Pollar
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Pollar is the largest moon of the Class J Pollus VIII, a superjovian planet in orbit around Pollus, a Type G star. Pollar orbits the superjovian in 94 days and rotates on its axis every 28 hours. Pollus VIII orbits its sun every 4,322 days (approximately 12 Earth years). This produces complex cycles of day and night on the moon, particularly during periods when it is eclipsed by the gas giant.
The Pollus system lies within the largely unexplored Tullus Sector of the Romulan Star Empire. Although it had not yet been conquered by the Romulans, the moon has been discovered by Breen traders, who have a strong interest in maintaining their monopoly on Pollarian dilithium and other mineral resources. To protect their interests, the Breen may attack Romulan ships coming into the area and would certainly arm or supply the Pollarians to fight off a Romulan invasion, if necessary (provided there was minimal risk to the Breen themselves).
Environment
Pollar has an oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere at approximately 1.2 times Earth-normal pressure. About 50% of the planet is covered in water scattered among numerous lakes and rivers. The climate is dim, hot, and damp. Heat radiated from Pollus VIII makes the entire moon a tropical environment, even though light levels are less than half of Earth-normal daylight. Lifeforms are adapted to the low-light environment. Most plants have broad, dark foliage, and various forms of fungi are common.
Culture
The native Pollarians are small humanoids with large black eyes and overdeveloped ears, Pollarians have pale skin and no body hair from their warm, dim environment. Their eyesight is extremely sensitive, extending partially into the infrared portion of the spectrum. Bright visible light is extremely painful to them. Their hearing is likewise quite sensitive, leading the Pollarians to speak quietly by most humanoid standards.
Their government is largely feudal, with several large nation-states and many smaller ones. Wars and trading alliances are common.
The Pollarians are highly curious and mercantile. A strong, growing middle class and early industrial developments are leading to the rise of capitalism and the rapid exploitation of resources. Trade and wealth are strong motivating factors; Pollarians measure success and happiness by an individual's wealth and material possessions. Feudal families are often owners of great wealth, but mercantilism is beginning to redistribute some wealth to the middle class.
Economy
Pollar has large deposits of valuable minerals, including dilithium. The native Pollarians have been unable to make full use of many of these resources, so they trade them to the Breen in exchange for more advanced technology and other useful items. Competition is fierce among the noble families and trading houses for the Breen's business but, thus far, the Breen prefer to favor the Langell Commonwealth, the largest and most prosperous Pollarian nation. With Breen assistance, the Commonwealth is rapidly expanding and exerting power over its neighbors.
Places of Interest
Ovus-Fal, the capitol of the Langell Commonwealth, is the largest city on the moon. It is also the contact point between Pollarian and Breen traders. It is a sprawling cliff city, built along the walls of a vast, deep valley with many different levels and layers. Narrow bridges span the valley at various heights, allowing for movement from one side of the city to the other. The valley floor is largely given over to parkland and recreation, with a river and several small lakes.
Available ship facilities are very limited. The Breen have established a landing field at the north end of the Ovus-Fal valley for cargo shuttles and similar craft. Most shipments and personnel are beamed to and from the surface. Pollarian technology is insufficient for anything but the most primitive repairs to advanced technology without extensive amounts of work.
Reference(s)
- Estes, James. The Way of D'era: The Romulan Star Empire, Last Unicorn Games, 1999.