Rhigar, alternatively spelled Rhigal, was a terrestrial world within the domain of the Chiss Ascendancy and held ties to the Clarr family. The Kilji war cruiser named Whetstone, under the command of Generalirius Nakirre, appeared in orbit above Rhigar, supposedly carrying a warning from "Jixtus," who was a passenger on the starship. Jixtus, identifying himself as an information broker, wanted to deliver a warning to the Patriarch of the Clarr family, Rivlex; however, Captain Clarr'os'culry, known as "Roscu," requested that he share the information with her instead. Jixtus implied that the threat to the Ascendancy originated internally and requested permission to land on Rhigar, but Roscu countered by agreeing to board the Whetstone to discuss the matter in a more secure environment.
The Clarr family homestead defense force and the System Patrol provided defense for Rhigar. The planetary defense forces consisted of at least three Clarr destroyers, a pair of Chiss frigates, along with a number of Chiss patrol ships. An asteroid belt was situated near Rhigar; a portion of the Grysk war fleet concealed itself within it, following an agreement between Jixtus and Rivlex, where Jixtus assured Rivlex that the fleet would be available for his use if required.