Venus
Venus is a world of crushing heat and poisonous skies. At the surface, the pressure would flatten a ship and the heat would melt lead. About 50 km up, though, the air is close to Earth's in pressure and temperature, and that is where the Venusians live. Their floating cloud cities drift through the upper atmosphere, held aloft because ordinary breathable air is lighter than the heavy carbon dioxide around them.
Venusian life is famously comfortable. The cities are elegant and leisurely, full of gardens, galleries and fine living, and Venusians have a reputation across the solar system for being a little dreamy and very fond of pleasure. Outside the city walls the air is unbreathable and the clouds are acid, so anyone stepping out wears a light suit and mask.
Venus is best known for its luxury liners, graceful passenger ships built for comfort rather than war. They carry the wealthy, pilgrims and travellers across the system, and a Venusian liner is a sign of status wherever it docks. See Freighters.
Venus is a minor faction. It plays little part in the wider politics of the solar system, but it has its own customs, its own way of life and a strong sense of itself.
Venus and Mercury
Venusians share a warm, teasing friendship with their neighbours on Mercury. They call Mercurians hobbits, cave-dwellers and troglodytes, but beneath the banter is real respect and affection. The two don't compete, and they hold a simple alliance against the bigger nations, helping each other out when it counts.