Distinctive physical fact
The land here is bone. The hills, the cliffs, the riverbeds — all of it. Soft topsoil holds plant life and a thin layer of more conventional geology, but dig deep enough anywhere and you hit white-pale bone, smooth and porous and very, very old. Bone Cradle is a single body, fossilized to the core. The locals do not call this world Bone Cradle — that's the Solace designation. They call it Mother.
Dominant want
To remain in right relationship with the land. The local culture is profoundly animist — the bones are conscious, the land is alive, every action carries spiritual weight. Most people want to live a life their ancestors will look back on without disappointment.
Relationship to the Paths
Aware but fearful. The locals know the Paths exist. They consider them holes in the world — places where the integrity of Mother has been damaged. Several Paths have been deliberately sealed by the Bone-Singers (the local priestly caste); others remain open but are taboo to use. Solace has a small, low-profile outpost here at the express invitation of a single tribe, and is required to follow extensive protocols.
▌ The Paths
3 documentedThe Sky-Bridge Path
The Hollow-Mouth Path
The Other Sealed Paths
At least four other previously-sealed Paths exist in Bone Cradle. The Bone-Singers monitor them. They are not, currently, open. Solace personnel are forbidden from attempting to locate or approach them.
Bone Cradle — Pocket 11-Sigma
Filed by Surveyor K. Yenn · Cartographic Survey Division
Wild Frontier world, pre-industrial, deeply isolated. Single biome covers the entire surface — the world appears to be a fossilized organism. Multiple tribal cultures, no overarching political structure. Solace presence: minimal. Outpost in Sky-Singer territory by treaty.
Atmosphere: Breathable. Lower gravity than standard. Temperature variable; bring thermal gear.
Critical protocols: Solace operations in Bone Cradle are conducted under strict treaty with the Sky-Singer tribe. Failure to follow Sky-Singer customs will end the treaty. Do not enter Hollow-Hand territory without specific clearance. Do not photograph the bone-formations. Do not eat the local mosses; they are not food.
Useful contacts: Bone-Singer Yarra Stoneveil (senior). Field Director H. Pace. The Sky-Singer council, with formal introduction.
Hazards: Several Paths are sealed by local religious authority and must not be opened. Tensions between tribes are usually managed by the Bone-Singers; do not interfere with intertribal politics.
Notes: The locals are not primitive. Their tech level reflects their values, not their capability. Treat them as you would treat any intelligent adult.