Board Thread:Custom Lore Development/@comment-26535281-20170812163539

"Ah swap moons. Think of a thrift store, flea market, and black market all ruled into one hole full of sin and vice."

- Imperial Trader

Swap Moons are ancient, dirty, and rather seedy places found throughout the universe normally they are either artificial 'junk moons' or literally moons overran by this traders and merchants. Generally they sell all sorts of exotic, possibly stolen, and illicit goods generally in a bartering or haggling fashion. These places are also havens for mercenaries, criminals, runways, and other dregs of society.

The first 'true' founder of the swap moons where a race of lavender skinned four armed space gypsies known to the Rin as the 'Cleptas' who lived upon the boundaries of Rin space as pirates and slavers constantly harassing Rin trade lines and colonies. Eventually the Empire both grew big enough and annoyed enough that they sent a general known as 'Flagellum de Piratis' or the scourge of pirates who scattered their forces and burned their fleet to a crisp yet he showed mercy upon encountering the moon they called home. He decreed the remaining Cleptas could either submit to the authority of the Empire or flee to the starts. Most decided to stay with a minority fleeing to the stars in massive nomadic fleets and eventually stations.

Those that stayed become more 'humble' merchants within the Empire and beyond with most allowed to sell Imperial goods of both sanctioned and unsanctioned types all for a small tithe given back to the state and the restriction of certain goods being sold (weapons and so on) and they also have a list of certain goods if they come across or purchase must be handed over to the state immediately.

Those Cleptas that fled became either pirates roving around in stellar 'war bands' or also became merchants, but not tied down by any state or government. They tend to not judge or even question what they are buying and selling as long as they make a profit they are happy.

Cleptas by nature love to batter and haggle in any market or goods for example you could be dealing for a space ship and they would demand your first born child, or you could seek a antique glass table topper and they want your left leg. 