Astral Phenomena

Gravitic phenomena are ever in motion and not always stable. From sudden quakes to bleeding rifts, all manner of eruptions of energy and exotic particles occur on the astronomical scale. Such changes to the gravitic starscape are highly disruptive and only partially predictable. Certain hotspots and recurring patterns are known dangers and follow cycles of seasons, opening and closing trading lanes in spans from days to years. But other dangers arrive with no forewarning. Under the worst of circumstances, their effects on the unprepared can be cataclysmic.

Gondwana is still plagued by the woes of fading winter. Strong astral winds shatter cosmic glaciers into shards and dust, carrying the drifting remnants far and into civilized systems. The exotic properties of such icefalls can hamper entire worlds for years and render frequented trading routes inoperable. Cosmic cold spells and witching storms add to the peril, forcing ships to evade what they cannot endure.