The Skepnar, a branch of humanity with a rich and storied past, have thrived as a predominantly space-based civilization for close to 100,000 years. Their society spans a diverse array of environments, each uniquely adapted to the challenges and opportunities of living beyond the constraints of planetary surfaces. Their home system within the Eisengeist sector, known as Utterrost, is a marvel of engineering and ingenuity. This system is not only the heart of Skepnar culture but also a testament to their unparalleled expertise in astro-engineering and adaptation. Untold billions of Skepnar live, build, fight, love, study, and travel, all within their sprawling, interconnected civilisation. They have forgone the need to spread outward and have bedded themselves into Utterrost, now as much a part of the system as the rocks and gasses, or the constant traffic of Hengest’s all-pervading signals.

The Inner Rings of Utterrost

Closest to the system’s star, three colossal ring worlds orbit in a tri-axial spinning configuration. These immense structures, known collectively as the Solar Tethers, are the largest and most ancient constructs in the system. Each ring is home to a distinct hold, specializing in harnessing the star’s immense energy and extracting exotic substances that can only be cultivated under the intense pressures and heat of stellar proximity. The holds on each ring have taken the name of their home Ring.

  • Solwardan Ring: The smallest of the three, Solwardan specializes in stellar energy collection. Its surface is a shimmering patchwork of solar arrays and heat exchangers, while vast internal habitats provide homes for its denizens. Its name reflects both its position “sunward” and its warding role in protecting the other rings from solar storms.

  • Brimholt Ring: Positioned on the middle ring, Brimholt is renowned for its mastery of esoteric material extraction. Here, Skepnar scientists refine starborn elements for advanced technologies. The name “Brimholt” evokes the sense of standing at the edge of a fiery sea.

  • Heathspire Ring: On the outermost ring, Heathspire serves as a hub for research and experimental fabrication. Its name reflects the spired observatories and laboratories that rise from its surface, monitoring both the star and interstellar phenomena.

Jorric’s World

The first planet in the Utterrost system is an anomaly: an oceanic world with a near-absence of land, holding the majority of the system’s water. Beneath its turbulent waves lies a tiny planetary core, while its surface is dominated by floating habitats anchored into the seabed many miles below. The Skepnar have transformed this world into a vital resource hub, pumping vast quantities of water to sustain the system’s other holds, and farming collossal beasts and mind-numbingly populous schools of fish for meat.

  • Waveharrow Hold: Known for its innovative floating platforms, Waveharrow specializes in desalination and water extraction. Its name suggests resilience against the endless surges of the ocean.

  • Anchorspire Hold: This hold takes its name from its towering anchor stations that tether their habitats to the sea floor. It is renowned for producing algae-based bioproducts and fostering marine research.

  • Aquaeth Hold: Positioned near the planet’s equator, Aquaeth is known for its advanced hydro-engineering. Its name, derived from Skepnar dialects, signifies “water hearth,” emphasizing its role as a source of life.

  • Ulricksburgh: A vast geosynchronous space station positioned over Waveharrow, and serving as the upward end of the planet’s space elevator. This Hold is home to the Skepnar’s primary markets and the grand master traders.

The Girdle

The remnants of 3 rocky worlds shattered millennia ago to release their precious metallic contents form the vast asteroid belt encircling Utterrost. This region is a labyrinth of dust, gas, rocks, and asteroids and serves as the backbone of Skepnar industry. Eight major asteroid-based holds dominate the belt, each nestled within a hulking hollowed-out asteroid.

  • Gravrim’s Glory: A major mining hub, Gravrim extracts rare metals and crystalline materials. Its name evokes its roots in gravitational mining techniques.

  • Orehelm Deeps: Specializing in smelting and refining, Orehelm’s furnaces light up the dark expanse of the belt. Its name reflects its purpose and its helm-like asteroid shape.

  • Deepforge: This hold focuses on forging industrial components and tools from the belt’s raw materials. The name “Deepforge” highlights both its subterranean workshops and its dedication to craftsmanship.

  • Long Havenkeld: A sanctuary for artisans and genetic engineers, Havenkeld’s name combines safety (“haven”) with innovation (“keld”, meaning a spring or source).

  • Shattermark Kinhome: Named for the massive cracks in its asteroid’s surface, Shattermark thrives as a center for salvage and reclamation operations.

  • The Runestone: Known for its cultural significance, Runestone’s interiors are carved with intricate murals and patterns. This hold is the seat of Skepnar historians and record-keepers.

  • Cypheran Pumps: This hold specializes in plasma harvesting from the remnants of ancient planetary cores. Its name reflects its fiery purpose.

  • Veinspire Hold: A prosperous mining and manufacturing hub, Veinspire’s name pays homage to the rich veins of minerals running through its asteroid.

The Twins

Further out in the system lie two majestic gas giants - Vamnia and Ketgania, each surrounded by moons and orbiting habitats. These regions host the system’s largest shipyards and serve as centers for harvesting volatile gases essential to Skepnar technology.

  • Far Voldrath: A sprawling habitat in low orbit around Ketgania, Voldrath specializes in helium-3 extraction and energy production. Its name suggests strength and command.

  • Skyforge: Situated within the rings of Vamnia, Skyforge is home to the system’s largest shipbuilding facilities. Its name reflects its mastery of engineering.

  • Cloudspire Hold: Perched on a moon above the swirling clouds of Ketgania, Cloudspire serves as a hub for atmospheric research and trade. Its name evokes its lofty position.

  • The Aetherhelm: Suspended in Ketgania’s upper atmosphere, Aetherhelm thrives as a center for volatile gas processing. The name reflects its ethereal setting.

Rovers

Beyond the settled locations, roving megaships and clusters of nomadic vessels traverse the system, each forming a unique hold. These mobile societies maintain their independence while contributing to the greater whole.

  • Starlore Fleet: A cluster of ancient exploration vessels, Starlore Fleet carries Skepnar explorers and archivists. The name signifies their role as keepers of knowledge.

  • The Great Driftsworn: Known for its mobile factories, The Great Driftsworn is a behemoth that roams between the holds, producing advanced machinery.

  • Starmark Fleet: A collection of smaller vessels, Starmark Fleet thrives on adaptability and trade. The name emphasizes their role as the marketplace of all who ply the star road.

  • Osmiric: Osmiric is a name that this great voyager gave to itself. One of the oldest ships and AI’s still in operation, it’s been hinted that Osmiric was among the first ships to arrive at Utterrost, but that isn’t really possible. Is it?

  • Hearthlight Cluster: This group of vessels serves as a cultural hub, bringing Skepnar entertainers, traditions and rituals to the farthest reaches of the system. The name reflects its warmth and guidance.

The Skepnar’s environments are as diverse as their culture, reflecting their mastery of astro-engineering and their ability to adapt to the challenges of a spacefaring existence. From the blazing rings of the star to the drifting clusters of megaships, the holds of Utterrost stand as monuments to a people who have thrived for millennia among the stars.