Battle for Aurora Prime
Warhammer 40k Campaign Fluff
System Fluff Ultima Segmentum
Sector: Zeist
Sub-sector: Gannos
System: Aurora
Planets: Aurora Prime-Settled planet-Hospitable atmosphere-Trade centre.
Outer Planets: Aurora Secondus-Rock-Inhospitable atmosphere-Storage and
Administration
Valour 12/3XD- Iceball, no atmosphere
Satellites: Aurora Prime-1
Aurora Secondus-0
Valour 12/3XD-2
Asteroids: 45/67XXBehemoth- Massive asteroid trapped in the Aurora system stars’
gravitational field.
Comets: None known
Aurora Prime Summary
Aurora Prime is a heavily urbanised (though non-hive) world that serves as a central hub for trade and administration of a number of systems in the Gannos sub-sector.
Size: Equatorial circumference: 40,100.09 km
Population: 4.5 billion [approx]
Climate Classification: Temperate- Standard.
Surface Temperature: Max: 59C Min: -90C Mean: 13C
Tropospheric Composition: 76.2% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen 1% Argon 0.037% Carbon Dioxide 1% water vapour depending on climate
Tithe Grade: Exactis Tertius.
Geographical summary: Aurora Prime has two main continents Akos and Carag. Akos stretches from one polar cap to the other. It is the most heavily populated of the continents and has four of the planets five major urban areas situated on it. The continent is bisected roughly half way by a huge mountain range known as the Golvidis heights. The sheer scale of this region has puzzled geologists.
Carag is a smaller continent situated around the equator of Aurora Prime. It is not one single land mass but is rather a massive archipelago. Over 80% of Carag is thick jungle with only a single urban centre.
Flora: Varied, see biologos report ref: [55BL/AURORA**//43]
Fauna: Varied, see biologos report ref: [75BL/AURORA**//31]
Economy: Aurora Prime serves as glorified trading post for a number of isolated worlds in the Gannos Sector. Many years ago the Aurora Combine, a powerful syndicate of guilds, corporations and rouge traders situated on Aurora were able to seize control of the main trade routes in the Gannos sub sector. They became responsible for numerous supply and production contracts with the Adeptus Administratum from planets many hundreds of light years away.
As a result it became convenient for the Administratum to leave the initial collection of tithes to the Aurora Combine who would bring the produce together, catalogue it and store it on Aurora Secondus and then have it collected by the Adeptus Administratum. Any surplus could then be sold to the highest bidder across the sub-sector
Society: Aurora Prime is a divided society. It is nominally governed by the Executive of the Aurora Combine elected by the Aurora Combine Directorate once every 70 years in a complicated and incredibly clandestine manner. However pre-Aurora Combine the planet was rules by the Hythun Dynasty an extremely authoritarian ethnocratic regime. Although a shadow of their former glory the Hythun Dynasty still holds sway over vast numbers of indentured workers and has the tacit support of the Ecclesiarchy on Aurora Prime. They are based primarily on Carag.
There is a substantial population of Ogryns and other less stable mutants amongst the labour corps. These workers are confined to Akos under pain of death by the ethnocratic Hythun’s.
There is a transitory population of pilgrims visiting the Cathedral of the Blessed Flame located on Carag. Numbers vary between 10 and 15 million at any one time.
Military: During the build up to the Zeist campaign the Departmento Munitorum saw fit to designate Aurora Prime a reserve world to hold Imperial Guard regiments ready to respond to any Tau offensive.
As a result by 999M41 the following Imperial guard regiments were stationed on Aurora Prime
Cadian 43rd
Cadian 428th
Catachan 91st
Aurora 17th
Aurora 22nd Artillery Regiment
Krieg 712th
The Imperial Navy also had a presence in the Aurora system with a number of vessels on permanent standby in the orbital space docks.
The Emperors Wisdom-Gothic class cruiser
The Light of Faith-Gothic class cruiser
The Temple squadron-4 Cobra class destroyers
C/XX squadron- 3 Defence Monitors
B/VV squadron- 4 Defence Monitors
In addition Aurora Prime also has no less than 6 PDF regiments and numerous private security forces controlled by the Aurora Combine and the Hythun ethnocrats.
There is also a large presence of Adepta Sororitas based around the Cathedral of the Blessed Flame on Carag
Principle Exports: Mineral commodities, foodstuffs, luxury items, human product, men.
Principle Imports: Mineral commodities, foodstuffs, mining equipment, luxury items, weapons, fuel.
Food Supply: Aurora Prime supplies 35% of its own food the rest is supplied from off world sources.
Urbanisation: Five main urban areas
Akos Prime-population 220 million-Akos
Hythun Prime-population 120 million-Carag
Aurora City-population 100 million-Capital City-Akos
Wrexmaul-population 90 million-Akos
Tournmal-population 42 million-Akos (Golvidis heights)
Rest of the population scattered across Akos and Carag in numerous cities none over the size of 20 million.
Known History: Aurora Prime was settled in M28 and is recorded as becoming compliant with the Imperium during the Great Crusade with no bloodshed. For the next 10,000 years the planet avoided most of the major conflicts that have plagued the Imperium. In M35 a series of Ork pirate raids required the assistance of the Angels of Absolution Adeptus Astartes Chapter. Since then Ork raiders have been something of a problem for the shipping lanes around the Aurora system. In M38 the Hythun dynasty was deposed in a bloody civil war that lasted for nearly 30 years. By the time the Adeptus Administratum had become aware of these events the Aurora combine was already in control of the planet. The Administratum was happy to let the new governors rule the planet as long as they delivered on their tithe obligations. The Aurora Combine delivered, and then some. By M39 they had control over the production of several agri-worlds and at least one hive world in surrounding systems. As a result Aurora Prime quickly grew in importance and influence.
In M40 the population of Aurora Prime experienced near planet wide panic as numerous strange lights were seen in the sky and dozens of flaming shapes were seen falling to the ground. Nothing more came of this despite two quite public enquiries by the Ordo Xenos.
In M41 there were fears that the aggressive expansion of the Tau empire would lead Aurora Prime into direct conflict with the alien invaders however the successful prosecution of the Zeist campaign averted this threat.
Aurora Secondus Summary
Aurora Secondus is a storage world consisting of numerous underground warehouses and administration facilities.
Size: Equatorial circumference: 37,760.45 km
Population: 8 million [including 3 million vat grown grade II servitors]
Climate Classification: None: Rock planet with minimal atmosphere.
Surface Temperature: Max 44K Min 33K Mean 55K
Tropospheric Composition: Nitrogen and Methane
Tithe Grade Aptus Non. Not applicable as its tithe obligations are linked to Aurora Prime.
Geographical summary: A rocky planet with minimal atmosphere and virtually no mountain ranges but stable tectonic plates, Aurora Secondus is the perfect site for the hundreds of underground storage units that honey comb the planets core.
Flora: None native, though note introduced flora; [54/**BLAURORAS/45]
Fauna: None native, though note introduced fauna; [54/**BLAURORAS/45]
Economy: None all imports and exports are regulated through the Aurora Combine on behalf of the Adeptus Administratum.
Society: Aurora Secondus has its own governor which is a member of the Aurora Combine directorate. The position is generally held for life.
Apart from a small number of the governors’ personal household most of the rest of the population are drone workers and servitors. There is a small PDF force garrisoned on Aurora Secondus.
Principle Exports: None per/say. All Exports are organised by Aurora Prime.
Principle Imports: Food stuffs mining equipment, environmental protection equipment, mineral commodities, manufactured goods.
Food Supply: 95% food supply is from off world, 40% Aurora Prime 55% Outside system 5% grown on Aurora Secondus
Urbanisation: No major cities however there is a large underground hab facility where the governor is based.
Designated Habzone Alpha 55/X-population .5 million.
Known History: Aurora Secondus has served as a storage facility for trade since early M37. Rumour has it that it was the vast amount of excess capacity that led to the Aurora Combine formulating their plan to expand their influence first on Aurora Prime and then across the sub-sector.
Since M39 it has suffered no less than 12 major Ork raids all of which have been repulsed. However the last two attacks have led to a number of small ork tribes establishing a foothold in a number of abandoned storage facilities around the polar regions of the planet.
At present the threat posed by these xenos is considered minimal.
More worrying is the disappearance of large swathes of the population in recent months. Starting about two years ago a number of habzones have seen significant numbers of workers and servitors disappear without a trace. Recently habzone Beta/CVF6 saw no less than 400 workers disappear in the space of 3 hours with no sign as to their fate.
Battle for Aurora Prime
Some do not care, some forget and some are too young to remember. But we care, we remember, and we stand watch. We know our ward and we will die defending it. Eldar Autarch Jyuna Krien Plot Summary
It would appear to most that the Aurora system is a relatively peaceful area of the Imperium troubled by little more than the occasional attack by Ork raiders. However events have been set in motion nearly twenty thousand years ago that will lead to the system being engulfed in war, as numerous factions attempt to wrest control of the system. The Battle for Aurora Prime is about to begin.
Ancient History
Aurora Prime is the site of a massive Necron Tomb. Nearly three quarters of the landmass beyond the Golvidis heights in northern Akos has subterranean tunnels and caverns concealing a vast Necron army. Rank upon rank of Necron warriors stand in a myriad of phalanxes ready for their masters call. [ships] are primed but dormant. If the full might of this tomb was to be unleashed then Aurora Prime would perish. It is perhaps fortunate then that the citizens of Aurora Prime have no idea the manner of inhabitants they share their world with.
There are some though who do know. Some 15,000 years ago, before the Fall of the their empire the Eldar discovered the Tomb World. An assembled council of Farseers saw that Aurora Prime had two distinct fates. Either it would remain dormant until the star at the centre of the system burned out and went super nova. In this strand of fate the Tomb World would be given over to a final more permanent death. Or as was seen to be the more likely destiny the Tomb would be eventually re-opened and the Necrons would spill out into the Galaxy once more.
The Eldar knew two things. First the Necrons would use Aurora Prime for a staging point for a Sector wide invasion. Secondly the coming of the Great Devourer would be the greatest threat the Galaxy ever faced. As much as the Eldar despised the upstart humans they knew their defences needed to hold. A Necron threat of this magnitude would leave the way open for the Great Devourer to break through.
The Eldar set a series of both psychic and physical wards around the Tomb and resolved that no matter how long their vigil might take the Tomb would never be re-opened.
The Eye of Chaos
The Eldar are not the only faction in the Galaxy with an interest in the Necron Tomb on Aurora Prime. The sorcerer Khalimani of the Thousand Sons has long coveted ancient xenos technology as a path to power and true immortality. Khalimani learnt of the Tomb World several centuries ago and has been plotting to plunder its secrets for himself. More than this however, he has been charged by Abbaddon the Great Despoiler himself, to sow discord amongst the Imperium.
When Abbaddon’s next hammer blow falls on the Imperium they will be facing so many more threats he will march to Terra virtually unopposed.
Khalimani has prepared Aurora Prime for his arrival. For several generations Khalimani has nurtured a number of Chaos cults amongst the families of the Hythun ethnocrats on Carag so that the entire continent is now rife with corruption and potential allies.
The Tau Connection
The Zeist sector has long been coveted by the Tau Empire. Ever eager to expand the Tau sent out delegates to meet with Imperial governors in secret to discuss negotiating and even joining the Tau Empire.
On Aurora Secondus the governor was more than willing to trade a share of the massive stores accumulated there in exchange for a hefty price from the Tau negotiators.
Over time the trade links with Aurora Secondus became of increased significance for the Tau Empire as a steady supply of food used to support the desired levels of expansion. When the Zeist expansion began in 997M41 a small discreet force of Tau led by Commander Or’es Mal‘caor was sent to Aurora Secondus to ensure the continued supply of goods and ensure compliance from the governor.
It was not just Imperial interference that the Tau were worried about. The clandestine nature of the Aurora Secondus supply lines to the Tau Empire meant that the shipping convoys were small and relatively unprotected. An easy target for the increased Ork raiders in the Gannos sub-sector.
Recent Developments
The peaceful existence of Aurora Prime was shaken in 995M41 when the frontier people of northern Akos reported a number of strange craft enter the atmosphere. At the same time the ‘Majestic Light’ Aurora Primes space station reported strange energy signatures coming from the same area. When contact was lost with one of the isolated settlements in Northern Akos a small PDF force was sent to investigate. They found the inhabitants of the town butchered with no survivors. Seemingly caught in a fire fight between two unknown adversaries. Signs of weapons of unknown xenos origin were discovered and also, worryingly, the weapons of Astartes.
Another similar incident occurred in 996M41 though this time more light was shed on the matter when an eldar body was discovered. Within a few months of this discovery agents of the Ordo Xenos made themselves known to the Aurora Combine and took over control of the investigation. The nature of the mysterious Astartes however was not ascertained.
The Zeist Campaign
In 997M41a massive campaign of aggressive expansion was unleashed by the Tau against the Imperium into the Zeist sector. On Aurora Prime however the Aurora Combine had their own more immediate worries. The continued and aggressive presence of the eldar had been confirmed though who or what their exact target was, remained unknown. While the xenos attackers had no compunction in slaughtering Imperial citizens such atrocities seemed to be no more than collateral damage in a war against the elusive Astartes. By this time members of the Ordo Xenos and Ordo Hereticus had all but completly commandeered Imperial forces on Aurora Prime, particularly those stationed in Akos.
In late 998M41 a squad of Thousand Sons was spotted attempting to outflank an eldar raiding party. The news that Chaos space marines were present on Aurora Prime, a planet vital to the continued supply of worlds across the Gannos sub sector, sent shock waves through the Adeptus Administratum and Inquisition. All available PDF and Imperial Guard regiments on Akos as well as the Aurora Combines’ personal security forces were poured into Northern Akos in an attempt to root out and destroy this threat.
War in Golvidis
As the Imperial force crossed over the Golvidis heights, the massive mountain range that separated Northern Akos from the rest of the continent, they were ambushed by a force of Chaos space marines of in unexpectedly high numbers. Not just Thousand Sons but Iron Warriors, World Eaters and Alpha Marines assaulted the Imperial Guard army which was quickly overwhelmed.
The Imperial authorities on Aurora Prime were shaken by this turn of events and the few remaining units took up defensive positions south of the Golvidis heights.
Even as a message was sent out for reinforcements the main thrust of the eldar attack arrived. A dozen vessels dropped out of the Web Way and struck at Aurora Primes orbital defence network. Within a few short hours the ‘Majestic Light’ was reduced to a shattered hulk orbiting the planet. Half a day later more eldar vessels arrived and began making planet fall onto Northern Akos.
Chaos Unleashed
Seemingly in response to the eldar five renegade ships entered the Aurora system and launched an orbital assault, again towards Northern Akos.
At the same time the secret cults and sects that were positioned amongst the ethnocrats of the Hythun Dynasty rose up in bloody revolt and over threw the Imperial authorities on Carag, the second continent of Aurora Prime. Foul warp entities and hideous mutants and spawn stalked the jungles of Carag.
Across the planet malcontents and rebels attempted to wrest control from the Imperium.
The Hunters Strike
As Eldar and Chaos did battle in northern Akos, the Tau became worried that their investment in Aurora Secondus was in peril. Twenty full Hunter Cadres, were dispatched to secure the storage planet. Making the perilous trip across Imperial space the Tau force arrived in early 999M41. Upon arriving on Aurora Secondus they declared the planet part of the Tau Empire. A vicious war began between those elements of the PDF loyal to the Imperium and the xenos aggressors.
Meanwhile on Aurora Prime a wholly different type of predator emerged to make a claim on the planet. From the jungles of Carag, a swarm of Tyranids swept forward to assault the Hythun ethnocrats who believed themselves to be the masters of that continent.
The product of centuries old spores deposited by the very tip of a much larger splinter fleet these xenos had lain dormant slowly changing, growing and evolving. Awoken by the psychic resonance of the conflict going on all around them their only purpose was to consume and attract the attention of the main Hive Fleet.
The Angels of Death
It would take the Departmento Munitorum many months, perhaps years to properly respond to the threat on Aurora Prime. By that time the war might already be fought and the planet lost. The Adeptus Astartes however could respond much quicker.
Learning of the presence of the vile traitor Legions and xenos that defiled an Imperial world Pedro Kantor, Master of the Crimson Fists Chapter, vowed to personally rid the system of their filth. Raising a force of no less than three full battle companies he declared a crusade against the enemies of the Imperium that would dare invade Aurora Prime. He sent out a statement of intent to all available Astartes forces and urged them to fight alongside him.
A number of Chapters responded immediately so that when in late 999M41 the Marine crusade dropped into orbit around Aurora Prime it consisted of Marines of the Crimson Fists, the Blood Angels the Ultramarines, Black Templars the Golden Swords, the Blazing Hammers and the Red Tigers.
The Dead Awaken
As the first Astartes drop pods fell to the surface of Aurora Prime the great wards that contained the slumbering threat were broken. Great gates of black iron slid apart and a phalanx of immortal warriors strode forth. The Necrons had arisen……
The Battle for Aurora Prime
The battle lines had been drawn and the rival factions were in position, the Battle for Aurora Prime was ready to begin in earnest.