Coriolis IV lies within the Disputed Zone between the Red Nebula and the Terran Empire. The planet is extremely Earth-like, having a gravity of .96 G. The surface is 80 percent water and there are 2 major continents (imaginatively named Alpha and Beta), plus a number of smaller land masses. The equator is girded by a wide belt of jungle, with more temperate zones towards the poles. There are two moons: Gordon and Kitchener. The planet was settled by human colonists approximately 250 years ago. There were no indigenous sentient beings. The largest lifeforms are reptilian, comparable to Terran Dinosaurs. These have mostly been driven out of occupied areas over the last two centuries. Hunting expeditions are regular occurrences, as the creatures are valued for both their meat and hides. Kordova has never truly been part of the Empire, though the Imperial Deep Space Fleet established several bases during the Third League War. The facilities were mostly abandoned after the conflict, and Imperial naval vessels rarely visit the system. A Scout base is present in Startown, but sees little traffic. Startown (on the Alpha Continent) is controlled by the Primus Dockyard and Shipping Company, which acts as the government for the immediate area. About 3.5 million people live within their jurisdiction. The Tech Level is assessed at 9; slightly higher than the rest of the planet (rated at 8). Company policy towards the other two (recognized) governments is one of friendly neutrality. This stand is assisted by the presence of the scout base, as no one wishes to invite the Empire's anger. Most of the older settlements are located in the Republic of Holloway on Alpha Continent. Holloway is a representative democracy; agriculture is the main industry, though dinosaur hunting is also actively practiced. Some trillium mines are located in the Blue Mountains, but these have not been heavily worked since the war. Much of the population (estimated at 30 million) go armed as a matter of custom. There is an well-armed constabulary and militia, but no standing army. Cerios is ruled by the Provisional Directorate from the capitol city of Cerios. The Directorate was established by the Empire before it pulled out to educate and reform the population of the penal colony set up on Beta Continent. That they have yet to do so says something about either the population, the bureaucrats or both. Most of the 30+ million people are descendants of penal colonists; the middle and upper classes are made up primarily of immigrants from Alpha and Imperial personnel who chose to stay after the Empire left. Security forces are well-trained and equipped, many being off-world mercenaries (who are seen as more reliable than Cerian recruits). Opposing the PD government is the Liberation Brotherhood, an organization that grew out of several revolutionary groups and bandit gangs. The Quartz Mountains hide a number of their bases, as well as numerous settlements that are either pro-Brotherhood or cautious enough not to declare otherwise. Some of these bases are impressive, as the Draconians have recently begun offering assistance in the form of arms, equipment and technical expertise. An old secondary spaceport is being rebuilt by the Draconians, who have established an enclave around it. The Provisional Government has become worried about the Draconian interference, but has yet to decide a course of action. As both Startown and Holloway are on Alpha, neither has taken any active measures over the situation yet. Traveller-style Data: Population about 70 million (roughly 80% human)
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