Shakalman Group, The

The Shakalman Group
Basic Information
Crystal Sphere	Astromundi Cluster
Type	Asteroid cluster
Size Class	C
Shape Class	Cluster
Type Class	Earth bodies
Satellite of	Firefall
Population Summary	Antilan, human slaves, dwarven slaves
Orbit Distance	Approx. 120 million miles (28 hours)

The Shakalman Group is a celestial body that orbits the system primary of the crystal sphere known as the Astromundi Cluster. Despite being nearly uninhabitable due to the extreme heat and lack of water, this size C cluster of earth bodies is an important Antilan naval base and ship-building facility, where the Antilan build their crystal ships and crystal citadels.

Overview

The Shakalman Group is the single greatest shipyard and docking facility in the Astromundi Cluster, where the Antilan Sun Mages build and repair their crystal ships, as well as the enormous crystal citadels. The only shipyard to rival the Group in size is the elven colony of Avarien, and even that shipyard pales in comparison.

From a distance, the Group appears to be a lifeless mass of whirling asteroids; however, as you draw closer, signs of life become more apparent: flashes of light reflected off glass and metal, the occasional glimpse of a crystal ship flitting between asteroids, and the presence of half-visible structures on the surface of several asteroids all betray the existence of their inhabitants.

The earth bodies that make up the Shakalman Group are a veritable treasure trove of mineral resources. Human slaves are stockpiled throughout the Group, ensuring that there is never a lack of labor to build the mammoth citadels. There are also rumors that dwarves have also been enslaved and are used within the mines, but this is pure conjecture.

Structures

Floating in the center of the Group are a number of artificial structures. These include:

• The Forge: This massive structure is some 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) long on each side and nearly 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) tall. Shaped like a great, tiered pyramid, the Forge is the only operational crystal ship/crystal citadel construction yard in the Cluster. The Antilans have put literally billions of gold bars into the creation of this massively fortified base, knowing that if it were to fall their plans for conquest would be seriously delayed. The Forge houses some 3,000 full time personnel, most of whom are responsible for creating the ships. A tenth of the standing personnel are soldiers, who spend most of their time watching for sabotage from within. The defense of the Forge is left to the orbiting encampments that are scattered throughout the Shakalman Group.

• The Resort: Even the Antilans need a place to blow off steam and escape from the societal pressures of their lifestyle. The Resort within the Shakalman Group serves this purpose. Part tavern, part inn, and part park, the resort is designed for relaxation and luxury. The tavern serves free drinks (though ration cards are used to moderate their use by individuals) and the serving men and women are more than attractive. The inn's rooms are luxurious as any mansion back in the Golden Girdle. Spending a night or three here does much to restore an Antilan's composure and improve his or her temper. Rooms are always in demand, and reservations must be made weeks in advance. During peak season, the few days when Firefall and Denaeb are in conjunction, a room here will have to be reserved cycles in advance.

• The Park: The Park is an incredibly expensive piece of property. Though it is entirely contained within the Resort, it is far too large to fit within the Resort's walls. Thanks to the Sun Mages, the Park is several miles square, a magically created space filled with all manner of flora and fauna. It is designed to mimic the ecology of the Golden Girdle, with several small asteroids designed to carefully recreate a famous area within the Golden Girdle.

• The Noble House: Antilan society is rigidly controlled, with the function and rank of each member determined by the rigid societal hierarchy. Things are no different in the Shakalman Group. The Noble House is the most luxuriously appointed structure within the Group. Although the House is a single building, it is a mansion designed and decorated in the grandest of styles possible. Visiting dignitaries and the current Commander-in-Chief of the Group stay here, as do privileged residents of the Shakalman Group.

• The Dungeon: Those Antilan's who step out of line, as well as any intruders captured in or near the Shakalman Group are brought here until they can be dealt with. The Dungeon is very secure but, like most prisons, has very little defense against someone trying to break in rather than out. This has allowed the elves of Avarien to stage two jailbreaks in recent memory; they managed to liberate two of their most famous pirates during these raids.

• The Slave Tower: The slaves kept here are those who directly serve the nobility of the Antilan Empire. They are kept in fairly comfortable surroundings, and allowed free run of their tower. They may not leave without being called for, of course, but still enjoy more freedom than slaves elsewhere. Rumor has it that several of the Hidden have managed to infiltrate this place and are currently working towards a slave revolt.

• The Mines: The Antilans have moved several mineral-rich and gem-laden asteroids into close orbit, which allows them to mine the asteroids at their leisure, without having to worry about protection or lengthy transportation. The slaves that work these mines are kept within the mines under terrible conditions. Antilan slave masters see nothing wrong with working their "property" to death, as they can always get new slaves to replace those they wear out. Some of these asteroids have been found to contain all manner of unusual artifacts, many dating back to before the First Cataclysm. The Antilans are trying their best to keep their finds secret, but rumors have already found their way outside of the Shakalman Group.

• The Watchtowers: To control access to the Group, the Antilans have established watchtowers on various asteroids. The crew in the tower is equipped with a variety of vision- enhancing magical items which they use to scour the asteroid field for signs of intruders. If an unidentified or hostile ship approaches, the tower immediately sends out a magical warning that is perfectly audible to all Sun Mages within several miles. Then it flashes the warning signal to all Antilan ships within range.