Cloud City

Population: 6 Million

Suspended high among the pastel clouds of Bespin, held aloft by huge repulsorlifts built into its curved frame, is a floating metropolis of sophisticated beauty and political freedom. Cloud City exists not only as a mining colony, extracting valuable Tibanna gas from the depths of the giant planet, but also as a sanctuary for those trying to escape the turmoil gripping the galaxy. Though profitable, Cloud City is small enough not to be noticed by larger authorities such as the Mining Guild. ¹

Due to it's relative stability Cloud City has become home to many smugglers, bounty hunters and civilian shipping captains who wish to stay out of the war between the Empire and Alliance. Fuel, food, entertainment and parts for ship repairs are all available at somewhat reasonable prices. Because of this Cloud City has become the hub of all official and unofficial business activities in the sector.

History

Cloud City was commissioned by Lord Ecclessis Figg and built by the Incom Corporation at around 2,000 BBY at the same time Darth Ruin founded the New Sith Empire. ³

In the wake of the Battle of Hoth, the Empire garrisoned Cloud City. A coup attempt was staged by the Rebellion right before the the Battle of Endor. The Imperial forces present on Bespin were able to withstand the Rebel forces and the coup ended in a stalemate. Both sides fully expected reinforcements that never arrived due to the heavy losses sustained at the Battle of Endor. Isolated and cut off from their individual supply chains the stand off created a massive food and medical supply shortage in the city. City wide rioting and looting broke out which motivated Rebel and Imperial leaders to negotiate a cease fire agreement. Production of Tibanna gas resumed as well as general commercial activities.

Today, the Imperial garrison still retains much of it's power due to it's abilty to monitor and protect the various mining operations within the system. It also turns a well paid blind eye to many of the less than legal ventures scattered about; proving the old adage "If you can't beat them, pay them," true.

Along with the Imperials, the Bespin Wing Command helps maintain control and oversees much of the day to day civilian policing activities in accord with the cease fire agreement.

Cloud City and its citizens enjoy an uneasy form of relative freedom. Rebel factions are still present and well entrenched within the city. Hostilities occasionally flare up, but on the whole the City's motto is "Business over ideals."

Port of Entry

The Port Authority manages all the landing docks and requires that all ships declare their cargo and their reason for visiting Cloud City at the Port of Entry in order to receive their landing dock number. Registered ships receive protection from the Port Authority. Guards are always on duty and provide excellent protection for your ship. Captains can rest assured and enjoy their stay knowing that both the Imperial Guard and the Bespin Wing Command will ensure that no one but the Captain and crew are able to have access to their ship.

Shipping & Transport

Registering with the Port Authority creates a public listing of all the ships in dock that civilians use to hire Captains to transport them or their cargo. Captains who are looking for jobs may advertise as such when they register their ship at the Port.

Smuggling

Those Captain's who may have cargo that is obviously not what was declared to the Port Authority need not worry too much. You will be surprised at what a few credits or gifts in the right hands will do for you. The Port Authority is heavily populated by realists who understand the needs of various business men and women. Just remember to be fair and generosity never hurts to ensure that added bit of protection.

Bounties

A public posting of bounties offered by private parties has also sprung up at the Port due to the overwhelming likely hood that many of the ship captains passing through the port are bounty hunters.

City Architecture & Layout

The architecture of Cloud City is similar to Alderaanian classical, with many white and cream-colored spires. The metropolis is divided into quarters named after the compass points. Cloud City is further divided into levels, beginning with 0 for the upper plaza, and continuing down to 392, where the lowest of the tractor beam and repulsorlift generators are found. The maze-like Ugnaught tunnels that crisscross the metropolis permeate all of these levels. The city is 16.2 kilometers in diameter, and 17.3 kilometers tall. ²

Level 1-50

Luxury hotels, casinos, spas, museums and clubs which have made the city famous throughout parts of the Outer Rim.

• Level 1 includes Cumulus, one of the larger casinos, owned by Sasseeri Reeouurra
• Level 1 also includes Holiday Towers, the hotel/casino owned by Sorsha Kasajian and managed by Arriana Rezner

Level 51-100

Upscale housing areas, occupied by merchants, executives, and other wealthy citizens.

Level 101-120

Administrative offices.

• Level 105 contains the office of current administrator Yorrik Gizon
• Level 115 houses the offices of Dr. Barton Henning
• Level 120 includes the private practice of Pistol Garret, an herbal practitioner

Level 121-160

Port Town, an area which holds an infamous reputation as a seedy, crime-ridden haven for smugglers, criminals and outlaws.

• There are a number of industrial loading docks, casinos, bars, and underworld activity.
• Level 122 boasts Cloud 9 Bar & Grill, owned by Mu Satach

Level 161-220

General housing of the facility's workers.

Level 221-280

Factories.

Level 281-370

The economic heart of Cloud City where the Tibanna gas refineries and miners' quarters are located.

Level 371-392

Contain the 36,000 repulsorlift engines and tractor beam generators that keep the city afloat and in position.

References

1. StarWars.Com Databank
2. StarWars.Com Databank EU
3. Wookiepedia Entry