Being an isolated planet deep outside the influence of the central clusters of the core, Mar Stada is a hidden gem of resources. The planet holds within its crust a wealth of raw materials, which can be refined and used for the construction of fleet ships. Only recently had this information been brought to the attention of organizations with great galactic power. Thus the world which once hosted sparsely populated settlements of civilization was now home to an advanced outpost facility belonging to a dominant military force in the universe. Mar Stada, the distant planet defined by rolling emerald fields, vertical rock formations, and unchecked storms spilling curtains of rain across its surface would soon become one of the most talked about places in the galaxy.

Galactic Records Entry:

“It’s a long way home from here. There’s a humming tone coming from the ventilation shafts. It’s a simple and soothing melody. Maybe that’s because it reminds me of where I grew up. The low reverberation of an engine. My father was a mechanic for private starship leisure cruisers. He had a shop on a planet located in the core. I remember there was always a humming sound whenever I would visit him at work. A sound that cut through what would otherwise be an uncomfortable silence. I suppose this harmonic ode to remembrance helps in some small way; seeing as I’m on a distant world as the lead operator of an outpost facility. I didn’t realize that I would eventually travel a greater distance than my old man ever did; out here along the edge. There isn’t much to observe, but I’m told by my superiors that this planet is significant enough to warrant our presence, so I’ve tried to make the most of the time I’ve spent here. At least I have that rhythmic mechanical symphony coming through the vents of the control room. Who knew such a simple sound would provide a sense of comfort. Yet, there is another side to this sweet reminiscing of a time with brighter days. Eventually and unavoidably, I come back to the windswept rains of my present reality… It’s a long way home from here.”

- Control Room Floor Operator Fisk of the Mar Stada Oupost Facility

A Creature of the Fields

A black snout as wide as a dinner plate presses against wet shoots of green vegetation. Cavernous nostrils suck in plumes of information. Something had passed through these blades of grass recently. Prey? The smell is not dulled by the passage of time. The odor is still strong. Pointed ears shoot up exposing canvases of pink webbed membrane—a second source of collecting information. The patter of thousands of raindrops colliding against swaying grass would be ignored. The night’s storm is light enough to pick up abrupt changes in the ambient symphony of nature. One of the large ears twitches. There. Something shifts in the grass. Two pools of yellow and red split with slits of inky black focus on the movement—a third tool put to use. Thick hair resting like a blanket over a large hump begins to rise. Ribbons of muscle tense. It’s time for a strike in the dark. And then… FLASH. An eruption of light from the shifter in the grass. Yellow and red eyes run hot like lava reflecting the sudden burst of illumination. The potential prey is alive and comes with a defense. No wounds. No signs of a body succumbing to the ravages of time. This would be a harder kill. One that might be better suited for a pack. A display of aggression is needed. Boney ridges of segmented plates lining the scalp lower in a threatening display. Rows of piercing white knives rest irregularly in fleshy beds as strings of saliva create bridges across an open maw. The light is blinding, but other senses would compensate. Only one of three is enough—if the space between predator and prey begins to tighten.

 - The Jalhund (Jawl ▪ hund)

Native species of Mar Stada