Mercenary Retreat

During the early days of the Five Stars Trading Company, it was realized that a large number of mercs would be needed to keep their ships safe. After losing one of their tradesmen to a turncoat, the Stars decided that they would need to find trustworthy men and women. After an exhaustive search, they gathered as many trusty mercs that they could find. Mercenary Retreat was created as a gathering place for those mercenaries; a place for them to trade stories, to train, and to dock their ships.

Mercenary Retreat is located within the asteroid belt of the Sun's Girdle, in Twilitespace. It was once one of the Starhammer's citadels, but was abandoned a century ago. It was recently re-commissioned as a base of operations for mercenaries hired by the Five Stars. After some redecorating, it has become a favorite stop for mercs to rest and recover after long missions.

The Retreat was once a 480 ton citadel, but has been altered greatly. The entire upper rear half has been converted into a docking platform for small spelljammers. It can handle 5 ships of up to 50 tons in size. Larger ships can tie up along the gravity plane. Under the main dock, just above the gravity plane, is a large cavern accessed through a double steel door. This is the dry dock, where ships can be repaired at a discount rate. It can handle any ship of 70 tons or less, so long as it is not too exotic (for example, it cannot handle Men-o-wars, unity ships, or neogi ships). The repair facilities are extensive enough to repair up to 60 points of damage; if several ships are damaged and need more than this amount of repair work, a tradesmen will be sent out to bring back as much equipment and personal as needed.

The upper forward section has likewise been converted. The dwarf "helmet" has been removed, and replaced by a glass half-dome (treated with glassteel). This area serves as a bar and garden; hanging plants grow in abundance along the back wall, and a few small trees have been planted. Many small tables dot this area, and it is the favorite drinking spot of the base. The bartender is a retired Starhammer dwarf, who loves a good story but dislikes any sort of brawling in his establishment (that sort of behavior is for the wreck room). Behind the back wall is a series of rooms; these are cabins for crewmen to stay while in dock. All are decently decorated, but nothing elaborate. Ten maids take care of these rooms, who are paid well for their work.

The area directly behind the "face" of the dwarf is now a training facility, popularity known as the Wreck Room. This are includes training dummies, archery ranges, work out equipment, and more. Use of these facilities is free, and all are encouraged to use them. The "mouth" is a gunnery practice range, with ballista, catapults, and jettisons all located within the room. Crewmen can practice their skills with said weapons, taking aim at "shot disks" that can be launched from a large swing arm. Sometimes mothballed ships, such as a gutted tradesman, will be brought in site of these weapons, and used for target practice. Closets along the walls hold many real and dummy ammunition.

The topside of the Retreat sports several towers and buildings. This area is now a market place, where mercs can pick up weapons, armors, and other items of their trade for discount prices. This is the busiest section of the Retreat, where anything can be found for sale. The rooftops of the buildings sport a few catapults, to ward off pirates and slavers.

The entire lower half of the Retreat is a maze of mines. This maze is filled with gardens, glowmoss, and even sports a lake. They keep the Retreat's air fresh and provide food for emergencies. In addition, there is a secret dock with two dragonflies; if the Retreat were seriously attacked, these ships would provide an escape option for those aboard. The final feature of the lower section is a small shrine dedicated to Alura, goddess of the dawn and healing. Healing and curing is free of charge here, as the priestess were hired for said service by the Stars. They also tell those that they heal of the wonders of their goddess, and have won a few converts, making the whole venture worth it.

Keeping the peace aboard the Retreat is a platoon of 12 giff. All are armed with clubs and starwheel pistols. They are further backed up by 3 mages, of levels 4-7. There is actually little violence here, as those who are caught committing crimes (such as brawling in the bar, destruction of property, and other lesser crimes) will have their admittance revoked and will be banished from the Retreat. The rates are so good at the Retreat that most mercs will not risk it and behave themselves.