Exovar's Emporium


Exovar's Emporium, a haven for dining and lodging, was situated on the icy planet of Neftali. It drew a crowd of explorers, smugglers, and other fringers. The establishment's founder, proprietor, and manager was none other than the renowned retired scout, Luskin Exovar. This Emporium held the reputation of being "neutral territory" for the diverse array of criminals who frequented it; therefore, altercations and blaster battles were strictly forbidden. Given its clientele and Exovar's sentiments against the Imperial forces, the Emporium was discreetly located, and its patrons zealously guarded its whereabouts. The Emporium gained recognition for its vast assortment of mementos from Exovar's days as a scout. It was also known as the preferred haunt of Kaori Batta, regarded as the galaxy's most skilled big-game hunter, who offered his services to visitors for hunting excursions in Neftali's unforgiving wilderness.

History

During Luskin Exovar's time as a scout, he became familiar with several isolated systems in the Outer Rim. Among them was the Socorro system, which housed Neftali, an unremarkable world with only one established settlement, Cordel Cove. Exovar selected Neftali as the location for his new Emporium, constructing it entirely underground at considerable personal expense. To maintain its secrecy, the Emporium was strategically positioned beneath a valley on the side of Neftali opposite Cordel Cove.

Sometime during the Galactic Civil War, Thasca Knarr, a Snivvian merchant, attempted to seize Exovar's Emporium, intending to repurpose it as a hub for piracy, bounty hunting, and slave trading.

Layout

"Ion Alley"

Access to the Emporium was exclusively through "Ion Alley," a corridor lined with ion cannons situated in an uninhabited valley on Neftali's far side from Cordel Cove. A holographic generator concealed the tunnel's entrance, necessitating that visitors possess pre-acquired coordinates to prevent crashes on Neftali's rugged terrain. Furthermore, proper clearance codes were mandatory for ships to secure a docking bay in the Emporium's starport, known as Luskin's Landing. The Emporium's entrance was guarded by a fully operational, dismembered AT-AT head, which Exovar claimed to have severed using a laser cutter. First-time visitors often displayed visible reactions to the unexpected sight of the AT-AT head, and those who maintained composure were rewarded with a complimentary beverage. Exovar was frequently observed tending to or hanging from the AT-AT head, and he often shared the story of its acquisition with anyone willing or unwilling to listen.

Entrance to Exovar's Emporium, guarded by an AT-AT head

The Emporium's primary area for dining and socializing featured a recessed bar area, a collection of dining tables, and an array of full-sized vehicles and starships, including a Z-95 Headhunter and an Orlean Star Explorer, suspended from the ceiling by transparent duracables. One wall showcased Exovar's collection of antiques, such as a complete set of Imperial Royal Guard armor and six lightsabers. Exovar remained secretive about the origins of some of these items. The display case was fortified against theft attempts. Guests were welcome to leave behind items of their own to commemorate their visit.

The Emporium also housed over 24 private sitting rooms, some of which evolved distinct themes based on the preferences of their frequent visitors. Among these rooms were The Explorer's Guild, The Exchange, Chasers, The Library, and The Trap, the latter being a favored spot for Kaori Batta and adorned with trophy creatures, including a stuffed ice modrol. Rumor had it that the Rebel Alliance even maintained its own room for clandestine meetings and information exchange. Lodging at the Emporium consisted of 100 modest suites, each equipped with bathrooms and living rooms.

Beneath the main floor lay the staff-only section, encompassing Exovar's private living space and a concealed emergency escape route.

Security

Luskin Exovar (left) with Redeye (right)

Exovar established stringent rules of conduct for Emporium patrons to prevent disturbances. Violators faced the severe consequence of expulsion into the frigid wilderness above, where they risked death from frostbite or attacks by indigenous predators such as jexxels or ice modrols.

A Turazza known as Redeye (or "Deadeye" to those who had witnessed his combat prowess) served as the Emporium's head of security. Typically reserved, Redeye was often seen in Exovar's company, with Exovar being among the few who interacted amiably with the Turazza. A skilled fighter, Redeye had lost an eye in a past adventure and wore an eye patch to conceal the injury.

Two modified TX-1118 Series "Terminax" Assassin Droids, named BT-X2 and NT-X2, provided additional security. These hulking droids, acquired under dubious circumstances, were reprogrammed by Exovar to enforce the Emporium's code of conduct. They personally escorted non-compliant guests to Neftali's surface when necessary.

Other staff

The majority of Exovar's Emporium's staff consisted of droids. Exovar harbored a deep affection for droids and would reprimand anyone who spoke ill of them. It was believed that his experiences as an explorer had fostered this distrust of sentient beings, although Exovar was generally affable with visitors who adhered to the Emporium's regulations.

Prices at Exovar's Emporium[1]

Behind the scenes

Bill Smith was the creator of Exovar's Emporium, which made its sole appearance in Wretched Hives of Scum & Villainy, a supplement for Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game by West End Games.

Sources

  • Wretched Hives of Scum & Villainy (First mentioned)

Notes and references

Appearances