Neptunian Horde

## What is the Horde?

The Neptunian Horde (AKA: The Ice Giant Confederation, Neptunian Ghouls, Neptunians) is a loose coalition of rogue explorers, scientists, raiders, and bandits gathered primarily around Neptune, Uranus, and their respective moons. They are the de-facto rulers of Neptunian and Uranian space, though due to occasional presence of other factions - the control oftentimes fluctuates. Sometimes referred to collectively as the Hordyns or Neptunians, they are divided into four clans - each with a separate history, culture, and traditions.

Neptunians are considered a threat in most space outside of their own - hence why, in part due to centuries-long isolation, they now boast a handful of changes, both physical and cultural, from the rest of the Sol System. The Hordyns have come to be as a result of poor decisions from those further inside, as their history of extensive cruelty demonstrates:

### **Timeline:**

#### **Exploration Period (2258 - 2340):**

**2258**

The first explorer ships are sent out on a mission to survey space around Uranus and Neptune. Most notably, Pallas-3 and Ceres-7 are the two ships that manage to land on Triton.

**2266**

After a few years of attempts to establish a colony on Triton, both lost contact with the mainland and were presumed lost.

**2291**

The biggest expedition known to date sets off to the Ice Giants.

**2293**

Multiple fragile colonies are established on Uranus’s moons - Miranda, Ariel, and Umbriel - alongside Triton. First instances of gas extraction from both Uranus and Neptune commence the same year.

**2303**

After a decade of stable operation, contact with colonies was, once again, lost. The ships that cycled back and forth to Uranian and Neptunian space also disappeared off the radar more frequently, until all fell silent.

**2307**

Multiple expeditions with attempts to retrieve lost colonists and ships ensue. None come back with desired results. Besides a few empty ship husks, the colonies are nowhere to be seen. All colonies on Uranus and Neptune are presumed to be extinct, so all attempts at sending additional fleets in that direction also halt from most conglomerates. The only ships coming  in and out are that of Cassini Research Group and its offshoot - Golgotha.

**2323**

The second, less legal wave of mass exodus towards Uranus and Neptune begins. Prompted by development of better engines, numerous opportunists ventured out and never came back. Golgotha takes over all bases on Triton from Cassini Research, as the latter pull out of the mission.

**2340**

Numerous government instances started discovering illegal mining operations on Uranus and Neptune. Rough crackdowns on possible migrants followed suit. Uranian and Neptunian space were both restricted to travel for all vessels. Both are thus left utterly isolated from civilization.

#### **The Blackout Century (2340-2440):**

As the name implies, most records of that time period are simply void or corrupted. Not much is known about just what happened to those remaining behind closed borders on Uranus and Neptune’s satellites. One thing is abundantly clear, though - most neptunologists assume the society there experienced rapid decay and near-extinction. Numerous technological advances were lost to time and conflict, both knowledge and language downgraded to a more primitive scale, and the surviving materials from that time confirm widespread famine and lack of resources. Though glossed over as unimportant quite often, this period is sometimes considered detrimental to development of the “modern” Neptunian society.

#### **Hordyn Emergence (2440-2466):**

**2440**

The first bases of Cassini Research Group are established on Triton. They are the only outsiders permitted to enter and exit the Ice Giants space to date. At first it is assumed the whole of it is abandoned, but additional research data proves otherwise.

**2442**

First known mention of Ulf Trygvasson, founder of Clan Ulfmund and a semi-mythical figure among Neptunians.

**2447**

The Wolf-Maw’s Saga is written. It is a poem documenting the trials of Ulf Trygvasson, his emergence to power, and eventual earlhood over the whole of Triton. Manfred and Matilda Gotthund, the twin founders of Clan Dreyrhund, are also first mentioned in the Saga as its main antagonists.

**2451**

The Forest Sisters Rebellion commences, provoked by constant warfare between smaller factions. Several prominent members of Clan Ulfmund leave in protest to crackdowns and subjugation and join the workers and smaller tribes’ side.

**2452**

The Rebellion is successful. Their demands are enforced, on one condition - those who left Clan Ulfmund will no longer be aligned with them. On such a condition, Clan Trebjurn is formed under the leadership of Bjurn “Flamebeard'' Olyegovich, a radical environmentalist and its subsequent forefather.

**2459**

A group of rogue scientists, from one of Golgotha’s “abandoned” stations, reinvents engine parts and advances them towards a more modernized level. Neptunians can now travel at higher speeds and get back into Saturnian space. Said group of researchers is hired and rewarded by Clan Ulfmund and Clan Trebjurn, giving them free reign over the whole research facility.

**2462**

Over the next few years, the scientists reach the most development out of anyone present on Triton. They buy over sixty percent of the planet’s mines and land, form a conglomerate - Hagmar Industries. Otto Hagmarinen, its founder, is then credited for turning the trade company into the fourth and final Neptunian Clan.

**2466**

Clan Hagmar is formed by the board of directors at Hagmar Industries. Clan Dreyrhund immediately declares war in an attempt to seize land and mines on Triton. A nearly century-long war known colloquially as the Ashen Bloodbath begins.

#### **The Ashen Bloodbath (2466-2550):**

**2473**

First Battle of Triton is commenced. Prior to that, there were only minor skirmishes between Clans Hagmar and Dreyrhund. Numerous casualties are left, three light ships are destroyed.

**2474**

Second Battle of Triton begins. A vast invasion led by Dreyrhunds leaves a quarter of the entire planet desolate and killed. Clan Hagmar responds with buying over favors from Clan Trebjurn, subsequently dragging them into war against the Dreyrhunds.

**2476**

After long and arduous negotiations, Clan Ulfmund joins Clan Dreyrhund and starts a small invasion on land. Clan Hagmar repels the invasion thanks to their advanced technology, but barely survives the oncoming waves from both sides.

**2479**

All hell breaks loose. The four clans have been at war with each other for nearly a decade. Most infighting was brought up into space, though stations still get raided quite often. Both sides reach a stalemate.

**2481**

Battle of Holsteinsborg begins. It is regarded as the bloodiest battle of the entire conflict. Clan Ulfmund is nearly rendered extinct, while Clans Hagmar and Trebjurn lose half of their respective armies. Still, the battle is won, and Clan Dreyrhund retreats back to Uranus.

**2482**

The Long Truce is signed by both sides, on account of attrition and need for repairs. Relative peace is held for the next four decades out of the five it was intended for.

**2525**

After further divide and isolation, the Pallas-12 Incident happens. It is a massive truce violation and an atrocity committed by Clan Dreyrhund, after a Hagmar cargo ship accidentally ventured out too far from Neptune. Clan Ulfmund was so shocked by this violation they switched sides and joined Clan Hagmar. In response, Clan Dreyrhund begins a three-prong offense on the remaining factions. The second hot phase of the war begins.

**2526**

Battle for Proteus begins, and ends the same day with a decisive Hagmar victory. Clan Dreyrhund’s right flank is shattered, half a dozen ships are captured. Dreyrhunds are forced to halt their offense and turn to defense, instead.

**2546**

Two more decades of active skirmishes pass by. The continued offensive from Hagmars and Ulfmunds corners Dreyrhunds on their homeworld of Umbriel. Battles of Ariel and Umbriel are held the same year, further shattering the Dreyrhunds’ morale. There is no place to retreat except space, itself.

**2547**

Umbriel is fully captured by the Hagmars. The remainder of Clan Dreyrhund is fugitive and moves further sunward. Unofficial victory is declared, so the coalition rests on their laurels and takes time to rebuild.

**2550**

Clan Dreyrhund returns after three years off the radar with newfound riches. They officially surrender and pay war reparations, yet somehow remain rich. Clan Hagmar emerges as the leader among all Neptunians and declares the first Althall, which is held on their homeworld of Triton. The Dreyrhunds tell tall tales of the riches they found on ships adrift closer to Saturn. The remaining clans are intrigued, and, although suspicious, agree to send a voyage down Saturn’s way. The age of re-exploration begins.

#### **Reconnection (2550-2590):**

**2552**

The voyage turned out to be an immense success for Neptunians. They’ve established first contact with the Jovians. Pallas-3 and Ceres-7 were part of the expedition, and were rediscovered by a company now known as Wegner Heavy Industries after all these years. Naturally, the Hordyn didn’t outright give their homes away, but thankfully the trip happened without any skirmishes.

**2590**

Nowadays, Neptunian space is still an odd and very dangerous place to travel to. Though it seems at least the Syndicate has established some sort of steady contact with Neptunians themselves, and the “filthy savages” have a way out in case they wish to migrate further sunward, in spite of the still-heavy travel restrictions.

### **Anatomy:**

As mentioned prior, Hordyns tend to be quite unique in their physicality. They have a few distinguishing traits which separate them from those living closer to the sun:

First and foremost, Neptunians tend to be taller - but not always bulkier. As the Horde operates old and slightly-outdated ships, artificial gravity there tends to be less prevalent, hence - most Hordyns, both Human and Awakened, have a few inches of height advantage over Jovians and everyone else. Some Neptunians are also heavier in bulk and more well-built than others. Most of the time, it is dependent on the cultural aspect of their respective clan - yet still, the height parameters are generally consistent.

Secondly, Neptunians are more prone to albinism than Jovians and others. Some argue that it comes with either a lack of sunlight, alongside vitamin D deficiency, others claim the ships’ flaws and subsequent radiation spikes are responsible. It could be both, as the further a Hordyn ship travels from the sun, the more prone they become to albinism and deficiencies. For yet unexplained reasons, this trait is more prevalent in the Awakened than it is in Humans.

Regardless of their physical difference, they play little significance in distinguishing Neptunians from others in the 26th century. Nevertheless, they still play an important part in the lives of Neptunians themselves, even though the other, cultural aspect of their differences is arguably much more significant.

### **Culture:**

The Horde is quite unique in their customs and traditions, especially compared to those living on the Inner Planets. Explorers, survivors, and other witnesses often compare Neptunians’ culture to those of Norse raiders during the Viking Age. Three different cultural aspects are thought to be the most distinguishing traits - them being language, traditions, and taboos.

Firstly - indeed, Neptunians tend to communicate in a different language amongst themselves. They can speak General Solar as well, sure, but with an accent, which often varies in heaviness. Neptunian is a dialect of General Solar which devolved from it thanks to centuries of isolation. To those only speaking Generic, it sounds more like a mixture of German, Norwegian, English, and a bit of Russian. And, as this process was more of a regression than evolution, it is much more simple in nature compared to Generic. Some complex words and concepts are outright missing, while grammar itself seems to drop a few exceptions and rules altogether.  Hence why some Neptunians struggle to understand scientists’ semantics, and are thus occasionally seen as stupid grunts by everyone else.

Next - traditions. They’re very important to and cherished by all Neptunian factions. Each clan has their own, distinct ones - they’re discussed further in their respective sections. Some of the more general traditions and holidays include: The Juleblot Feast at the end of each year; Freyrweek, the last week of May, and Maypole dancing; Midsummer and Midwinter holidays, where a universal three-day truce is held; and lastly - the Balrog Festival in the middle of autumn. These celebrations can oftentimes get wild, and they don’t contribute much to the Neptunians’ image, but most outsiders that had a chance to attend claim they’re fun in their pointless debauchery.

Lastly - taboos. Naturally, they’re the biggest cultural ravine between the Horde and everyone else. Neptunians don’t shy away from using hard drugs - especially stimulants, slavery, prostitution, and even cannibalism. Centuries of living on the frontier have forged a tough crowd with iron stomachs, so if supplies are running low - prisoners, elders, sickly, and even crew members can be put on the chopping block. However, as harrowing as it is, such cases become more rare the more Outer Planets are explored. The Hordyns are also known to be fearless warriors, who have a distinguished code of honor. For example, some never strike the opponent first, and all Neptunians won’t ever hit a person running away… Most Neptunians, at least.

In spite of both physical and cultural differences, the Neptunian Horde is still a relatively well-known bunch on the Sol System’s outskirts. Hence, for reasons of cheap gas or adventurous spirits, or otherwise, an occasional expedition is still sent on their merry way there. And now, it’s important to know just how well the Neptunians run themselves (they don’t do it well, to put it mildly):

#### **Banners and Symbols:**

Symbols hold great importance to all Neptunian clans, as it helps distinguish between one another - even far, far away in cold, unforgiving space. Usually, there are two symbols by which a clan can be recognized:

1. **Battle Flag** - a more formal distinguishing sign, battle flags are usually painted on battleships and hung in halls as banners. Battle flags bear the clan’s colors in a distinct pattern, as well as the clan’s sigil.
2. **Battle Shield** - a more informal distinguishing sign. Each clan’s shield bears the clan’s colors put in a similar distinct pattern, alongside symbols of the land they control. Shields can often be seen placed in rows by the ship’s illuminators, especially during conflict-intensive situations.

### **Politics:**

As mentioned prior, the Horde is divided into four separate factions, known colloquially as Neptunian Clans. They are as follows:

* Clan Ulfmund
* Clan Dreyrhund
* Clan Trebjurn
* Clan Hagmar

With that in mind, it's also important to know that these four clans generally run their own operations and don’t cooperate often. Indeed, they keep mostly to themselves, and even wage war between one another at every opportunity.

That said, though, every clan has a specific distress signal, sent out to every other clan only in case of dire emergencies. Usually, this means war from an external threat, or an accident at one of the gas pumps. After the distress signal is sent, a court of all four clans’ leaders gathers in the Althalle - a shrine and a court hall built on Triton meant specifically for all-Neptunian concerns. If the leaders determine the threat is insufficient to cause widespread panic, the sender could be subject to capital punishment, but if the matter is, indeed, serious - all clans arrange a coalition and become the Horde that is known and dreaded along Saturn’s borders.

### **Economy:**

Originally sent as explorers and pioneers, the original Neptunian colonists didn’t find rivers of helium or mountains of titanium around their distant abode. However, over the course of centuries, the Hordyns have built up an extensive portfolio of imports and produce, which keeps their economy as afloat as their old, rust-filled ships:

Triton, the only properly-colonized rock and Neptune’s biggest moon, is rich in silicone, carbon, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. There are lots of mines on Triton, which are considered safe by most standards - albeit quite primitive once compared to Jovian satellites’ mines. Neptune itself is a bigger source of hydrogen than helium, yet both are extracted indiscriminately. Surprisingly, Neptune is also a big source of natural diamonds found in its core. Due to extreme cold and winds found on the planet, coming down to the core is very risky, thus - 70% of miners don’t return after their first dive deep down. Hence why there is a big and bulky price tag on Neptunian diamonds. Uranus is also a great source of enriched oxygen, as well as ice crystals that build up on its nigh-invisible rings.

Besides the primary sector, a lot of land on Triton and on Neptunians’ ships is well-industrialized. Those not participating in raids tend to be well-regarded traders of meat and fat, fur, linens, wooden goods, as well as root crops, such as beets, turnips, potatoes, and carrots.

### **Friendzone:**

It’s difficult to foster trade, maintain the economy, and simply survive this far out in space, away from civilization. Neptunians don’t have many allies besides themselves, whenever factions and coalitions form. Though, if there’s one faction outside of their space most would call an “ally” of some sort, it’s the Syndicate.

Half paramilitary hitmen, half smugglers, they're more reliable and ask less questions than all sorts of government officials in these far-flung places. Their occupation also makes them more akin to the Hordyn than other factions, and thus - it’s easier for both of them to find a common ground. In general, the Syndicate sticks by the Neptunians’ side because of cheap gas, as it’s traded off in exchange for more modern guns, ammo for them, and spare parts for the clansmen’s outdated ships.