The following dossier would be delivered to either Lord Brutin or the machine called Hex, at the Kurii Inn. The courier was a mute slave girl, favored by Anne for confidential communications. The Slaver's Association were the only ones interested in the information... so this secure delivery was only a matter of style and principle. The reports contained in the wax-sealed manila envelope were basic information, common knowlege culled from the dimensional natives who delivered the Bonny Corporation's imports. The first one deals with geography and a bit of custom.
The Inhabited Planets of Tek-World
This universe is highly advanced in technology, including military technology. The government might be called an oligarchy, but no one really agrees on which families hold how much power. There are revenge customs, but no justice system; people who do not have the protection of a strong family are regularly victimized. Only vigilantes look out for the interests of these people. The families can be counted on to fight like cats in a sack, being a very ornery strain of human. (Physically, they are taller than Earthlings, with elongated skeletons; they are visibly distinguishable but not remarkably different.)
Valir
The ancestral homeland of the Tek people, and the largest planet in the system. Mostly desert, with scattered forests. At one time quite overpopulated, there are stone and metal ruins of past civilizations scattered across its surface. The Valirians are very proud that they have history predating space travel, unlike the barbarians from the ?lesser planets?. It doesn?t make the resident families any friendlier to each other, or more cooperative. Valirians carry out their constant in-fighting with exaggerated style and six degrees of etiquette. Great emphasis is placed on correct action, adherence to ritual formalities, and the finer points of destroying each other. Slaves are rare and prized by the richer families as status symbols. A uniquely sadistic society, even for such a dog-eat-dog universe.
Rue
The first moon of Valir, used as a social release valve for malcontents and free-thinkers. As such, it is a haven for criminals, sociopaths, and ?bio-freaks.? Body modification is unrestricted, common, and creative (usually to gain some kind of edge, but sometimes purely decorative.) The markets of Rue reputedly sell everything imaginable at all hours. Due to ancient custom Valir does not interfere in the affairs of Rue, an agreement which is usually honored. This leaves the principal families of Rue relatively free to scheme against each other. Theoretically, if Valir ever did attack Rue, the Ruans would band together? but history suggests this would not be very successful.
Sekmet
The second largest planet in the system, and arguably the most influential. All of the banks in Tek-World are owned by Sekmet families, so their planet is rarely attacked; at the first hint of aggression, the Sekmets who own the banks will call all of their outstanding loans due. The Sekmets are renowned for being tough, nasty, and ambitious. On a planet where any kind of survival is a privilege, only the strongest hold any kind of power. Slavery is rampant, as formerly strong families who have been crushed survive only by serving their conquerors.
Shandy
The most recently settled planet, terraformed into a lush paradise. Most of the landscape is an idealized jungle, boasting some of the most attractive flowers in the known multiverse; smaller areas are custom jobs by founding tycoons, so a self-contained region may have any climate desired. The ?Shandies? are famous for being hedonistic and even-tempered (i.e., less homicidal than the norm.) They are artistic folk, which means when they do have to get revenge, they tend towards poetic justice. Their weakness is their fascination with beauty and luxury. A common saying there is ?Survival should be easy?; they see no point in depriving themselves or enduring hardships. There is almost no private slave trade, but entertainment moguls regularly acquire orphans and refugees to serve in their brothels and other establishments.
The Inhabited Planets of Tek-World
This universe is highly advanced in technology, including military technology. The government might be called an oligarchy, but no one really agrees on which families hold how much power. There are revenge customs, but no justice system; people who do not have the protection of a strong family are regularly victimized. Only vigilantes look out for the interests of these people. The families can be counted on to fight like cats in a sack, being a very ornery strain of human. (Physically, they are taller than Earthlings, with elongated skeletons; they are visibly distinguishable but not remarkably different.)
Valir
The ancestral homeland of the Tek people, and the largest planet in the system. Mostly desert, with scattered forests. At one time quite overpopulated, there are stone and metal ruins of past civilizations scattered across its surface. The Valirians are very proud that they have history predating space travel, unlike the barbarians from the ?lesser planets?. It doesn?t make the resident families any friendlier to each other, or more cooperative. Valirians carry out their constant in-fighting with exaggerated style and six degrees of etiquette. Great emphasis is placed on correct action, adherence to ritual formalities, and the finer points of destroying each other. Slaves are rare and prized by the richer families as status symbols. A uniquely sadistic society, even for such a dog-eat-dog universe.
Rue
The first moon of Valir, used as a social release valve for malcontents and free-thinkers. As such, it is a haven for criminals, sociopaths, and ?bio-freaks.? Body modification is unrestricted, common, and creative (usually to gain some kind of edge, but sometimes purely decorative.) The markets of Rue reputedly sell everything imaginable at all hours. Due to ancient custom Valir does not interfere in the affairs of Rue, an agreement which is usually honored. This leaves the principal families of Rue relatively free to scheme against each other. Theoretically, if Valir ever did attack Rue, the Ruans would band together? but history suggests this would not be very successful.
Sekmet
The second largest planet in the system, and arguably the most influential. All of the banks in Tek-World are owned by Sekmet families, so their planet is rarely attacked; at the first hint of aggression, the Sekmets who own the banks will call all of their outstanding loans due. The Sekmets are renowned for being tough, nasty, and ambitious. On a planet where any kind of survival is a privilege, only the strongest hold any kind of power. Slavery is rampant, as formerly strong families who have been crushed survive only by serving their conquerors.
Shandy
The most recently settled planet, terraformed into a lush paradise. Most of the landscape is an idealized jungle, boasting some of the most attractive flowers in the known multiverse; smaller areas are custom jobs by founding tycoons, so a self-contained region may have any climate desired. The ?Shandies? are famous for being hedonistic and even-tempered (i.e., less homicidal than the norm.) They are artistic folk, which means when they do have to get revenge, they tend towards poetic justice. Their weakness is their fascination with beauty and luxury. A common saying there is ?Survival should be easy?; they see no point in depriving themselves or enduring hardships. There is almost no private slave trade, but entertainment moguls regularly acquire orphans and refugees to serve in their brothels and other establishments.