Frozen World of Caverns and Industry
Enope lies blanketed by ice and snow, a hauntingly beautiful world perched on the edge of survival in the Spinward Marches' Regina subsector. Light cast by its two suns swamp the planet in a twilight haze, but struggles to warm the frozen crust. Most life clings to existence beneath sealed domes and buried corridors.
The atmosphere here is thin, barely more than a whisper of wind across frozen plains. Surface temperatures dip well below freezing, and only the most resilient technology keeps the habitats functional and their occupants alive. Most of Enope's populace labors within pressurised arcologies, enduring cramped quarters and punishing conditions in exchange for access to the planet's hidden riches.
But beneath the bleak exterior lies one of the great wonders of the subsector — the Caverns of Enope[1]. These vast, ancient vaults sprawl beneath the surface, housing vibrant ecosystems transplanted millennia ago, supposedly by the enigmatic Ancients. Alien flora flourishes in artificial daylight, nourished by irrigation systems whose workings remain beyond modern understanding. Each cavern simulates a different biome — tropical, temperate, even desert — forming a patchwork of verdant enclaves on a planet otherwise devoid of warmth.
Miners dig deep in the cold crust, extracting precious minerals that help fuel the sector's industries. Trade ships queue in orbit for hours at the highport, awaiting clearance and fuel from automated tugs capable of refining and delivering fuel in situ. Security is tight; recent pirate rumours have prompted heightened naval activity and the unmistakable hum of heavier surveillance.
Enope bears the marks of its role: a world of industry and high technology, yet scarred by its ice-capped geography. It houses a naval base and functions as a critical node in the region's resource economy. Law is strict, enforced by a dull but effective bureaucracy led by a non-charismatic governor. The planetary tech level is high enough to support sealed environments and orbital logistics, but not quite enough to demystify the secrets left by older hands.
Among the pressurised settlements, one beacon stands out: the Enope Academy of Outshell Advancement[1]. This institution trains the ambitious youth of Enope, preparing them for the stars beyond the cold sky. For many, it offers the only escape from a life of toil in the mines or routine maintenance under artificial suns.
Though marvels abound, life here is hard. Beneath the spectacle of bioluminescent gardens and ancient engineering lies a grim reality: survival is earned. Adventure on Enope doesn't come easy, but for those brave enough to walk its frigid edge, the planet offers mysteries, danger, and the promise of something forgotten beneath the ice.
