EO 001 - Final Edit Prelude

Nilfeheim

GalNet Entry: Planet Nilfeheim

Union Planet – Solken System

Nilfeheim is the second planet in the Solken System, a Type 4D Garden world. The planet is on an elliptical orbit around its sun. A second, failed sun, a supermassive gas giant is the cause of this unusual orbit and the reason for long, cold winters that can last up to seven standard (Terran) years. The four to five years of moderate temperatures are called Shortsummer.

This long season is locally known as Longnight. Temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius during the long winter period and can reach up to 15 degrees during the summer period. The world has no continents, and its solid surface consists of thousands of small, rocky islands and two polar caps where the ice never melts. The planet is tectonically very active and keeps large regions of the oceans warm enough for carbon-based life forms to survive even the longest winter periods. The oceans teem with aquatic life that is consumable by humans.

Most noteworthy is the Tyranno Fin, an extremely aggressive and very large predator, currently holding claim as the largest carnivorous fish in the universe. The local life forms have never been officially catalogued by Union scientists. The local population has little patience for outside visitors.

Some of the oceanic life forms are fished, collected, farmed and harvested to sustain the population and for export. There is a local Xchange, a Class D space port with weekly Space Bus connection, a small Union clinic and several Union schools.

Nilfeheim was settled by Terrans in 2160. A group consisting mainly of Scandinavians, Norwegians, and Germans belonging to the Viking Movement and the Church of Odin left Earth so they could adhere to their chosen lifestyle, which rejected modern technology and advancements. The Nilfeheim settlers received genetic tailoring so they were better adapted to their new home world. Conditions on Nilfeheim were harsher than anticipated and the colony struggled to stay alive.

Around 2200, the settlers who now called themselves Neo Vikings resorted to piracy and raided civilian shipping lines and other colonies. In 2388 of the United Stars, a Union battleship ended the Neo Vikings short but violent history of piracy. The Neo Vikings decided to become Union members in 2390. Since then Nilfeheim has developed a distinct local culture that borrows heavily on historical and romantic elements of an Earth culture known as Viking. Their present culture focuses on the preservation and strict adherence to their ancient traditions.

A Book of Sacred Traditions is the only law and is interpreted by a Circle of Elders. A special Nilfeheim exemption from Union standards is in place, and the Circle of Elders determines how much or how little Union influence is allowed on Nilfeheim. Union Law is not enforced outside Union facilities (spaceport, clinic, Union schools, Xchange, and Union Bank).