Thread by @Starfield2023

Ever since I saw this picture of Akila city in #Starfield I wondered why does it look like that? Why are the streets not paved? Why are the buildings primitive looking, yet oddly shaped? 1/10

I think I know why. The original structures were not built by human hands, rather an alien society that predated humans arriving. The human settlers took over the useable buildings, augmenting them with human tech, to the dismay of many archeologists. 2/10

Thinking further along this line of speculation, I think that Akila's surface is covered with alien ruins. This draws in interest from many different groups, from universities, to religious zealots, to tomb raiders looking for a quick score. 3/10

The demand for alien artifacts could create a future California Gold Rush with fierce competition over the best sites. And all those prospectors would need towns to sell their spoils and spend their money, adding to Akila's "space western" tone. 4/10

Akila's govt (or lack thereof) is influenced of this influx of prospectors, creating a majority of "Freedom loving" folks who do not want govt interference. This could result in a situation of taxes being tariffs only, enough to pay the Rangers, but not basic infrastructure. 5/10

However, during times of crisis, like say a war. Akila's residents, especially the wealthy ones, would be willing to pitch in to preserve the status quo. In the case of the Colony War that would have enabled them to hire mercenaries and armed free trader starships. 6/10

If combined with distance (there are no FTL communications in #Starfield) this might have allowed the Freestar Collective to stand up to the UC fleet, if the battles were close to FC space. The conflict was certainly intense enough to be described as "bloody". 7/10

If the final battles were fought in Akila's orbit, then not only could the planet have numerous alien ruins, but also a variety of crash sites to explore and salvage, creating a new wave of prospectors to exploit this fresh bounty. 8/10

But there would be dangers. Not just the predatory Ashta and other hostile wild life, but perhaps also claim jumpers, House Va'ruun fanatics, and primitive aliens upset over the human infestation. Those skeletons hanging on Akila City's walls are there for a reason! 9/10

Are you, as I am, looking forward to adventuring on Akila and other alien planets when #Starfield comes out next year? 10/FIN 🚀