Karn

> "Toxic to inhale and deadly to embrace, Karn is a world built for Maraxins chosen and embodies all that the Union stands for. We have survived impossible odds and turned a scalding world into a prosperous one from which churns the Empires greatest products and machines of war; we are Karn and it is us, warriors who fight until the end."
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 - Magistrate Alfei

## History

Home of the hardy Lelon and their grandiose machines of industry, Karn was once controlled by a cabal of technocrats that developed their society upon its scorching surface. Originally superior technologically compared to their Cestian masters, the Lelon used to do extensive research into xeno biology and utilized widespread slavery to keep their society afloat. Slow to reproduce and with a minuscule population in comparison to the Cestian Empire, they were inevitably overwhelmed by the sheer number of invading Imperial soldiers that came seeking vengeance for their enslaved kinsmen. Setting their entire society to torch and enslaving them for their crimes, the Lelon faded into obscurity and were forced into select regions of Karn to live.

Originally planning to conquer and abandon the world, the Imperial Occupation Council found it rich in minerals and advanced industrial technology they could put the Lelon to use with. Rapidly building itself up into an industrial powerhouse, Karn transformed over nearly 40 years into a major strategic asset of the Empire and one which couldn't be abandoned anytime soon. Settling themselves in, the soldiers and Occupation Council transformed themselves and Karn into a legitimate colonial world with a booming economy. Explorers and archeologists came to be hot commodities in the early years of Magistrate Corvecs rule and it only grew with the discovery of underground ecosystems which lied completely unscathed by the molten lava and burning surface.

Burrowing down and exploring these countless tunnels flush with life, farmland began to be developed below the surface, the burning world being a blessing in disguise which has remained so ever since its discovery by Cestian forces. Currently the seat of the unions God-Magistrate, the once abysmally dead world has transformed into one bustling with life that stands in defiance of its heat and unforgiving lakes of fire.

## Landmarks

Vacant of life above the surface, Karn is a world of technological marvels and landmark locations that tell of the both Cestian and Lelon rule.

Capital of the entire Karn Union and once the Lelon Technocracy, Kalia is a mobile city that weaves through the scorching waves of Karns seas. Able to settle for a time on the coastlines, it remains relatively active for most of the year and has what many Cestians consider to be the most impenetrable fortifications within the nation. Mainly the industrial brain of Karn, Kalia coordinates and ensures the rest of its fellow cities are up to standard and well supplied.

Deep below the surface are the Gilded Caverns of Karn, a mineral and fauna rich tunnel network which has been sanctioned by the Union as a sanctuary for wildlife. Able to be visited by all citizens of the Union, the Caverns are a hotspot for poaching and illegal mining which is constantly being suppressed and investigated by Ashaaks police force which lies above the bountiful tunnels. Hotsprings are a common sight and some are even allowed to be entered and enjoyed by visitors.

Placed into designated regions of Karn the Lelon have transformed the once neglected city of Zanii into their capital from which they work and toil in the slave pits for their Cestian overlords. Untouched by Imperial architects or the original invading force, Zanii stands as the last true Lelon city and their only bastion of culture and history to remember what they once were.

Heart of industrial operations on Karn, the Great Machine is a hybrid structure that can mine, refine and transform minerals into machines of war or whatever the Union desires. Kept in working condition by specialized Lelon engineers, only the most loyal and indoctrinated of their kind are allowed to service such a marvel of engineering their ancestors had conceived. Heavily guarded and protected by both ground and air defenses, it is said that Karn lives or dies with the Great Machines fate; it being the epicenter of the worlds success and prosperity. With the original design still unable to be replicated, it stands as the only one of its kind and perhaps the last.