Sanctum

Aresia (Barsoom)

Sanctum

Stats

Size 3: Large Citadel

Inhabitants 7: Green Aresians!

Defences 4: stout walls and doors, traps, ray cannons

Accessibility 3: a remountable control console

Aresia

Aresia is inhabited by several different humanoid species. It can be theorized that they were introduced from earth at some point in the distant past, thus explaining their biological similarities to humans. Most of Aresia is desert, and is slowly running out of water, with only small enclaves of plant life and oasis where life continues. Much water is kept in canals, which are carefully crafted and preserved for the use of sapient inhabitants.

There are up to seven. Different subspecies of Aresians on various parts of the planet, each with a colour, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, White, Grey and Black, but the most common types are Red, Green and Grey. All Aresians are female, reproducing either in certain ancient temples where two lovers may both become pregnant or by pathogenesis.

Red Aresians are the most common type, a highly cultured group who build vast cities and maintain much of the planets Canal system. Now however their empire is in retreat in several parts of the planet in the face of imperial competition from various other races and smaller states, as well as the defection of several provisional governors and city states. Red Aresians look human but have redish skin and black, blond or red hair.

Green Aresians are tall and green skinned. Their major nation, ruled by a queen controls the area around the Travellers Crag. Green Aresians are the most dynamic kingdom of the Aresians, and the most combatative, with ritual duels to first blood settling many forms of dispute, even over policy. It was the Green Aresians who first awoke the gateway to Earth, and travelled to it in search of water and other precious things. Their raids set off the chain of events which eventually led to the transporter ending up in the Aeon Society vaults.

Grey Aresians are massive four armed beings up to twelve feet tall. Their bodies store water better than any other race, and they are extremely good at surviving in the deep deserts of Aresia. The Grey Aresians are raiders and nomads, often sky pirates, raiding other cultures for water and other resources.

The Aresians have relatively high technology in a number of respects, with guns that fire explosive bullets and large ray cannons. Melee weapons are also common for fighting in doors or to backup when ammo is scarce. Large airships ply the sky of Aresia, lifted on special engines constructed of a naturally occurring mineral lifnite, which makes airships less subject to gravity. Lifnite is thought to be a product of the ancient civilization of the Black and White Martians. Medicine is also advanced, with organ and even limb transplants, and a general freedom from disease.

Travellers Crag

The ancient red stone fortress of Travellers Crag was built in order to protect the entry point from earth during the Green Aresian's attempts to gain needed natural resources from Earth. Afterwards it was used by several 1920s adventuresses as a secure base of operations for adventurers both on Aresia and as a base beyond. Since the shutdown of the link in 1938 by the death of its owner Travellers Crag has been mostly abandoned, and still retains many dusty mementos of those who once owned it.

Travellers Crag is the actual physical fortress which will serve as the sanctum.