Abaddon is the fifth planet from Primus, the sun, and a close neighbor of Sinai. It is primarily a desert planet, though it has frozen caps, and a network of "canals" that run across the planet, having vegetation in them in places -- and quite a number of hostile life-forms and rampant diseases that make them inhospitable. There are scraggly plants that can be found here and there, despite the rusty soil, and there is an oxygen-rich atmosphere.
Despite being a desert, and despite several sites where there is quite a bit of volcanic activity, Abaddon is on the average colder than Sinai. It has a 24-hour rotation that matches that of Sinai.
Purportedly, Abaddon was named after the Olympian god of the same name. However, since Abaddonians refer to their homeworld as "Abaddon", and there is no evidence of anyone from Sinai paying this world a visit previously, this may call into question just what was named after whom.
1.0 The Boomer
Sinai's first contact with Abaddon came by means of an Exile weapon that
was brought to Sinai, captured by the Babelites, and dropped on Himar,
apparently destroying a large area that included the city of Elamoore.
In the place of the forests that were once there, a plateau of red rock
appeared. It did not take long before those who came to investigate to
discover that this red rock was rich with iron ... and so were the hunks
of junk that were scattered out on the red rock, apparently the remains of
great war machines from a battlefield.
There were also a few people present on this plateau that seemed to be
convinced that they were on a world known as "Abaddon". What happened is
that the Boomer, whatever its original purpose had been, had caused a
curious effect, whereby a section of the surface of Sinai had been swapped
with a section of the surface of Abaddon. The Red Cliffs are rich in
metals, and low in magical energies, and have become a target of Titanian
"pilgrims" in search of places where their machines will work better ...
and a target for "iron prospectors".
There are at least two known settlements of Abaddonians on the Red Cliffs.
One is a camp of fliers known as "Confederates" -- a group of Vartans,
Eeee, Aquilans, and a few other bird-type races. The other group is that
of the "Silent Ones", robed and armored individuals who are served by
creatures that appear to be closely related to (and easily mistaken for)
Vykarin.
2.0 The Gateway Tower
Travel to Abaddon became possible with the rediscovery of a Sifras
structure located in a Forbidden Zone in the Himaat, next to the Sea of
Sand. This tower, although broken, is still functional for the most
part, providing gateways to the other worlds of the Primus System. One
of those worlds would be Abaddon.
A group of adventurers travelled
to Abaddon by means of using this gate: Captain
Kensington (a Chronotopian Korv corsair), Zoltan Cambio (a Vartan also known as
the "Baron of Paradys", among other things), and Wynona "Wrong Way"
Windcaller (an Eeee Air Mage). They made contact with the locals, and
were instrumental in halting a battle between different Abaddonian forces
over the "Pit of Himar" -- the displaced part of Sinai, which was highly
valued because of its vegetation and fertile ground.
With this incident came increased awareness of this tower. Presently, ownership of
the tower is held by an alliance between the Khattan Emirate of Sinai and the humanocentric
and militaristic Kampfzengruppe of Abaddon.
3.0 Civilizations and Organizations
Only a small part of Abaddon has been explored by any representatives of
Sinai, that being the immediate area near the Gateway Chamber and the
Pit of Himar. Of those peoples that have been encountered so far, they
correspond to known sapient species found on Sinai, or slight variations thereof.
Of those Abaddonians that have visited Sinai, they exhibit a resistance to
magic, but have many similarities not only in appearance, but in their
languages, to their counterparts on Sinai.
So far, there is no evidence that any of the following sapient species have been found
on Abaddon in any form, before the arrival of Sinaites: Aeonians, Cepheids, Cervani, Gallees/Gallahs, Foxes, Keiltyn, Hekoye, Hookas, Himarian Jupani, Kadies, Kavis, Kirigai, Lapis, Nohbakim, Rokugai, Skeeks, Skreeks, Solus, Sphynxes, Wimmers, Xients, Zelaks, or Zerda. So far,
no Titanians or Khattas/Katthas have been encountered, though Abaddonians seem to be aware
of their existence through legend. "Savanites" appear to be related to Silent Ones here, though there are marked differences. The same can be said for Vykarin. Nagai are present, though the various "sea serpent" types haven't been found.
3.1 The Expedition
The Expedition is a group dominated by humans and "City Jupani" (known as
"Karnor" here), fairly technologically advanced compared to most Sinai
cultures. Their emblem resembles that of the Temple, except that the
"Star" part of the Star-and-Anchor has two vertical cross pieces instead
of one, making it a "double-star". They make extensive use of zeppelin
airships, utilizing fairly sophisticated steam-engine technology for
propulsion, instead of sails.
They have no use or knowledge of "magic" as it is known on Sinai. However,
some of their contraptions seem to bend laws of physics -- In short,
Jules-Vernesque contraptions used by the Expedition actually work.
It might not be that far-fetched to suppose that a certain type of "magic"
might exist on Abaddon, but it is embodied in complex machinery with
curious design features that seem based more on aesthetic than function ...
rather than rituals and chants and dancing.
Expedition dress tends to look very Victorian in certain features, though
with more fanciful touches and a slightly more militaristic bent. Given
the colder climate of Abaddon compared to Sinai -- and the humans' lack
of fur -- they tend to wear heavy overcoats, gloves and hats at all times
of the year. The Karnor, though having fur, still dress quite
conservatively, though they tend to wear very baggy and loose attire.
Abaddonian humans exhibit some curious genetic features that would suggest
the influence of Quantum Uncertainty. They tend to have odd combinations
of hair color and skin color that would not normally be considered
genetically possible -- such as having dark skin combined with red hair.
Furthermore, they have even wilder incidents of genetic variation, such as
hair that might be blue, green, purple, white, etc., and curious eye
colors. Not including this, though, mutation is fairly rare compared to
Sinai.
The capitol city of the Expedition is New Zion, a metropolis of red stone and dark metal, buildings several stories tall with interconnecting bridges and "floating" plazas, and machines everywhere. Zeppelins glide between the buildings, joined by the occasional odd
flying contraption, such as one-man mini-blimps driven by pedal-powered propellers, bizarre "ornithopters" painted up in the markings of birds, and mechanical dragonflies. Perhaps it
is what Chronotopia would look like, if not for all the explosions and gremlins to worry
about. The buildings are a strange collage of Victorianesque decor and Art Deco, with wondrous devices that sport technology out of a Jules Verne novel, but styling that might harken to the aesthetic of the 1930s of Earth. Giant statues and monuments stand amongst the buildings, and domed hydroponic gardens supply the population's needs.
3.2 The Confederacy
The Confederacy is comprised of a number of flying races found on Sinai,
including all of the known "bird-type" races (Aquilans, Korvs, Kujakus,
Vartans), as well as Eeee. Their technology is based upon the use of
insects that were bioengineered long ago to perform specific functions.
While it appears that the Confederacy still does have some ability in
genetically tampering with bugs, a lot of the science appears to either
have been lost long ago, or else the incidence of Quantum Uncertainty
on Abaddon makes those technologies unviable.
The heart of the Confederacy was once the Confederate Life-Dome near the
Gateway Chamber and the Pit of Himar, where a large insect with a massive
exposed brain known as the "Progenitor" was in charge of regulating the
operations of the organic portions of the city. This creature was slain
by Zoltan Cambio of Sinai, and the city was subsequently looted by an
Imperial raiding party.
Presently, the position of the Confederacy is greatly weakened, as it still
has assorted outposts and some smaller Life-Domes, but it has been largely
subjugated by the Imperials, and is no longer a major force to contend with
on Abaddon -- particularly because their bug-vehicles and bug-weapons
require large amounts of sustenance, which would previously be provided by
the hydroponics plants in their central Life-Dome.
3.3 The Imperials
The Imperials believe themselves to be part of a great Celestial Empire,
and subjects of a Celestial Emperor who serves as a sort of god to them,
though they believe him to be a mortal (if extremely long-lived) entity
ruling from afar. The Imperials are comprised of reptiloids that correspond
to the Nagai and Shigai of Sinai, though they do not have the genetic
variation found on Sinai. There is no evidence of Kirigai or Rokugai
amongst the Imperials.
The Imperials are cold-blooded, and therefore do not thrive well in Abaddon's
cold climate. They are largely restricted to the Life-Domes.
One advantage that the Imperials have in terms of technological developments
is that they have fairly efficient combustion engines powered by an
alcohol-based fuel, and they utilize propeller-driven fixed-wing aircraft,
typically with two or sometimes three wings and a canard, with the
propeller in the back. Imperial pilots are often guilty of sampling a
swig of their own aircraft fuel to "stave off the cold", though this does
more harm than good, since it actually does nothing to warm up a reptile
body except to dull the senses. The cockpit is often located close to the
engine for the warmth it provides, or else warm air is vented off of the
engine and into the cockpit.
The capitol of the Empire is Vishna, an enclosed city comprised of what some might
regard as skyscrapers turned inside out. Circles of tall buildings are joined together,
facing each other, their roofs rising to form vaulted, transparent ceilings, the space inbetween
them forming plazas that are linked together to other such "halls" by arched corridors. The interiors of the cities are large enough that small VTOL aircraft are flown through, in
strictly regimented lanes of travel, while in less heavily-traversed areas, reptilian
pteras are used as aerial transport, and other reptiles are used for transport along
the ground. Nagai are dominant here, and a few species of Shigai serve them, but there
are no Rokugai or Kirigai, and nowhere near the genetic diversity as is found on Sinai.
3.4 The Silent Ones
The Silent Ones are cheetah-humanoids bearing close resemblance to the
Savanites of Sinai, but do not have the high incidences of mutation found
in Savanites, and have very little genetic variance. If you've seen one
Silent One, you've seen them all, the saying goes. The Silent Ones wear
elaborate robes and armor -- the latter often being ceremonial -- and
helmets or drapes that cover their faces, having symbolic patterns on them
that identify the wearer. For a Silent One to have his face bare is to be
naked, they believe, for there is nothing to tell him apart from any other
Silent One.
The Silent Ones compose a theocracy, their religion centering on the worship
of a creator-entity known as the Star. Their "Holy Books" very closely
parallel the Bible of Earth Christianity, but it might be said that the
Silent Ones tend to have an "old testament", "conquer the holy land" focus,
tending to have a more militant aspect rather than any "love one another"
focus. There are various sects within this group, though, so individual
beliefs vary greatly ... and as is the case in any theocracy where a state
religion is enforced, there are very many who give hand-service to the
faith, but privately believe what they wish.
As with Savanites, Silent Ones are mute, and they do not "bark" or make other
intentional vocalizations, considering such things to be barbaric, and on
par with foul language. By way of compromise, however, some of them have
"Speaking Gloves" -- curious technological artifacts that translate
hand-sign into vocalized speech. (This is a very slow way to communicate,
though.)
Silent Ones technology depends a great deal on optics (including optical
circuitry) and hydraulics. Some of their equipment can actually function
(poorly) in areas of high Quantum Uncertainty, and they typically do not
blow up when in contact with such phenomena. However, the Silent Ones have
lost the means to manufacture more of these artifacts, and therefore what
they have is salvaged and reworked from more ancient machinery, utilizing
a few basic (but inferior) spare parts that they've learned to make on
their own.
Silent Ones warriors often wear powered armor, and they also utilize large
walking vehicles known as "Titans" -- in some ways similar to the giant
machines of the same name used by the Titanians on Sinai. These vehicles
are made to look like giant armored Silent Ones warriors, typically with
the pilot encased in the chest, and standing up to 9 meters tall.
They also have some limited air presence, having some airships that
resemble the Intimidator, and which serve as Titan carriers, and
aerial gun platforms.
The Silent Ones are served by what appear to be a variant race of the
Vykarin. The Silent Ones sign for their race translates as "Shell-Dog"
or "Shell-Hound". The Shell-Dogs fill a subservient role, acting as guards,
trackers and laborers.
4.0 Locations
The areas and civilizations that have been explored by people from Sinai
are fairly clustered together about the Crystal Chamber and the Pit of
Himar, located in the northern hemisphere of the planet, though not far
from the equator. Most of the Life-Domes are connected by a railway
system, though portions of the railway get damaged or destroyed from time
to time, during the course of conflicts between the various forces. When
they are operational, they're a vital means of trade between the
peoples of Abaddon.
4.1 Abaddon City
The Gateway Chamber is the means of passage between Sinai and Abaddon.
The Abaddon side of the gateway has become the center of a growing city
dominated by the Kampfzengruppe, though with a strong presence of the
Knights, as well as embassies of the various powers of Abaddon. A
cluster of artificial bio-spheres ("Life Domes") has been built up
around the tower, including the largest, which actually encloses
the tower.
A great deal of earth and plants have been imported from Sinai, and have
been planted in the growing city. The settlement has come to be called
"Abaddon City" by visitors from Sinai, and the name has more or less stuck,
though on the Abaddon side, many know of it as the "Gateway City".
In addition to Abaddonians, there are many Sinaians who have settled here.
Some are displaced Himarians who were transported here by the "Boomer", and
for various reasons opted to stay on the Abaddon side. Some are Titanians
come on a "pilgrimage" to a place where machines work, and have stayed to
labor in the city, hauling metal one way, and dirt and plants the other.
There are also several Khattan merchants that have begun to dominate the
trade, and small embassies representing the interests of the Khattan Emirate
and the Rephidim Temple.
4.2 Confederate Life-Dome
Though it is now in the hands of the Imperials, this large Life-Dome is
still known by its old name for the most part. It suffered greatly from
the loss of the Progenitor bug-brain that regulated most of the organic
processes, but there are still many insect-machines at work here, producing
for their new masters, the reptiles of the Celestial Empire. Several
"settlers" have moved in from the overcrowded Imperial City.
4.3 Winged Citadel
This shrine looks like a grounded starship, with several out-buildings
and fortifications sprouting up around it. It is a base of the
Knights of Abaddon, but it also has a strong Silent Ones presence as well.
With the creation of the Pit of Himar, it has gone from being an obscure
outpost of the Knights to being the major military base overlooking the
Pit.
4.4 Pit of Himar
Whereas the section of Abaddon that appeared on Sinai became a plateau,
the section of Himar that appeared on Abaddon is below ground
level, thus becoming a very wide pit, with several "rock spires" rising
from the floor.
The Pit of Himar is especially valued because it has the lush vegetation
that was once part of the forests of Himar. While the rivers that ran
through here have become stagnant, irrigation has been arranged, since
one of the canals was cut off by the "Pit", and then dammed up to prevent
flooding and to stem off an influx of "rotworms" and other unpleasant
life-forms from the canals into the Pit.
This was originally the object of a conflict that was breaking out between
the major forces of Abaddon that sought to take it over, once the
Confederacy was weakened. The war was brought to a halt before it could
truly begin, and now the Pit is the site of a cooperative effort to build
Abaddon's largest Life-Dome, by building a protective dome over the whole
of the Pit. This is a very significant undertaking, but has been made
feasible by a unique situation wherein the Pit itself still retains a very
small amount of magical energy left from its time as part of Sinai, but with
the manufacturing capabilities of Abaddon located right outside of its
borders.
Himarian Earth Mages have done a great deal toward the construction of
the Life-Dome, while Life Mages have helped to preserve the ecology until
things can be stabilized. Meanwhile, the Abaddonians have provided
materials, labor and technical know-how. At the current rate, in four years
the dome might be completed, though it is also expected that any magical
energies in the Pit will be totally depleted by that point. (This could
be a good thing, though, as it would presumably mean that the
Quantum Uncertainty would drop enough to allow for Abaddonian machines
to be used there again.)
The remains of the city of Elamoore are located within the Pit of Himar,
though a great deal of its wealth (and citizens) migrated back to Sinai
by means of the Gateway. The Himarian Jupani population was greatly
devastated by hostile life-forms from the canals. While a few Himarians
have remained behind, most of those presently in the Pit are of
Abaddonian origin.
Back to The Planets: Section 5.0