Re: Astromundi Cluster: Elrannarion

Here is a revision of the Elannarion basestation.  The only point of
contention is the Esthetic which states they "cannot move into the
phlogiston".  I chose to interpret this as they can pass through the shell,
but cannot survive in the phlogiston very long (a person can enter water, but
can't breath there unaided).  When it comes to this point about the Reigar
and Esthetic, I claim... artistic license.  ;)

Elven Port of Elrannarion
Type: Irregular , earth
Size: A
Population: 2100
Primary Inhabitants: Elves
Exports/Natural Resources: Spelljamming port, passage out of the cluster.
Imports: Only the best of everything.
     Seen from Orbit: Elrannarion is an elven base-station (see
sources/reference material) that resides in the second to last "ring" section
of the clusters outer sphere.  It orbits the sphere clockwise (opposite
direction of the rest of the sphere) and completes a full cycle
every 120 weeks (it is in each section only six days).  The stations gravity
plane is level with the rest of the sphere and it rotates slowly (once each
day).  Due to the heavy activity in the area, there are always a number of
elven ships in vicinity.
     Description:  Elrannarion is the check point of the cluster.  Here is
where most customers must travel to have their ships hauled out of the
crystal sphere.  This is done via the Orchid class transport ships that are
stationed here.  These huge living ships are designed to contain other ships
rather than for battle.  Their crew can alter its shape to envelope any ship
up to 65 tons even though the Orchid is only 35 tons itself.  Much of the
Orchid ship is hollow with bay doors large enough to envelope its cargo;
other ships.  Once contained, the "cargo" ship can be transported out of the
sphere shell and released, with the Orchid returning to Elrannarion.  [No
stats are provided for the Orchid since it has no practical value anywhere
else and the elves would never allow them to fall into the hands of others.]
     The station is also equipped with 14 flitters and no less than three
Man-O-War are stationed here at any time.  About a half dozen Doombats are
used as escort ships when the Orchids travel to and from the outer shell. The
Orchids are about the only way a large ship can exit the sphere and the elves
collect a fantastic fortune in their fees.  A ship is charged 10% of its
cargo value... and the elves inspect and assess the cargo value!  Even the
Neogi have noted that the elves are fair in this and pride is taken in an
untarnished reputation.
     One additional feature that makes the base-station better defended is
the use of dangerous plants inside special ballista bolt housings.  Only the
elves seem to be able to keep these plants contained AND alive for such use.
 Common plants used are; Choke Creepers, Retch Plant fruit, Strangleweed, and
Green Slime.  Other plants are experimented with from time to time.
     The base is commanded by Aerarrilni Melaeniri, a shrewd judge of
character and an old spacefarer.  She is open-minded to the needs of other
races, but will never allow anything to jeopardize elven safety.  Aerarrilni
answers only to the governmental council of Avarien, even though she is still
an officer in good standing with the Imperial Elven Navy.   Her crew and
staff are varied with both native and non-native elven members.  Gray, High,
Half,  Sylvan, Avariel, Snow, and even one or two non-evil Drow are
represented among the non-native elven races.  Most of the native elves are
from Avarien. Aerarrilni has learned to not always trust all elves, however.
 Recently an Insectare spy was captured, creating some concern for internal
security.
     The Sindiath Line keep a set of offices on the base-station and a ship
from that company is often docked.  Elrannarion is a regular stopping place
for ships leaving the sphere since current reports for the
phlogiston can be quite useful.  To return for the favor, many captains
calculate their entry into the sphere to pass near Elrannarion to exchange
information and supplies. Ships going to and from Avarien, Giltiond and other
smaller elven settlements will sometimes pass near Elrannarion just to make
sure they avoid Scro or Illithid hunters.
     The elves have the worst kept secret in the cluster.  Many races realize
the nature of the clusters shell, but are unable to create living ships of
their own.  Captured elven ships are difficult to maintain for those not
trained in their care and the elves go to great lengths to discourage this.
 Some races have their own ways of dealing with the exiting the sphere shell
however.  The esthetic of the reigar can enter and exit the sphere shell at
will.  The esthetic cannot long survive the phlogiston however, and the
reigar are very reluctant to lower
themselves to mere transport work that exerts their living ships.  The neogi
leech ships use kindori hosts to escape the confines of the cluster, but
cannot carry much cargo and the kindori do not usually survive a prolonged
trip through the phlogiston.  And the illithids have attempted several
similar designs with space beasts, most notably with Space Drakes.  The elves
are aware of their competition, but seem unconcerned.  The waiting list for
ships wanting to exit is quite long.
     Resources/Reference Material: Space Lairs; Base of Woes adventure (for
maps of the base station),  The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook (information
on the Sindiath Line) Snow Elf; Into the Frost and Snow in Dragon #155.