The Nyx system’s abandoned mining facilities in the Delmar asteroid evolved into Levki, a rebellious, leaderless community seeking refuge from authoritarian rule and fostering a chaotic yet vibrant society centered around the Grand Barta market. With minimal security and a strong spirit symbolized by the Anthony Tanaka statue, Levki embodies a struggle for freedom and equality amid its complex underground environment.
The Nyx system, discovered in 2582 by Nav Jumper Carla Larry, initially appeared unpromising for terraforming or resource extraction, leading to its dormancy. However, QV Planet Services later attempted mining operations in the system’s dense asteroid belt. Despite some mining activity, the operation proved too costly and unprofitable, causing QV to abandon their facilities rather than dismantle them. This abandonment transformed the area, as its seclusion and inaccessibility became a haven for fringe colonists seeking refuge from the United Empire of Earth (UEE) or a base for illicit activities.
The largest settlement in the Nyx asteroid belt is Delmar, a massive asteroid housing the former QV mining facility. Originally a barebones industrial station, Delmar evolved into a refuge for a group of activists in 2655 who fled totalitarian regimes. They renamed the facility Levki, after an ancient Earth revolutionary, and aimed to build a leaderless, egalitarian society known as the People’s Alliance. Despite their noble goals, internal debates hampered progress, but Levki grew into a vibrant, if chaotic, community.
Visitors arriving at Levki typically land at Origin 1 and proceed to the Grand Barta market, a bustling, unstructured trading area where vendors set up wherever space is available. This market is known for its unpredictability, so buyers are advised to purchase items immediately if interested. For those seeking weapons and armor, shops like Conscientious Objects and Cordre offer specialized gear, with owners passionate about revolution and unique modifications, respectively. Cafe Musain serves as a social hub, providing a discreet environment for relaxation and private dealings.
Security in Levki is minimal and focused solely on preventing visitors from entering residential zones, with armed guards acting more as gatekeepers than police. This lax security creates opportunities for pickpockets and criminals, who exploit the checkpoints to rob visitors before disappearing into the residential areas. Pursuing offenders beyond these checkpoints is strongly discouraged, as it usually ends poorly for the victim.
A symbolic centerpiece of Levki is the statue of Anthony Tanaka, a boy whose death galvanized the anti-messa movement. The statue, carved shortly after the tragic event, embodies the community’s blend of innocence and defiance, surrounded by decades of protest graffiti. This monument captures the spirit of Levki, representing both its troubled past and ongoing struggle for freedom and equality within the tunnels of Delmar.