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Description
Gamapin is a cold, dusty world located in that stretch of the Mid-Rim nearest the Unknown Regions. The weather on Gamapin is renowned for it’s unpredictability and ferocity. The planet’s proximity to two gas giants, and subsequent erratic axis rotation generate some of the fiercest dust and electrical storms in the galaxy. Despite the inhospitable conditions, Gamapin also boasts some of the most spectacular rock formations yet recorded, and houses several rich deposits of minerals and precious stones.
The landscape of Gamapin is dominated by nearly endless drifts of milk-colored dust. Where on any other world, dust would just be a pervasive and minor annoyance, on Gamapin – it’s deadly. When carried by the any number of storms, only the most durable of structures and machines suffer any chance at not being scoured into dust themselves. Whereas the atmosphere is breathable by most of the galaxy’s species, it’s so heavily laden with the dust that any being not wearing a filtration mask or other breathing apparatus, will die in a matter of minutes of drowning from their own abraded lungs. This hazardous property of the dust is owed to the mixture of various minerals that make up the geology of the planet. Harmless on their own, together they become lethal.
The dust also provides the canvas for what is truly the beauty of Gamapin. Scattered across the planet are it’s renowned rock formations. From isolated structures, to vast cliffs and canyons, they are the most bizarre and awe-inspiring sculptures of wind found anywhere in the known galaxy. While the dangers of Gamapin prevent most from viewing these sites through means other than pictures or reproductions, more than a few Snivvians venture into the deserts to draw inspiration from the presence of these wonders.
History
Gamapin was discovered during the days of the Old Republic by explorers seeking new sources of materials to supply the industrialized worlds of the Inner Rim and Expansion Region. Due to it’s low temperatures and coloration of the geology, it was at first mistaken for an ice planet. Sensor scans finding a complete absence of surface water corrected this assumption. The explorers were not, however, disappointed. Further scans detected extensive deposits of numerous minerals used in manufacturing and construction. In this one world, they had hit the jackpot.
Mining operations were rapidly established. An installation and spaceport, that would eventually grow into the city of La Shangri, were constructed. Workers were shipped in by the thousands with promises of a share in the profits.
Most died in a manner of months.
Despite the immense earnings made off Gamapin, little was reinvested back into the world. This resulted in numerous accidents not only in the mines themselves, but often the lack of proper maintenance to survival equipment and even the habitat sections of La Shangri, killed just as many. Gross endangerment that attracted the attention of the Republic Senate.
After a number of severe indictments and sentences were handed down by the courts, Gamapin was bought by the Commerce Guild, who quickly moved to update the facilities and bring work conditions up to Republic standards of safety. The Guild instituted further reforms, such as high paying labor contracts for terms of two years, and utilizing droids for hazardous jobs, such as those out on Gamapin’s surface. Benefits which lasted well up until the decades prior the Clone Wars, when the Guild became increasingly corrupt and indifferent toward the welfare of it’s workers.
Gamapin under the control of the Empire, was converted into a prison world, second only to the infamy of Kessel. Imperial administrators, a Stormtrooper garrison, as well as a huge influx of criminals and dissidents, increased La Shangri’s population and size ten times over. Unfortunately, the planet’s numerous storms prevented supply ships from keeping pace with the demands of water and other necessities for such an abundant population. The Imperials in order to scrape together a modicum of comfort, inflicted severe punishments of deprivation on the prisoners, often for insignificant or even invented infractions.
The restoration of the Republic saw a return of ethical governance to Gamapin. Careful to prevent further abuses, the Republic placed the mines briefly under the control of Lando Calrissian, before selling the holdings to the Sorosuub Corporation. The Republic maintained frequent and unscheduled safety inspections of Gamapin’s mines well into the post-Endor era. On rare occasions, even Jedi make visits, either enlisted as inspectors or seeking to purchase crystals for use in lightsabers.
People
There isn’t a dominate group or species on Gamapin. This diversity is meant to serve a practical, business purpose. The success of the mines requires those working them be able to adapt and live in Gamapin’s harsh environment. It’s a particular bonus if a worker or administrator hails from a world and/or species that can meet the challenges of a cold, desolate world. Aside from the usual population of humans and near-humans, Adarians, Arcona, Besalisks, Nikto, Ortolans, Sullustans, Temolaks, Ugnaughts and Zabraks being just a few of the most commonly encountered peoples.
Loners just don’t exist here, nor are they tolerated. Given the thin margins for error on this world, the smallest neglect on the part of any individual can cause the death, not only of themselves, but of others. Everyone operates in teams, and follow a strict regime of double-checking before any action is taken. This extends from checking face masks and protective gear before stepping out an airlock, all the way up to executive decisions. Visitors, especially, are closely monitored and forbidden to leave quarters without escort. Ignorance is as lethal as neglect on Gamapin.
Locations
La Shangri
Sheltered in a large, round canyon just north of the equator, La Shangri is the sole place of habitation on Gamapin. It covers not only the floor, but extends far into the walls of the canyon as well. During the Imperial occupation, the canyon was broadened and artificial canyon-sized tunnels were dug to connect the city to newly constructed outposts. Despite being on such an unforgiving and distant world, the city is fairly modern, lacking only the most state-of-the-art of amenities.
The dominating feature of La Shangri is the large, central tower complex. Reaching to a height that is just taller than the walls of the canyon, the tower houses the administrative offices for the mines, with the topmost levels holding weather monitoring stations, communications and air traffic control. The remaining buildings on the canyon floor rarely exceed two stories, with most being only one.
Aside from the area containing the warehouses and refineries, the zoning and arrangement of the canyon floor is extremely piecemeal. Due to the limited space available, construction occurred where there was room, regardless of where that happened to be. It’s not surprising to find one of the spaceport’s hangars, a worker’s barracks and a hydroponics garden all in the same block. Without a knowledgeable resident to act as a guide, anyone in this section of the city stands an excellent chance of getting lost.
The portion of the city contained in the canyon walls is noticeably the newest, and far easier to navigate. Here are the luxury apartments where the administrators live, as well as any businesses and entertainment facilities which serve the residents and those few visitors. Maps and computer directories are displayed at regular intervals throughout to assist in locating particular establishments and residences. The businesses on Gamapin are strictly geared toward entertainment and moderate luxury items. Weapons, armor and vehicles are simply not available. Even the Security forces rarely carry anything stronger than a Stun Baton. With blasters stored and locked away until the event of a riot or pirate attack. It might be possible, however, to attempt to locate a blackmarket source to purchase weapons, but the selection will be very limited, and very expensive.
The spaceport like the rest of the city is modern and can accommodate any starship but those of Capital size. The hangars are covered and sealed against the outside, so those entering and exiting craft are protected against Gamapin’s air and weather.
The Rock Formations
Ranging from the grotesque, to the bizarre, to the profound, the Formations of Gamapin are counted amoung the Thousand Wonders of the Galaxy. Shaped from the pale rock by the planet’s fierce winds, they are a fascinating source of study by scientists and artists alike. Of the most noteworthy include, “The House of the Sun,” an immense pockmarked monolith, whose indentures reflect the rays of Gamapin’s star, Tufar, in such a way that they resemble windows with the sunbeams radianting outward; “The Acrobat,” a solitary monolith depicting a humanoid doing a handstand or cartwheel; “The Village,” a cliff face whose erosion resembles a wall of conical buildings; and “The Passage,” a narrow archway, tens of stories tall.
Note: Anyone exposed to Gamapin’s air unprotected is subject to the rules concerning drowning and suffocation. Survivors, unless they receive immediate and intensive medical treatment, permanently lose 1 point of Con for every Con check failed (d20 system) or a –1 penalty on all skill checks on activities requiring heavy exertion (running, swimming, climbing, etc.) for every stamina check failed (d6 system) due to the damage inflicted on their lungs and breathing passages. (Example: two failed checks equals a loss of two points of Con or a –2 penalty on skill checks).
| Gamapin - d20 Stats |
Planet Type: Terrestrial
Climate: Arid
Terrain: Desert
Atmosphere: Breathable (see below)
Gravity: Standard
Diameter: 6800 km
Length of Day: 24.5 hours
Length of Year: 685 days
Sentient Species: Humans, Aliens, Droids
Languages: Basic, Various
Population: 100,000 (One million in Rebellion Era)
Species Mix: 40% Humans/Aliens, 60% Droids (60% Human, 20% Alien, 20% Droids in Rebellion Era)
Government: Corporate (Imperial in Rebellion Era)
Major Exports: Precious stones, Industrial minerals
Major Imports: Water, Mining Machinery, Survival Equipment
System/Star: Tufar
Planets Type Moons
Nhebii Gas Giant 2
Gamapin Terrestrial 0
Rugel Gas Giant 10
Theryet Gas Giant 8
Shone Ice Ball 1 |
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| Post Comment - view all comments (4 comments) |
| These are the last three comments in this thread. To view all of the comments on this entry, please click "view comments" above. | | Zalaz Mavi | That's quite alright...
By the way, my daughter wants me to extend her compliments on the "dangerous and mysterious" description. She found it amusing... | | Moridin | Fixed it. Sorry about the mix-up. | | Zalaz Mavi | Actually, I'm the author. I know now for next time, I need to do a lot better with the formatting. Ouch!... |
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