Rubycon II System - Ruby's Belt: The Ruby Brothers so dominate the system that it was not until the construction of Port Wander began that Imperial astrocartographers discovered the asteroid belt that lies between them. Theories vary amongst the Scintillan Geologis Scholarium if these represent another planet torn to shreds by the intense gravity of the two Brothers, or are simply debris left from the origins of the Rubycon System.The field is relatively dense, filled with objects ranging from small grains to huge rocks thousands of kilometers across. The myriad orbital paths are in a constant flux due to the competing attractions of the two gas giants, making navigation hazardous.Once Port Wander became more than just another Imperial naval station and the flood of merchants, civilians, and entrepreneurs arrived in the system, the field transformed from a navigational hazard to a civilisation of its own. Commonly called "Ruby's Belt" or simply "the Rocks," it is the home to many thousands who exploit its resources and hide in its dark shadows.While Port Wander was largely constructed from prefabricated hull sections, a void station of its size does need a regular supply of raw materials for upkeep and repairs, especially given the constant if unconventional growth it sees. The nearby asteroid field is instrumental in feeding these expansions. Although it is not as rich in metallic ores as the dense inner planet of Rustrock, it has a wider variety of lighter minerals, including the materials used in the fabrication of plasteel and ceramite.These void miners make up the bulk of the regular population in the field, with several family operations dating back many generations. Their operations move from rock to rock, and whoever sets up an extraction facility first becomes the "owner" unless a more heavily armed group wishes to dispute the claim.Usually, there are enough asteroids that little fighting occurs. However, should word get out of an especially pure or valuable strike, then outright combat breaks out, with dozens of factions vying for control. For this reason most mining groups possess heavy armaments as well as mining equipment.Miners are not the only armed parties in Ruby's Belt. The dense and unforgiving nature of the orbiting rocks makes this area ideal for those wishing to avoid detection from Imperial agencies. Smugglers maintain hidden bases throughout sections of the field, where they can stash their contraband goods and ready their nimble craft for secretive rendezvous.Raiders, pirates, and criminal cartels also maintain stations away from the sensors of the Imperial Navy patrol ships, and woe to any miner who should discover one by accident. Some are even more secretive; tap room tales speak of nameless rocks home to escaped slaves or foul mutants who have stolen away from Port Wander or passing vessels. Other stories whisper of xenos cults who find the seclusion perfect for their blasphemous schemes, or even followers of the Ruinous Powers who are rumoured to thrive despite periodic Inquisitorial purges.Then there are the legends of the Ghost Rock, taken to be a common asteroid but on closer observation revealed to be an artificial construct. Those who tell the tale speak of rockcrete mountains bristling with weaponry, and escapes due more to luck than skill. It is never found in the same place twice, and most dismiss it as a fearful tale.The Belt is also host to more hospitable places. There are several major repair yards, nominally to service mining vessels -- though many are willing to do discrete shipwork on the side. A few have an underground reputation for discretely working on xenos mechanisms as well, if the Thrones are golden.Other larger rocks have been transformed into opulent manses for the nobles who have chosen to live in the system, where they can be close to the rich excitement of the Expanse (but not too close). Complete with enclosures of actual grass and even trees, they represent wealth beyond imagining. There are also the farming asteroids, hollowed out and pumped with atmosphere to grow fungus, algaes, and other primitive organics to feed the Port's teeming multitudes.While most of the congregational shrines for travelling pilgrims devoted to the Imperial Creed are located near Port Wander, several asteroids have been converted over to permanent dwellings for those who have returned from the Maw but cannot imagine returning to the Calixis Sector, such is their spiritual transformation. Here they exist in a monastic setting, interacting little with the rest of the system except to barter their meagre products for fresh organic slurry and water, enough to maintain their simple livelihoods.They are rarely disturbed by anyone, as even most system pirates recognise their worthlessness as targets. Even with these motes of civilisation, the area is akin to wandering into a deep and dark forest; there are dangers both obvious and subtle for the unwary traveller. Navigating without being struck by an errant rock is problem enough, but navigating the twisting feuds, rivalries, and hunting grounds that fill "the Rocks" can be lethal.