ARMORA V
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Segmentum: Sector: Subsector: System: Population: Affiliation: Class: Tithe Grade: Primary Language: Planetary Governor: Moons: |
Armora V
Obscurus Unknown Scandivus Armora 50,000,000,000+ approx Imperium of Man Hive World Exactus Extremis Low Gothic: Armorian Dialect Honoria Miras Itvar, Nokius and Lordrac. |
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Twice the size of Holy Terra as some would say, Armora V is nothing more than a single huge Hive City covering the entire world. The natural resources of this world has long since been depleted, But down at the lower levels, one can find records and secrets of ancient times, going as far back as The Great Crusade or perhaps even further. Many people sent down expeditions to the lower levels, facing the dangers of outcasts, mutants, and more terrible horrors.
Armora V has three moons orbiting it, which is it's main supply of metals and mineral resources (which is of course used for trading with the other worlds of Subsector Scandavius) named "Telarnor", "Nokius" and "Ifon". By tradition, The hive world pays it’s tithe in men-at-arms for the Imperial Guard, usually by conscription of the populace into the Planetary Defence Force. Sometimes entire Hive Gangs volunteer for recruitment into the Imperial Guard, just so they can get off-world, and perhaps find a new life elsewhere. The Planet is also infamous for it’s reputation as a home for not just mankind, but a few Xeno slave species and mutants as well who live in the lower levels. Armora V is divided into around 650 states approximately, and with the constant political scheming and rampant corruption, new ones arise while weak ones are subsumed into more powerful states within the span of centuries, or even decades. Each state is ruled by a noble family, who seeks nothing more than to take over the entire planet. Therefore, it is rare for a single Planetary Governor to stay in power for long, as everyone has constantly set their eyes at the very top. Even the Hive Gangs that compete with themselves in the lower levels have an unusual burning ambition, and occasionally within a millennium, there would be revolution as the Hive Gangs unite under a single banner, and rise up to overturn the ruling class. Or at least... that is how it once was. Because of the Great Crisis that has occurred over a decade ago, Armora V is still recovering from the damage caused by the rampant cults of that brief but devastating time. But the planet is also undergoing a great transformation - never before had it been so united, nevermind the rivalries between differing cultures, families and even gangs across the grey globe. The influence of the Ecclesiarchy has flourished within the Hive World, and cult-hunts are rampant as all sought to rebuild Armora V to it's former glory, and re-affirm themselves to the protection of the divine God-Emperor. |
Geographical Overview
Armora V's surface is covered in nothing but the metallic structure of a planetwide Hive-city complex the likes of which is not seen elsewhere often. The lower, less populated levels of the ever-expanding planetary city complex is a harsh place, where the lawless and the damned reside, along with what few native species of animals and insects remain of the original planet. What oceans there were have either been drained long ago for water resources, or have been so utterly polluted by industry that they have been left and forgotten, the metal city covering all of the planet's surface - including across the water.
Armora V can be divided into several distinct areas; The Hive Proper: The 'Hive Proper' is where the majority of the world's population resides, and where the most activity can be found. A few Hive Gangs roam there, but otherwise it is fairly safe - As long as supplies of food and such kept coming, and the protection by the PDF and the Adeptus Arbites does not become too lax, things would be relatively peaceful, apart from the sound of industry taking place as the great rebuilding is still currently going. The Underskin: The Underskin is the very first level one would enter before they move into in the underworld. It is the most populated level in the Hive, and presents a danger of it's own right from The Hive gangs to mutant spawn seeking shelter, work or some form of salvation. It is also populated by less-than-human inhabitants, Xenos counting among them. In other words, the Underskin is the melting pot of many cultures and "people", except it is such of the lowest kind. The Abandoned Zone: The Abandoned Zone is a series of levels below the Underskin that have become completely abandoned as the Hive World built itself upwards (which it still continues to do in a fashion). It is there that the Hive World plays host to the majority of it's wildlife - Which has adapted for the underground corridors and the little light there is available. Very few live down there, but those who do are immensely tough - although Hive Gangs are known to take refuge down there themselves, knowing their way about. The Forgotten Zone: Extremely few have tried to go below the Abandoned Zone - down to the so-called "Forgotten Zone". It is said that the planet's ancient heritage, knowledge and treasure lie in wait for the brave and the bold to seek out and grasp. But few who dare such a desperate enterprise at wealth, prestige or power ever return with what they sought out, many driven mad by the eternal darkness, below, or perhaps... by something much worse. |
History
The history of Armora V is long, but incomplete - While many scholars had struggled to create a good picture of the Hive World's past, much still remains obscured, misunderstood or otherwise forgotten altogether. Because of this, one scholar from one end of the planet may have completely different accounts on events compared to another scholar from the other side of the planet. The propaganda and revisions done by the noble houses to condemn one another to gain loyalty does not help either.
But thankfully, there are few notable events that most of the population could at the very least remember and pass down mouth-to-ear, if not record it in writing, although they can still be considered legend and myth to most. There are also recent events that have happened which had profound effect on Armora V and it's population - and already, it is slipping into (believable) legend for most of the populace. But as it is with all legends and myths, there is a grain of truth. It just needs to be found... The Age of Eternal Night, the Coming of the White Hawk and the Great Crusade. The events of the Age of Strife, or as the inhabitants call "The Age of Eternal Night" on Armora V is at best, obscured by myth and legend. What few historical articles remain tell of a time when Armora V was host to an advanced human civilisation - only to suddenly collapse around the beginning of the Age of Strife, technology to be either ruined or forgotten in a great catastrophe. Those humans that remained would start fighting among themselves eventually, and civilisation would be reduced to that of a feudal society, with kings and warlords warring among themselves for land. What followed next is even more obscured by myth and legend, for very few know of the whole truth, let alone the whole tale - but before the Great Crusade would reach Armora V, there was a prophecy. A prophecy that spoke of one so-called "White Hawk" who would banish the Darkness, and unite the world to bring about a new age. The whole prophecy is never known - but what is known that shortly after the prophecy was made, strange monsters and creatures started appearing across the world, and in a short amount of time - the whole of mankind stopped fighting each other, and started fighting for survival. One of the human Warlords - whose name was lost to time - rallied to himself a great army, and managed to carve out a small kingdom and safe haven for humankind during these dark and trying times. What was notable of this warlord was the use of a White Hawk on his banner - marking him out as the 'White Hawk' of the prophecy. From his palace-city of legend, the White Hawk would fight to preserve the human race on that world, and united most of the human populace under his banner for his protection. For years if not decades, it was so. Then something unprecedented would happen - The Great Crusade. What few accounts remain say that The Emperor himself trodded down onto the ground of the planet to meet the White Hawk, though other accounts claim that it was actually Sanguinius, the White Angel who landed upon the ground of Armora to meet him. Regardless, the meeting would turn sour - The White Hawk refused to bow before the Imperium, and thus fought against the Imperial Expedition Fleet that found Armora. During the short-lived but terrible war that followed, The Emperor/Sanguinius would then reveal the true identity of the White Hawk to the populace of Armora V - "A carrion bird of black, with blood evermore on his beak. For too long, he had ruled over the white sheep of the folk and feasted on their gains and flesh along with his dark brethren. He had committed the gravest of crimes, broken ancient taboos of brotherhood, loyalty and faith. But most importantly, he had sacrificed his soul, and the souls of his beloved for his ambitions and dreams." Accounts do not say specifically what happened to this 'Carrion Bird', but suffice to say either The Emperor or Sanguinius had fought the creature and eventually defeated it. breaking it's hold over the planet. After that, Armora V would be reintroduced to the rest of humankind - industrialisation was quick to happen, as the inhabitants were reintroduced to the technology that they had forgotten for so long. Many people would liken to their saviour as the true "White Hawk" - for not only did he fufill the prophecy, he had also banished the darkness that was upon the world in a single blow, the 'Carrion Bird' with it. The planet would enter an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity, and for a while it was all good. The Horus Heresy As the Horus Heresy shook much of the Imperium of man to it's core, Armora V was left out of it mostly - Because of it's remote location, the Hive World never had to face the conflict itself on it's own turf, despite it's strong loyalty to the The Emperor - for whome many have taken to worshipping as a god, some accounts claiming that they worshipped him as they had semi-worshipped the White Hawk in the past. The Age of the Imperium Ever since after the Horus Heresy, Armora V would eventually come to be a powerful trading hub, with glittering Hive Spires towering over forests, mountains and oceans as more and more people flocked to it, enticed by oppertunity for wealth. Over time, the industrialisation and overpopulation would take it's toll on the Planet's ecosystem and enviroment, as the Hive Cities would expand further and further and pollution slowly becoming the norm. Tales of dark beasts that would crawl around in the Hive's lowermost levels would crop up and prevail across history, but it was never looked at - authorities seeing it as mere Urban legend and leaving it at that. A Millennia after affirming to Imperial Compliance, and for a long, long time after, Armora V would become the center of Subsector Scandivus, becoming it's political sector - attracting nobility, traders and other people who sought to make profit, fame or power. All these things would collide and Armora V would eventually become a political-ridden city-planet, where the scum of the poor scramble for jobs and food, while the wealthy and those with prestige fight over domain, profit and political power, all of which would come to a head a few times by revolution. But as the center of power in the Subsector suddenly shifted to Swedesia upon the arrival of the Alfa Legion, the planet was undergoing slow change as some among the Nobility would attempt to expand their power off-world and into the rest of the Subsector. The Great Crisis Decades ago, Armora V quickly succumbed to internal strife as a creature took over the governance of the planet, and enforced it with psychic will and might, subjugating the rest of the world under his rule. Much of the PDF and the Arbites would be found wanting, fighting under his banner and his 'Cicatrici'. The Order of the White Heart stationed there, while powerful - cannot hope to prevail for long. As days passed during this short but bloody termoil, many whispered that the creature, the leader of the Cicatrici - who went by the name of Lucci - was the Carrion Bird of old, having come back to reclaim what was his. But then, as fate would have it, Lucci was struck down - by one of the few small bands of resistance that fought against the corruption that had surfaced so violently. Comprised of Armoran PDF Guardsmen, coupled with Swedesian Ice-burners and Alfa Legionnaires who were on a tour of inspection at the time, the group had managed to travel to Lucci's abode, and slay him, bringing salvation to the planet itself. The Great Crisis itself had lasted for a whole Terran week while Lucci was still alive - but after Lucci's death, much remained to be cleaned up. Pockets of resistance, cults, and even one or two incursions of daemonic beasts thought to be brought about by Lucci. The Alfa Legion would quickly fall upon Armora V like the Hammer of the Emperor, and cleanse Armora V of it's heretical activity alongside the remnants of the Loyal Armoran PDF, Arbites and the surviving Sisters of the Order of the White Heart. The Great Rebuilding After the Great Crisis, much had to be rebuilt. So all was put to work as the planet rebuilt itself after the cataclysmic 7 days. It is still rebuilding now since that day - but Armora V is close to being rebuilt, and for the first time in decades, it is at peace. There is little political scrambling and fighting, though commercial competition to help rebuild was common and accepted. Many now look to the future, and see hope for themselves - and perhaps, for the planet at large. What was great once can be made great again. |
Society and States
The Planet is ruled by a chosen Planetary Governor from among the numerous Noble Houses of Armora V, the candidates selected and voted for after the previous one's death - and when elected, the would-be Governor is made Planetary Governor for the rest of his or her life. The Noble House that has a member acting as Planetary Governor tends to have huge influence over the planet's affairs and has the ear of the most powerful man on the planet, thus making competition for the place fierce, sometimes going as far as provoking brief civil war or assassination attempts. While it is the norm for a member of a noble house to become Planetary Governor, rich Traders and wealthy entrepreneurs have also been noted to have become Planetary Governors. If there were any exceptions, apart from the current Planetary Governor, there are very few obscure records that make mention of them.
There are several distinct classes within Armora V's population: The Nobility, Aristocrats, PDC Generals and sometimes CEOs of Trading Conglomerates Traders, Ship-owners and high ranking officers in the Armoran PDC The Workers Outcasts and Hive Gang Members Mutants, and what few Xeno-slave species there are on Armora V The Planet itself is divided into about 600 Nation-states, which are all locked in a perpetual struggle for influence, land and wealth - for Armora V has always been an economic-political arena. There are hundreds of Nation-states on Armora V, each one ruled either by a Noble Family or by a wealthy trading conglomerate, but here is the ones that are most well-known on Armora V; New Yuruk Before the Great Crisis, New Yuruk is a fledgling State, struggling to maintain it's autonomy from Washintor, whom it had seceded from half a century ago. It is a rare jewel of a state on Armora V - despite it being small, it holds holds disproportionate influence. It is only until recently that it has been set back by a series of terrorist attacks from a gang known only as "The Tally", who seemed hell-bent on destabilising New Yuruk. This also came at the worst timing possible for New Yuruk, as it suddenly contends with a power base struggle in politics with Washintor. Ruled over by The Bushor Family, whose grip over the state is very tight. They have much influence amongst the PDF, and other corporations as well, and like most other noble families, they have their eyes looking straight up for the top; The Planetary Government’s seat. One advantage they have - which seems to be keeping their independence for the moment is their strong ties with the Ecclesiarchy, which is the only thing keeping them from being re-absorbed back into Washintor. Now, thanks to the Great Crisis, New Yuruk has attained new heights in terms of power and influence although some whisper that it was all thanks to the machinations of the Ecclesiarchy. Certainly, New Yuruk plays host to the Order of the White Heart, and it's greatest Bastion - marking New Yuruk with favour of the Ecclesiarchy. But there are rumours that New Yuruk will eventually cease to exist in all but name, as more power was given to the Ecclesiarchy and the White Heart itself. Rumbark The state of Rumbark was huge, pretty much among the biggest states on Armora V, boasting 5% of the world’s population, and thus has the largest amount of population of all the nation-states by that figure alone. It is also notorious to be very corrupt, but the ancient Vladimir Family strangely enough does not really do much, letting the other noble families squabble over the power of the planet, and instead seems to be focused on extending it's power and influence off-world. This particular noble family has it’s own private trade fleet, which is rare for a noble family to have, due to the lack of proper resources or finances. They are certainly setting their sights high, but rumours are abound that they are looking to claim not just Armora V, but perhaps way more then that. Whatever their ambitions or plans, they would be set back horribly after the Great Crisis - where all but those of the Noble Family who where off-world at the time were killed, and several members of the Family that survived were found guilty of heresy and treason against the Emperor. The Noble Family took part in the purging of it's own ranks, to keep it's position. It still holds considerable power in it's private trade fleet, but otherwise it's power base on Armora V has diminished heavily thanks to the lack of trust in the name of Vladimir. Now it works with all others upon that world to make amends for their treasonous brethren - by making ties with New Yuruk and the Ecclesiarchy, curbing the corruption within itself, as well as funding rebuilding projects on Armora V for the betterment of it's own people, or at least what few remain. Washintor Washintor is not only the largest state, but it also boasts the greatest economy, and thus has a leading position on Armora V before the great Crisis. The head of The Maldor Family (who ruled the state with a fair, but hard grip), Balthasar, was the Planetary Governor of the world, and the 5th one to have come from the Maldor family in a winning streak to wield the power of a Planetary Governor in a row. This makes the Maldor family a very proud and strong family, with ancient heritage dating back a thousand years at least. What's more, they fully dedicate themselves to the Imperium, something which not many noble families tend to do. Even so, the Maldor Family would be annihilated during the Great Crisis as the enemy assassinated all those of the family on-world. The very few survivors of the noble family would return to find their home in ruins, and their former life changed dramatically. A trade conglomorate would rise out of the ashes of Washintor, comprised of old friends and allies of the Maldor Family who seek to rebuild Washintor to it's former glory. Despite long hostilities with Yuruk, they were ceased - for now, though ties are starting to be forged with the sister-state. Optimists would go as far as saying that they may make a strong alliance in the future. Chandar Chandar is a unique and powerful state set somewhere in the equator of the Hive World that has remained relatively unchanged since it's founding. It has a unique culture developed from over 4,000 years of isolation, reminiscent of ancient Asia on Earth - and a tightly controlled population that is unwilling to bow down to any and all outsiders to the point of discrimination and facism. The fact that it has survived for over 4,000 years of political turmoil is a testament to it's power and will. There is of course, very little known of it at all. It is a very rare thing for someone from Chandar to go off-world or even outside it's borders, even more rare for one to be recruited into the Adeptus Astartes, and other organisations, for obvious reasons. The only exception to this is the PDF, from which not even they are except from and are obligated to do for the world-wide Imperial Tithe - when need be, they would send their finest soldiers in the nation-state's army to serve the Imperium of Man. Gothar Gothar is a small state, it comprises of three Trade-Spires next to each other and the surrounding area. Those three Trade Spires however are usually boasted to be some of the tallest trade-spires, piercing the heavens and even going into orbit. As such, It is usually called 'The Gothar City-Triad'. The tallest Trade Spire - Falcus - doubles as a Space Port, making it a convenient Trade post as well for Armora V's population. The Warren Family currently rules over the City-Triad. Because of this, Gothar is also infamous for attracting all sorts of bad eggs to itself - Corruption. Hive Gangs. Criminals. The Adeptus Arbites have a garrison at Gothar as a result - although rumours strongly persist of some vigilante that works from the shadows. The Arbites never confirmed the rumours false or true, and usually avoid answering the question directly. They simply carried on with their duties. |
Notable Figures
Planetary Governor Honoria Miras
Gelt Bushor, Head of the Bushor Family
Darwin Vladimir, Head of the Vladimir Family
Linca Maldor, Head of the Maldor Family
Lorian Kando, Head of the Kando Family
Bruce Warren, Head (and only member) of the Warren Family
Gelt Bushor, Head of the Bushor Family
Darwin Vladimir, Head of the Vladimir Family
Linca Maldor, Head of the Maldor Family
Lorian Kando, Head of the Kando Family
Bruce Warren, Head (and only member) of the Warren Family
Notable Defence Forces
The Hive World is not without it's military and defences however - There are quite a few forces on this world that maintain it's defence, as well as some of them providing their best soldiers to the Imperial Guard as part of the Imperial Tithe.
Each Armoran Nation-state and/or Noble Family maintains it's own small private army, varying in composition - but they are all generally consisting of infantrymen, some using Chimera transports. The Armora Planetary Defence Cohorts consist of Infantry and to an extent, Mechanised Infantry. They obey the will of the Planetary Governor to protect and if need be, act as a military police to maintain the balance of power on Armora V Because lawlessness is a common thing on Armora V, Arbites are also a common sight - for there are quite a surprising few who would dare break the Imperium's laws, for the benefit of themselves. |
Notable Locations
The City-Triad of Gothar
The Fortress-Basilica of New Yuruk
The Fortress-Basilica of New Yuruk
Wildlife
The Underskin consists of many, many abandoned, rust-ridden, broken-down levels in the Hive City, some of which can lead into the Forgotten Zone should one have the courage to seek them out.. a living ecosystem thrives down there, not making any effort to head to the higher levels at all, since they have completely adapted to their environment. Despite this, there has been many attempts to domesticate these strange creatures and even bring them off-world. These are the most well-known of the creatures:
Dagger Snake: The Dagger Snake seems to look like a normal snake, apart from the grey scales and black orbs for eyes. They make nests out of whatever material they could find to lay their eggs before burying them, and using their body heat to warm them. They are very venomous, and their venom is occasionally used for assassination attempts, earning them the name. They feed off the rubbish and remains of food, and have been seen feeding off human remains. Vargs: The Vargs are descendants of the colonizer's dogs and hounds, some of which escaped and turned wild. They still survived until this day, some of them even taken to the upper levels and tamed. They have long since lost the ability to grow fur for warmth, giving them an appearance that can unnerve even the most jaded of mortals. Their bite is toxic, filled with bacteria due to their nature as carrion-hounds, cannibals and scavengers. Locals have every right to fear them; just one bite from them could end your life, unless you can afford a doctor - which for the case of the majority of Armora V's population, it is rarely the case. Wingsabre: The Wingsabre is the only bird able to exist and survive on a world such as Armora V. A rare species of avian that is more then capable of thriving in a polluted environment, The Wingsabre is named for their speed: They can fly through the air fast enough that the naked human eye could only make out a blur. They are sought after by many wealthy individuals to show off, or for other purposes. Unlike much of the wildlife on Armora V, they can sometimes be seen at the surface - and is usually interpreted as a sign of good omen when they are spotted there. They hunt Dagger Snakes for food, though they can scavenge when need be. GangsAmoran vipers
One of the more numerous gangs found within the Underskin. their rackets are assassination, contraband smuggling, Cold Trade and slavery. It is said an Armoran Viper assassin is equal to an imperial assassin in skill, though this has never been put to the test. Still, the gang has a reputation for remaining neutral during territorial disputes, only leasing their fighting strength to the highest bidders. The Childface Bubbos Clan The Childface Bubbos are a clan of mutants and degenerates who inhabit the upper levels of the abandoned zone. Following a figure known only as Pater Bubbo, they raid the levels above for breeding stock and supplies to keep their isolated holds afloat. They also have been known to sell their services as guides of the abandoned zone, their expertise and knowledge of the areas being second to none. Meglethic Hatchborn lead by Heretek Vestarch-The Hatchborn are a collection of youths taken from their homes in the streets beneath the manufactories of New Yuruk. They work as industrial saboteurs and parts thieves, stealing from manufactorums to sell to lower-level scrap merchants. Though they mostly steal materials in a random fashion, on occasion important parts go missing, parts that go straight to their heretk leader, vestarch. Their plans are unknown to anyone but themselves, though it can be no good for New Yuruk. Emperors Devils A once prominent gang, this triad operated out of Chandar for years, smuggling industrial goods and people out of the nation for exorbitant prices. But the PDF of Chandar discovered them and broke their power base, driving them deeper under gound, both figuratively and literally. The Emperors Devils reside between the Underskin and the Abandoned zone, somewhere deep beneath Washintor. They recruit to rebuild their strength, and hire themselves out as powerful muscle for various other powers, and have not to this day turned down a contract. No matter how inhumane or dangerous. Street Riders Founded by Ex-Noble Knevel Euvel, the Street riders are a bunch of youth that flocked to fallen noble and his penchant for high speed stunts. Knevel was banished from his family for violent acts involving motor vehicles and his penchant for theatrics, so he took his horrid ways to the streets and attracted violent and speed-hungry people to his “Acts ensured to amaze and stun.” The gang focusses on lightning raids upon noble vehicle compounds and treasuries, expanding their vehicle pool and cash inflow to support the gang's extravagant tastes. The Dreads The Dreads built themselves upon a legend. Once in the distant past, they were a small gang of youngsters battling losing turf wars and mutants from below. But their tenacity was unmatched and they stood their grounds. It is said that when the fighting was thickest, the Emperor's great Grey Angels swooped from above and saved their gang, taking their mightiest youth as repayment. The gang prospered afterwards, owing their success to a faith in the Emperor and believing that their dominance of the underhive was destiny. They renamed themselves for the most eternal of the Emperors champions, the dreadnoughts, and fight against all other gangs whom they believe to be heretics disobeying the Emperor's will. While very pious for underhivers, they also consider the PDF to be enemies of the Emperor, and as such have been an uncontrollably zealous fighting force in the underhive. |