The Tarthian Tour Company asks, "Where do you want to wake up tomorrow?"
Location: Thalaxian Belt, Outer rim of the Tarthian Empire.
Moons: One; frequently influences tides and weather.
Suitability for Humans: Highly suitable; diverse biomes and resources.
Primary Occupants: Thieves, smugglers, and resourceful survivalists.
Historical Significance: Birthplace of legendary smuggling routes.
Notable Features: Hidden cities, dense forests, and treacherous cliffs.
Kelthia
A jewel, Kelthia stands out among the Tarthian Empire's multiple worlds. Known for its lush greenery that is an optical illusion created by advanced planetary shielding, the planet's surface glimmers with hues that only Tyrans can truly appreciate, resembling a perpetual dance of auroras across the skies. This vibrant visual façade masks a complex societal structure that thrives beneath the allure of its natural beauty.
Kelthia is the economic powerhouse of the Empire due to the ancient Thieves' Guild. Kelthia's wealth is legendary, making it the richest planet in the empire, second only to Tarth itself. Much of this affluence stems from the planet's abundant natural resources; however, a significant portion is generated by a unique enterprise: the Thieves' Guild. This centuries-old institution isn't merely a band of outlaws; it operates as a sanctioned union, offering its members both protection and opportunity. There are an impressive forty-six levels within the Guild, each requiring stringent tests and feats to ascend. This meticulous structure fosters a sense of professionalism and expertise, allowing Kelthian thieves to carve out lucrative contracts across the galaxy, especially in the cutthroat corporate sector.
Under Kelthia's progressive legal framework, guild members are granted immunity for contracted larceny, effectively blurring the lines of conventional morality. As a result, pilfered corporate secrets bolster the planet's economy, with these clandestine dealings contributing nearly twenty percent of its gross income. The tongue-in-cheek adage "He pays a thief's taxes" embodies the guild's privileged status, as members only owe taxes on a fraction of their vast earnings.
Cultural Hub: Beauty and Indulgence
Kelthia is not only an economic stronghold but also a cultural epicenter. The planet is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, from lavish jewelry to opulent fashion, and its intoxicatingly fine liquors draw admirers and connoisseurs from around the cosmos.
The decadent nightlife brims with the allure of Kelthian sex workers, who are celebrated for their beauty and charisma, elevating their profession to an esteemed art form within society.
The natives of Kelthia predominantly feature radiant dark skin, jet-black hair styled in tight curls, and deep brown eyes, a striking aesthetic that is both unique and captivating. While the population primarily consists of this demographic, a scattering of lighter-skinned individuals adds to the diversity of the planet's rich cultural tapestry.
Amidst this complexity reigns Luc Saint-Cyr, a figure synonymous with Kelthian wealth and influence. Once the Grand Master of the Thieves' Guild and now a savvy businessman on Tarth, he wields significant power throughout the Empire, second only to the formidable Empress Rheyn Destoiya. His reputation as "the Man" or "the Harbinger" underscores his uncanny ability to forecast trends, with the phrase "a harbinger of wealth" becoming a colloquial testament to his enduring legacy.
The Thieves' Guild Council granted inclusion to non-human membersβKin, Tyran, and Chiasmiiβwhich stirred a mix of anticipation and apprehension among the guild's traditionalists. Such a move could signify a pivotal evolution in the Guild's storied history, reshaping power dynamics and the broader societal structure on Kelthia.
Central to the identity of the Thieves' Guild is the skeleton key symbol, embodying secrets, access, and freedom. Members who ascend to Level Fifteen earn cloaks that grant them extraordinary abilities, such as the power to penetrate seemingly solid walls adorned with the key insignia. Utilizing the cloak's advanced technology, thieves can navigate through specially designed barriers, facilitated by DNA recognition that ensures the cloak's abilities remain solely in the possession of its rightful owner.
Kelthia is a world where beauty, cunning, and prosperity intertwine in a delicate balance. As the Thieves' Guild continues to evolve, the implications of this transformation will echo throughout the Tarthian Empire, shaping not only the future of Kelthia but also the very essence of what it means to thrive in a galaxy rife with ambition and intrigue.
Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.
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Tarthian Tour Company art by Jamin Allen and/or Kayelle Allen
Some artwork includes compilation imagery courtesy of Depositphotos, and/or Pixabay