Socorro

The dry desert world Socorro orbits a red giant star in the isolated Socorran system, approximately three days travel from the Nodgra system. The planet's black volcanic-ash surface gives it its name, which means "scorched earth" in Old Corellian. The vast Doaba Badlands cover three-quarters of the planet's surface, and are home to several nomadic tribes including the Bharhulai and Ibhaan'I. A range of dormant volcanoes known as the Rym mountains runs through the badlands, and the world possesses few valuable natural resources. Sandstorms are common at the world's polar regions, where temperatures still remain a burning 110 degrees. Animal life in the deserts includes the water beetle and sandfly. Vakeyya, the capital and only large city on Socorro, lies adjacent to the Soco-Jarel space station of landing pads and hangar bays. Though the planet has not seen rain in nearly 1000 years, there are enough underground water reserves to sustain the 300 million smugglers and nomads, who live under no form of organized government. Socorro is a haven for free-traders and outlaws, and the planet has a long, proud tradition of piracy. Illegal ship modifications remain a major source of planetary revenue. Socorrans have a deep sense of honor and integrity, and their strong loyalty to others is one reason why bounty hunters traditionally avoid the planet. According to custom, Socorrans travel offworld to die, but those who cannot often wander into the desert when their time is at hand. It is considered taboo among Socorrans to discuss those who have passed away. Socorro was one of the first worlds colonized by early Corellian settlers, and most inhabitants speak a distinctive dialect of the ancient Old Corellian language. This language is called Socorran, but is sometimes inappropriately termed "Middle Corellian." The leader of the planet's underworld is the Twi'lek gangster Abdi-Badawzi, who rules from his subterranean fortress at the base of the Rym mountains. The famous smuggler Karl Ancher, now retired, runs the Black Dust Tavern in Vakeyya. The young smuggler Drake Paulsen was born on Socorro. [SWAJ]