Morta

Morta
Astrographical Information
Region	Colonies
Sector	Morobe
System	Morobe
Galaxy Map	Morta
Physical Information
Atmosphere	No atmosphere
Climate	Hot
Terrain
Size	6x6
Societal Information
Population	26,768,873 (Year 22)
Capital City	Tor Aashrur
Points of Interest

Morta is the smallest planet in the Morobe system and the closest to the sun Morobe Minor. The majority of its ashen surface is inhospitable jagged plains, shaped by lava oceans and rivers. Tall mountains surrounding a desert plateau form the only continent that is habitable. Although the mountain ranges provide some protection from the lava oceans, the lack of atmosphere makes the surface outside of cities with a controlled environment unbreathable for most species without protective gear.

There are no records of inhabitants prior to the colonisation of the system in recent years and it took significant investment and effort by the controlling corporation to create liveable conditions on Morta. The main reason for settlement of the volcanic planet was the unique mining opportunities not found elsewhere in the system. Cities were developed within and on the mountain ranges, creating an industrial complex where minerals and raw materials from the mines and lava shores are processed. Between Year 14 and Year 16, Morta played a significant role in supplying shipyards of Sienar Fleet Systems (the second iteration), the dominant corporation in the system during that period.

As the shipwright infrastructure developed in the system, the desert plateau turned into a centre of commerce. Tor Aashrur city developed a seedy reputation for welcoming traders, smugglers and bounty hunters alike, despite being the least likely tourist destination, or perhaps because of it. Citizens of One Nation are not encouraged to pursue bounty hunting as a profession, the culture of higher society aims to build people up, not hunt them for profit, however, the rough residents of Morta tend to take whatever jobs they can get.

Despite the best engineering efforts, Morta’s proximity to one of the suns makes any prolonged stay on the shores of the mountainous landmass, locally known as Zadros, uncomfortable even in the environmentally controlled cities. Because of this, there is a frequent flux of people moving in and out of Tor Aashrur, looking for a respite from the arid mountain cities. Morta’s permanent population is significantly smaller in comparison to the number of people travelling there for work from other planets in the system. The permanent residents are mostly those of species that do not find the hot, arid environment problematic and those that do not have a choice. Precisely because of its hostile surface, Morta houses the largest prison complex in the Morobe system.

The combination of these factors led to a mixed, mostly unfavourable, reputation among the system’s population. Morta is not seen as a planet wanted to be visited for pleasure or as an aspiring place of residence or work. The common stereotype is that mines of Morta are destined for the least skilled labourers, and Morta is often associated with expletive expressions in reference to its hellish landscape. This dreary outlook is in stark contrast to the more developed planets in the system. Life on Morta is considered to be more about survival than living. This led to a fascinating split among the residents when One Nation Under Jou was formed in Year 21. Many residents are skeptical of the government's ability to deliver on its promises to make their lives easier, but some of the most devout and fervent believers of the nation’s religion are found on Morta because they want to believe that through the tenants of the faith, Morta can become a better place to live.

Tor Aashrur

Tor Aashrur is a city sprawling across an oppressively hot and unforgiving desert, surrounded by jagged mountains that offer little comfort and respite from the harsh environment of the planet. The mountain range itself rises from a sea of lava, making the landmass and the city unique in the Morobe system. The landmass was mainly settled for mining of valuable raw materials, which were required to support the growing industry in the system. Despite the unfavorable environmental conditions, a city grew out of the mining settlements to provide housing and amenities for the workers. However, due to the oppressive atmosphere, the majority of the planet’s population was in frequent circulation, which persists even to this day.

Tor Aashrur is not only unique because of its geographical location, but it is also the only free port in the system. As the hub of hustle and bustle of galactic commerce, the city inadvertently attracted more than legitimate merchants. Smuggler and bounty hunters alike have taken advantage of the heavy traffic on and off the planet. The establishment of One Nation’s rule has not ebbed the flow of these free traders and adventurers within the city. Though very few come to Tor Aashrur to smuggle anything into One Nation space specifically. Most are simply passing through or use the city and planet as a hideout for their operations. Due to the often changing population, it makes the city a great place to lay low for a while, and there is never any trouble finding work or transport off the planet.

The most prominent landmarks in the city are the headquarters of the Celestial Tech group, and the local Church of Jou which serves as a beacon of betterment to the community. Tor Aashrur will never be on a list of beautiful or pleasant cities to visit across the galaxy but it remains a known and frequently used destination for those who call the hyperlanes home or those looking to become part of the bounty hunting trade.

Gallery

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  Landscape of Morta.

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  Streets of Tor Aashrur.