PmWiki | PhotonKnights / Starmaps

The Constellation of Kalradia is not a constellation at all, merely a very large and very odd multiple-star system, much like Alpha Centauri A/B/Proxima. The third star of this group is a neutron star. A gas-giant planet orbits it just outside its Roche limit; while the gas giant's gravity is enough to keep it from being pulled apart by tidal forces, periodic tugs from the other two stars have made it so that its atmosphere has been pulled loose into an independent orbit around the neutron star. This orbiting air forms a ring known as a gas torus. The gas torus is huge—one million kilometers thick—but most of it is too thin to be habitable. The central part of the Gas Torus, where the air is thicker, is known as the Smoke Ring. The Smoke Ring supports a wide variety of life. The orbital resonance with the other star pair has meant that a number of asteroids and planetoids have likewise been pulled into the gas torus. For most of their history, Kalradians believed that "space" had air in it and "planets" had diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers across. They invented interasteroidal flight before inventing firearms.

The Smoke Ring of Kalradia is the primary location of interest for spacefaring civilizations. The Smoke Ring is known for its unique ecology and is home to a variety of species adapted to its atmospheric conditions. Kalradians have developed advanced techniques for living in the Smoke Ring, including aerostat cities, which are large balloons filled with breathable air, that float in the denser parts of the gas torus. These cities are often connected by large tubes that allow for travel between them.

The resources in the Smoke Ring are highly valuable, and there is intense competition among different factions for control over them. In addition to the resources available on the floating cities, there are also valuable minerals and materials to be found on the various asteroids and planetoids that have been captured by the gas torus.

The presence of the Golden Lance in Kalradia has upset the delicate balance of power in the system. The Golden Lance have made deals with various factions to gain access to resources and technology, and they are now a significant player in the politics of Kalradia. The discovery of potential Glory Hammer technology in Kalradia has only added to the tensions in the system, as various factions seek to control or destroy it. The Photon Knights may be the only ones capable of stopping the Golden Lance from obtaining this dangerous technology and unleashing it on the galaxy.

Kalradians live on "planets" that are in actuality small Trojan asteroids of KC's gas giant planet that originated the gas torus. They are a few dozen kilometers in radius, and the general "downward" direction is towards the gas giant. There are two groups of trojans, one of which is predominantly rich in carbon and light elements and supports soil and life, the other composed mainly of silicates and metal. As a result, metal in Kalradia is rare. This partially explains the inhabitants' medieval-like culture and technology. First contact only happened a few years ago, and modern technolog is only now starting to spread, mostly restricted to the nobility.

The Kalradians, inhabitants of the small Trojan asteroids within the Kalradia system, lead a unique and intriguing existence shaped by the distinct environment in which they reside. Their planetary homes, which are actually small Trojan asteroids, have a radius of a few dozen kilometers and orbit around the gas giant planet at the center of the system.

The Kalradian Trojans are divided into two main groups based on their composition. One group consists of asteroids rich in carbon and lighter elements, which provide the necessary ingredients for soil formation and support the growth of various forms of life. The presence of these elements allows for the development of organic matter, contributing to the existence of a diverse ecosystem within this group of Trojans.

The second group of asteroids primarily consists of silicates and metals, which offer fewer resources for supporting life and soil formation. As a result, these Trojans tend to have a more barren and inhospitable environment, limiting their potential for sustaining complex life forms.

Due to the scarcity of metal resources in their immediate surroundings, the Kalradians have had to adapt and develop a culture and technology that rely less on advanced metallurgy. This has contributed to their medieval-like culture, where the use of metals is more limited and valued. The Kalradians have become skilled in utilizing the available resources and have honed their craftsmanship in working with alternative materials such as wood, stone, and locally abundant minerals.

The Kalradian society has been relatively isolated until recently, with first contact occurring only a few years ago. As the knowledge of the wider galaxy begins to permeate their world, modern technologies and advancements are gradually spreading among the Kalradians, predominantly within the noble classes. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges as the traditional ways of life blend with new influences and technologies.

The encounter with the wider galaxy and the potential for interstellar interaction open up new possibilities for the Kalradians to explore and expand their horizons. It presents them with the chance to integrate their unique cultural heritage and craftsmanship with the advancements of the modern world, forging a path that combines tradition and progress.

The Kalradians' distinctive lifestyle and their ongoing integration into the galactic community offer a fascinating backdrop for the players' adventures. As the heroes navigate the complexities of Kalradian society, interact with its inhabitants, and uncover the secrets of their ancient origins within the Trojan asteroids, they will delve into a world of cultural exchange, technological transformation, and the preservation of tradition in the face of change.