Spira

A tropical pleasure world near the Inner Core. With very little axial tilt, and almost no dangerous native life, Spira is one of the most popular vacation destinations among the wealthy Core World citizens. The planet is almost entirely covered by a sparkling sea, broken only by small islands. Scouted by the Old Republic over a thousand years ago, Spira is now leased from the Empire by the Tourist Guild. Air traffic to the planet is limited to passenger liners and registered transports, and personal weapons are forbidden. Spira's mostly human population numbers only 500,000, and the Spira Security Police handle most local disturbances. Ataria Island is home to Spira's major spaceport and its most exclusive resorts. Spectacular cliffs compose its north and west sides, and luxurious beaches can be found to the east. The exclusive Aspre Plunge resort is built directly into Ataria Island's north cliff face, and it extends one hundred meters below the water's surface. Gamblers in the Aspre Plunge's famous casino can look out its windows and view Spira's colorful marine life. A small Imperial garrison is located near Ataria Island's spaceport. The Shinkai Abyss, an underwater chasm lying near Ataria Island, runs almost 5000 kilometers and is encrusted with sparkling crystal. Spira's large, predatory Camray eels inhabit the Abyss and make popular trophies for vacationing sport hunters. Spira's largest island is on the opposite side of the planet, and its southern cape is an intersection of dangerous ocean currents called the Point. A crashed alien spaceship of unknown age or origin lies beneath the ocean and is a popular attraction for recreational divers. Spira is famous for the annual Spira Regatta, in which yacht crews race each other around the entire planet in a matter of days. Underwater plant life includes lacy green seafern, and marine animals include the parasitic Galub slug. [SWAJ]