Post by Kaikelx on Nov 8, 2009 19:02:40 GMT -5
System Overview
System Worlds
---Kaitan I, II, III (The Roughland Worlds)
The three Roughland worlds (named for their rocky terrain associated with worlds without an atmosphere) are all mining worlds. The human presence on the surfaces of these worlds are confined to spaceports, warehouses, oxygen plants and transport hubs at strategic locations, as the worlds all lack a breathable atmosphere. Orbital scanning and servitors are used to detect large mineral deposits, which then have mining facilities constructed directly on top of them, usually from disassembled facilities from elsewhere. Few defenses were set up on any of the planets, as it was assumed that the system navy would be enough to ward off any potential threats.
This assumption proved fatal when the heretical forces under General Zavin attacked. With almost the entire system fleet either subverted, disabled, or out right destroyed in the opening days of the campaign, Zavin was able to capitalize on the Roughland Worlds's lack of defenses. Deciding that the mines and the warehouses were more valuable than the current population, Zavin landed troops on each world, who quickly overwhelmed and seized the space ports and the oxygen plants of each world. Zavin then offered an ultimatum to the population of each world. Submit and continue mining operations for the benefit of the dark gods, or have their oxygen cut off by Zavin's troops, who then simply bring in replacement workers later. By and large, the population chose to submit.
When Zavin was eventually forced out of system by Imperial reinforcements, almost two years later, he was able to take a not insignificant of mineral wealth with him. The population was purged by Imperials, and new workers were moved in from the other planets in system. System Governor Rayet ordered the names of the former labeled as heretics, in addition to ordering the construction of surface to space weaponry and bases to house SDF garrisons.
The Ork Waaagh put a halt to the construction as resources were focused on the defense of the other three worlds. Fortunately for the population of the Roughland worlds, the Orks seem to have no interest in attacking, instead preferring to throw themselves in onslaughts against Tamura Kaitan and Uzaki. Those few Orks desperate enough to try and find a fight on these worlds quickly suffocated on the surface.
---Kaitan IV (Tamura)
Most of Tamura's land mass, except for near the northern regions, and large portions of its oceans are entirely dedicated to the production of food. In addition to large quantities of rice, Tamura supplies the system with animal-based foods (meats, milks, cheeses, etc) and a large selection of fruits. Chilled fruit drinks are widely popular in Kaitan, usually consisting of mixtures rather than any one fruit, and account for a large portion of Tamura's exports to neighboring systems. For some reason, they tend to be rather popular with the neighboring nobility.
A second major food export consists of fish. Over centuries, the people of Tamura have driven many sea creatures not appealing as food into near extinction. (some are farmed for sale as exotic pets to neighboring nobles in other systems) The oceans were then eventually sectioned into various fish farms to cultivate the remaining species, leading to the establishment of floating villages as coastal areas were taken up. These villages are often extremely poor, and trade with barges that ply Tamura's waters the majority of their "crop" for that year in exchange for necessities such as tools, materials, or assorted food items.
The further one gets to the north polar region of the planet, the more wild and untamed it becomes. While the extreme southern areas are given over to bleak tundra and the occasional monitoring probe, great towering forests still stand over much of the northern areas of the planets. Locals in these parts treat the forests with fear and superstition, and SDF regiments rarely patrol deeper than 5 km in, and tales abound of dangerous monsters and artifacts lurking within the depths of the forest. The trees in the forests would tower over most buildings, and are densely packed enough to shield the inner portions of the forest from aerial scans. Recently, the Ghost Wolves chapter has taken an interest in these forests, sending expeditions into the forest interior.
---Kaitan V (Kaitan)
Records indicate that Kaitan was the first planet to be colonized in the system, and has been the site of the system capital since then. The name "Kaitan" refers to either the system, the planet, or the capital city on said planet. In conversation and writings, context is used to determine which. Kaitan features moderate industrialization: its factories produce an adequate amount of surplus, its farms are supplemented by imports from Kaitan, and the populace is overwhelmingly loyal and pious.
---Kaitan VI (Uzaki)
Imperial Organizations of Note
---The Imperial Guard
Lord General Garret Anaheim assumed command of all Imperial Guard units in the system when he arrived with the Imperial reinforcements.
---The Adeptus Mechanicus
Magos Calin Arkon has the one-in-a-trillion chance that his peers would be willing to die for, the chance to be remembered in Imperial history as the Magos who brought back an STC. To Arkon, everything else is secondary. Arkon is leaving nothing to chance, and has called in every possible asset and favor he owns to support his operation. His pull even reaches to the upper echelons of the Imperial Guard, allowing him to (with sufficient time), "persuading" the local guard forces to do as he wishes.
The Adeptus Mechanicus spared no expense in outfitting its mighty Reclamation fleet. Almost a hundred ships strong, the fleet battered its way through the Ork ships surrounding Kaitan, and established geosynchronous orbit over the Yangzhai desert on Kaitan. The security force accompanying the fleet is almost equally as mighty. Over 120,000 Skitarii soldiers landed in the desert, accompanied by massive amounts of armor, artillery, and techpriest support. As they dig in, even more Skitarii land in the outlying regions. A titan legion even made plantefall as well, with a second on the way. Those techpriests not assigned to the maintence and logistics of this massive (and therefore cumbersome) force spend their days near the STC itself, laboriously duplicating printouts in triplicate, packaging them, and shipping them to the fleet in orbit.
The Yangzhai desert is quite possibly the most fortified location in the entire sector, and this has not gone unnoticed. Attracted to the possibility of the biggest bloodbath in the sector, every Ork horde on Kaitan is convering on the Yanzhai desert. Even the Orks on the other planets have made it a priority to acquire transportation to Kaitan. The Reclamation fleet has proved itself able to atomize any approaching Ork fleet, and has also proved itself unwilling to leave its current position (under Arkon's orders). This has unfortunately left the entire other side of the planet lightly defended by comparison, and what Imperial Navy and SDF ships remain to defend it are slowly but inevitably being pushed aside.
---The Inquisition
---The Ecclesiarchy
The Ecclesiarchy are extremely popular among the Kaitan. The Kaitan posses a natural cultural tendency towards blind obedience and fanaticism, and proved to be excellent recipients of the Imperial Creed. When the Imperium first reestablinshed contact with Kaitan, the system was split among many different warring clans. Each clan sought to unite the others under their lord, using battle to prove that their lord had the divine favor necessary to be Emperor. Upon hearing of this belief, the Ministorum sought to correct their ignorance about the actual natural of the Emperor and his divinity. Most clans were convinced by the outsiders, and those few that weren't were quickly and brutally exterminated. By and large the Kaitan people credit the Ecclesiarchy with bringing an end to the constant wars.
Currently the Ecclesiarchy maintain a strong presence in the systeem, including multiple Schola Progeniums on Kaitan and Uzaki, along with a single schola on Tamura.
Forces of the Enemy
Major Technologies
What draws the Imperial eye to Kaitan is a single complex, buried beneath the sands of the Yangzhai Desert located on planet Kaitan. This complex is a prize that millions of techpriests have quested for, for untold ages. A partially functional Standard Template Constructor. The discovery of this holy relic of the past prompted a massive reclamation fleet to be gathered and sent from Mars itself. The might of the military arm of the Adeptus Mechanicus sailed towards Kaitan to claim the structure, pay long overdue tribute and reverance to its mighty machine-spirit, and transport the structure back to Mars, where it can receive the proper care and treatment the machine-spirit demands and deserves. Or at least that was the plan. Unfortunately, humanity would not gain such a boon so easily.
The building has been heavily corroded due to lack of maintenance over untold centuries, and the STC's machine-spirit has grown weary and senile, unable to further resist the passage of time. Every passing hour, more memory becomes corrupted. The more memory that becomes corrupted, the more more wonders elude the grasp of the Mechanicus, perhaps never to be seen again. There was no time for transport, and attempting to repair such a venerable machine would likely cause even more harm. The techpriests of the reclamation work furiously to replicate as many primary copies of as many holy designs as possible. Magos Calin, the leader of the reclamation fleet, guides the sacred transcribing ritual himself, pushing proscribed procedures and rituals as fast as he dares.
In addition, the periodic Ork raids that plague the Kaitan system have turned into a full blown Ork Waagh, led by Warboss 'Eadstompa. (apparently named after a favorite finishing manuever) Whether the Orks know of the STC or not, the Orks are naturally drawn to wherever they believe the fighting will be the bloodiest and the thickest. As a natural consequence, the Waagh appears to be concentrated on Kaitan, where the massive reclamation fleet has fortified the STC. Attempts by Inquisition, Astartes, and local forces to draw the Orks away from the STC have been unsuccessful, as the Orks appear to be convinced that the best fighting will be in the Yangzhai Desert.
--- Kensai Armor suits (formerly CAS suits)
Kensai Armor suits are styled after what appears to be ancient armor from Terra, before humanity had even thought about venturing into the stars.
While it is outwardly a cosmetic variant of the typical suit of carapace armor, the each suit of Kensai Armor contains a built-in communications unit compatible with standard Imperial tacnet communications. The machine-spirits of these communication units are particularly secretive, communicating between each other exclusively in a form of coded language that even Mechanicus techpriests struggle to understand. They are also extremely reliable, and units equipped with Kensai Armor suits enjoy secure communication that is extremely difficult to compromise. In addition, the armor supports mounts for back ammunition units, with loops along both arms to secure feed lines to the weapon in order to prevent tangles or catches in rough terrain.
The Heretical invasion, and the subsequent Ork Waaagh took their toll on the Kaitan, and most of the factories were destroyed during the fighting. The result is that within its own armed forces, Kensai Armor suits are restricted to the remaining elite regiments that Kaitan fields, such as the 482nd Hell's Bane. These units are deployed behind regular units, and are used to reinforce any potential breaks in the main line.
--- Type 23 Kaitan-Pattern Lasgun
This unique design only barely resembles a standard lasgun. It has around four times the ammo capacity in a bulky, drum shaped magazine. The weapon itself is rather large and cumbersome. The weapon as designed is also rather inaccurate, with a large spread that is unheard of for las weapons (Due to a nonstandard mounting for the focusing mirror). In other words, it is essentially a las version of a heavy stubber that is wielded like a rifle. It also includes a bayonet mount for close quarters combat, though Mechanicus adepts cannot determine whether this exists as an actual expectation of close combat, or as a holdover from another template design..
The Type 23's principle advantage is its las power packs. These recharge on the same standard ports as every other lasgun, and can also be recharged through solar power or heat as well (though the latter isn't recommended for extended usage). The Type 23 is also more flexible in mobile combat. Unlike projectile suppressing weapons common in the Guard, such as heavy stubbers or bolters, the Type 23 does not require a crew, dedicated mount, or belt feeds of ammunition. Theoretically, a single soldier can operate the weapon entirely on their own, though in practice Kaitan forces will usually assign fellow soldiers to carry spare ammunition.
--- Mark VIII Drop Pods
The Mark VIII Drop Pods are theorized to be a variation of the Drop Pods used by the Adeptus Astartes. Instead of deploying entire squads, the Mark VIII only deploys a single soldier to battle. In addition, it's small size means the user cannot be wearing power armor (instead relying on the protections inherent to the pod itself), and the Astartes are too bulky to fit inside the pod themselves regardless. However, the Mark VIII is surprisingly cheap and efficient to build, and large numbers can be supplied in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Made famous by the 482nd Aerial Cavalry, the Mark VIII allows regular human soldiers to enjoy many of the strategic advantages of drop pods. However, because it is designed to be used by regular humans, the pod travels at speeds slow enough to be vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. Thus, using the Mark VIII pods in a direct airborne assault on a fortified position, although suitably dramatic, is tantamount to suicide. Instead, the pods are often used for rapid strategic movement. For example, Kaitan regiments are often deployed by drop pod to quickly reinforce captured positions, deploy in unexpected and/or unconventional areas, or for any other situation where it would be advantageous to have a sizable force appear with little warning.
In addition, the Mark VIII can be refitted to drop supplies, allowing orbital supply drops. While it is a very inefficient method for resupplying any decent sized forces, it still has its uses in emergency situations. Recently, the Inquisition and the Officio Assassinorum have taken an interest in this technology.
System Worlds
---Kaitan I, II, III (The Roughland Worlds)
The three Roughland worlds (named for their rocky terrain associated with worlds without an atmosphere) are all mining worlds. The human presence on the surfaces of these worlds are confined to spaceports, warehouses, oxygen plants and transport hubs at strategic locations, as the worlds all lack a breathable atmosphere. Orbital scanning and servitors are used to detect large mineral deposits, which then have mining facilities constructed directly on top of them, usually from disassembled facilities from elsewhere. Few defenses were set up on any of the planets, as it was assumed that the system navy would be enough to ward off any potential threats.
This assumption proved fatal when the heretical forces under General Zavin attacked. With almost the entire system fleet either subverted, disabled, or out right destroyed in the opening days of the campaign, Zavin was able to capitalize on the Roughland Worlds's lack of defenses. Deciding that the mines and the warehouses were more valuable than the current population, Zavin landed troops on each world, who quickly overwhelmed and seized the space ports and the oxygen plants of each world. Zavin then offered an ultimatum to the population of each world. Submit and continue mining operations for the benefit of the dark gods, or have their oxygen cut off by Zavin's troops, who then simply bring in replacement workers later. By and large, the population chose to submit.
When Zavin was eventually forced out of system by Imperial reinforcements, almost two years later, he was able to take a not insignificant of mineral wealth with him. The population was purged by Imperials, and new workers were moved in from the other planets in system. System Governor Rayet ordered the names of the former labeled as heretics, in addition to ordering the construction of surface to space weaponry and bases to house SDF garrisons.
The Ork Waaagh put a halt to the construction as resources were focused on the defense of the other three worlds. Fortunately for the population of the Roughland worlds, the Orks seem to have no interest in attacking, instead preferring to throw themselves in onslaughts against Tamura Kaitan and Uzaki. Those few Orks desperate enough to try and find a fight on these worlds quickly suffocated on the surface.
---Kaitan IV (Tamura)
Most of Tamura's land mass, except for near the northern regions, and large portions of its oceans are entirely dedicated to the production of food. In addition to large quantities of rice, Tamura supplies the system with animal-based foods (meats, milks, cheeses, etc) and a large selection of fruits. Chilled fruit drinks are widely popular in Kaitan, usually consisting of mixtures rather than any one fruit, and account for a large portion of Tamura's exports to neighboring systems. For some reason, they tend to be rather popular with the neighboring nobility.
A second major food export consists of fish. Over centuries, the people of Tamura have driven many sea creatures not appealing as food into near extinction. (some are farmed for sale as exotic pets to neighboring nobles in other systems) The oceans were then eventually sectioned into various fish farms to cultivate the remaining species, leading to the establishment of floating villages as coastal areas were taken up. These villages are often extremely poor, and trade with barges that ply Tamura's waters the majority of their "crop" for that year in exchange for necessities such as tools, materials, or assorted food items.
The further one gets to the north polar region of the planet, the more wild and untamed it becomes. While the extreme southern areas are given over to bleak tundra and the occasional monitoring probe, great towering forests still stand over much of the northern areas of the planets. Locals in these parts treat the forests with fear and superstition, and SDF regiments rarely patrol deeper than 5 km in, and tales abound of dangerous monsters and artifacts lurking within the depths of the forest. The trees in the forests would tower over most buildings, and are densely packed enough to shield the inner portions of the forest from aerial scans. Recently, the Ghost Wolves chapter has taken an interest in these forests, sending expeditions into the forest interior.
---Kaitan V (Kaitan)
Records indicate that Kaitan was the first planet to be colonized in the system, and has been the site of the system capital since then. The name "Kaitan" refers to either the system, the planet, or the capital city on said planet. In conversation and writings, context is used to determine which. Kaitan features moderate industrialization: its factories produce an adequate amount of surplus, its farms are supplemented by imports from Kaitan, and the populace is overwhelmingly loyal and pious.
---Kaitan VI (Uzaki)
Imperial Organizations of Note
---The Imperial Guard
Lord General Garret Anaheim assumed command of all Imperial Guard units in the system when he arrived with the Imperial reinforcements.
---The Adeptus Mechanicus
Magos Calin Arkon has the one-in-a-trillion chance that his peers would be willing to die for, the chance to be remembered in Imperial history as the Magos who brought back an STC. To Arkon, everything else is secondary. Arkon is leaving nothing to chance, and has called in every possible asset and favor he owns to support his operation. His pull even reaches to the upper echelons of the Imperial Guard, allowing him to (with sufficient time), "persuading" the local guard forces to do as he wishes.
The Adeptus Mechanicus spared no expense in outfitting its mighty Reclamation fleet. Almost a hundred ships strong, the fleet battered its way through the Ork ships surrounding Kaitan, and established geosynchronous orbit over the Yangzhai desert on Kaitan. The security force accompanying the fleet is almost equally as mighty. Over 120,000 Skitarii soldiers landed in the desert, accompanied by massive amounts of armor, artillery, and techpriest support. As they dig in, even more Skitarii land in the outlying regions. A titan legion even made plantefall as well, with a second on the way. Those techpriests not assigned to the maintence and logistics of this massive (and therefore cumbersome) force spend their days near the STC itself, laboriously duplicating printouts in triplicate, packaging them, and shipping them to the fleet in orbit.
The Yangzhai desert is quite possibly the most fortified location in the entire sector, and this has not gone unnoticed. Attracted to the possibility of the biggest bloodbath in the sector, every Ork horde on Kaitan is convering on the Yanzhai desert. Even the Orks on the other planets have made it a priority to acquire transportation to Kaitan. The Reclamation fleet has proved itself able to atomize any approaching Ork fleet, and has also proved itself unwilling to leave its current position (under Arkon's orders). This has unfortunately left the entire other side of the planet lightly defended by comparison, and what Imperial Navy and SDF ships remain to defend it are slowly but inevitably being pushed aside.
---The Inquisition
---The Ecclesiarchy
The Ecclesiarchy are extremely popular among the Kaitan. The Kaitan posses a natural cultural tendency towards blind obedience and fanaticism, and proved to be excellent recipients of the Imperial Creed. When the Imperium first reestablinshed contact with Kaitan, the system was split among many different warring clans. Each clan sought to unite the others under their lord, using battle to prove that their lord had the divine favor necessary to be Emperor. Upon hearing of this belief, the Ministorum sought to correct their ignorance about the actual natural of the Emperor and his divinity. Most clans were convinced by the outsiders, and those few that weren't were quickly and brutally exterminated. By and large the Kaitan people credit the Ecclesiarchy with bringing an end to the constant wars.
Currently the Ecclesiarchy maintain a strong presence in the systeem, including multiple Schola Progeniums on Kaitan and Uzaki, along with a single schola on Tamura.
Forces of the Enemy
Major Technologies
What draws the Imperial eye to Kaitan is a single complex, buried beneath the sands of the Yangzhai Desert located on planet Kaitan. This complex is a prize that millions of techpriests have quested for, for untold ages. A partially functional Standard Template Constructor. The discovery of this holy relic of the past prompted a massive reclamation fleet to be gathered and sent from Mars itself. The might of the military arm of the Adeptus Mechanicus sailed towards Kaitan to claim the structure, pay long overdue tribute and reverance to its mighty machine-spirit, and transport the structure back to Mars, where it can receive the proper care and treatment the machine-spirit demands and deserves. Or at least that was the plan. Unfortunately, humanity would not gain such a boon so easily.
The building has been heavily corroded due to lack of maintenance over untold centuries, and the STC's machine-spirit has grown weary and senile, unable to further resist the passage of time. Every passing hour, more memory becomes corrupted. The more memory that becomes corrupted, the more more wonders elude the grasp of the Mechanicus, perhaps never to be seen again. There was no time for transport, and attempting to repair such a venerable machine would likely cause even more harm. The techpriests of the reclamation work furiously to replicate as many primary copies of as many holy designs as possible. Magos Calin, the leader of the reclamation fleet, guides the sacred transcribing ritual himself, pushing proscribed procedures and rituals as fast as he dares.
In addition, the periodic Ork raids that plague the Kaitan system have turned into a full blown Ork Waagh, led by Warboss 'Eadstompa. (apparently named after a favorite finishing manuever) Whether the Orks know of the STC or not, the Orks are naturally drawn to wherever they believe the fighting will be the bloodiest and the thickest. As a natural consequence, the Waagh appears to be concentrated on Kaitan, where the massive reclamation fleet has fortified the STC. Attempts by Inquisition, Astartes, and local forces to draw the Orks away from the STC have been unsuccessful, as the Orks appear to be convinced that the best fighting will be in the Yangzhai Desert.
--- Kensai Armor suits (formerly CAS suits)
Kensai Armor suits are styled after what appears to be ancient armor from Terra, before humanity had even thought about venturing into the stars.
While it is outwardly a cosmetic variant of the typical suit of carapace armor, the each suit of Kensai Armor contains a built-in communications unit compatible with standard Imperial tacnet communications. The machine-spirits of these communication units are particularly secretive, communicating between each other exclusively in a form of coded language that even Mechanicus techpriests struggle to understand. They are also extremely reliable, and units equipped with Kensai Armor suits enjoy secure communication that is extremely difficult to compromise. In addition, the armor supports mounts for back ammunition units, with loops along both arms to secure feed lines to the weapon in order to prevent tangles or catches in rough terrain.
The Heretical invasion, and the subsequent Ork Waaagh took their toll on the Kaitan, and most of the factories were destroyed during the fighting. The result is that within its own armed forces, Kensai Armor suits are restricted to the remaining elite regiments that Kaitan fields, such as the 482nd Hell's Bane. These units are deployed behind regular units, and are used to reinforce any potential breaks in the main line.
--- Type 23 Kaitan-Pattern Lasgun
This unique design only barely resembles a standard lasgun. It has around four times the ammo capacity in a bulky, drum shaped magazine. The weapon itself is rather large and cumbersome. The weapon as designed is also rather inaccurate, with a large spread that is unheard of for las weapons (Due to a nonstandard mounting for the focusing mirror). In other words, it is essentially a las version of a heavy stubber that is wielded like a rifle. It also includes a bayonet mount for close quarters combat, though Mechanicus adepts cannot determine whether this exists as an actual expectation of close combat, or as a holdover from another template design..
The Type 23's principle advantage is its las power packs. These recharge on the same standard ports as every other lasgun, and can also be recharged through solar power or heat as well (though the latter isn't recommended for extended usage). The Type 23 is also more flexible in mobile combat. Unlike projectile suppressing weapons common in the Guard, such as heavy stubbers or bolters, the Type 23 does not require a crew, dedicated mount, or belt feeds of ammunition. Theoretically, a single soldier can operate the weapon entirely on their own, though in practice Kaitan forces will usually assign fellow soldiers to carry spare ammunition.
--- Mark VIII Drop Pods
The Mark VIII Drop Pods are theorized to be a variation of the Drop Pods used by the Adeptus Astartes. Instead of deploying entire squads, the Mark VIII only deploys a single soldier to battle. In addition, it's small size means the user cannot be wearing power armor (instead relying on the protections inherent to the pod itself), and the Astartes are too bulky to fit inside the pod themselves regardless. However, the Mark VIII is surprisingly cheap and efficient to build, and large numbers can be supplied in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Made famous by the 482nd Aerial Cavalry, the Mark VIII allows regular human soldiers to enjoy many of the strategic advantages of drop pods. However, because it is designed to be used by regular humans, the pod travels at speeds slow enough to be vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. Thus, using the Mark VIII pods in a direct airborne assault on a fortified position, although suitably dramatic, is tantamount to suicide. Instead, the pods are often used for rapid strategic movement. For example, Kaitan regiments are often deployed by drop pod to quickly reinforce captured positions, deploy in unexpected and/or unconventional areas, or for any other situation where it would be advantageous to have a sizable force appear with little warning.
In addition, the Mark VIII can be refitted to drop supplies, allowing orbital supply drops. While it is a very inefficient method for resupplying any decent sized forces, it still has its uses in emergency situations. Recently, the Inquisition and the Officio Assassinorum have taken an interest in this technology.
)
