TERRESTRIAL (HIGHLAND, MESAS)

The third planet and capital of the Durson system. For years before the Battle of Aquias this planet served as a center of research on sentient intelligence; cloning had gone on in the system for hundreds of years, being perfected very slowly over time. Artificial intelligence research eventually merged with the biological, and eventually machines and cyborgs came to dominate the Dursoni people. A devastating war followed in 2888 as the system and surrounding regions began to destabilize. Durson and the other major fortress worlds in the system, along with much of their research and massive industrial base, were largely obliterated during the conflict. Little life remains in the system other than Graedian military forces and relief organizations.

MOON (ARID, URBAN)

The second moon of Durson (after Endreth Major), Endreth Minor was a primary source of mining income for the Dursoni throughout their history. It provided easy access to enormous raw materials – and it provided a perfect first line of defense. Before the start of the Durson War, Endreth was an arid moon known for its thick cloud cover and punishing sandstorms. Some of the fiercest battles in the Durson War were fought on this moon. It was here that the Nebulan Star Empire was first seen conducting its Omega Solution: after a number of failed assaults on the moon, Nebulan Vice Admiral Luculus bombarded the moon’s settlements out of existence. Many veterans of the war reported that this final attack began with a large quantity of allied wounded still on the surface; many among the Terrans also believe that their government not only turned a blind eye to the operation, but even condoned it.