HIP 50698 A 1, nicknamed Hephaestus' First Cauldron, is a planet with a Hot Thin Silicate Vapour atmosphere, which is considered one of the rarest thin atmosphere types in the galaxy. Coupled with a 23.9 ls distance from the system's main class A star, this metal rich world is currently the hottest landable thin atmosphere planet in the known galaxy, as of 3308-08-25.

Surface temperatures reach anywhere between 1,284 K - 1,800 K on the night side of the planet, while daylight brings scorching temperatures of 2,300 K - 2,510 K.

The Cauldron is unforgiving and has claimed the lives of many Commanders, who have long since burned to ash in the sweltering heat. Current suit technologies can't protect against these temperatures, and as one looks at the suit integrity readout, they can see it decreasing with each passing moment.

This system sits on the edge of the human bubble, making it easily accessible for explorers: at 320 ly from Sol, it's just a few jumps away. However, the various distress beacons and impact sites dotting the surface tell visitors to not take this place lightly, that they should be warned: this was the final journey for many.