allowed for cities to spring up virtually overnight. Those holes filled with overwhelming number of refugees from the recent war. The planet, which had little or no economy prior to the invasion, had suddenly become a welcome retreat for those who were displaced. With such vast improvements, it seemed economical and wise to reap the benefits of the changes. The Clan and private corporations invested large amounts of money into the reborn Jungle world and quickly saw benefits. With a booming population, the Military might of the parent clan grew exponentially.

With a bright future ahead, Ptolomea is sure to develop more rapidly than ever before.

Planet Geography

Continents

Helia- By area, Helia is the larger of the two continents present on Ptolomea. Dominating the Southern Hemisphere, Helia is a mostly wild land. With a wide variance of geographical features, Helia’s basic terrain consists of Highlands and lowland jungle. Where two of the larger tectonic plates merge, great mountains protrude from the surface, bisecting continent along a massive ridgeline. This central ridge, known as the Sword’s Edge separates the Northern and Southern Coasts with nearly impassible terrain and runs nearly the entire length of the continent. Running from the Northeast Coast, the mountain range follows the Subduction Zone south towards the Polar Regions before turning sharply to the West, where it continues along the edge of the sinking subcontinent bisecting the Northern and Southern regions across the heart of the continent. With the smaller subcontinent subducting under the larger slice of land, a horseshoe shape developed in the range. At an astonishing 41,000 Kilometers long, this contiguous mountain range is certainly one great features of the Helian inland. Old and deep gorges cut through the area where mighty rivers have carved tracks. Dense forests spread across the entirety of the continent, undercut by rivers and roads. The Southern coast experiences cooler temperatures than the rest of the continent, as cool breezes whip off the seas.

The shimmering jewel of Ptolomea, Almagast, is nestled into the cool Southern Gap. The “Ivory City” protects the beaches of the Southern Coast, welcoming all within in its warm walls. The city was originally erected before the Yuzhann Vong Invasion; however it didn’t bloom until the conflict had abated.

Gaias- The Second of the Major Ptolomean Continents, Gaias is the more developed parcel of land. Ancient temples and towering cities lay near the coasts, sheltered from the heat of the jungle. This continent has the benefit of the thinner northern rainforests, making development significantly easier. With a similar inland terrain to the southern continent, Gaias appears much like its sister. Old Jungle and rough ground make travel through the heart of the land extremely difficult. In contrast, in the Northwest of the landmass, open areas scarred by the Vong invasion make travel and the ballooning of Cities much easier. The majority of Ptolomea’s residents live in this area, which is often referred to as The Cradle of Amlanca. The nutrient rich soil, relatively flat landscape, and considerable climate differences allowed for the dense settlement of this region. As a result two massive cities, Bronato and Masa Pluris, stare at each other across the area. Each City boasts a population over 2.5 million, bringing the total population in the Cradle to near 20 Million people. Average Temperatures on the Gaias main range 5 to 15 degrees cooler than the highland Jungles of Helia.

Islands

Marynos- Marynos lies in the Southern Hemisphere, just off the Gaiasian coast. The smallest of a discontinuous series of Islands, Marynos has little room for expansion. Primarily a fishing society, the people of the island usually associate within themselves. Abundance of natural resources has prompted the island’s leaders to declare it an independent nation. Little if any benefit could be had from the isolated Island and the residents prefer it that way. A series of caves laces the island proper, making it a haven for adventurers, criminals, and other types of miscreants.

Capurnicom- Capurnicom is a deserted island, inhabited only by wildlife. A dominant species of mammal rules the small land mass, as master foragers in the canopy and on the jungle floors. These rodent-like creatures are known for gathering nuts and berries from their arboreal homes. Idolized on the island, few venture into the strange jungles that build their habitat. Capurnicom is also well known for beautiful expanses of beach. This island is the second largest in the set of Islands.

Cladis- The largest island in the set of independent islands, Cladis is one of the few fully explored areas of Ptolomea. A strange occurrence on the island once disrupted settlers and has been left mostly untouched by people. A folk myth tells of certain peculiarities and a strange sense of gloom on the island. The Island is unusually cool and so it shows a great difference from the rest of the Ptolomean Islands. Cool weather drastically changed the general tree type growing on the Island these oak-like deciduous trees. This chilly island holds a refreshing 70 degrees at average.

Ygp- Known as the Teacher Island, Ypp is surrounded by the Tetralibros Islands. The peninsula riddled Island provides abundant sea life and provides great protection from harsh seas. Accordingly, it is an area frequented by many people. Seen as the island getaway, Ygp has seen significant interest from the public. In the wake of the Yuzhaan Vong Invasion, a former military installation has seen significant upgrade. Named Fort Arrow by the clan Scholae Palatinae, the Base is effectively a City. A complete Starport and a civil government define the cities importance for luring people. Average Temperatures mark this Island at a comfortably tropic 85 degrees.

Scylica– Scylica is located at a midpoint in the ocean between Gaias and Helia and geologically shows traces of possibly having been a part of a land bridge between the continents at one point in the planet’s history. The terrain of the island is broken up between stretches of dense forest and cleared fields where the island’s residents work to farm livestock derived from a hardy native species of ungulate that has slowly been domesticated. The western half of the island is the more heavily populated with the city of Darkpointe keeping watch over the island.

Island Chains

Tetralibros- Known as the Four Tomes, this Island chain embraces the coast of Ygp. Each smaller island is known only by its relation to the larger Island. Of the Chain, West Island is the largest. Called the Tome of Power, by local lore, West Island climbs from the seas on one side. Atop the magnificent cliffs, the city of Port Harbinger looks out onto the sea. The medium sized city remains flourishing in spite of its isolation. This island is said to contain traces of a hidden power that was known only to an ancient and now extinct society. South Island, called Tome of the Forgotten, is a mostly desolate Island that was ravished by the Yuzhaan Vong. East Island, associated with the Tome of Pestilence, teems with microbial life. Thick slimes and marshy terrain cause the abundant growth of disease and thus give the Island its name. Finally, the North Island is known as the Tome of Solace. Little distinguishes this island from the rest of Ptolomean climates. Warm waters keep the Island habitually warm and accordingly dense jungles fill it.

Isles of Tartarus- Located southwest of Helia, this small group of three islands is actually seldom visited due to the ferocious and venomous nature of many species found only on these three islands. The three islands are named Styx, Phlegethon, and Lethe respectively. Only in recent months have the islands fallen under renewed interest as the Quaestor Rasilvenaira Kaeth StormRaven has encouraged study of the flora and fauna of the seemingly cursed islands to determine if any might hold some benefit to the House or Clan.

Cities

Almagast- The Ivory City. Almagast is a beautiful display of functional building and elaborate architecture. As the functioning Capitol of Ptolomea, the city maintains a respectable disposition. In the decades prior to the Vong invasion, Almagast struggled to stay alive. However, after the war an influx of eager Refugees brought a spark to the city. In the span of less than a year, Almagast had functioning Industry, government, and social contracts. The city soon became recognized as a model for the Ptolomean City, standing tall in the face of adversity.

The City proper is constructed of white stones and masonry, giving it an eerie Ivory tint in the periods of light on the planet. Arches and buttresses are common sight in the Architecture of the city, giving the city a strange coral colony feeling. Centralized in the town are the Government buildings, all bearing the strong Coat of Arms of the Clan Scholae Palatinae. The remainder of the city is built around this core, showing the importance of the Clan’s impact on the cities development. Approachable by sea alone, the mountainous jungles of the landscape protect it from assault. Along the glorious Mesantine Coast, brilliant white sands reciprocate the ivory tones in the city’s construction.

Though not Ptolomea’s Largest City, Almagast displays the Travel brochure image of Ptolomea. Comfortable living is the aim of the city, at which it has excelled. When in global transit, people from Almagast are often seen as pretentious or snooty which is certainly a result of their lifestyle.

Ft. Hammer- Nearly 50 kilometers outside of Almagast rests the muscled arm of the Armies of Clan. Ft. Hammer is a gigantic fortress, looming over the Ivory City. In the mountains above Almagast, Ft. Hammer boasts the majority of the House’s military might. As the home of all twelve of Clan Scholae Palatinae’s AT-AT’s and a large portion of the Clan’s ground vehicles, the Fortress does its name justice.

Routine muster drills and a vast “Live Fire” range make this a dangerous place. Strictly off limits to civilians, the major buildings of this installation are military targets. As such, point defense systems protect the base. A large number of anti-aircraft and anti-ground force cannons litter the grounds. Centralized around a large mustering yard, The Fortress is home to 4,000 Enlisted Stormtroopers and an additional force of 10,000 Militiamen. The militia is a crucial component of the Defense Initiative for Ptolomea, making up the bulk of its infantry numbers. Under the authoritarian power of the Quaestor of House Caliburnus, Males of adult age must serve a term of at least two years in the Militia. This rite was instituted in the early hours of the invasion of Ptolomea.

Trained in the jungles of Ptolomea, Militiamen are notoriously gruff. This attitude adds to the general air over the Fortress. The place is one for war, and everyone there knows it. Attitudes run high and fights start easily.

Bronato- Bronato is the largest city on Ptolomea. Nestled into the fertile valley called the Cradle of Amlanca, Bronato is full of slummy undercities and has a rustic feeling about it. In an attempt to follow in the footsteps of Almagast, the founders of Bronato squandered most of the available money. This left the city in dire need of organization. Without the presence of a nearby Military Installation, Bronato is left most untouched by the strong arm of law and order. These factors in tandem with the poverty levels attribute the routine violence and disorder that plagues the city.

The city center boasts the majority of the limited wealth in the town. It is lavishly decorated in an intentionally old style, so as to create the appearance that the city has weathered time. Compared to Almagast, the city is not incredibly appealing. However, to the scoundrel, skig, scap, or scallywag Bronato is a great place to make money. Once outside the city center, open trade of illegal goods makes up the majority of the high yielding businesses.

In the slums, drugs and prostitution are common place. This disturbing fact often brings soldiers and even weary Dark Jedi to the city of sin. Illegal gambling, Illegal death matches, and illegal racing are also popular activities in the city. Though many of the most popular activities in Bronato are illegal, police and political leaders are often involved alongside the public. Known as a generally dismal place, the city offers little for tourists but brings bounties for opportunists.

Port Harbinger- Located on the West Island of the “Four Tomes”, Port Harbinger is a resort getaway town. Eager to explore, residents of Ptolomea frequent Port Harbinger for its magnificent vistas and raw appeal. The city faces the sea, looking onto the nearby island of Ygp. Though not visible by human eyes, the proximity of Ygp add feeds the booming city. Port Harbinger is also constructed on a loose model of Almagast. The city is known for swindlers and hustlers, who are always frequent where tourists are. Port Harbinger offers many attractions, in spite of its relatively small size. Most residents of the city work in the entertainment business, drawing sustenance from passing travelers.

Beautiful beaches, a rich nightlife, great accommodations, and a wealth of adventure draw tourists like flies to a corpse. Local artisans have established their wealth to those visiting from other worlds, creating a small export of Ptolomean goods. While hardly measurable in the economic scheme of the planet, artisans are among the richest of the city’s citizens.

Masa Pluris- Primarily a frontier town, Masa Pluris is the agricultural producer of the Ptolomean cities. A large market bustles at the center of the city, luring traders and farmers alike the market is the economic center of the city. Life in Masa Pluris is simple and focused on yielding crops. Originally established as the Capital, Masa Pluris slipped behind Almagast as the cultural heart of Ptolomea and instead picked up the role as provider for its brothers and sisters around the jungle world.

Mostly content with their choices, residents of Masa Pluris are often seen as simpletons by outsiders. Subsistance farming is often a career for residents. Accordingly, few ever leave their homes. There is little interest in this city for major development despite it’s proximity to the large city of Bronato. Resting some one hundred kilometers away, Masa Pluris also calls the Cradle of Almanca home. Rich soil and resources are indicative of this region, thus Masa Pluris is well placed.

Flying under the direct flag of Clan Scholae Palatinae, Masa Pluris’ local government consists of Clan Employed personnel. Although infrequent, rapscallions from Bronato will wander into the town and cause ruckus. Abhorring the ideals and format of Bronato, Masa Pluris policing officials will shoot to kill those who defame their town.

Tetoulichican- A jungle city, Tetoulichican rises up out of the dense inland forest of Helia. Located in the foothills of the massive Sword’s Edge Mountain Range, Tetoulichican feels the relief of elevation over the blistering heat of the lowland jungle. The giant stone city is guarded by archaic statues, leaving some testament to the people who came to Ptolomea before them. These stone soldiers are present throughout the cityscape, showing the innate warrior in the people who made them. Though the original origin of these sculptures is unknown, they give distinct feel to the city. When walking through the stone streets of the city, one feels transported to a much older time.

While a technologically modern city, the avenues and boulevards of the city maintain their old world feeling. Speeders, Traders, Businessmen, and all staples of modern metropolitan living fill the streets. A city of nearly 2 million, Tetoulichican relies primarily on trade routes from the coasts for survival. This long and arduous journey has prompted the city to begin construction on a vital lifeline to Almagast. This gigantic thoroughfare will bring new life to the Jungle City. In early stages of the construction, many personel were lost to guerilla attacks. In an attempt to contend with raiding parties, Tetoulichican is well policed. With a full contention of full time Militiamen and 2000 Stormtroopers, Tetoulichican is one of the more peaceful towns on Ptolomea.

The Clan’s Stormtroopers stationed in Tetoulichican are particularly well trained in guerilla tactics and are often trained as commandos. Of these, few are selected for the Special Forces. These single men fighting units reside within the city and are revered. Special Armor sets them apart from their compatriots and allows them to disappear into the jungles around the city. Called ‘Ghosts’ these fighting units are indicative of Tetoulichican. Like the stone soldiers that protected the city for ages before, the Ghosts embody the spirit of the town.

Serpent’s Vanguard- The Serpent’s Vanguard is located on the northern continent of Gaias. Nestled deep in the forested foothills just south of the formidable Daggerspine Mountain range, the Vanguard covers the tops of two closely adjoined hills.

The heart of House Caliburnus, the Serpent’s Vanguard is comprised of the Obsidian Palace, and the various support buildings needed by the House and her members for daily operations. It is far enough from any cities or settlements to provide a measure of seclusion for the Dark Jedi that make this place their home. However, it is not truly isolated as the Vanguard possesses a major communication network that keeps the House and specifically the Quaestor in touch with their planet, as well as the rest of the Clan.

Ft. Lance- As the main operational groundside base for the Scholae Palatinae TIE Corp, Ft. Lance shelters the new recruits of the clan’s Fighter contingents. While achieving Combat Pilot status is incredibly difficult, Ensigns to the Corp run strenuous training exercises day and night. A small and busy military base, few faces remain around Ft. Lance for long.

The Fortress itself is built into the side of a steep cliff, sheltering it from simple assaults. A Garrison of 2,000 Stormtroopers stands guard, ready at a moment’s notice ready to protect the Clan’s Assets. Rigidly separated from the often cocky collage of Pilots, the Clan’s Marines call this base home when not away. Rotating between thousands of other troopers stationed aboard the clan’s Star Destroyers, these warriors are just as transient as the rotating Pilot Corp. With these factors in mind, Ft. Lance is a place of perpetual change.

There is little aesthetic value to the city, whose only citizens are the Clan’s soldiers. Drab gray halls and windowless rooms cause those on extended deployment to develop overwhelming symptoms of depression. With a boringly typical layout for military installations, Ft. Lance is not an attraction by any means. While this is somewhat significant, Ft. Lance holds a frightening grip on the entire Cocytus System. Known to produce the best pilots (as there is nothing to do but train), this Installation is a bastion against future assailments in the system.

Ft. Arrow- Out of the remains of a Military Training Installation, life flowed into Fort Arrow. Though little remains of the military base, the city that fed the small fortress, booms on the isle of Ygp. A wide spread suburban city, Ft. Arrow takes up an extraordinary amount of space for its relatively small population. Only half a million souls call this place home, whereas up to one million are only visitors. Seen as the big town on a small island, Ft. Arrow holds a wonderful reputation among its guests.

An avid nightlife, open culture, and nude beaches draw increasing numbers of people. Such guests as Braecen Kaeth and Dakari Kaeth are known to frequent the nude beaches when time is available. Also, Prostitution is legal in Ft. Arrow, undoubtedly a relic of the former military occupation. Coalitions of working class women run the sex-rings, under the direct protection of the law. Though there are many other reasons, this seems to be the primary reason for male visitors to visit Ft. Arrow.

Although it is a tourist town, Ft. Arrow harbors dark secrets of the clan’s past. Protected only by blissful ignorance, the population is oblivious to its military past.

See Also

• Judecca
• Antenora
• Caina
• Cocytus System