The Ceradine System

 Added the Ceradine system to Star Systems! 

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Ceradine

Class G Yellow White Dwarf (VII)

One of the many systems in the Xan Sector along the Manda Merchant Route, the system sees a considerable amount of inner-system traffic that is often little more than ships adjusting their headings or refueling. 

Panitha

Class B Geomorteus

Shurat

Class K Adaptable

Thousands of years ago, Republic colonists discovered a vast network of tunnels beneath the surface of the planet, created by unknown hands that left no trace of their civilization. Colonists moved in and occupied the tunnels, and as their numbers grew, new chambers and tunnels were carved from the rock. Now millions of people dwell within the world, and the only sign of civilization on the surface are a handful of communication towers and ship docking bays.

Hanging in orbit are the Shurati Shipyards, a small facility that predominantly handles ship repairs, although a substantial portion of the facility is dedicated to manufacturing new ship parts. While the facility once was dedicated to producing small merchant freighters, since the Clone Wars they have focused more on after-market and replacement parts, as their own ship designs were often outclassed and sold poorly. 

Hosharra

Class T Ultragiant

Several large gas refineries orbit the planet, almost entirely operated by droid workers. Most of these refineries were established a few short years before the outbreak of the Clone Wars by the Techno Union, and largely without any fanfare or announcement. During the Clone Wars, the refineries ramped up production, and would ship large concentrations to be used in the Separatist’s war efforts. While a single attempt at sabotage was thwarted by onboard security personnel, no further incidents occurred, and when the Empire arose, the control of the refineries passed to the Mining Guild.

Asteroid Belt

Tens of thousands of people live among the asteroids, primarily miners who spend their lives cracking apart asteroids and mining the precious minerals within. While very few pirates operate within the belt, as the mining results are rarely lucrative enough to make piracy attractive, there are conflicts among various ship crews and small companies involving claim jumping. During the Republic, the belt was rather untamed and had zero oversight, but early in the days of the Empire patrols of the area became a regular process. Unfortunately the New Republic has deemed the belt to be low priority, and while patrols may occur, they are seldom and sporadic.

Gelathra

Class J Gas Giant

Hanging in the upper atmosphere are a number of research stations, once well funded by the Old Republic, but during the Imperial Era most of them have fallen into disuse, with most being mothballed and a few slowly falling into degrading orbits until they are crushed by the planet’s gravity. 

However, two of the floating research stations which were previously abandoned have found new life as airspeeder docks. In recent years, a dangerous sport has emerged, wherein people race airspeeders through the upper atmosphere, dodging pockets of unstable gasses and electrical storms which flare up almost without warning. Occasional deaths occur when a pilot misjudges and their speeder plummets into the crushing depths of the planet’s gravity well. While several petitions to the New Republic have been made, proposed legislation surrounding the sport has yet to be ratified into law. Thus, it has become an interesting spectator sport for those passing through the system.

Webrai

Class P Glaciated

The Hythos System

Added the Hythos system to Star Systems! 

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Hythos

Class G Yellow White Dwarf (VII)

Due to the amount of foodstuffs being exported from the planet of Ocastus, the system has a sizable patrol to ward off pirates, after they had preyed upon cargo ships for a few short years.  While the patrol craft is composed of an aged Acclamator-class cruiser and a handful of Corellian Corvettes, combined, they are more than a match for any pirate force. These vessels are both supplied and maintained on Ocastus, one of the few planets in the Sector wealthy enough to maintain such a fleet.

Ocastus

Class M Terrestrial

One of a pair of planets set in a binary orbit around one another, Ocastus is teeming with life and the skies are regularly filled with transports shuttling grain and vegetables to starports so that they can be shipped offworld. Nearly a billion people inhabit the world, distributed predominantly in small farming towns and the occasional city built around a starport. 

A considerable amount of arable land exists within the temperate zones of the planet, much of which was converted to farmland thousands of years ago. Additionally, the vast ocean that wraps around the equator of the planet is teeming with rapid growing kelp and fish. The exports from the planet feed a considerable number of inhabitants of nearby star systems, and the planet has been referred to as “The Breadbasket of the Xan Sector”. 

The waters of the equatorial ocean are so calm that a number of wealthy nobles have large floating houses that are seasonally relocated via tugs. It is from these massive mansions on the waves that they oversee the governance of the planet. 

Mesarai

Class N Reducing

Unlike the planet’s partner, which dances around in the same orbit through the system, Mesarai is a dead world. The surface of the planet is a barren wasteland, beneath a thick atmosphere of poisonous gas, ensuring that nothing lives. 

Nadulu

Class I Gas Supergiant

For a short period of time during the chaos of the fall of the Empire, a small pirate force established a base on the third moon, called Gestirro. From there, they began raiding cargo ships leaving Ocastus, demanding that they be paid tribute. However, after they kidnapped and ransomed one of the nobles of Ocastus, a system defense patrol was established. 

Lokirra

Class J Gas Giant 

Gas mining stations in the upper atmosphere have always had particular difficulty with the planet, as the mix of elements often creates pockets of corrosive vapors which quickly degrade nonmetallic parts. After several centuries of attempting to turn a profit have failed, with most companies barely breaking even, the planet is largely seen as a failed investment, with the Mining Guild having attempted for a few months to keep an operation going before admitting defeat and salvaging the station.

Barhome Star System

Added the Barhome system to Star Systems! 

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Barhome

Class K Orange Giant (III)

A system often overlooked in the galactic scene, with only a handful of sparsely populated planets, most people barely register the system’s existence if they’ve ever heard of it at all. The locals often regard the rest of the galaxy with disdain and view the conflicts that have engulfed the galaxy as having little to do with them, other than a new flag that collects their taxes and provides little support.

The sentiments of the inhabitants have made the system an appealing destination for criminals and other people looking to have a fresh start in life with no questions asked about their history.

Athepar

Class B Geomorteus

The surface of the planet is a rocky and cratered surface, which becomes partially molten when the planet’s orbit reaches the closest point to the star. The surface temperature varies wildly and is largely inhospitable to most forms of life found in the galaxy.

Sirassa

Class K Adaptable

The surface of the world is dotted with pressurized domes and small sealed outposts, as the planet lacks a substantial atmosphere. There have been a number of terraforming attempts in the far past, and the remnants of several massive machines that were instrumental to those attempts stand as silent corpses dotting the horizon. However, the amount of minerals harvested ensures that inhabitants of the planet are capable of eking out a moderate existence. 

Most of the inhabitants of the planet are fed via hydroponic gardens. During the Republic Era, a dangerous and rapidly spreading fungal infection wiped out the majority of the farming capability of the planet. When delegates petitioning for aid from the Senate were turned away, the planet experienced severe starvation, which caused favorable sentiment for joining the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

While the local government was hesitant to openly declare their secession, they reached out, and a secret deal was made between the local government and the growing Separatist movement. In exchange for a substantial amount of food and assistance, the Separatists were allowed to operate on the planet almost with impunity, although covertly to avoid Republic scrutiny. In the months leading up to the Clone Wars, a new pressurized dome was constructed, funded by the Confederacy for their private use.

During the Clone Wars, the new facilities were entirely used for covert actions against the Republic, and it largely remained unnoticed until the final days of the Clone Wars. A brief assault by Republic forces secured the area, and government authorities who were complicit in the arrangement were arrested. The Separatist facilities were dismantled, and the pressure dome was left abandoned.

Little changed with the coming of the Empire; the newly elected authorities sold the idea that with new leaders, there would be a new age of growth and stability for the planet. At first, there was progress, and many of the planet’s citizens enjoyed a period of good fortune. However, within a few short years, the populace found that the benefits were short-lived, and little had actually changed. Imperial attention on the planet was absent, save for a small garrison of troopers who believed the assignment to be punishment for their transgressions. There was near-constant tension between the garrison and the populace, as the storm troopers were often overly aggressive and almost never held accountable for their actions. 

With the rise of the New Republic, the people were once again hopeful that prosperity was on the horizon. Unfortunately, in the few years since, the only change has been in the local leadership, with Mertan Serando being voted back into office, despite having served a short prison sentence for his role with the Separatist fiasco.

Although Sirassa flies the flag of the New Republic, the loyalty of the populace does not run deep. Most pay lip service to the ideals of the New Republic, but most matters are handled locally. The local starports have started being used more and more by smugglers, as word has spread that a small bribe can get dockmasters to look the other way, and locals don’t ask questions.

Malsan

Class L Marginal

A small colony, established during the Clone Wars, inhabits the planet. Nearly a dozen cities with nearly ten million people scattered among them eke out their living among the rocky plateaus and arid scrublands. 

Even more so than Sirassa, the inhabitants of Malsan feel that events off-planet have little bearing upon the locals. Regardless of the flag being waved by the rest of the galaxy, the people of Malsan are more focused on getting by day-to-day. Between moisture farming and underground farms, the people spend much of their time toiling away, keeping their eyes on their work instead of gazing at the stars.

The planet is home to an interesting species of snail that lives in shallow caves, and when stressed, the snails emit a liquid that can be used to make a vibrant violet dye. The only real export of the planet is the dye, which has seen an increase in popularity amongst various nobles of the New Republic. 

Veledore

Class J Gas Giant 

A dozen mining stations float in the planet’s upper atmosphere, processing gasses gathered by droid-piloted harvesters. These stations are old, having been put into orbit during the Old Republic over a century prior, and require constant upkeep. 

Few personnel inhabit the stations, mostly aged spacers and a handful of people from the local planets who took a lucrative job in order to get offworld. Few stay long, collecting their pay and leaving for greener pastures the moment the next freighter rolls through to collect the compressed gas. Because of the sentiment of temporary assignment, many needed repairs go uncompleted, and are instead pushed off on the next crew, or until they become critical.

Sidebar: Drinking a Gas Giant

An interesting local concoction served at most higher-end establishments is Veledore Brandy, an intoxicating beverage made from wine turned into brandy in a container that holds a mixture of gas taken from the upper atmosphere of the nearby planet of Veledore. The delightful mix also carries with it a peculiar aroma, which seems to elicit a strange sense of familiarity and nostalgia upon smelling it.

Asteroid Belt

Within the belt is a large base made from the hollowed remnants of a massive asteroid, formed during the heyday of the Empire. The primary purpose of the base was a hangar for small patrol craft such as TIE fighters, and during the height of the Empire a single squadron was stationed here, along with a few auxiliary craft.

Since the Battle of Endor, the Imperials have abandoned the base, with the craft all being reallocated elsewhere. While the facilities remain in a state of disuse, it is rumored that pirates and scavengers occasionally visit the location, only to abandon it after learning nothing within is worth salvaging.

Parsa

Class C Geoinactive

A small rocky planet covered in small patches of various ices, including frozen nitrogen and methane, the planet is mostly ignored by locals as there doesn’t seem to be any useful resources hidden beneath the ice.

Rumors of an old Separatist cache have persisted since the early days of the Empire, a small hidden outpost on the far-flung planet that the Confederate forces hiding on Sirassa could access and resupply from. Despite a number of expeditions, no evidence of such an outpost has ever been uncovered.

Cap Barrels

Ever needed interesting barrels that aren’t all uniform? Here’s a simple and fairly cheap method of making them.

Materials Needed:

Plastic bottle caps (you need 2 per barrel)

Plastic sheets ( https://amzn.to/2WzAUj2 )

Superglue ( https://amzn.to/2V1Nerh )

Hot Glue Gun ( https://amzn.to/3DzhlaV )

Black Spray Primer ( https://amzn.to/2V1hsdY )

Grey Acrylic Paint ( https://amzn.to/3yvNa0Q )

Paintbrush ( https://amzn.to/3jykMqu )

Paper towel or napkin

Optional Materials:

Hole Punch ( https://amzn.to/3t3tXlY )

Leather Hole Punch ( https://amzn.to/3kEG850 )

Oblong Leather Hole Punch ( https://amzn.to/2WGbvEc )

Directions:

First, gather up a bunch of plastic bottle caps from your soda or beverage of choice.

Most of them are very similar in diameter, so you can mix and match to make a variety of heights. Glue them together, so that they have a top and bottom half.

In order to give the barrels some varied appearance, cut out a variety of shapes from the plastic sheets. I recommend using a utility knife and a straight edge, but decent scissors also work. Another option that I use is to utilize leather punches, which come in both round and oblong shapes, and allow you to cut out a variety of shapes. You will need to use a hammer or mallet and place the plastic sheet on a surface that you don’t mind gouging up, like a scrap piece of wood.

Once you have the plastic sheet cut into a variety of shapes, use superglue to adhere it to the top of the plastic bottle caps.

Now, time to glue them down to something so you can spray paint them without having them fly away. I recommend a piece of cardboard, a paint stick, or a piece of wood (I use a scrap chunk of lumber leftover from another project). Simply wait for the hot glue gun to warm up, put a small dab on the surface, and then stick the bottom of the barrel into the warm glue.

Once you have all the barrels in place, spray them with the dye/primer. Make sure you hit all sides evenly. I like using bright color plastic because it helps me see where I need to spray more primer.

Next, wait for the dye or primer to dry. It generally takes about 15 minutes. Once that’s done, take a large brush and your grey paint. The next step is dry brushing with the grey paint. Load the brush with paint and wipe most of it off on a paper towel. Quickly brush over the bottle caps in a horizontal stroke, allowing the paint to hit the raised surfaces and giving you a decent contrast between the high areas and the dark crevasses. Keep at it for as long as you desire.

Once the acrylic paint is dry, you can spray the barrels with a matte clear sealant.

Finally, remove the barrels from the surface they were glued to. Some might pop apart, but don’t worry, you can always superglue them back together.

The Final Result

Here we are, three quickly made barrels, with size comparison from a Legion Stormtrooper and a Stargrave crewmember!

A Hundred Names

Having problems coming up with names for NPCs for your Star Wars campaign? Here's 100 names that you can use to populate the galaxy!

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Idiris Alon, Dameson Kree, Sandis Kovan, Cardin Hask, Hudio Lureth, 

Thedra Mur, Emiro Sachar, Riota Dena, Lusa Frez, Nemeo Cortan, 

Serso Hiri, Menchera Alasta , Zarat Kor, Hyami Nitar, Cirda Mora, 

Amin Josla, Anga Levir, Junda Jaro, Devyr Kalla, Rega Molan, 

Petra Julda, Nico Bishar, Aldo Crane, Monen Alos, Linare Sant, 

Koval Ormas, Zunira Hatra, Nava Doras, Sarko Murr, Marakas Thena, 

Tathen Lashad, Lendo Trun, Karvel Ortan, Gerella Tawa, Vesca Milla, 

Allath Koro, Mego Krude, Izra Dane, Diato Joran, Dantaro Jori, 

Draya Sans, Girolma Fada, Subaio Zar, Herev Chand, Steren Lask, 

Alnara Rusai, Adania Stave, Olivas Kurillo, Thapan Resk, Luren Tiro, 

Nixo Karat, Sabida Hoon, Varela Tor, Numia Cole, Bondas Urasi, 

Skulla Boon, Baraba Sant, Kawama Undili, Nakhuth Rota, Naya Hamar, 

Ezana Petro, Arami Kineo, Cassa Tena, Deneon Jaka, Polin Nurr, 

Jamaka Kree, Ruda Evaron, Ronar Kul, Hedari Waze, Vala Kurn, 

Dadis Urra, Anyala Tolman, Keth Saress, Naton Dreen, Ves Uradi, 

Emark Lotari, Candon Allor, Katya Nusgar, Elza Drast, Azdur Ardan, 

Ajara Karet, Deliro Matara, Karala Wekari, Amira Zandos, Huth Winan, 

Shoda Vin, Vaton Hardis, Vanka Janon, Adis Anar, Sana Sumarda, 

Nabar Orashi, Shalon Korved, Karlan Baris, Olira Villar, Firan Daniri, 

Lanon Jurra, Adon Cole, Neren Steen, Rori Nonas, Janee Akas