Coruscant
A planet covered in totality by a megacity, Coruscant was the first ecumenopolis founded within The Republic. A major hub for commerce and trade, almost every possible profession can be found within the confines of the city. From galactic kingpins to small-time urban farmers, Coruscant is one of the few locations where anyone has a chance to make connections and go from rags to riches. Due to recent events, Coruscant is no longer considered part of Republic Space being taken over by cartel agents of The Exchange.
Climate
With virtually the whole planet has covered in buildings, very little of the natural landscape remains on the planet - mostly in Ithorian preservation spaces or restored gardens and parks. A sophisticated satellite and generator system was invested in early in Coruscant's development, allowing for a constant temperate climate, with mild wind and rain. While Coruscant does have seasonal changes, large satellite installations mitigate any extremes from occuring in the extremely regulated environment.
Lifeforms
Non-Sentient
It is unknown whether any native species still live somewhere on or under the planet, though numerous species from various worlds have been brought planetside, whether as pets or for other reasons. Some of the more notable organisms include:
Armored Rat/Blood Rat - Two different species of rat that live underneath coruscant, they vary in their size and position on the food web. Armored rats are about the size of a dog, able to defend themselves and their brood from would-be predators. Blood rats are often prey for both armored rats and the coruscani ogres, their fur color a deep crimson giving them their name.
Coruscani Ogre - Rumors abound whether these creatures were the original native species of Coruscant, genetically developed bioweapon, or possibly a failed attempt at uplifting a creature to sentience. Whatever the case, these semi-sentient brutes reign over the underground caves and sewers much to the chagrin of many would-be explorers and smugglers.
Gizka - Supposedly brought over as a cheap plentiful source of meat, whoever imported them did not anticipate their tenacity and knack for escaping enclosed areas. Now they thrive in the poor and more abandoned areas of the city - ironically, providing an easy source of meat for those most in need.
Sentient
With members of practically every known species, inhabitants tend to identify with local cultural groups more than species on Coruscant. Some of the more prominent groups are:
Copper Crest Merchants - A coalition of inner city merchants, they provide a network of funds and supplies to ensure protection from ne'er-do-wells and thieves. Members pay a protection fee to the Exchange to ensure smooth business operations, but still prepare for those either unaffiliated or too desperate to care about retribution from the Exchange.
The Iron Gavel - A group of Exchange sanctioned arbitrators, the Iron Gavel have been given the authority to act as judge and jury for those living on Coruscant. Any decisions given by this group are enforced on the local level by small time Exchange enforcers.
Oblivion Runners - A branch off smuggling group, Oblivion Runners focus mostly on drug production and trafficking throughout the underbelly of Galactic City. Recently, rumors have spread that they may be expanding into the slavery business.
Scarlet Cloth - A volunteer group of doctors and other medical professionals, they operate several hospitals across the surface. Some more intergalactic agencies use this group as a training ground for prospective candidates.
The Steel Matrons - A loose network of caregivers and orphanage administrators, the Matrons attempt to take care of as many orphans and urchins as possible. Many go on to support the Matrons cause and protect their various holdings.
Rabid Claw - A group of non-human gangsters, they often come into conflict with the other groups due to extreme hatred of certain species. Often seen drag racing and operating fighting rings, they make most of their money from gambling and thug activities.
History
One of the oldest civilized planets in the galaxy, Coruscant has been central to many of the most important events in galactic history. Once the Capital Planet of
The Republic, Coruscant chose to renounce that title centuries ago due to excessive destruction caused during an ancient war between two massive armies. While not the capital, it was within Republic jurisdiction for a long time until the recent rise of the Sith Empire. Due to close proximity to the warfront and the high likelihood of recurring devastation, the leaders of the planet made a devil's bargain with the leaders of The Exchange to ensure neutrality in the ensuing war. This deal turned out to be more than they anticipated, as governmental leaders were either corrupted or assassinated by the Exchange until only those allied with the infamous organization were left.
Notable Settlements
Notable Settlements
The Grand Bazaar
A massive district for intergalactic trade, the Grand Bazaar is a place where almost any product can be bought - for the right price. Several large freight docks span the area, allowing for large scale transactions and bulk products to be brought in. While officially regulated by a governmental customs agency, a good amount of the fees and tariffs go to funding Exchange operations.
Eastern Boroughs
This area is well-known for being the more affluent area of Coruscant. Regularly patrolled by aristocrat-paid police and extravagant security droids, anyone walking through this area can rest assured that they won't have to deal with the crime that plagues many other parts of this urban world. Many elite families own some form of land in this area - more so as a status symbol than for the actual land worth.
Western Boroughs
Shan'Sha'Hov
One of the more notorious areas of Coruscant, Shan'Sha'Hov (also called Shan'Sho) is an abandoned housing project in the southern hemisphere of the planet. Once envisioned as a grand renovation project by the quadrant administrator - all lofty ideas fell through when it was learned that senior members were embezzling money out of the project for personal gain. Disgraced and creditless, the administrator resigned and all plans to improve the area were put on indefinite hiatus. After several decades, the locals renamed the area Shan'Sha'Hov - short for shanty, shack, and hovel - as governmental regulation became nonexistent. The area is now run by various gangs, who all pay residence fees to
The Exchange.
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