Martian Setting

Mars

Mars, as seen from space.

The Transcendence War loomed on the horizon by the year 2110, and the Coalition of Progressive Nations unveiled a mission that would change everything: Home One.

Home One was a one-of-a-kind mission: A team of colonizers formed by scientists, workers, and spiritual leaders set a course to the Red Planet, taking information, culture, and memories from Earth. If they succeeded, they would have established a second home for humanity, and given the human race a new hope. But it was a perilous mission that would take decades to yield any positive results. Because of the nature of this mission, no one from the Home One team was expected to make it back. The idea was to monitor the mission from Earth and guide the team remotely. The team would send updates weekly, then monthly, and when the Transcendence War burned Earth, the Home One colonizers realized they were alone, and they had a chance to make a new life, to start again, and to let go of any bonds they once had to Earth. They were the First Generation of Martians, and the Dream of Mars was born with them: The dream of turning a dead rock into a new Garden of Eden.

Mars was a hostile and ruthless world, a world in which one misstep can easily cause a tragedy. Armed with their knowledge, their memories, and their ingenuity, the First Generation decided they would make things differently, that Mars would never be like Earth. And it was up to them, up to their children, and up to their children’s children to see that dream come true. The first communities were nothing to write home about: Salvaging almost everything from the colonizer ship, the First Generation set their settlements, and organized their first scouting parties to map the planet. Drones and rovers were the primary tools. As time passed, so did the knowledge of the planet, and the First Generation also experienced the love of what they would come to call The Red Father, Mars itself. Mars would provide to those who were worthy of his love.

In time, an underground network was established, it was easier and faster to traverse the Martian mountains that way, and the network offered an easier way to provide air, power, and light to travelers. It took decades, but once the underground network was finished and mapped the entire planet, it was called The Tartarus Complex. In time, and as the population of Martians grew, Clans began to be formed as there would inevitably be differences in opinion on how to live, how to lead, and how to be one with Mars. As the first Clans were established, they departed to create their own settlements and enclaves, Mars was now being populated, and the growth as well as the development of Martian technology was accelerated.

A century after the creation of the first Clans and the establishment of their own settlements, Ancient Mars was properly established. The Dusk Walker Clan was established in Elysium Mons, a settlement that had non-invasive domes that coexisted with the planet’s topography and geology. Their advances in non-invasive terraforming also managed to create varied vegetation which led to agricultural advances. The Blue Dune Clan established Nar Kezis, an underground settlement located somewhere in the depths of the Tartarus Complex. Preferring the tradition of combat, this clan developed covert, stealthy, and aggressive combat styles. The Red Sand Clan established Petra, in memory of the former birthplace of the clan’s founder, a settlement carved into Tyrrhenus Mons with non-invasive domes to boot. Similarly to the Blue Dune Clan, the Red Sand Clan also preferred combat, but unlike its counterparts, they were more direct, while also developing ranged styles. The Star Gazer Clan established Vala Ragnos, a series of small and communicated settlements on Euripos Mons. The Star Gazer Clan was more than able to engage in combat, but similarly to the Dusk Walker Clan, the Star Gazers focused on observing the skies and developing technological advances that would allow them to create bigger and better settlements.

Of course, there are many other Clans. Sometimes they are created in the same way, sometimes they branch off of bigger Clans. At the present time, it’s estimated that besides the main Clans on Mars, there are between fifty to two hundred smaller Clans on the surface of the planet.

With the Dream of Mars alive, and with the many different clans working together, and trading with one another, as well as fiercely competing against one another, progress on the Red Planet would continue, until humanity, having managed to survive the horrors of the Transcendence War, and running out of room in Luna as well as the Space Stations and Sky Cities they had, set their eyes to the Red Planet.

First Corporate Occupation

The newly formed New Geneva had taken the decision to occupy Mars and create domes that would bring relief to the dangerously full space stations, Sky Cities, and Luna. Scanning through old files belonging to the now-defunct Coalition of Progressive Nations, New Geneva learned of the Home One Mission, and upon learning that the mission had not only succeeded but thrived and expanded, they immediately dispatched an occupation and colonization force spearheaded by Vander Aero Spatial Technologies (VAST), and while the Martians were more than willing to share their planet and show humanity their kindness when others are in need, it didn’t take them long to realize that corporations didn’t share. Vander Aero Spacial Technologies was awarded the first contract establishing the corporation as the “proprietor” of Mars. Under this corporation, expansion and aggressive terraforming were common practices, and almost every day new corporations would arrive on the Red Planet. The first colonies were built, massive metallic domes built to withstand the violent sandstorms of Mars as well as offering life support systems. Entertainment, work, and neon advertisements would soon start spreading through the planet, and eventually, the Martians would be pushed off of their homes and their position as Children of Mars. Cultural centers, holy sites, and even smaller settlements were wiped out to make room for newer and bigger colonies. The Sol Credit was instituted as currency and replaced regular trading as an economic activity. Contracts with ice-hauling corporations were open, and the first cloning farms were installed on the planet as well. Mars started to look like a New Earth.

Of course, this led to uneasiness, which led to unrest, which led to rebellion from the Martians.

The Scorpion Affair, Martian Uprisings, And the Destruction Of Wayfar.

Martian History always varies depending on the source. Some say that the Martian Uprisings, which were armed rebellions from different Clans all throughout the planet were enough to put VAST against the ropes, some others claim that corporate sabotage caused its demise. While the corporation was adequate in handling administrative matters of the planet, as well as dealing with the Uprisings, New Geneva didn’t feel the same way. The intent was to replace VAST with a more adequate corporation, but there was a contract that New Geneva had to honor. Enter Advanced Research and Experimental Systems, or ARES. Fresh from their success in Venus, they were on New Geneva’s radar, since their specialty was warfare, and they were hungry enough for New Geneva’s taste. An agreement was reached in secret, and ARES got to work.

The Martian surface.

The Martian Uprisings started to get more difficult for Vander Aero Spacial Technologies to control. It was as if the Martians had inexplicably gotten far more effective in combat, and if they had gotten better weaponry and knowledge of the corporation’s tactics. The growth of the Martian Uprisings was such that the corporation started to lose encounters, and started to suffer ambushes and raids to their convoys. Public opinion of the corporation started to be extremely negative, and New Geneva remained quiet during the general scrutiny of the corporation’s competence to manage Mars. The next tragedy for the corporation was The Scorpion Affair. Scorpion Security was a medium-sized security corporation that had been hired by VAST to offer support on Mars, Scorpion Security was instructed to sanitize Gusev Colony as they had been told that an infection had started to spread to the Cyberbrains and NeuralNets of the inhabitants killing them. The fear was that the infection could spread to other colonies and become an issue. Scorpion complied with their orders and destroyed Gusev Colony. Two days later, video feeds were leaked to the public, showing the people in Gusev Colony carrying on with their daily lives before Scorpion Security’s attack destroyed the colony in its entirety.

The Martians were angry and willing to do whatever it took to send a clear message to the corporations, whom they saw as invaders, and setting their eyes on the perfect target, they made their way to Wayfar Colony and laid a siege on it. The siege lasted for three days and culminated in the destruction of the colony, billions of Sol Credits in corporate property loss, and considerable loss of life. Wayfar was a powerful symbol as the colony had been built over one of the oldest holy sites on Mars, and the Martians had finally sent a message, a very loud and clear message.

Second Corporate Occupation

The media scandal as well as the embarrassment of Wayfar led to the dissolution of Scorpion Security as a corporation, with the arrest and execution of most of their Board of Directors, as well as the dissolution of Vander Aero Spacial Technologies. Both corporations had their assets and accounts transferred to Advanced Research and Experimental Systems, and the contract of Mars was also transferred to ARES, and with that, their official designation as a Megacorporation with a seat in the New Geneva Council.

As the new proprietors of Mars, Advanced Research and Experimental Systems, under the direction and command of Adam Caine, established their main headquarters on Olympus Mons, reinforced all military posts, established hundreds of military checkpoints, and increased the number of patrols throughout the planet. Every day there was news of ARES putting down the Uprisings. Several reservations were built under ARES’ supervision and the rebellious Martians were given three options: Surrender and be assimilated into the corporate life, retire to one of the reservations that ARES had built, or continue their rebellious actions which would only lead to their destruction. While most Martians chose to remain rebels, there were several who decided to take ARES’ offer and either try to be part of the corporate life or join a reservation.

ARES also invested hundreds of millions of Sol Credits to build the Mars Orbital Defense Network, a series of massive railguns orbiting the planet that would double as the final line of defense in case of a planetary invasion, as well as a deterrent against other corporations who may try to take the Mars contract away from them. Phobos and Deimos became restricted areas, with Deimos being the location of the facility controlling the Orbital Defense Network. And finally, ARES deployed a fleet to orbit Mars, coordinated from a capital ship. Space lanes as well as orbital control checkpoints for incoming and departing spacecrafts were set. With this, ARES’ consolidation as the Megacorporation in charge was complete, and Mars became, at the time, the most secure corporate asset in the Sol System.

ARES increased their recruitment efforts, increasing their numbers and reinforcing their presence on the planet. With this, came the construction of Black Penal Facilities, maximum security prisons for corporate terrorists that officially did not exist, as well as military complexes in zones of conflict. In time, news of Martian Uprisings became scarce. The planet had been forcefully pacified.

As a final sign of defiance, ARES looked at the ruins of Wayfar and rebuilt it, raising a new colony over the ruins of the fallen one: Bigger, stronger, more resilient. ARES named it Hades Colony.

The Donovan Purge And The Demon Arrival

The Donovan Commercial Cartel (DCC) is a criminal enterprise that deals with, among other things, drugs, prostitution rings, and security rackets in different Sky Cities and Space Stations. In the year 2488, they made their first big move: Mars. Eager to create new markets and establish themselves as the first Druglords of Mars, they sent a group to set their base of operations in the newly rebuilt and fully operational Hades Colony. Things seemed to go according to plan but six months after their arrival, ARES dispatched several squads to Hades Colony, put the colony in lockdown, and for the next six hours massacred the Cartel, soaking the streets with their blood and sanitizing every building the Cartel had occupied. The cartel had been wiped out in a matter of hours. Once that task was done, the lockdown was lifted and life carried on. There was never an official reason for such an action which led to wild speculation.

Less than a week after this event, the first records of Hidden Demon presence on Mars were recorded, with several Demons led by Kusanagi Akio. They established themselves in Hades Colony and started to work on spreading their influence, it’s unclear how fast were they accepted into the community, but the Demons started to uncover many secrets that Hades Colony, and Mars as a whole keep hidden.

The Safe Home Program And Martian Citizenship.

A month later, Advanced Research and Experimental Systems presented the Safe Home Program. Essentially, they were transferring every criminal of moderate to high level to Hades Colony and offering residents without criminal records of convictions a safe transfer to any other safer colony. The idea of this program was to remove the criminal element from all the colonies and send it to one colony in which they would be kept under watch. It wasn’t a prison, it was even cheaper than jailing the criminal elements. The Safe Home Program was a resounding success, effectively lowering criminality all over Mars in the coming months. The Hidden Demons increased their numbers almost at the same time.

As ARES consolidated its power over Mars, the Martian Citizenship Program was also introduced, it invited the corporate society to establish their businesses on Mars, and in return, they would receive exclusive privileges only attained by being a Citizen. Martians didn’t see this program with good eyes, as it changed the meaning of what being a Martian was, their identity was slowly but surely being erased. While ARES was the only authorized entity to grant citizenships on the planet, there were reports of many non-corporate entities being actually granted those citizenships and gaining access to privileges reserved for citizens.

Corporate Brutality And Improvements On Hades Colony.

A hologram statue of EREBOS, standing tall in the center of Hades Colony.

Through all the changes, ARES’ tactics against rebellious Martians continued unabated. As much as the Martians had grown with strategy and tactics, ARES had numbers and superior technology. Every day news with more dead or missing Martians would fill the media, and every day the corporate world would praise ARES for their efforts of keeping Mars under control and under corporate rule.

At the same time, changes and enhancements started to appear in Hades Colony. Improved streets and paths, and eventual changes like different protocols on surveillance equipment, even the AI that resides in the heart of the Colony seemed to have changed. Originally known as ADAM and a product of ARES, it was now known as EREBOS and had changed its appearance. People in Hades Colony would say that every now and then they would hear a whisper in the back of their minds and the closer they got to EREBOS, the louder the whispers became. It was as if EREBOS was trying to communicate somehow. For years, different people have tried to decipher what the AI is trying to say, whether anyone has succeeded or not remains unclear.

Clan Unification And War.

Aerial drone view of Hades Colony.

As time went on, and ARES carried on with the Martian Genocide, the main Clans of Mars were approached by the Hidden Demons multiple times. While the exact matter of these approaches is not known, what is known is that after several trials and tribulations, the Clans rekindled their alliances and remembered their origin as well. Even if they were all Martians, they had been living under a tribal mentality, separated from their brothers and sisters. Once the Clans were once again united, they looked to the Hidden Demons and named them the fifth main Clan on Mars, considering every Demon a true Martian.

For several weeks, things went on relatively quiet, until June 18th, 2490, when Kusanagi Akio hijacked the feeds and directed the ShadowNET to a message: He had been chosen to be the face of Martian Independence, calling out to ARES to relinquish their control over Mars, to pay reparations for the atrocities they had committed, and to New Geneva to remove all corporate presence from the planet. In the end, Kusanagi Akio gave ARES and New Geneva 24 hours to respond.

As the deadline came, New Geneva responded with mockery, and ARES set their sights on both the Hidden Demons and all of the Clans that decided to join them: The Martian War of Independence had begun.

The first thing ARES did was set a blockade and call for reinforcements, taking some of their fleets from active contracts and sending them to the Red Planet. The Orbital Defense Network was also changed to aim at the planet in case unauthorized ships attempted to leave it. Water and food were extremely restricted and means of leaving Mars were offered only to corporate figures and personalities.

The situation was dire, but as the Martians started to win encounters against ARES forces, those watching from different places in the Sol System started to think that the Martians actually had a shot, and if ARES was defeated, then New Geneva would be weakened, and in a new order in a liberated Mars, they wanted to be the first to profit off of the inexperienced leadership. Many corporations started to plot in secret how to send aid to Mars in exchange for the promise of consideration in the future. Unfortunately, ARES caught wind of this and started scouting the system for corporations that were sending aid to Mars, these efforts culminated in the destruction of two space stations, the disbanding of three corporations, and a refugee crisis. The destruction of two space stations meant that there were hundreds of thousands of panicked refugees in space shuttles looking for safe harbor, and while most sky cities and space stations looked forward to receiving them, they didn’t have much room for them, and most stations closed their doors, forcing these shuttles to keep circulating looking for open port. Some of these refugees ended up on Earth, which eventually proved to be lethal as none of them were prepared for the radiation in the atmosphere and the quality of the water and food. To make matters worse, Anthony Bancroft, now former Governor of Luna Colony, authorized billions of Sol Credits of their yearly budget to secure 90% of the food the synthetic farms in the system were producing and proceeded to close the doors of Luna Colony until the crisis had abated, creating yet another crisis.

Many started to call the Martian War of Independence the “War to burn the Sol System”. Its effects were brutal not only on the Red Planet but everywhere between the Belt and Venus.

The Fall Of Hades Colony And The 42,500

Despite the multiple crises in the Sol System, the Martians seemed to be gaining the upper hand against Advanced Research and Experimental Systems, that is until ARES showed its true power and capabilities and deployed a full fleet of light frigates and a capital ship to Hades Colony, as well as one of their secret weapons: The Elite Omega Squad, fearsome synths acting with millimetric precision and outfitted with next-generation weapons and reinforced armor. All of the exits of Hades Colony had been sealed and the bombing commenced. Those who managed to escape were forced to do so using the Tartarus Complex until they reached an old Clan outpost called Al Sad Al Dhabih (Today known simply as The Refuge).

Hades Colony was destroyed in less than an hour, the fleet was ordered to scan the area, and the Elite Omega Squad was ordered to conduct a search of the ruins, finishing off any survivors they found. Today, it’s estimated that 42,500 lives ended when Hades Colony fell. It was the darkest day for Mars, and serious doubts arose, many considering the war to be hopeless, and even calling for ARES’ victory.

Until that moment, the Martians had been mostly adopting a defensive and reacting strategy, and it was time to change that if they hoped to achieve victory, but with morale at an all-time low, it would take time to speak about hope, a time that Mars didn’t exactly have.

The Battle Of Olympus Mons And Independence

With the leadership feared fragmented or gone, there were talks of capitulation. ARES’ merciless bombing of Hades Colony had been so strong, that it changed the atmosphere and weather of the planet, creating occasional acid storms, this marks the beginning of the Time of the Red, as the crimson storms would mix with the Martian sandstorms and create fearsome storms that are said to dissolve old structures and melt small transports.

Just when things seemed hopeless and everyone was ready to give up, a new hope reached the Martians: They received word that Adam Caine, ARES’ Founder, and CEO would be at the corporate headquarters in Olympus Mons. The Martians still had strength, and they had allies willing to fight with them. This was a last-ditch effort to organize the remaining forces they had and launch a desperate attack at Olympus Mons with the hopes of subduing Adam Caine, or at the very least, dying trying to liberate Mars.

With their allies joining forces with them, and NET attacks against corporate sites and allies, the Battle of Olympus Mons began. It was an extremely bloody and chaotic affair as Olympus Mons was very well defended. Information concerning this battle is confusing at best, with some claiming that only Martians managed to breach the entrance to the complex, and others claiming that unidentified soldiers were aiding the Martians with their fight. At the same time, there were mixed reports about the resistance, some claiming that Adam Caine was there and he fell during the battle, some claiming that he wasn’t even there, and even some swearing that there was more than just one Adam Caine. Truth is, at the end of the battle, ARES called for a cease-fire and asked to negotiate terms of surrender. As incredible as it sounded to those who were there to hear it, the war was over, and a new dawn for Mars was upon all.

The Aftermath Of The War

A fallen Martian colony, scaled upon the Advanced Research and Experimental Systems onslaught.

Negotiations dragged on for almost a week, the Sol System was still in shock: The impossible had just happened, not only was a Megacorp defeated, but the planet itself had been liberated and it would represent the first world without corporate rule since before the Transcendence War. At the end of the negotiations, Advanced Research and Experimental Systems agreed to pay reparations for 500 billion Sol Credits and also agreed to leave any and all corporate assets on the planet. That encompassed vehicles, ships, farms, and systems entirely. The condition was extended to every corporation that had installed themselves on Mars under ARES’ rule.

Adam Caine was declared killed in action, and Advanced Research and Experimental Systems held a corporate funeral ceremony for their founder. A ceremony that had the presence of the corporate elite of New Geneva, as well as important figures of the Sol System, like Anthony Bancroft himself.

Corporations still on Mars were given a few days to leave the planet, and while most complied after living through the aftermath of the war, there were a few stragglers that stayed behind and attempted to defy the newly liberated planet, hoping to count on New Geneva’s support to re-claim Mars once again as corporate property. As many as these efforts were, in time, they were all hopeless and all corporations ended up leaving Mars. Most of them filed for bankruptcy, unable to recover from the heavy losses they hoped for corporate bailouts from New Geneva. Some of them lost it all and were disbanded, with whatever resources and accounts leftover being absorbed by New Geneva. As one of the bloodiest chapters in the history of Mars ended, the crises in the Sol System were slowly being solved, and things were slowly coming back to a sense of normalcy that wasn’t quite the same anymore. In the end, there were hundreds of thousands of lives lost, not only on Mars but beyond. This was indeed a war that had burned all of the Sol System.

In the end, and while Mars celebrated their independence, ARES secured hundreds of contracts for the new weapons and war systems it had displayed on the field, it is said that in spite of leaving half of its net worth on Mars, it recovered a few months later from the contracts alone, and that Mars was becoming an increasingly heavy burden for them. Whether the Martians truly defeated ARES or if ARES staged the war as some sort of showroom, depends on the source of the information.

A New Dawn

With the corporations gone, Mars could finally have time to heal and recover from the massive losses it sustained. The first order of business was to conduct repairs and rebuild. The dead were honored all over the planet, and a memorial for the 42,500 souls of Hades Colony was set at the Refuge, a reminder of those brothers and sisters who couldn’t complete the journey.

Hades Colony was rebuilt with the help of all kinds of people making Mars their home, all Clans were working together to rebuild and to look forward.

The Council of Clans was created as the ruling and governing body of the planet. The Council has a representative from each main Clan: Red Sand, Blue Dune, Dusk Walker, Star Seer, and Hidden Demons. This led to the creation of the Renegade Clans, smaller Clans, and exiles who do not agree with the way Mars is governed and are semi-nomadic Clans who raid and spend most of their time in the Clanlands.

With the resources left by the corporations, as well as the reparations paid by ARES, the Orbital Defense Network was now under the control of the Council of Clans, and the creation of the Martian Navy was made possible. Ships that by today’s standards are older, but effective for reinforcing the Orbital Defense Network. The creation of the Mars Farms was also made possible, as ARES had a vast database with genetic code for a wide variety of livestock, fruits, and vegetables. This enabled Mars to export food and produce as well as to ensure that no Martian ever goes hungry again. The Water Merchant Guild was also created, as colonies like Hades Colony among others had means to export water. While the process to make this possible is not clear, the Water Merchant Guild is a direct competitor to ice-hauling corporations, offering cheaper prices and purer water. Today, the Heavy Metal Industry, which encompasses the efforts of miners and specialists, seeks to explore the depths of Mars without disturbing the planet.

Eventually, Kusanagi Akio stepped down from the active leadership of the Hidden Demons Clan to take his place in the Council of Clans in a full capacity. His wife, Kusanagi Xuennu also stepped down from her position in the Clan to take control of the Martian Navy, and while there was still much to do, the new generation of Martians are ready for any challenge that comes their way.

Mutant Oppression And Safe Passage.

The central road leading to Jiyu Tower in Hades Colony.

When New Geneva passed two acts aimed at the documentation and registration of mutants as property, the Mutant population in all of the Sol System panicked. Multiple reports emerged, stating that mutants that had possessions were stripped of them, taken to detention centers, and processed. Mutants who refused were reportedly hunted down and killed, There was no safe refuge for mutants anywhere in the Sol System, at least there wasn’t until Mars made its move. Disguising a few of their ships as commercial cargo freighters, mutants from different Space Stations and Skycities were silently smuggled out and shipped to Mars.

Martian Culture

For years, the culture and customs of Mars have fascinated some and confused others. Martians are close-knit people, sharing love and devotion to one another and their world, with a unique look at religion, culture, and education.

Religion

Mars has one main religion, the Cult of the Red Father, which was established with the First Generation of Martians.

The Cult of the Red Father personifies Mars as a harsh but benevolent figure known as the Red Father, a representation of all of Mars. This is a monotheistic cult and the Red Father is known for constantly testing his people and rewarding them or punishing them for their feats. While the Red Father doesn’t have a determined physical appearance or representation, many visitors mistake EREBOS, in Hades Colony, for the Red Father.

Prayers and mantras are commonplace in the Cult of the Red Father, promoting tolerance and acceptance, as well as unity and sharing. One of their most popular mantras is “The more you share, the more your bowl will be plentiful”.

Worship is done mostly individually, with Elders to teach and preach about the Red Father and his teachings. While there are no assigned temples, Olympus Mons is considered a center for culture, education, and faith. Different religions may be practiced and openly worshipped there, although some ancient holy sites were dedicated to him in the past, like the ones in the very depths of Hades Colony that Vander Aero Spatial Technologies had destroyed to build Wayfar.

Mars is open to other religions, as long as conflicts don’t emerge because of it. Among known religions, there are The Children Of Typhoon, The Blackguard, The Cult of the Hidden Demons, and others.

Culture And Education

After the War was over, Olympus Mons was repurposed as a center for education, faith, and culture, with the Dusk Walker Clan overseeing it. All the knowledge the Home One colonizers brought with them is stored in Olympus Mons, free to access to any Martian Citizen with some information accessible to visitors and tourists. Among the publicly available information, the following can be considered general knowledge.

Way Of Mars

This principle determines that those who are strong have more privileges but also more responsibilities than those who are weaker, or as the Clan's principle puts it simply "The Strong rule, the Weak serve". While there is an implied form of slavery, that is not the case as those who serve are remunerated for their services, and they are also met with choices: Strive to become strong themselves, or pick who they serve. This leads to a state of regular conflict on Mars which is part of their culture, as the Natives feel that conflict is the natural motivator for the evolution of the self, and by extension, the planet.

Martian Rite Of Passage

A young Martian reaching the age of 15 travels to where the five main Clans reside and passes a test that may be imposed upon them. The success of this ritual is celebrated as it means reaching adulthood for the young Martian. This test was originally applied only to the Mars-born, however, after the arrival of the Council of Clans, the Martian Rite of Passage has been open to any young men and women who may wish to take it.

Ritualistic Cannibalism

A point of controversy due to how the corporations tried to spin it, Cannibalism exists on Mars but as a ritual only. Traditionally, cannibalism was seen as a mark of superiority in a conflict, the winner would consume the fallen. Today, there are variations of this practice, from consuming someone entirely to just picking a piece or the heart. As controversial as it is, it’s not a banned practice on Mars, although not many engage in it anymore.

Holidays

While there are several on Mars, there are two that are observed globally: Martian Independence (June 18th), and The Mictlan Festival (The last days of October, and the first days of November). The Mictlan Festival is the worshipping of the dead, as all of Mars celebrates with colorful festivals and remember those who are gone. The Festival includes music, food, and general merrymaking, making it the most popular holiday on the planet.

Education And Young Martians

Martian education commences at home, as parents are the primary sources of knowledge and understanding, they may rely on a Clan to assist with education as the young Martian grows up. And just in the same way as the Martian Rite of Passage, young Martians may receive specialized instruction at Olympus Mons. At the end of their basic education, young Martians are taught about the history of their planet, New Geneva, and the War, and are also trained in a trade to serve their communities.

Family

A Martian family (and by extension, Martian society) is neither patriarchal nor matriarchal. Mars recognizes the strength and drive of its sons and daughters regardless of their role. Family is part of a Clan, and a Clan is part of Mars. Marriage is a celebrated affair and is part of the rituals celebrated in Martian society, with plenty of gifts and good wishes for the newlywed couple.

Conflict

Martians are conflictive. As close as they are to one another and their world, they also see long periods of idling, or extended periods of peace as weakness. As such, they promote what can only be described as “controlled conflict”, fights, combat, and contests in general. Of course, with the proliferation of the Renegade Clans, Martians can engage and indulge in violence without limit. Martians see Conflict as a way to ensure evolution and progress, this principle is tied to the Way of Mars mentioned previously.

Locations Of Interest

The Neo Tokyo District of Hades Colony.

Mars as a whole has several locations of interest, some are more popular than others, but they all have historic meaning. A selection of the most popular locations is shown below.

Olympus Mons

A very large shield volcano on the planet Mars. The volcano has a height of nearly 22 km (13.6 mi or 72,000 ft). Olympus Mons is the largest volcano, the tallest planetary mountain, and the second tallest mountain currently discovered in the Sol System. It once was the Headquarters of Advanced Research and Experimental Systems, after the War of Independence, it was re-purposed as worshiping grounds for different faiths, as well as a culture and education center. There are several pilgrimages to Olympus Mons every four months from all over the planet.

Mars Communication Facility

Located on the North Pole of Mars, the facilities that were once the base of operations for Vander Aero Spacial Technologies, have been re-purposed as the space control of the massive satellite array and orbital defense systems for Mars. This facility now serves as the main hub for the Hermes Network.

Tartarus Complex

It's well known that Hades Colony is built on the ruins of a previous colony known as Wayfar, and Wayfar was built over the obliterated ruins of ancient Martian Holy Grounds. However, the access to the Tartarus Complex was never discovered. The Tartarus Complex is a network of tunnels that traverse the entire planet. They were used to escape the Fall of Hades, and since the end of the War for Independence, they haven’t been used much, which has caused ancient chimera to make their way to them and make them their home.

The Clanlands and The Refuge

After the brutal attack on Hades Colony in 2490, many of the survivors found hope in the Tartarus Complex, through it, they managed to reach an old Native outpost which became their new home. Al Sad Al Dhabhi, as it was known then, is located in the middle of the Clanlands: A large rocky desert area away from Hades Colony and known for its brutal history of past conflicts. The Refuge, as is known today, is not known for being too large, hosting a couple of thousand people tops, but one of the entrances to Tartarus can be found there. After the War of Independence ended, The Refuge has gotten attention and has had a series of upgrades, including a bar, and a clinic for medical services.

Phobos And Deimos

The Martian Moons previously served as strictly military installations where massive tests of unreleased weaponry would take place. Deimos in particular served as a hub for extra-planetary communications and a control center for the Orbital Network that controlled the planet's defenses. After the War for Independence, Deimos remains the same, with high surveillance as the Martian Orbital Network is controlled from there, whereas Phobos has been re-purposed into one colony that serves as the chambers of the Council of Clans and is also heavily safeguarded. Both moons are under heavy surveillance and protection, and off limits to outsiders.

Hades Colony

Hades Colony is a controversial location. It was originally one of the first settlements and holy grounds built by the members of Home One and its First Generation, under VAST, it was torn down and a colony named Wayfar was built instead. Drawing the ire of the Martians, Wayfar was mercilessly bombed, and rumor had it, that it was the site of a nuclear detonation as well. With the arrival of ARES however, a new attempt to create a new location was carried out, this attempt was eventually named Hades Colony.

Hades Colony was a medium-sized colony (Between 10,000 to 30,000 inhabitants, not counting the floating population) that was destroyed during the War for Independence by ARES. Today, Hades Colony has seen a resurgence after being rebuilt, and with increased industry and housing opportunities, it now houses over 50,000 inhabitants and holds access to the offices of the Water Merchant Guild, located in the Jiyu Tower in the heart of the Colony.

The Faith

Located in the heart of Hades Colony, mysterious AI, EREBOS, whispers to people all over the planet. The closer people get to it, the clearer its whispers become. The Jiyu Tower can also be found here.

Red Light District

Hailed as being one of the most 'diverse' in all of Mars due to the different types of workers (Clones, Synthetic, Humans, Mutants), it is sure to attract tourists from even the most conservative colonies and space stations in the system, with hundreds of clients coming and going every day, and striking a deal with the No-Tell Motel for further activities. Dunes, Sanagi’s Grid’Ink, and Clouds can also be found here.

Lizzie’s Bar, Brazil, and Octane Club

The pillar to Hades Colony's nightlife, both clubs offer a unique experience that is almost similar to those encountered in Luna Colony.

The Slums

With a mostly Latino and Eastern European presence, the Slums have begun to strive for clear access to Martian Farms that provide Hades Colony with natural products that are the product of complex cloning processes. Nom Nom Noodles can be found here.

The Industrial District

Home of the Water Merchant Guild, and the nascent Heavy Metal Industry. It has been the stage for many violent rebellions, a secondary entrance to Hades Colony is rumored to be here. The Canteen can be found here as well.

Technology And Currency

The Redlight District in Hades Colony.

In preparation for whatever tactics Advanced Research and Experimental Systems would use to target them during the War, the Martians spent months acquiring new technology through the Kakusareta Akuma, as well as the adoption of the first Martian Currency.

Athena Life Support Systems

Correctly predicting that ARES may try a remote deactivation on a colony’s life support systems, for weeks, the Kakusareta Akuma smuggled salvaged technology from a fallen Sky City on Earth called Heian. Its redundancy systems and different coding guaranteed that remote killswitches controlled by ARES and New Geneva would be ineffective against it. Today, every Colony and Settlement on the planet has an Athena Life Support System.

Hermes Network

New Geneva and the corporations in control have a penchant for censorship and a hatred of anonymity. Two months before the Declaration of Independence, the Hermes Network was already being built. The Hermes Network allows for any and all devices on Mars and its moons to connect to the Corporate Network (Such as SocialNET, MediaNET, JobNET, and of course, the ShadowNET) without being shut down or disconnected remotely. This also ensured that in the event of a massive emergency, distress calls wouldn’t be intercepted and communications in general wouldn’t be jammed. To this day, the Hermes Network is still active.

The Spartan

Anticipating an escalation in the blockade ARES had already started, the Council of Clans determined that the next step New Geneva would take would be to block any and all forms of transactions on Mars. The Spartan was created as both a currency as well as a workaround for the Sol Credit. It holds a 1:1 trade rate, and it can be freely traded for Sol Credits on any ATM on Mars without issue. This guaranteed that support and trade during the War continued. Nowadays, while the Spartan is still active, most people use the Sol Credit directly.

The Martian Appearance

Martians, as in Mars-born Martians, have unique appearances that have come to pass after multiple generations of genetic mutations and physical evolution, as well as the lower gravity of the world (Before corporate colonies became more generalized). These traits can also be found in Mutants and Cyborgs, as long as they are born on Mars.

The inner dome of a Martian refuge on the outskirts of Hades Colony.

The average Martian height is seven feet tall for female Martians, and seven feet tall, four inches for male Martians. This also means that the average weight for the Mars-born is significantly higher, and their bodies are also more physically imposing (in most cases, exhibiting signs of muscular hypertropia). Mars-born can also show more angular facial features. Because of this, the vast majority of the Mars-born don’t leave Mars, at the same time, it doesn’t mean none of them leave.

Chimeras And Myths

As with most of the secrets of Mars, there will be statements regarding chimeras and other confabulations.

Pismires And Other Chimera

Pismires, as seen especially in Hades Colony, are ant-like chimera that for the most part will remain passive unless someone engages in violence. For the most part, Pismires seem to react to human presence (Which is why they make their appearances every now and then) and emerge to the surface looking for food.

It is unconfirmed whether other chimera that are described in statements are real or the product of a creative mind. What is confirmed, however, is that during the First Corporate Occupation, the constant terraforming and destruction of holy sites disturbed the rest and home of many of the chimeras under the surface. For years, they dug and found a way to different colonies, as well as the now unattended Tartarus Complex.

If spotted, one should approach these chimera and creatures as one would the ones from Earth.

Martian Population And Job Opportunities

The Martian population is a varied one, including but not limited to Humans, Cyborgs, Mutants, Synths, Clones, and Replicants. Without taking the floating population into consideration, the population of Mars is estimated between the range of 30,000,000 to 35,000,000.

In addition to the many businesses, organizations, and establishments on the Red Planet, Mars offers employment with Mars Farms, the Water Merchant Guild, and the Heavy Metal Industri, providing training, tools, and equipment for the job.

Genetectic, through its Trauma Team division, has been operating on Mars for about a year thanks to an agreement with the corporation. The terms would serve as the basis for the creation of The Crimson Sand Agreement.

Order And Law Enforcement

Mars is a world that has achieved what no other location in the Sol System has: Independence from the Corporate Order. As such, Mars doesn’t have Corporate Law Enforcement, but they do have Law Enforcement. Elite fighters picked from all Clans are trained in different forms of combat, to be able to subdue or neutralize any potential threat with ruthless efficiency.

Clans can act as primary dispensers of justice and protection, whereas the trained Martians act as backup. Fortunately, such matters of law enforcement are usually reserved in two instances: Out on the Clanlands where the Renegade Clans may attack and raid others, and in the scenario where an outsider attempts to disrupt the peace.

The Crimson Sand Agreement

On August 15th, 2493, Kusanagi Akio in his capacity of Elder Councilor to the Council of Clans, published a document called The Crimson Sand Agreement, in it, conditions for organizations to reside and work on Mars are listed. Interested parties are required to have an interview with the Hidden Demons Clan and provide them with the information required, and they will be provided with the conditions and expectations to operate on Mars. This has represented an unprecedented act since Mars was liberated which has resulted on a number of corporations applying to operate and reside on the Red Planet, making good on the hopes of the corporations that supported the War a few years prior.

Legends Of Mars

Adam Caine

The Founder and CEO of Advanced Research and Experimental Systems had already made a name for himself on Venus, but it wasn’t until he set his eyes on Mars that he found out just how far he could go for what he wanted. Before committing to the corporate lifestyle, Adam Caine was a mercenary and a soldier of fortune. Creating several units and training several more, his fame first expanded while he was taking contracts left and right throughout the Sol System, and once he took on all the enemies he wanted, he looked at the corporations. Under Caine, ARES experienced massive growth and expansion, attaining the status of Megacorporation. Rumor has it that Caine was in constant contact with the Kakusareta Akuma, while that is unconfirmed, what is confirmed is that he died during the Battle for Olympus Mons. With his death came ARES’ withdrawal, and Mars’ victory.

Kusanagi Akio

A virtually unknown man until the Twin Dragons Crime Syndicate was started in Cocoon Station. A petty thief ready to get all he wanted from life, he would reform the Twin Dragons into the Hidden Demons and take them to Mars, where he increased his influence and successfully created a cult around his organization as well as the new home he had come to love. After the Martian War for Independence, Kusanagi Akio stepped down from leadership to become a full-time member of the Council of Clans ruling Mars.

Kusanagi Xuennu

A ruthless and statuesque woman with ties to Beijing, and also a former high-ranking member of the Hidden Demons. Xuennu is a fearsome fighter with a penchant for excessive violence when the situation calls it and for extreme loyalty to her family. Much like Kusanagi Akio, after the War, she stepped down from her leadership position and took over the Martian Navy.

Samir Ibn Muammar

A martian refuge, as seen from the outside on the Martian Surface.

A cook who previously resided in Hades Colony with his family. Samir had moved to Mars looking for a better life for himself and his family. He was well-known and well-liked in the community as he was known to give discounts and even free food to people. He was also very good at getting information. When Hades Colony was destroyed, Samir was one of the few people who made it to the Refuge, his family had died in the first seconds of the attack. Devastated, he considered joining them, until he saw the number of people who were scared and confused. He took it upon himself to organize everyone at the Refuge and make do with whatever ingredients he could find to keep everyone fed. Those who fled to the Refuge and survived most likely owe their lives to Samir. To this day, he still resides there, ready with a bowl of broth for whoever may need it.