Despite being nearly uninhabitable due to extreme heat and lack of water, this cluster is very important to the [[Antilan Empire|Antilans]]. The earth masses here are a veritable treasure trove of mineral resources. Crystal ships are constructed here in utmost secrecy, as are the crystal citadels. Human slaves are stored here, to ensure that there is never a lack of labor for the building of these mammoth constructs. Dwarven slaves are rumored to be held as miners, but this is pure conjecture. If it were true, the [[Dwarven Citadels|dwarves]] on [[Barukhaza]] would surely have found out by now and taken steps to remedy the situation. Then again, perhaps they value their own freedom more than that of their cousins. **Type**: Cluster, earth **Size**: 800 miles **Population**: 260,000 **Primary Inhabitants**: Antilans, slaves **Natural Resources**: Minerals, crystals **Imports**: Food, water, building materials **Exports**: Crystal ships, crystal citadels **Seen From Orbit**: From a distance, the Shakalman Group appears to be a lifeless mass of whirling asteroids. As one draws closer, signs of life become more apparent: flashes of light reflected off glass and metal, the occasional glimpse of a crystal ship flitting between asteroids, and the presence of half-visible structures on the surface of several asteroids all betray their inhabitants existence. The closer the viewer gets to the Shakalman Group, the more obvious the presence of intelligent life becomes. Great structures can be seen in the heart of the cluster, and the presence of crystal ships becomes very apparent. There are several colonized areas that appear heavily fortified, and numerous crystal ships can be seen flying through this area. Getting closer than this is impossible without drawing the attention of the Antilans, who will not be at all pleased to discover possible spies in their territory. Ships that try to fly unannounced into the Shakalman Group can expect to encounter heavy resistance. ## Description: The Shakalman Group is the single greatest shipyard and docking facility in the Astro- mundi Cluster. The closest such workshop of this size is the elven colony of [[Avarien]], and even that shipyard pales in comparison. It is here that the crystal ships and fantastic crystal citadels are built and repaired. ## Images ![[the_shakalman_group.png]]