Hades

**Hades** is a stark and unforgiving desert planet located in the Zatayni System. Its distinctive reddish appearance is a testament to the prevalence of iron oxide, commonly known as rust, in its surface composition. While Hades may lack the lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems of Terra planets, it possesses a unique and rugged beauty of its own.

## Overview

In terms of size, Hades is comparatively diminutive, measuring approximately two-fifths the size of its neighboring Terra planet, Nexonia Prime. This stark contrast in size becomes evident when considering surface area, as Hades covers far less ground than Nexonia Prime's vast expanses of dry land. Furthermore, Hades exhibits a lower density compared to Nexonia Prime, comprising just around 5.5% of the latter's total volume and a mere 6% of its overall mass. This difference in density translates to a surface gravity on Hades that is approximately 34% of what one would experience on Nexonia Prime.

The defining feature of Hades is undoubtedly its rich reddish-brown hue, a striking visual characteristic that arises from the abundance of ferric oxide (iron oxide) on its surface. This rust-colored landscape gives Hades its distinctive appearance, making it an iconic celestial body within the Zatayni System. However, it's worth noting that the surface of Hades is not monotonous in color; depending on the specific minerals present, it can showcase variations ranging from golden and brown tones to tan and even a slightly greenish tint in some regions.

Hades is not without its celestial companions. It has two natural satellites orbiting around it—Freya and Rameda. These moons add to the celestial beauty of the Hadean night sky and have been subjects of scientific study and astronomical fascination.

Hades may lack the life-sustaining qualities of more hospitable worlds, but its stark beauty and unique geological features continue to captivate those who dare to venture to its barren, rust-colored surface.

In the year 3028, the SDF embarked on ambitious terraforming initiatives to transform the Haedian landscape of Hades. While these efforts have seen moderate success, they have had a significant impact on the planet's environment. The thickened atmosphere resulting from these efforts has allowed humanoid species, including Nevians, to explore the surface of Hades without requiring sealed suits. Instead, they only need breathing masks, making it more accessible for scientific research and colonization.

## Notable Locations

The planet Hades is fully mapped, and has a number of distinct geographical landmarks that are named to establish their identity and distinguish themselves from each other.

### Landmarks

#### North

* **Pavonis**: A region known for its striking red sand dunes and rocky terrain. It is often a subject of fascination for geologists and scientists.
* **Vallem Ubertatis**: A vast valley in the northern region, named for its rich mineral deposits. It has become a hub for mining operations.
* **Audacia Rupes**: This area is characterized by towering cliffs and rugged landscapes, making it a challenging but breathtaking location for extreme sports enthusiasts.
* **Maxim Vallis**: The most prominent valley on Hades, it serves as the capital of the Settlement Defence Frontier and is a hub of political and military activity.
	+ **Summa Vallis**: The highest point within Maxim Vallis, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
	+ **Vallis Ducum**: A valley within Maxim Vallis known for housing the residences of high-ranking officials and leaders.
* **Rahdon**: Renowned for its vast underground caves, Rahdon is the primary location for mining operations on Hades.
	+ **Marzensky Dolz**: A network of interconnected caves within Rahdon, rich in mineral resources.
	+ **Daddio Rupes**: High cliffs and rocky outcrops in the Rahdon region that add to its unique topography.
* **Imperius**: A prestigious region that is home to many advanced facilities, including the primary arms manufacturer Quantum Dynamics.
	+ **Metallum Imperiale**: A facility dedicated to the production of advanced metallic alloys and materials.
	+ **Imperial Montibus**: Mountain ranges known for their towering peaks and rugged terrain.
	+ **Mons Sihg IMPERIALIS**: Named after a historic leader, this mountain range is of great cultural significance.
* **Septentrionalium Terra Deserta**: A vast northern desert region marked by its harsh and unforgiving environment.
	+ **Terrae Hibernae**: Known for its extreme cold temperatures and unique ice formations.
	+ **Frigidus Patiens**: A region with vast expanses of frozen terrain.

#### South

* **Teranis Mons**: A prominent mountain range in the southern region, known for its majestic peaks and challenging hiking trails.
	+ **Outpost 18**: A research and military outpost located within the Teranis Mons, dedicated to studying the planet's geology.
	+ **Montes Titanas**: Peaks in Teranis Mons that are among the tallest on Hades.
* **Flumen Rust**: A river of rusty-colored liquid that flows through the southern landscapes, contributing to the planet's unique appearance.

#### West

* **Homicihl**: A region characterized by deep chasms and rugged landscapes, making it a challenging but intriguing area for exploration.
	+ **Hansehl**: A series of interconnected chasms within Homicihl, often explored by daring adventurers.
	+ **Richt**: A plateau area with distinctive rock formations.
* **Derahken**: A region known for its winding canyons and unique rock structures.
* **Campi Doloris**: A vast expanse of rocky plains and rugged terrain.
* **Icarus**: Named after the mythical figure, Icarus is an area known for its tall, imposing cliffs and challenging rock climbing opportunities.
* **Zytopia**: A region with a diverse landscape, including rocky plateaus, deep valleys, and unique geological formations.
* **Nomadum**: A region characterized by shifting sands and dunes, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
	+ **Nomadum Antrum Systemata**: A network of underground caverns and tunnels within Nomadum, often explored by researchers.

#### East

* **Ambiguitatis Terras**: A region with a varied landscape, including deserts, plateaus, and valleys.
* **Brozek Planitia**: A vast plain with unique geological features and rock formations.
* **Salterius Terras**: A region known for its salt flats and mineral deposits.
* **Argus Planitia**: A large, flat plain with distinctive geological patterns.
* **Daedelia Mons**: A mountain range with rugged terrain and unique rock formations.
* **Nerio**: A region that offers a combination of plateaus, canyons, and valleys, making it a diverse and fascinating area to explore on Hades.

## Trivia

### General

* Nicknamed the "Red Planet", Hades is definitely analogous to Mars from the Solar System.
	+ Though it is considerably larger than Mars, but has a far weaker gravity.
* This planet serves as the Settlement Defence Frontier's seat of power.
* Hades shares several key characteristics with **Mars**, making it a tempting point of comparison. Both planets are known for their barren and desolate landscapes, characterized by vast stretches of desert terrain. However, Hades surpasses Mars in terms of size, as it measures about 2/5 the size of Nexonia Prime, making it larger than Earth's red neighbor. Despite their surface similarities, the differences in size and other factors contribute to unique scientific and exploration opportunities on Hades.
* The term "Haedian" serves as both a demonym for the planet Hades and its native inhabitants. It is used to distinguish the Haedian population from other species and civilizations within the Zatayni System. The Haedian culture, values, and way of life have evolved in response to the unique challenges posed by their harsh desert environment, fostering a sense of identity and unity among its people.

### Developmental Notes

* The SDF has created countries through colonising various landmarks and using the land's name as the country identity. This includes Pavonis, Maxim Vallis, Rahdon, Imperius and Teranis Mons.
* Hades terraforming is still underway.
* The Cydon's propaganda machine wields significant control over information and narratives within their territory. As a result, comparing Hades, their adopted home, to Mars is considered a grave insult. The use of the term "Martian" instead of "Haedian," the official demonym for the planet's citizens, is also seen as an extremely disrespectful act. This reflects the Cydon's efforts to establish a distinct identity and disassociate themselves from the similar planet.
* While the SDF is aware of various other galaxies and the mysteries they hold, the Cydon authorities maintain strict control over the narrative. They aim to prevent their citizens from developing extreme curiosity about the broader universe, likely due to concerns about maintaining complete control and order within their own territory.
* The Settlement Defence Frontier (SDF) draws significant inspiration from a similar faction in the video game *Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare* known as the "Settlement Defence Front".