Helios Prime

Helios System

Orbiting a K-type star, the Helios System consists of five planets, including one massive gas giant in the outer system. Helios Prime, the second planet, is the population and industrial center, anchored by its rich mineral deposits. Mining outposts and orbital stations operate throughout the system, extracting resources from moons and asteroids. The gas giant hosts several moons with hydrogen processing facilities, supporting the system’s energy needs. Despite its wealth, Helios is known for its turbulent history and remains under firm Dominion control.  

Main World: Helios Prime

Classification: Arid Terrestrial World
Atmosphere: Breathable, dusty, wind-prone
Population: Human-dominated, high-density megacity with multispecies industrial workforce
  Originally airless and hostile, Helios Prime’s thin atmosphere gave way to a breathable but dusty climate after extensive terraforming. The planet’s axial tilt drives strong seasonal winds and frequent dust storms, especially in the vast central desert belt marked by craggy mountains, deep canyons, and near endless dunes. These continent-spanning storms carry fine iron oxide particles that can reduce visibility to nothing and coat entire city districts in red grit. To shield the megacity from the worst of these storms, rows of massive stormbreak structures line the urban perimeter. These permanent horizontal shutters normally sit flat but tilt downward in unison when storms approach, acting as immense windbreaks that reduce storm intensity and limit airborne dust from penetrating deeper into the city.   The northern hemisphere features a semi-arid zone where seasonal meltwater flows, with impact craters now holding rare permanent lakes that support scrubland and imported arid-adapted plant species. Nestled around these lakes is a sprawling megacity. The city’s neon-lit skyline stretches far beyond the lakes’ edges, blending the vibrant, coastal energy with the bright, arid flash of a desert entertainment hub. Skyscrapers rise beside palm-lined boulevards, casinos, and open-air markets, all framed by the planet’s dusty, rust-colored backdrop. Despite the arid surroundings, the lakes and seasonal meltwaters create green pockets and urban parks that provide relief and recreation. This metropolis is the heart of Helios Prime.     Helios Prime’s iron-rich soils and dust tint the sky a reddish-orange during the day, deepening to rich blues at twilight. Fine iron oxide dust pervades the air, affecting respiratory and ocular health, though local residents have acclimatised and found ways to live with it. The climate remains harsh but stable enough to support a growing population and limited agriculture. All flora and fauna are introduced, adapted to the planet’s arid and mineral-heavy environment. Vegetation tends toward hardy scrub and woodlands surrounding population centers, supported by meltwater and irrigation. Native animal life is absent; imported species have established a fragile ecosystem.   Helios Prime’s economy is built on heavy industry and extraction. The planet is rich in rare and precious metals, radioactives, and uncommon raw materials, while also possessing vast deposits of common ores. Mining and metallurgical industries dominate; surface operations feed massive smelters and refineries that supply the heavy machinery manufacturing complexes and the system’s orbital shipyards.   Helios began as a mining colony owned by the Helios Corporation, part of the powerful Ore Trust cartel. The labor force, largely exploited migrant workers, rebelled after enduring brutal conditions. The ensuing conflict persisted until a corruption scandal crippled Ore Trust and the rebellion, known as The Union, gained ground. After internal divisions weakened The Union, the Dominion’s Imperial Peacekeeping Expeditionary Force intervened, subjugating Helios and installing military administration. Stability and civilian governance have slowly increased, with elected local councils emerging, but ultimate authority remains with the military administration.