TERRESTRIAL (TEMPERATE, URBAN)

Salzus is a planet with a violent history. It was once the capital world of the fabulously powerful Orian Empire, a realm said to have been as old as Terra Nova. Salzus lay at a junction point of trade indispensable to the northeastern regions of the galaxy; many routes to and from the Graedian Confederacy pass through Salzus, thus building its fame as a merchant world. It is also one of the most formidable Borderworlds in the galaxy.

The Orian Empire was built upon the strength of its legendary navy, composed heavily of ancient Interceptor-class warships. To defend itself and build its power, the Orians constructed one of the largest networks of shipyards in the galaxy. Many times Salzus fell under siege, and each time beat back its enemies. But the Orian Empire lacked the adaptive ability of the Terra Novans and the boundless wealth of the Graedians. It was eventually crushed by the then-obscure but rising Nebulan Empire. The last stronghold of the Orians, Salzus, was conquered 1500 years before the Battle of Aquias. Like Graedius over a thousand years later, the Nebulans left Salzus unsullied after its fall, and continued to use it as the power base it had been for generations. The Nebulans have, in fact, greatly expanded the enormous economic and military facilities established by the Orians during their reign. It is now considered the second most precious jewel in the Nebulan Star Empire after Nebulus itself.