Hekana (Shang Telu: “Protection”) is a fibrous plant native to the Asari Region of VOI 700 D, revered by the Native Tribes and later adapted by ExoHumans for textile production.
Discovered during the Beta Age, Hekana—called “Alien Cotton” by settlers — became the foundation of ExoHuman fabric manufacturing, leading to both innovation and conflict. While once harvested unsustainably, it is still used in the Gamma Age, albeit under strict regulations, with the last two remaining Hekana fields managed by the Federal Garment Manufactory in Hope.
For the Native Tribes of the Asari Region, Hekana is far more than a commodity. In Shang Telu, “Hekana” translates to “Protection”, symbolizing the way the plant wraps and shields the body. It holds cultural, spiritual, and survival significance, forming the basis of Native clothing, ceremonial textiles, and sacred artifacts.
Hekana is an alien fiber plant, visually distinct from Earth cotton but functionally similar. It thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soils, particularly in river valleys, floodplains, and marshlands of the Asari Region.
Among the Native Tribes of the Asari Region, Hekana has been cultivated for centuries in sacred groves, harvested using ceremonial rites to ensure sustainability. It plays a crucial role in their spiritual and everyday life:
While Natives only harvested what they needed, they viewed the over-harvesting by settlers as a violation of natural balance, leading to conflicts.
Hekana was first identified by settlers in 2626, when textile shortages forced ExoHumans to seek new fabric sources. It quickly became the primary material used by the Karabulut Garment Manufactory for large-scale clothing production.
Recognizing the growing demand for new textiles, Jeremy Karabulut expanded his operations in January 2628, founding the Karabulut Garment Manufactory (KGM) in New Kourou. This was the first large-scale textile production facility on VOI 700 D, introducing:
However, as KGM expanded its Hekana supply chain, it clashed with Native Tribes, leading to territorial disputes and increasing tensions. While Hekana farming was not the sole cause of the Great War of 2639, it was one of several economic and territorial conflicts that contributed to growing resentment between ExoHuman settlers and the Alliance of Native Tribes. The large-scale expansion of farmland, competition for natural resources, and repeated violations of early settlement agreements all fueled distrust, ultimately leading to open conflict.
After the Great War, strict sustainability policies were imposed on Hekana production. The Federal Confederation shut down large-scale plantations, nationalizing the textile industry under Communardism.
Illegal cultivation is strictly punished, with unregistered Hekana farms being raided by the Federal Sheriff and Local Sheriffs.
Hekana plays a crucial role in both the Beta Age and Gamma Age, offering unique opportunities for storytelling, conflicts, and player-driven decisions.
During the Beta Age, Hekana farming was a source of economic growth, innovation, and conflict between ExoHumans and Native Tribes.
In the Gamma Age, Hekana production is strictly regulated, and most textiles are recycled—but there are still stories to be told.