Refuge is an independent city state in space that moves between a number of waypoints along the Hydian Way. Constructed from the hulls of ancient freighters and possessing a powerful hyperdrive, it is a great metallic mass in space. It is owned and operated by a group of rich and powerful crime lords or "free traders", who rotate the governorship on a yearly basis between them–though sometimes more frequently due to an ill fated game of sabacc or a "premature" death.
Overview
Refuge is a haven for criminals and is a hub for illicit trade in weapons, slaves, narcotics and chemicals, as well as banned luxury goods. The owners take a percentage of each transaction and enforce what passes for law in a heavy handed manner. A small fleet of armed corvettes and fighters escort the city through space protecting it from anything but an actual invasion.
Besides trading, Refuge is also a popular destination for illicit gambling in slave gladiator combat against each other and various creatures, swoop racing as well as dueling, and almost any other type of high stakes game of chance, as well as various other unsavoury entertainments tailored to the tastes of the customer and their price range.
Role as a criminal haven
The secret of Refuge's security is the hyperspace route it takes, leaving hyperspace for a period of seventy two hours at each stop, then re-entering for the next part of it’s journey. The waypoints are agreed on a monthly basis and are circulated amongst those trusted with it’s location via a secure network. If a threat is detected the destination of the city can be changed by the governor or another partner quickly and efficiently. The other factor of the city's security is the symplicity of it's name, it is not referred to as Refuge City or Refuge Station, meerly Refuge, and is obscure enough for only those in the know to guess at its nature.
Outside contacts
Rumors persist about outside involvement in the city, historically the Empire may have been aware and even involved in its existence. It is also possible the Yuuzhan Vong were aware of and had dealings with the governors but this has also never been proven, though rumors of links to the former Peace Brigade sympathisers persist.
What involvement any of the Clans of the Dark Brotherhood may or may not have with Refuge is also unclear but individual members may well to do private business here, or come to partake in its many "amenities".
Trivia
- Refuge has been designed as a criminal haven to serve as a setting for future run-ons. Though created by Clan Naga Sadow primarily for their stories, it is easily possible it may be frequented by parties from the other Clans given its independent status.