About Bartertown -
Bartertown is a bustling metropolis located on the planet of Ord Cantrell in the Outer Rim. The city has a rich and complex history, beginning with its founding during the days of the Grand Republic. Originally a small colony, Bartertown grew rapidly over the years to become the largest city on the planet, with a population of several million residents.
One of the defining features of Bartertown is its vibrant and diverse marketplace, which hosts the greatest density of merchants on the planet. The city’s economy revolves around trade, with merchants and traders from all over the galaxy converging on Bartertown to buy and sell goods. The city is known for its high-quality products and competitive prices, and many traders and merchants make a handsome profit in Bartertown’s bustling markets.
However, as the city and its population grew, it became increasingly difficult to control some of the more divisive elements of the population. This led to a schism in the city, with many of the more adventurous residents fleeing to seek their fortune in the fledgling colonies of Whitechapel and Tortuga. Others joined the bandit clans that roamed the large ocean-river that encircles the planet, preying on the bustling ports of Bartertown.
To combat this growing threat, the merchants of Bartertown banded together to create a Merchant’s Guard. These skilled fighters were tasked with protecting the city and its merchants from the bandits and other threats that roamed the area. Over time, the Merchant’s Guard became a powerful force in its own right, and they still exist today, although they now serve a new master.
Despite its turbulent history, Bartertown is considered one of the safest cities on Ord Cantrell. The city is home to many merchants and tradesmen of varying races, and work can typically be found quite easily since the trade guilds are always hiring bodyguards for convoys heading west. The city’s markets are filled with a wide variety of goods, from exotic spices and rare gems to advanced technology and powerful weapons.
Overall, Bartertown is a vibrant and dynamic city, filled with colorful characters and bustling activity. It is a hub of commerce and trade, and its markets are the envy of many other cities in the Outer Rim. Whether you are a trader, a merchant, or just a curious traveler, Bartertown is a destination that should not be missed.
Points of Interest -
Temple of the Tinkerer
The Temple of the Tinkerer is a unique building located in Bartertown, one of the oldest settlements on the planet Ord Cantrell. The building is renowned for its distinctive architecture and the strange, esoteric beliefs of the Tinkerer, the religious leader of the sect that occupies the temple.
The temple was originally built as a shrine to the god of the forge, a deity that the colonists of Ord Cantrell believed would bring them good fortune in their mining and manufacturing efforts. However, over time, the worship of this god evolved into something much more esoteric, and the Temple of the Tinkerer was born.
The Tinkerer is a mysterious figure, rumored to be a reclusive inventor who has devoted his life to the creation of intricate, clockwork machines. His followers believe that the universe is a vast, intricate machine and that they must understand its workings and make improvements where necessary.
The temple itself is a sprawling, maze-like structure made of polished metal and glass, with ornate clockwork mechanisms and gears visible throughout. Inside are numerous rooms filled with strange, half-finished machines and libraries containing ancient tomes on engineering and mechanics.
Visitors to the temple are greeted by a group of acolytes, who are always happy to show off their latest creations and discuss the Tinkerer’s teachings with anyone who is interested. However, outsiders are generally not allowed to stay for long, as the Tinkerer and his followers are notoriously protective of their inventions and ideas.
Despite this secrecy, the Temple of the Tinkerer is considered one of the most interesting and unusual places in Bartertown, and many curious travelers make the journey there to see the strange clockwork contraptions and learn more about the enigmatic Tinkerer and his beliefs.
Cantrell Colosseum
The Cantrell Colosseum is a grand arena located in the heart of Bartertown, Ord Cantrell. It was commissioned by the Cantrell Conglomerate during the height of their power and serves as a testament to their wealth and influence. The Colosseum was designed to host a variety of events, including gladiatorial combat, races, and other public spectacles.
The construction of the Colosseum was a massive undertaking, taking several years to complete. The arena is the largest building in Bartertown, and one of the largest on Ord Cantrell. The Colosseum was built using a mix of traditional and modern construction techniques, and is renowned for its strength and durability. The walls are made of reinforced durasteel, and the roof is a massive dome of transparisteel, which allows natural light to filter into the arena.
The interior of the Colosseum is a marvel of engineering. The seating area is divided into several tiers, with the best seats reserved for the Cantrell family and their guests. The lower levels are reserved for the general public, with separate sections for the wealthy and the commoners. The arena is a massive oval with a sand-covered floor designed to absorb impact and minimise injuries.
The Cantrell Colosseum has hosted various events over the years, from epic battles between gladiators to high-speed pod races. It is also a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and other public gatherings. The arena has become a cultural icon in Bartertown, and is seen as a symbol of the Cantrell family’s power and influence. Despite the passage of time, the Colosseum remains one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring buildings in the entire galaxy.
Bora Kora Zoo
The Bora Kora Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Bartertown, drawing visitors from across the planet. The zoo is home to a wide variety of exotic creatures from throughout the galaxy, ranging from the majestic tusked quetzal of Dathomir to the diminutive pygmy porg of Ahch-To.
The zoo was founded over two centuries ago by a group of wealthy merchants who had made their fortune trading in rare and exotic animals. They saw an opportunity to showcase their collection to the public and decided to build the Bora Kora Zoo as a way to promote their trade and also entertain the people of Bartertown.
The original zoo was relatively small, consisting of a few enclosures and a small aviary. Over time, however, the zoo expanded as more creatures were added to its collection. The founders also invested heavily in the zoo’s infrastructure, adding new exhibits, upgrading facilities and hiring skilled animal handlers to care for the animals.
Today, the Bora Kora Zoo is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of creatures in the galaxy. Visitors can wander through the zoo’s various habitats, viewing the creatures up close in environments that mimic their natural habitats. There are also daily shows and interactive exhibits, where visitors can learn about the various animals and their behaviors.
Despite its popularity, the Bora Kora Zoo has also been the subject of controversy over the years. Some animal rights activists have accused the zoo of mistreating its animals, while others have criticized the zoo for exploiting creatures for the sake of entertainment. The zoo’s owners have always maintained that they are committed to providing the best possible care for their animals and that the zoo serves an important educational and conservation role.
Bartertown Marketplace
The Bartertown Marketplace is a sprawling bazaar located in the heart of Bartertown on Ord Cantrell. It is the largest marketplace on the planet, stretching over several blocks and housing a dizzying array of vendors, merchants, and traders. The marketplace is famous for its exotic goods and rare treasures, which attract buyers and sellers from all over the galaxy.
The marketplace has a long and storied history, dating back to the earliest days of the settlement. Originally a small collection of tents and stalls, it has grown and evolved over time, with new vendors setting up shop and old ones expanding their businesses. Today, the marketplace is a vibrant hub of activity, where visitors can find everything from rare spices and jewels to high-tech gadgets and weapons.
The marketplace is divided into several different sections, each with its own unique character and offerings. The food section is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with vendors selling a wide range of exotic dishes from all over the galaxy. The textile section is another popular spot, with vendors selling intricate fabrics and clothing from all corners of the galaxy. The technology section is a hub of innovation, with vendors showcasing the latest and greatest gadgets and devices.
Despite its size and popularity, the Bartertown Marketplace can be a dangerous place for the unwary. Pickpockets and thieves are known to operate in the crowded aisles, and disputes between vendors can sometimes turn violent. However, the marketplace is also heavily policed, with a dedicated security force tasked with maintaining order and protecting visitors.
Despite the risks, the Bartertown Marketplace remains a beloved institution in the city, and is an essential stop for anyone visiting Ord Cantrell. The sights, smells, and sounds of the marketplace are an unforgettable experience, and visitors can easily spend hours exploring its many winding paths and hidden corners.