Mars is the driest and most arid of the planets in the Solar System with deserts spanning over 90% o

Mars is the driest and most arid of the planets in the Solar System with deserts spanning over 90% of the surface. Strong winds plague the planet with incredibly powerful sandstorms in the flatter regions, leaving most of civilization in the mountainous regions. All of the martian cities are situated around permanent oases or along the course of the underground rivers that create a network of sustenance under the surface. Very similar to the geography of Venus, Mars’ real defining feature is her volcanos and extensive volcanic activity found under the surface.Takht-e Jamshid: The largest and only geographically stable city on Mars, Takht-e Jamshid is the metropolitan center of the planet. Situated on the side of Olympus Mons, the city deals with the secular affairs of the planet. Still, Takht-e Jamshid is a harsh city and competition is fierce. Corporate and vicious, this is a city of businessmen. No other city exudes the pride and serious nature of the Martian people quite like Takht-e Jamshid.Naqsh-e Rustam: The home of the theocracy, Naqsh-e Rustam is known more for its expansive burial site than its larger-than-life temple. Run by the High Priest and Priestess of Mars, this city is holy ground, but that does not exempt it from its own spew of crime and debauchery. While the city operates on a surface level of piety and worship, the police force of Naqsh-e Rustam has their hands full.Estakhr: If you know where to find it, Estakhr is a haven among the expansive red deserts of Mars. Following the flow of an underground river along Aurorae Sinus in the southern hemisphere, Estakhr is made up of a tribe of the nomadic Estakhr people. Travelling with the seasons, this nomadic city never stays in one place longer than a few weeks before moving again. The only large nomadic tribe left on the Martian surface, the Estakhr is regarded as the last true Martians.Taq-e Bostan: On the Tharsis Plateau, protected from the high levels of volcanic activity as the highest point in the area, lies Taq-e Bostan, an ancient site sacred to Martians. Carved into the side of an extinct volcano, the true function of this temple-like structure is unknown. Abandoned by the people, it receives few visitors every year, but there is something about the place that rings of an ancient power.Arg-e Bam: An ancient city, Arg-e Bam is the only Martian city found underground. The entrance to the city can be found west of the Estakhr migration grounds in the side of a hill. Descending down, following the flow of a high-powered river, the red glow of the city is overwhelming to newcomers. Citizens of the city must be careful; while the city is environmentally stable and relatively earthquake-free, to stray from the streets would label anyone as a dead man, as a river of magma also runs parallel with the river next to the city streets. -- source link

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