**SPACE AUs**
*Pneuma*
Occupation: commonly known as a 'Shader', a very in-demand Assassin/Spy/Mercenary/Bodyguard from the planet Safiyin
Planet: Safiyin. Safiyin is a river planet. Historically it was home to warrior-poet-martial-artists and fishing alcoves. Years ago the empire colonised Safiyin (very quickly) (no one had guns or star ships), and the rivers are now highly toxic because it's being used as a dumping ground for retired warships. All the fish died and the inhabitants must rely on food rations from the empire in exchange for labour. The main trades on Safiyin are ship-breaking (taking apart warships for scraps), industrial labour, prostitution and informing on your neighbours. A rare few are still taken as children, chosen to become 'Shaders' in the foothills of the mountains. Shaders were historically a special warrior class that used to keep order on the planet. The practice is dying out at the same rate that the teachers die out. Very few, once they've completed this training, stay to fulfill their peacekeeper obligations now that the galaxy has opened up for the younger generation.
Notes: Pneuma is covered in chemical burns from wading in the water, an indicator that he was born on Safiyin and his Shader training was legitimate.
*Rifat*
Occupation: Dictator. Took part in a coup against his home planet's royal family. Got voted in as leader. Quickly became tyrannical but under very reasonable policies. Anti class anti religion pro progress. Aggressively expanding his borders. Wants his power to be legitimised in the eyes of the galactic senate/trade federation (also kinda corrupt) but they rescind his application every time.
Planet: Ruruk. Formerly part of Belarilia's commonwealth (@petitsdieu). Rich in mineral resources. You can put your shovel in the soil and find sapphires big as your eye and every trace metal you need to build a reactor. To say nothing of the pearl harvesting and the jewelry artisans. However, under Rifat's reign he has repurposed the smiths into shipyards. Everything went from Art Nouveau to Brutalist very quickly. Very interested in technology and exploration.
People: The Rurik. Many were kept iliterate by the royals and mostly worked in crafts and trades. Human, but due to regional variations their natural eye colour is black.
Notes: Currently at war with the Knight dynasty, a religious order headed by Mackenzie Knight (@vitalphenomena)