Caprice

The Governorate of Caprice

Tau Ceti System

Sector: Tau Ceti

Capital: New Sedantis

Species: Vaurcae, IPCs, Dionae

Common Languages: Hivenet, Tau Ceti Basic

Demonyms: Caprician

Part of: Republic of Biesel

Caprice, officially the Governorate of Caprice, is a scorching-hot, volcanic planet in Tau Ceti that serves as the de facto capital of the Zo'ra Hive in the Orion Spur. Its status within the Republic of Biesel—who own and govern the planet—is an ongoing cause of much political debate. At the heart of Caprice lies New Sedantis, the planet's most important city, serving as a nexus of political intrigue and cultural dynamism. In recent years, New Sedantis has experienced a significant surge in growth, especially following the establishment of the Court of Queens—an enduring political assembly tasked with overseeing inter-Hive affairs.

History

After the establishment of the Biesel colony in 2147, planets within the Tau Ceti star system were scouted for potential additional colonies. Despite the diligent efforts of Biesel colonizers throughout the 2100s, only the planet's moon, Valkyrie, and the neighboring New Gibson proved suitable for permanent settlements. Other planets within the system have hosted temporary scientific outposts over the centuries, with intensified efforts following the Republic of Biesel's independence from the Sol Alliance in 2452.

Caprice, the first planet in the system, was largely neglected by human surveyors who deemed it too inhospitable. The sole attempt to establish a scientific outpost on Caprice was short-lived, lasting only three months in 2430. In 2453, the fledgling Republic of Biesel intended to mount a second manned mission to study the planet. Nevertheless, this mission never came to fruition.

Following the Vaurca's first contact with humanity in 2456, the Republic of Biesel received the Zo'ra Hive as refugees. Nonetheless, some human authorities feared a potential Vaurca invasion or uprising, especially from the Zoleth brood, renowned for their warrior prowess within the Zo'ra Hive. Given Biesel's lack of its own military force, Zoleth and her underlings were perceived as a significant threat. For this reason, the brood was resettled on the inhospitable planet Caprice, with the hope that the harsh conditions would discourage them from establishing a permanent presence within the system.

Unbeknownst to the Biesellite authorities, the environmental conditions on Caprice bore some resemblance to those of Sedantis, the Vaurca's home planet. Moreover, humans remained unaware of the intricate cave systems beneath Caprice's surface—systems that the Vaurcae were adept at navigating and utilizing for construction purposes. Queen Zoleth envisioned establishing a sizable colony of stone, flesh, and steel deep underground, a feat impossible for the other broods to accomplish in their designated regions.

The earliest attempts of a Caprician colony started in 2457, with the construction of Dis and Jas'fiik. Serious construction efforts began in 2459. Initially, the project was exclusive to the Zoleth brood. However, High Queen Vaur's recognition of Caprice's potential for a permanent colony led to the involvement of all Zo'rane broods by 2460. While this cooperation was not illegal, it was discouraged by the Republic of Biesel, which had strategically separated most broods. Consequently, most of Caprice's construction was conducted in secrecy, with many materials smuggled onto the planet.

In 2461, the construction of Caprice was no longer a secret. To address the centralization of Vaurcae on Caprice and better manage the expanding colony, the Congress of Biesel redefined the planet's status. Caprice was declared a "natural extension" of the territory granted by the Republic of Biesel and designated an overseas province of the Biesel planet. This bestowed upon Caprice the special status of a governorate, with Sarah Loveridge appointed as governor-general by Congress rather than through democratic elections.

Despite efforts to hinder Vaurca colonization, the project continued, primarily focusing on constructing a lavish capital city, New Sedantis. The newly appointed Caprice administration was powerless to intervene due to the planet's inhospitable conditions for humans. In an unexpected turn of events, the governor-general of Caprice sought assistance from the Zo'ra Hive to construct habitable chambers for herself and her team. Sarah Loveridge was unable to establish her offices in Caprice until late 2462, when the construction of the New Sedantis was almost complete.

President Joseph Dorn vetoed two bills that aimed to increase the powers of the Governorate of Caprice. Despite this, Dorn demonstrated strong support for the Zo'rane presence on Caprice by easing restrictions on Vaurca movement within the Tau Ceti system and facilitating the import of construction materials. He also authorized the relocation of the Titan Prime, the Zo'rane Hiveship, from Valkyrie to Caprice before the official inauguration of the colony.

The inauguration of New Sedantis, the capital of Caprice, occurred in late 2463. While officially marking the establishment of the Governorate of Caprice's administration, the event was largely overshadowed by the Zo'ra presence, with many media outlets referring to it as the new "Zo'rane capital." The establishment of the Vaurcaesian Court of Queens shortly after further challenged the Governorate's authority, with some critics viewing it as a parallel government. However, the Vaurca Queens maintain that it serves as a civilian assembly.

In recent years, the Governorate of Caprice has struggled to maintain its footing. With a mostly Vaurca population and support from the executive branch, the colony's administration has had to heavily rely on Congress to further its interests.

Environment

A surface map of the planet Caprice.

Caprice is characterized by extreme surface conditions, with an average temperature of 340 degrees Celsius and widespread volcanic activity. The surface is largely devoid of infrastructure and dominated by numerous lava lakes. Due to these harsh conditions, all settlements on Caprice are located underground.

Caprice possesses extensive cave systems formed by volcanic activity. These were used by the Zo'ra Hive for construction and to connect major settlements. The tunnels provide a more habitable environment with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. While oxygen naturally flows into the caves, settlements like New Sedantis employ atmospheric systems to ensure a consistent supply for humans living or visiting the colony.

While Caprice experiences significant seismic activity, Vaurcae are well-equipped to handle such conditions. This is mostly due to their experience on Sedantis and their use of their trademark alloy, quakesteel, in construction. Compared to Sedantis, Caprice is considered seismically calmer, with less frequent cave-ins and a lower risk of flooding due to the scarcity of subterranean lakes. Additionally, the Vaurca's expertise in managing volcanic activity allows them to mitigate any potential threats posed by lava flows.

Economy

Despite the challenging conditions on the planet's surface, both the Zo'ra Hive and the Governorate of Caprice have strived to transform the young colony into an attractive destination for tourists, investors, and workers. The success of these efforts has varied, with some ventures proving more vital to the planet's development than others.

Since 2456, Caprice has undergone extensive mining and transformation underground. Initially, mining operations were necessary to create space and construct underground settlements. Today, mining remains one of Caprice's leading industries. In 2464, the Governorate of Caprice granted the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate exclusive mining rights on Caprice, thereby requiring all Zo'rane operations to be conducted under SCC supervision. Although the Zo'ra Hive has attempted to turn this arrangement to its advantage by securing a share of the profits, the decision has predominantly benefited the Governorate. Despite the significance of Caprice's mining industry, it does not compare to the scale of the K'lax mining operations on Tret.

The capital city of Caprice, New Sedantis, has developed into a multicultural and political hub, primarily catering to human visitors and diplomats. This evolution has also transformed New Sedantis into a tourist destination, featuring attractions such as museums, traditional spas, and other Vaurca facilities adapted for human enjoyment. Caprice boasts a thriving hospitality industry. While New Sedantis is renowned for its unique hotels and thermal baths, the city of Jas'fik has gained a reputation as a casino city, where gambling is widespread. These businesses are operated by the Zo'ra Hive. Despite the Governorate of Caprice's efforts to regulate these industries, tax breaks remain in place.

As the headquarters for the Ve'katak Phalanx, Caprice has become renowned for its security industry. Although most of its private military contractors operate outside of Caprice, New Sedantis is the center for risk management operations. The Ve'katak Phalanx has two primary clients—the NanoTrasen Corporation and Zavodskoi Interstellar—which actively seek its services for risk and opportunity management executive seminars, as well as logistics for internal audits.

The Governorate of Caprice has recognized risk management as a crucial industry, leading to the establishment of the Biesellite Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the city of As'dak'ii. The BBS aims to address the need for industry standards following the Solarian collapse, particularly ensuring consistent quality across the various industries operated by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. This comprehensive evaluation of quality standards involves extensive research across many fields, ensuring product consistency throughout the Orion Spur. The Biesellite Bureau of Standards is unique in that, while it was established by the Governorate of Caprice, it operates with minimal public funding and is primarily privately owned, with the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate serving as its largest shareholder.

Politics and Government

The Republic of Biesel declared its independence from the Sol Alliance in 2452, claiming the entire Tau Ceti system as its territory in its constitution. In 2461, concerns about an organized Vaurca colony arose within the Biesellite Congress, particularly after the establishment of the military base on Dis. Consequently, Congress incorporated Caprice into its constitutional framework, establishing it as the Governorate of Caprice.

The Governorate of Caprice is a special-status colony within the Republic of Biesel. Unlike other planetary members, Caprice lacks autonomy and is directly supervised by the Republic, designated as an "overseas province" of the planet Biesel. The Governorate is led by a governor-general, an appointed position not subject to democratic election.

Since its establishment, the Governorate of Caprice has been embroiled in several controversies. Due to its rushed organization, the powers of the Governorate are limited, primarily serving to counteract the political influence of the Zo'ra Hive over the territory. Congress has proposed several bills, including attempts to disenfranchise citizens of Caprice, all of which have been vetoed by President Joseph Dorn.

The Governorate is composed of a governor-general and fifteen council members, all appointed by the governor-general. In 2465, a legal amendment allowed the inclusion of a Zo'rane liaison in addition to the fifteen council members and transferred the authority to appoint the governor-general from Congress to the President of Biesel. The governor-general has no term limits but is typically expected to change with each new administration of Biesel. The current governor-general of Caprice is Sarah Loveridge.

The governor-general also has the faculty to elect a mayor for each of the incorporated places. The Governorate's council can veto the governor-general's choice, but otherwise they cannot suggest names of their own. Currently, only two large settlements are incorporated: New Sedantis and Jas'fiik. As with the governor-general, the mayors of Caprice have no term limits.

Despite the best efforts made by the Governorate of Caprice, Zo'rane influence remains significant. The Court of Queens, which presents itself as a civil society organization, wields substantial power over the planet's politics, corporations such as the Ve'katak Phalanx, and even other Vaurca Hives. Critics have described it as a parallel government or a coupist movement. The Court of Queens has endeavored to maintain the delicate balance of power in Caprice, cognizant that any increase in the Governorate's authority could potentially curtail their own influence.

Culture and Demographics

Caprice is predominantly inhabited by Vaurcae, especially those from the Zo'ra Hive. Vaurcae from other Hives residing in Caprice are either specialists and extremely rare, or they are part of the embassies sent by the K'lax and C'thur Hives. It is estimated that the majority of Zo'rane hive-cells, except those of the Xakt and Athvur broods, now primarily reside in Caprice.

Queenless Vaurcae are prohibited from residing in Caprice, a policy promoted by the Court of Queens rather than enforced by the Governorate. The Queenless or Punished who visit Caprice for bureaucratic reasons are closely supervised. Additionally, the Zo'ra Hive established methods to suppress Queenless settlements. Advanced bioforms, designed to detect the scent of the Queenless, are stationed throughout the residential areas of New Sedantis to prevent their entry.

Other species, particularly human members of the Ve'katak Phalanx, may reside on Caprice. The Court of Queens actively promotes Caprice during training periods, sometimes even mandating travel to the planet for Phalanx members. This strategy has been moderately effective, with some Phalanx members now living in Caprice year-round.

Synthetics on Caprice

Another significant and growing demographic on Caprice is the IPCs. In response to the dominant presence of the Zo'ra Hive, the Governorate of Caprice has sought to diversify the population. Although the Zo'ra Hive has made efforts to render the cities of New Sedantis and Jas'fiik hospitable to human populations, they have not been successful in attracting permanent human residents. Furthermore, seismic activity outside designated safe areas continues to pose a substantial hazard.

To address these challenges, the Governorate has initiated the Synthetic Colonization Program to attract IPCs to the planet, particularly focusing on the city of As'dak'ii. IPCs in As'dak'ii are generally employed by the Biesellite Bureau of Standards, holding positions that range from manufacturers to researchers and foremen. While the program is open to all free synthetics, it is predominantly utilized by Biesellite free IPCs, especially those struggling to find employment elsewhere.

Many free IPCs relocating to Caprice have been granted parcels of land in their name. However, the desirability of these plots varies considerably. Some IPCs have successfully established homes, while many others have been assigned land in undeveloped and inaccessible regions. Despite these challenges, numerous IPCs remain optimistic, working on the planet with the hope of eventually developing and accessing their allotted land.

Despite the apparent colonization of their territory, the Vaurca do not harbor any animosity towards the IPC population. Surprisingly, Vaurcae have extended a gesture of inclusivity by offering IPCs representation in the Assembly of Residents—an organization functioning similarly to a city council but operated by the Court of Queens. The Governorate has attempted to establish offices for local affairs in Caprice, but legislative progress has lagged, resulting in the Vaurcae continuing to operate in a legal gray area. Despite efforts by both the Governorate and the Zo'ra Hive to influence the IPC population, most synthetics remain in areas with few Vaurcae. For example, only a small number of IPCs reside in New Sedantis.

In addition to the economic opportunities, some IPCs appreciate living in Caprice because it allows them to live freely with minimal human interaction, fostering a unique community. IPCs in Caprice benefit from the Vaurcae's more relaxed attitude towards synthetics, with most residents considering them as equals. Although this development was likely unanticipated by the Governorate of Caprice, the local government has recognized and embraced this perspective, promoting the planet to other IPCs with the slogan: "Let your gears loose."

Dionae on Caprice

The Dionae constitute a notable minority within the population of Caprice, primarily originating from the Titan Prime cluster. Their former site, Gii'x'ic, within Titan Prime has been repurposed as a museum following the decommissioning of the ship. Despite this, some Dionae continue to be part of the exhibit. Most Dionae who previously resided in Gii'x'ic have relocated to As'dak'ii, a city promised by the Zo'ra as a new home to be co-managed by both species. This transition is intended to symbolize a fresh start and an expanded relationship between the Dionae of Titan Prime and the Zo'ra.

Currently, the Dionae from the Titan Prime strain are primarily focused on the development of As'dak'ii, including its construction, logistics, and public infrastructure management. With the Zo'ra shifting their focus away from As'dak'ii, the Dionae living there now collaborate with the recently arrived IPCs who also consider Caprice their home. Dionae have played a crucial role in the establishment of the Biesellite Bureau of Standards, where they predominantly serve as engineers, ensuring the consistency of reference materials from steel to advanced alloys.

The quality of life for Dionae in Caprice is relatively satisfactory. Given that many of these Dionae were actively hunted by Vaurcae patrols during the Exodus, the moderate stability and peace of living in As'dak'ii are seen as a significant improvement. However, when compared to other clusters across the Spur, the conditions for Dionae in Caprice are not the most favorable. They are primarily constrained by As'dak'ii's inadequate infrastructure and limited career opportunities compared to other clusters in Tau Ceti.

As Dionae cannot learn from Vaurca blood and cannot draw blood from IPCs, Caprician gestalts are mostly used to learn by mimicry and deep observation. This trait is usually carried around when the Dionae are far away. To them, drawing blood for memories is mostly a foreign concept.

New Sedantis

New Sedantis is the capital and most significant city of Caprice. Widely regarded as synonymous with Hive power in the Orion Spur, it serves as a political nexus and a major point of contention between the Governorate and the Court of Queens. The city is constructed following the Hivehold urban philosophy of ancient Sedantis, resulting in a structure that extends beyond a single city into multiple districts clustered together. Despite this expansive layout, New Sedantis can be broadly divided into two areas: the upper area, frequented by tourists and diplomats, and the lower area, which consists mainly of residential zones. The current mayor of Caprice is Maude Dorn, niece of Joseph Dorn.

Upper Area

The Upper Area of New Sedantis is widely regarded as the vibrant core of Caprice. It is widely considered as a civic center, primarily designed to captivate tourists and diplomats. The space harmoniously blends contemporary aesthetics with elements of traditional Vaurca architecture. This district is distinguished by its immaculate appearance, a result of the Zo'ra Hive's extensive efforts to conceal any technological aspects that might be unsettling to humans, such as their use of sanguilithium to connect their biotechnology. Additionally, the Upper Area of Caprice is equipped with advanced air filtration systems, ensuring that human inhabitants can breathe comfortably without the need for specialized equipment.

The following is a list of some of the most notable locations in the Upper Area of New Sedantis. Besides the mentioned areas, the Upper Area of Sedantis is also notable for its spas, workshops in traditional Vaurca culture, museums, as well as high-end restaurants for human visitors.

Court of Queens' Chambers

See also: Court of Queens.

The chambers of the Court of Queens in New Sedantis are the most notable landmark of the Upper Area and the planet as a whole. The building is modeled after the traditional chambers of the ancient Court of Queens in the Xtykt'lotec Rift|Xtykt'lotec Rift, incorporating motifs of neoclassical architecture. The chambers were partially built with the marble and quartz from the first Court of Queens before its destruction at the start of the Great Hive War. Some areas, like the atrium, are permanently open to the public for tourists, while the council reunites in areas only accessible to the Hives and human overseers.

Tau Ceti Armed Forces Square

Tau Ceti Armed Forces Square is a prominent city square located in New Sedantis. It encompasses approximately 230 acres, serving mainly as an underground urban park. The square is distinguished by multiple sculptures, including a central monument dedicated to the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. Another significant landmark within the square is a relief commemorating the Lii'dramachy, which features a visual and tactile timeline of events. Other additional notable art pieces include traditional Vaurca cairns and sand sculptures.

The square also houses the National Museum of Ballistics and the Queen Athvur's National Museum Art Center. Visitors can enjoy various amenities, including kiosks, amusement rides, and benches. The park area within the square features a diverse collection of plants sourced from various planets, including old Sedantis. The New Sedantis bus system provides convenient access with three stops located within the square.

The Tau Ceti Armed Forces Square is also notable for its large glass dome, which appears to source sunlight. However, the heavy ash and smoke from volcanic activity on Caprice's surface prevent the sun from shining through. Consequently, the dome's light is artificial, though it follows the planet's day-night cycle. The dome in New Sedantis was copied by the K'lax Hive when constructing Kysne'kizar, the capital of Tret. The ceiling above Tret's original exploring probe features a similar effect with artificial lighting.

The Governorate Hall

The Governorate Hall is the seat of government for the Governorate of Caprice. The building is sometimes referred to as the Governorate Complex, as it also houses the offices of the New Sedantis city hall. The Governorate Hall is a brutalist structure, contrasting sharply with the more classical human and Vaurcaesian architecture found in the rest of the Upper Area. Additionally, the Governorate Hall is dwarfed by the Court of Queens' Chambers, which remains the more prominent building.

The Basilica of Justice

The Basilica of Justice is the courthouse of New Sedantis. Similar to other grandiose buildings in the city, it combines elements of traditional Vaurca architecture with human architectural styles. The Basilica is notable for its adorned Corinthian columns in a Beaux-Arts style. However, the interior is radically different, styled after a traditional Vaurcaesian court. Originally, the building was planned to help settle disputes among Vaurcae members of the Court of Queens, but these efforts were consistently blocked by the Governorate of Caprice. Finally, in 2465, the Governorate acquired the building, using it primarily as the seat of legislative power. However, much of the Basilica remains unused, as the legislative body of the Governorate is understaffed.

Palace of Freedom Arena

The Palace of Freedom, officially known as the Palace of Freedom for All Sapients in the Republic of Biesel, is an arena and convention center in New Sedantis. Maintaining the unique architectural style of New Sedantis, the interior of the arena resembles an amphitheater with modern accommodations. The Palace of Freedom became notable in 2466 as the location where Joseph Dorn announced his candidacy for the Biesel elections, with High Queen Vaur as his choice for Vice President. The venue is currently seeking a sponsor to accommodate sports events and concerts year-round.

Altar of Queens

The Altar of Queens is a large temple complex in New Sedantis, heavily inspired by the ancient Ta'raii'xkiit - The Empress' Reach|Ta'raii'xkiit. It serves as the primary place of worship for the Modern Pantheon in the Orion Spur. The structure is open to the public and doubles as a tourist attraction, trying to interest human visitors on the history of the Vaurca Queens and their religious importance.

Getmore Hypermarket

The Getmore Hypermarket in New Sedantis is a megastore operated primarily for the benefit of human visitors and diplomats. The Getmore Hypermarket is owned by the Getmore Corporation. It is operated by a mixture of human staff as retail workers and Vaurca staff in cargo and maintenance. The Getmore Hypermarket in Caprice has recently gained the attention of various human visitors for its eeriness. As a large facility for only a small part of the population, the Hypermarket has long, empty but stocked corridors, which created a sense of discomfort among social media users. Despite this trend, the Hypermarket still thrives, even among some Vaurca population that seeks human-marketed products such as toothpaste.

Up!Burger

The Up!Burger in New Sedantis is a fast-food restaurant chain opened in 2466 as an expansion of the Up!Burger franchise. It is the first Up!Burger restaurant in Tau Ceti space. The facility in New Sedantis offers k'ois dishes alongside the conventional menu found in the Konyang stores. Additionally, the Up!Burger in New Sedantis has a special partnership with Zo'ra Soda, providing branded drinks from a soda fountain. It is the only place in the Orion Spur where the tropical punch flavor Zo'ra Zap is available.

Vaurca Office of Administrative Services

For more information, see Court of Queens#Vaurca Office of Administrative Services.

The Vaurca Office of Administrative Services (VOAS) is the bureaucratic arm of the Court of Queens. Its central offices are located in the Upper Area of Caprice. Unlike other facilities in New Sedantis, VOAS is specifically open for Vaurcae, especially Queenless and Punished that have to undergo any bureaucratic process. The central office is notable for its long waiting hours, with the record of ten Worker sleep cycles to be attended while standing in line.

Xavier Trasen Medical School in Caprice

The Xavier Trasen Medical School in Caprice serves as a dedicated research campus affiliated with the Xavier Trasen Medical School, which is situated in Mendell City. This institution in Biesel is distinguished by its strong association with the Zo'ra Hive, its publication of the Vaurcaesian Research Journal, and its specialized programs designed to train medical professionals in the care of Vaurca patients.

The Caprice campus primarily focuses on research activities and receives significant funding from the Zo'ra Hive. While it offers a range of advanced medical courses, particularly those involving Vaurca organ surgery, the most sophisticated programs are exclusively available at the New Sedantis campus and not at the Mendell City campus.

Empressate Park

The Empressate Park is a public park located in New Sedantis. In contrast to the grandiose Tau Ceti Armed Forces Square, the Empressate Park primarily serves as a smaller urban park, inspired by the public areas of Mendell City. It features a large esplanade and is a popular destination for afternoon strolls. Unlike the Tau Ceti Armed Forces Square, the Empressate Park is distinguished by a virtual ceiling that mimics an open sky, creating the illusion of being above ground. The park is named after the Empressate of Sedantis, the formal designation of the Zo'ra Empire, and is notable for its prominent fountain, which features an abstract depiction of Empress Zo'ra and her dominion. Empressate Park is bordered by residential buildings and corporate offices.

Alliance Building

The Alliance Building is a prominent skyscraper situated adjacent to Empressate Park in New Sedantis. Its design is heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style, giving it an almost organic appearance. Constructed primarily from Caprician sandstone, basalt, granite, and other natural stones sourced from the planet, the building features multiple protuberances adorned with small windows and numerous setbacks that create a tapered design. The Alliance Building won three design awards after its unveiling in early 2465.

The building is crowned by a large antenna known as Vaur's Tower, which serves as a resonance pylon. Vaur's Tower itself is considered an architectural marvel and has become a unique tourist attraction. Vaur's Tower is regarded as the next-generation of Hivenet surveillance, though it requires proprietary NanoTrasen software to be properly decrypted.

The Alliance Building houses the headquarters of the Ve'katak Phalanx. It also extends to underground levels, a large complex of experimental laboratories. The underground levels are where specialized training, including the Neural Simulation Training Environment, takes place. Further information about the program is available here.

Gyne Suburbs

The Gyne Suburbs, as known colloquially, is an area in the outskirts of New Sedantis. It serves a similar function as the ancient Ta'raii'skerr—districts built for the favored hive-cells of Zo'ra. However, the Gyne Suburbs are mostly reserved to Breeders and their personal guards, as well as select Warriors and Workers that have contributed favorably to the Republic of Biesel.

Titan Prime/National Museum of Vaurca History and Culture

The National Museum of Vaurca History and Culture, previously known as Titan Prime by Biesellite media and Klo'xryek among the Vaurca, is a memorial ship docked on the surface of Sedantis. The ship was docked in Valkyrie until 2463, when it was relocated to Caprice prior to the inauguration of New Sedantis. The museum is housed within the Hiveship used by the Zo'ra Hive during their initial contact with humanity and it remains the best well-preserved Hiveship in the Orion Spur.

Access to the museum is provided via an elevator from the Tau Ceti Armed Forces Square. The museum offers various exhibits detailing Vaurca history and a heavily sanitized depiction of the Hiveship as it appeared during its operational period. As one of New Sedantis' most popular attractions, the museum frequently sells out its tickets, particularly during the summer months.

Lower Area

The Lower Area of New Sedantis is the principal residential district of the city, characterized by its dense population and unique cultural traits. This area is strictly off-limits to tourists and is enclosed with advanced mechanisms to prevent any potential phoron or k'ois spore leaks. The Lower Area is reputed to be the most densely populated district in Caprice, and possibly in the entire Orion Spur. This high population density is a result of the Zo'ra Hive's efforts to limit the expansion of the district, ensuring it does not grow uncontrollably. Consequently, most residents are allocated between one and three square feet of living space, a restriction that is largely tolerated by the Vaurca residents. The limited space has fostered a unique culture, characterized by labyrinthine roads that crisscross the Lower Area.

The Lower Area is heavily guarded by Vaurca Warriors who serve as local law enforcement. Although crime has not been completely eradicated, it is significantly less common here compared to other Vaurca settlements. Residents of the Lower Area generally express a strong sense of affinity for their district and take a keen interest in local issues.

The district is predominantly shrouded in darkness, making it one of the few places in the Orion Spur where Vaurcae have been able to fully adapt to their residential needs without having to conform to human settlement patterns. Despite this, the Lower Area is still heavily influenced by the capitalist economy of the Orion Spur. Small businesses of all kinds operate in close proximity to one another, often in fierce competition. Most of the crime in the Lower Area is related to business owners attempting to sabotage their rivals in this highly competitive environment.

Dis

Dis, officially known as the Tau Ceti Minutemen Corps Base Dis, is an unincorporated region in the Governorate of Caprice. This area serves as both a military base and a training facility, primarily functioning as the main silo for Zo'rane Warforms, including those previously utilized by the former Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. Historically, Dis was a major point of contention between the Zo'ra Hive and the Republic of Biesel, but it is now fully operated by the Tau Ceti Armed Forces.

History

Dis was one of the original settlements in Caprice, established in 2457. Initially, it served as a stronghold for Zoleth's Warriors, including some Unbound. By 2458, Dis had become the central location for all Zo'rane Warforms, including those from other broods. The discovery of this reallocation led to a diplomatic crisis between the Zo'ra Hive and the Republic of Biesel, with fears surrounding Dis contributing significantly to the creation of the Governorate.

After the establishment of the Governorate, the Biesellite Congress ordered the Zo'ra Hive to cease the mobilization of Warforms to Dis, citing concerns over Biesel's sovereignty. Despite this, Dis remained operational with its existing troops. In 2461, a council member from the Governorate of Caprice was sent to establish a presence in Dis while offices for the Governorate were set up, making Dis the de facto first capital of Caprice, although it was never officially incorporated.

The Governorate continued to limit Dis's operations until late 2462, when the imminent invasion of the 35th Solarian Fleet necessitated a shift in focus. President Joseph Dorn requested that the Governorate ease restrictions on Dis and concentrate on relocation efforts to New Sedantis. Consequently, Dis was permitted to allocate the remaining Warforms to the planet, an agreement that greatly benefited the Zo'ra Hive, which maintained control over the base in subsequent years.

For several years, Dis operated in a gray area, functioning as a private base while many units were either leased to or owned by the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. This ambiguity allowed the Zo'ra to display their military strength. Additionally, Dis was used to train the first generation of Ve'katak Phalanx members, a development not initially agreed upon when the Hive regained control over the base.

In 2465, the newly formed Tau Ceti Armed Forces acquired Dis as a military camp. Although Vaurca operations remain limited, particularly among the Zo'ra's Chosen special forces, the number of humans in Dis has grown exponentially since the acquisition. Today, Dis is favored by the TCAF as a training ground for humans and other species in underground combat and special operations, with a particular emphasis on training Minutemen.

Jas'fiik

Jas'fiik is a prominent city in Caprice, notable for its recent transformation into a major resort city and a leading destination in Tau Ceti for gambling tourism. The city's casinos are mainly operated by the Court of Queens and staffed by Vaurcae. For this reason, Jas'fiik has been at the center of tax regulation disputes with the Governorate of Caprice. The current mayor of Jas'fiik is Eddie Martin, a former executive of Celestial Cruises.

History

Jas'fiik was the first settlement established by Zoleth in Caprice following their relocation to the planet. The city's name is derived from Jas'fiik, a type of Sedantian amber. According to official accounts, Workers mined yellowish sandstone at such a rapid pace that the resulting stones resembled resin. The Queen, inspired by this resemblance, decided to name the settlement after the prized gemstone from ancient Sedantis.

Originally intended to be the primary city in Caprice, Jas'fiik's status changed when High Queen Vaur became involved in the colony. After thorough surveying, the High Queen decided that the capital should be located elsewhere and chose the name New Sedantis. After construction efforts for New Sedantis began in 2460, Jas'fiik remained an important settlement for stationed Workers before they could contribute in the construction efforts.

In 2463, Jas'fiik was mostly abandoned in favor of New Sedantis. However, the Zo'ra Hive soon realized that the existing infrastructure could be repurposed and expanded. The Hive authorities had long envisioned a casino strip in New Sedantis, but the growing intervention of the Governorate greatly limited the expansion of new ventures within New Sedantis. Consequently, the Zo'ra Hive chose to repurpose Jas'fiik as their new gambling destination. The newly developed Jas'fiik opened to the public in May 2464, initially featuring three luxury hotels with fully equipped casinos.

The Governorate of Caprice rapidly acted to regulate Jas'fiik. Their first move was to incorporate the city of Jas'fiik as the second Caprician city. This decision was contested by the Zo'ra Hive, who believed Jas'fiik should remain unincorporated. Governor-general Sarah Loveridge stood firm, asserting that Jas'fiik met the discretionary requirements to become the second incorporated city. Additionally, Loveridge announced that cities within the Governorate were allowed to implement their own taxes and regulations.

The proposed regulations on gambling within Jas'fiik meant that the casino strip would no longer be profitable. However, the two choices for mayor selected by Sarah Loveridge were dismissed by the Governorate's council. As a result, Joseph Dorn intervened, appointing Eddie Martin as mayor. It remains unclear why the council approved of Martin, especially given his ties to the hospitality industry. Since his election, Martin has sided with the Zo'ra, allowing for a tax break in Jas'fiik. However, the Governorate is not pleased with this decision and is constantly seeking to regulate gambling at a provincial level.

Jas'fiik remains a relatively young tourist destination, with megacorporations still unable to develop in the area. While the Zo'ra Hive remains open to external investors on the planet, the Governorate has limited opportunities for megacorporations to operate on the planet, particularly in Jas'fiik. Nonetheless, Jas'fiik has thrived as a casino destination. Although not as high-end as initially envisioned, the casinos of Jas'fiik stand a great reputation as entertainment venues.

As'dak'ii

As'dak'ii, often translated as "Promised Land," is an unincorporated city located in Caprice. Originally, the city was allocated to the Dionae residents of Gii'x'ic within the Titan Prime. The Zo'ra Hive had assured the Titan Prime cluster that they would not interfere with the development of As'dak'ii. Despite this promise, As'dak'ii has become a strategic focal point for the Governorate of Caprice, aiming to reduce the Vaurca majority on the planet. Consequently, in late 2464, IPCs were introduced to the city through the Synthetic Colonization Program.

The introduction of IPCs has not been universally accepted among the As'dak'ii gestalts. However, the Dionae of Caprice, having experienced persecution in the past, recognize the importance of avoiding blind rage and animosity towards the IPCs. As a result, the gestalts largely cooperate with the IPC population, particularly in the construction of new infrastructure.

Vaurcae have refused to invest in As'dak'ii, asserting that the territory was granted to the Dionae. This stance, however, only became heavily enforced after the Governorate sought assistance from the Zo'ra Hive for infrastructure development. As'dak'ii's residents have adapted to their limited resources, becoming homesteaders in a harsh environment where conventional food is unnecessary. Energy is the most valuable resource in As'dak'ii, with both IPCs and Dionae struggling to generate sufficient electricity and radiation for survival. Consequently, the least privileged inhabitants often remain nearly motionless for long periods to conserve energy.

Despite its challenges, As'dak'ii is a unique and evolving city within Caprice. The settlements are frugal and irregular, sometimes appearing improvised. For outsiders, As'dak'ii may seem enigmatic, a perception the Governorate continually strives to change. Nevertheless, despite its hopes that As'dak'ii will eventually rival New Sedantis in importance, the Governorate is wary of entering the Promised Land, knowing that the human members of its council would not endure the harsh conditions.

On the outskirts of As'dak'ii lies the Biesellite Bureau of Standards (BBS), the only area with proper infrastructure and accessible to humans. To those acquainted with As'dak'ii's inner city, the industrial park housing the BBS stands in stark contrast to the rest of the city. Some of the more fortunate residents of As'dak'ii are employed at the BBS and reside either in the facilities or nearby. The regulation industry has become highly profitable for the Governorate, who also wishes to reward its most valuable workers with better conditions. The success of the Biesellite Bureau of Standards was unexpected, with regulation of industry materials becoming one of the few profitable businesses independent from the Zo'ra Hive.