The Factbook of Caragonia (FT)

[Caragonia]

Sections;

I. Overview & History
II. Economy
III. Military
IV. The Tempest Reapers

[Caragonia]

Planetary Overview

Caragonia is a large planet, close in size to Holy Terra, homeworld of the Imperium of Mankind, at 11854 kilometres in diameter. The planet is noted for having a high hydrogen oxide level, with nearly 72% of the planet being water-covered. Landmasses on the planet's surface consist of two large continents, each one in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, as well as around four major and seven minor archipelagos, as well as nearly a hundred individual scattered islands. Most settlements on the planet are scattered across the islands and archipelagos, with five conurbations large enough to be termed 'cities' exist, with the capital of Cornix Saxum, or "Raven's Rock" as it is better known to inhabitants, and the cities of Deindos and Heioa in the south while the cities of Steiah and Idakh reside in the north.

The planet has two smaller moons, Cairshan and Oragau. Both are desolate places, their atmospheres blasted away by catastrophic bombardment in previous centuries. The first of these, also the largest, is for the most part hollowed out into vast caverns that serve as safe harbours for the ships of the Astartes fleet, while Oragau is used as a space-to-ground firing range for those ships large enough to be part of planetary bombardments.

History of the Caragon System

Caragonia itself was settled in M.35 by an Adeptus Explorator Fleet, and its relative isolation with few populated worlds nearby was a deciding factor in the decision of the High Lords of Terra to allocate it to the newly-founded Tempest Reapers Chapter in the latter half of the 36th Millennium. With a demi-company of volunteers taken from both the Raven Guard and the White Scars, an almost unheard-of event for any new founding, the Chapter was formally established within their island-bound fortress-monastery, known as 'The Bastion' to the brethren of the Chapter, and the 'Skynest' to the superstitious native indigents. Caragonia had always been a devout world, and were it not for its use as an Astartes homeworld, it likely would became a Shrineworld. Due to that, over the centuries the neophyte recruits to their strength had been indoctrinated within a subsect of the cult of the Lectitio Divinitatus, and despite the efforts of the successive Chapter Masters, it slowly gained ground over the long-held Astartes belief in the Emperor as a man.

For the next six thousand years, the Chapter fought many campaigns and won plenty of honours, fighting off a Hrud migration that threatened the Abysdon System, and earning a particular renown among the Ecclesiarchy for their willingness to cleanse heretics, and often worked with Inquisitors of the Ordos Hereticus. It was one such campaign, the cleansing of Iuxius-Secundus, that saw the Reaper's Sixth Company battle the renegade warband known as the Infernal Carnival led by the Magus Totirh the Bedamned, where they destroyed an ancient shrine sought by the heretic, in the process wiping out his army of renegades and mutants. In the aftermath of the battle, the Magus escaped and swore revenge on the Tempest Reapers for impeding him.

Nearly forty-seven years after this event, the bulk of the Chapter returned to the Caragon System to undertake a festival in the name of the Emperor, with only the Third, Fourth, Sixth, and Tenth Companies too far distant on campaign. Magus Totirh the Bedamned had by this time journeyed to the lifeless rock designated on Imperial starcharts only as A20-H8J, where he had invoked dark rites to free an ancient denizen of the Warp known in Chaotic texts as the Desolate Prince. Binding it to his form, Totirh journeyed to the outskirts of the system, where unnoticed he enacted warp-sorcery to engulf the Caragon System in a cataclysmic warp-storm that he intended will ensure its destruction. Unbeknown to the Magus, the Desolate Prince had no desire to see this happen, and subtly altered the rites to send the system, while ensorcelled, into a whole other universe...

While the planet, in the aftermath of this cataclysmic event, was for the most part plunged into global terror, with Arbites snatch-teams arresting the rise of doomsayers and heretics and the Chasteners working day and night to break them while the Mechanicus presence, remaining secluded for the most part, endeavoured to research the phenomenon as priests of the Ecclesiarchy led the masses in fervant prayer and self-flagellation. Not even the mighty Astartes were immune to the loss of the Emperor's Light, and their Master of Sanctity, one Arcturus Imergo, led the Chapter in daily prayers for forgiveness as the Chapter mourned.

It was in the middle of one such sermon that Arcturus was struck dumb for what seemed to the watching Battle-Brothers like a brief moment in time. When it passed, the Master left the Reclusiam, preaching all the while that the Reapers had not been abandoned by the Emperor, and that they still had a duty to perform. By the end of the day, Imergo met with the Chapter Master and all the Chapter's remaining leaders in a Great Council. It was here that he relayed the contents of his vision, telling his brothers that it was their privilege as servants of Him on Earth to enter into stasis, and wait for no less than one-thousand years.

By the next morning, the entirety of the attendees were in agreement, and the preparations began. What ships of the Chapter remained to them were moored within their old harbours within the surface of the moon of Cairshan, and the Chapter's wargear was stowed away in vast armouries. Knowing that it would fall to someone else to lead the planet in their absence, Chapter Master Gamiel Terfun convened the municipal leaders of Caragon's five cities, Cornix Saxum, Deindos, Heioa, Steiah, and Idakh in what was entitled the Council of Five. He charged them with the duty of leading the planet forwards while the Reapers entered their sleep, and exchanged a pact with the local Mechanicus Magos Senioris to be the ones to activate the protocol that would awaken them when the appointed time came.

The Great Sleep

It was then, secure in the knowledge that the planet was under control, that the Chapter entered the great vault that lay underneath the bedrock that held the Bastion, and the stasis field was activated. For over two centuries, the world carried on, trying to emulate the life that most had lived before the storms had erupted. Peace and prosperity seemed to emerge, but that was a brief illusion as the then-ruler of Cornix Saxum, Urvinus Coscaber, in concert with the corrupt Arbitrator Senioris Caiton Kurfer, took over, eliminating the rest of the Council and proclaimed himself Protector of Caragonia.

The local Ecclesiarchy was paralysed by the audacious move as Coscaber never threatened their role on the planet, and ultimately they decided to move on. The local Mechanicus, uninterested in the affairs of humans, refused to aid the dispossessed rulers of the other four cities who formed a league against Coscaber known as the Disponere Fidelitas, or 'Group of Loyalty'. The actions of Arbitrator Kurfer in assisting the erstwhile coup provoked a bitter politicking war between the members of Caragonia's Arbites precincts, and ended after an Interventionist, one of those decrying Coscaber's reign, a Judge Prefect Uqurhal, shot the senior officer down inside the Court of Judgement of Justice's Perch, the main Precinct of the Adeptus Arbites on Caragonia. Uqurhal, determined that all are equal under the Emperor's Law, reportedly demanded that he be executed as it was listed the punishment for his crime, and he was hung one week later.

Within a hundred years, the entirety of the Adeptus Arbites, acknowledging that overthrowing the ruling dynasty would now be an error due to the control it held over the planet, but at the same time refusing to legitimise its rule, had moved to the northern city of Steiah, where the majority of the Disponere Fidelitas sympathisers were located. By this point, the orbital defence platforms, lightly-crewed and badly-maintained for the past three centuries, were abandoned by their crews as the impact of three centuries of under-funding hit home. By this time, the PDF regiments had begun the the process of stagnating as well, with no new materiel being built and standards in training rapidly falling.

Four-hundred and seventy-six years after the Tempest Reapers entered the Great Sleep, the PDF had devolved into an armed rabble that works simply for those who offered the most coin. Most units by that point had broken into smaller battalion-scaled units where the commander held his position by dint of pure charisma or raw brutality. Law and order had also effectively broken down, with the Coscabers using both formal enforcers as well as gangers to bolster their position. Understandably, this allowed many members of Caragonia's new crime-rings to rise in power, culminating in the attempt by Alvarius Wihharsson to hire an entire regiment of the PDF in order to take over one of the larger, seemingly silent, Mechanicus manufactorums in Heoia. After the entire unit was decimated by heavy gunfire within the facility, Wihharsson was eliminated by rival gang-lords, and the Disponere Fidelitas quickly seeded the city of Heoiah with sympathisers to rile the populace up against the Coscabers.

For three whole centuries, the planet was fought for in low-key skirmishes between the two rival groups, with only the threat of intervention by the Mechanicus and Arbites preventing both sides from doing so. Eventually, the northern continent was ruled lost to the Disponere, while the Coscabers maintained an iron hold on the south. For the most part, the larger island chains were left uninvolved in the violent conflict, and the situation continued until the dawn of M.42, and the breaking of the storms...

[Caragonia]

Economy

From the dawn of settlement, the planet of Caragonia was always intended to be an economically self-sufficient world. The immense seas present on the world provide plentiful sources of marine animals to feed the populace, and many of the islands also house large Grox ranches,which in addition to forming a planetary staple were also exported to neighbouring planets, and the quality of Caragonian Grox meat was recognised throughout the sector. Other foodstuffs include basic crops such as wheat, ticar, a form of fruit similar in appearence to the Terran melon, with a red skin and a flavour similar to Terran apples, and sourgrapes, an imported plant from which is distilled the distinctive taste of Caragon Amasec.

There is also a relatively large Adeptus Mechanicus presence on the planet itself. Their ministrations for the last thousand years have helped prevent the loss of any of the precious technology at their disposal.

[Caragonia]

The burden of defending Caragonia has always rested on the shoulders of both the Tempest Reapers as well as the Caragonian Planetary Defence Force. However, this changed after the Chapter entered into the Great Sleep with the PDF assuming full responsibility for protecting Caragonia from military threats. Within three-hundred years however, the PDF began to decline under the lax eye of the governor of the time and the advisory council left behind by the Chapter Master of the Tempest Reapers.

Since that time the PDF has declined in the quality of their training, their equipment, and even numbers. Now a mere two regiments defend the planet, and corruption is rife. It remains to be seen what will happen now the Astartes have returned.

A selection of the most common weapons in Caragonian service can be found below;

The basic weapon of the PDF is the standard Mk4 Catachan model Lascarbine. Most lasguns, such as the carbine, uses the same basic technology and operates along the same lines as other las weapons, emitting a beam of focused light. The high amount of energy in the beam causes the immediate surface area of a target to be vaporized in a small explosion. While relatively weak in comparison to such a weapon as a boltgun or plasma weapon, it is still capable of cleanly severing unprotected limbs or piercing the power armour of a Space Marine, provided that the hit is made in the 'soft' joints of a Space Marine's armour. Most designs have iron sights mounted along the top of the weapon. It is powered by a small, rechargeable power pack located beneath the weapon, in front of the trigger guard. The pack can be recharged in many ways, including sunlight, from a universal charger, and, in emergencies, can be placed within a fire to recharge. However, this last method is frowned upon, given that doing so dramatically decreases the firing life of the power cell, as well as increasing the chance of mechanical failure.

The standard Missile Launcher, built to the old Imperium-wide standard pattern, has a built in targeting device and is fired from the shoulder. It is a single round weapon, and cannot be fired on the move. Standard Imperial doctrine is for one man to carry aim and fire the missile launcher, whilst a second man carries the ammunition and re-loads the weapons. A well-drilled fire team can maintain a formidable rate of fire, enough to daunt the bravest of tank commanders. Space Marines generally carry their own ammunition on the other hand, being easily strong enough to hold the missile launcher in one hand whilst re-loading with the other. All launchers are more than capable of using a wide variety of ammunition, such as Krak, Frag, or Haywire missiles.

Plasma gun is the generic name for a two handed rifle-like plasma based weapon used by the forces of the Imperium, as well as the forces of the Dark Gods, in a support role. The weapon fires a highly energised ball of hydrogen based plasma. This plasma ball or 'bolt' is accelerated through a magnetic accelerator, which upon impact with the target detonates with the power of a small sun. Generally Imperial models are prone to overheating and can cause severe injury or death to the user should they experience such a meltdown. Traditionally, most Imperial Guardsmen and PDF soldiers have considered it a dubious honour to be chosen as a squad's plasma gunner for this exact reason. Aesthetically they appear to be stubby and rather clunky, with a ribbed back and flared cooling vents along the front. Hydrogen flasks stick out of the butt, and bottom of the weapon. These flasks generally contains enough fuel for at least 10 shots before needing to be replaced. Replacing these flasks is time consuming and difficult in the best of situations. Handheld plasma guns can be found throughout the Imperial war machine, from the mighty Imperial Guard to the elite Space Marines.

[Caragonia]

History:

The Tempest Reapers have been based on Caragonia for nearly five-thousand years now, and have a distinguished history, albeit not at the same rarefied heights as more prestigious chapters. Their fortress-monastery, known as the Bastion, is located on the largest island chain on Caragonia. The surrounding islands form the base for numerous orbital defence batteries and silos. After the Great Council held in 385.M41, it was decided that the entire chapter should go into stasis, where they still lie to this day.

Doctrine:

The Reapers do not follow the standard Codex-mandated organisation of a chapter in its entirety however. The 1st Company includes a number of veteran squads, such as the elite Raven Claws and Crow Talons. Raven Claws consist of Veteran Marines who have demonstrated an affinity for the maelstrom that is close-quarter fighting, while Crow Talons use their jump packs to move from location to location to provide steady fire support.

As this shows, the chapter does place a premium on the agility of jump pack troops, and nearly all Marines in the chapter are expected to become fully proficient in the operation of jump packs, bikes, and all manner of vehicles. The chapter also uses a great many automated defences, ranging from 'Tarantula'-Pattern remote turrets to 'Hyperios'-Pattern anti-aircraft turrets.

Heraldry;

The colours of the Tempest Reapers are a storm-grey colour, with their shoulder trim being organised for the most part according to the Codex standard. Their badge is a raven, a classic symbol of death.

Equipment:

The standard weapon on which every Marine has been trained is the Boltgun, an instrument of divine wrath in the hands of the righteous. The Boltgun is a mid-range weapon, between the lighter bolt pistol and heavier heavy bolter, and is easily carried by any Space Marine. It works in the same way as other Bolt Weapons and in massed ranks produces such destruction as to easily frighten any enemy advancing into oncoming fire. For the Adeptus Astartes and Adepta Sororitas the Boltgun is a holy symbol of the Emperor's wrath. Each Marine carries a weapon hand-crafted by an artificer in either the Chapter's own forges or on a Forge World and at each step of its construction the proper rituals must be observed, and sacred oils are applied. The Marine's maintenance of his weapon therefore carries a degree of religious ritual, as well as being part of the dedicated daily rituals of the Space Marine. As with all other variants, each bolt-firing weapon is capable of using a variety of ammunition.

The Chapter Fleet:

As of current records, the Tempest Reapers are listed as being in possession of no less than three Battlebarges, the Raven's Nest, the Chariot of Death, and the Reaper's Herald, as well as six Strike Cruisers. The chapter is also listed as possessing a number of smaller ships, namely of the Nova, Gladius and Hunter-class ships that serve as auxiliaries. In an unusual move, the chapter standardised the armament of their ships over their long millennia in the service of the Imperium, albeit with minor variations according to the class of the ships in question.

The Battlebarge is the largest Space Marine warship and is configured for close support of planetary landings, carrying numerous bombardment turrets and torpedo tubes. Most chapters have two or more Battle Barges designed to deploy a fighting force to planets in a rapid fashion. Large amounts of space are designed to hold launch bays for intrasystem craft and drop pods allowing up to three companies to deploy simultaneously. The vessel is extremely heavily armoured and well-shielded for breaching planetary defences while also protecting its cargo. It is also a dangerous enemy, especially with boarding actions but also contains enough firepower to destroy all but the most powerful of warships. Battle Barges are some of the most powerful ships the Imperium has at its disposal, due to both the power of the ships and their contents.

All the Battlebarges of the Tempest Reapers carry vast plasma projectors in their broadside armaments, as well as the formidable Lance turrets on their dorsal surface. In addition, all carry four of the feared bombardment cannons, weapons designed solely for bringing the wrath of the Emperor and His servants upon those who defy Him. All Battlebarges also carry ten Thunderhawks as standard, and may embark lighter craft such as the Caestus Assault Ram and the Reapers own unique design, the Sparrowhawk.

While most Space Marine Chapters may have up to three Battlebarges in their service, these are used rarely. Strike Cruisers are far more common, although still quite rare compared to Imperial Navy ship classes. The arrival of a single Strike Cruiser is usually enough to quell a rebellious planet, as its armament is specialised for planetary assaults. The ship can carry up to a company of Space Marines and their equipment. They are primarily used for rapid deployment and are often the first to arrive in a system, attesting to their ancient designs and engines.

The armament of a Strike Cruiser is comparable to that of a Imperial Navy light cruiser. However the Strike cruiser also has a flight deck and a mighty Bombardment cannon on its prow. The ship is also extremely well armoured, befitting its role, and has many redundant systems to cope with battle damage. This combination of speed, armour and fearsome armament makes the Strike Cruiser a match for the opposition it will face when leading a planetary assault. In contrast to the larger Battlebarges, the Chapter's Strike Cruisers are armed with large missile launchers and plasma projectors, as well as a single Lance turret.

The 'Gladius'-class Frigate fulfils the role that the Sword Class Frigate does in the Imperial Navy. The ship is crewed mainly by the chapter serfs that the chapters rely on to crew their vessels, with only a squad of Space Marines on board. The members of the Astartes who are on board will be either on the bridge, or at other command posts around the ship.

The 'Gladius' is armed with a mid-sized weapons battery, much like the Sword classes, but its engines are about 20% more powerful than the Swords. This enables the 'Gladius' to take advantage of the enemies' movements, darting into holes left in the battle line, and using its weapons batteries to good effect. The ship is shielded as well as any other escort, but due to the nature of its role in combat, has an excellent turret array for its size, comparable to that of a standard Imperial Navy cruiser. All 'Gladius'-class ships in the service of the Chapter carry much smaller versions of the missile launchers used by their Strike Cruiser brethren, capable of a much faster rate of fire.

The 'Nova'-class Frigate is a Space Marine lance boat, much like the 'Firestorm'-class Frigate in the Imperial Navy. It is a much more controversial ship however, because it does not follow the Codex Astartes. It is a pure-breed warship, it can not land troops, or transport them to other ships. It is ineffective in planetary assault also, but a very capable capital ship hunter. Both the Imperial Navy and Inquisition have taken issue with the class, as it encroaches on the duties of the Imperial Navy, and upsets the balance of power within the Imperium, giving too much to the Adeptus Astartes. Due to this, the 'Nova' remains a rare sight in the fleets of the Space Marines.

However, its engines are much more powerful than a Firestorms' making the 'Nova' almost twice as fast as a cruiser of the Imperial navy. This speed and manoeuvrability allow the 'Nova' class to get to favourable firing positions, deliver the lance armament's bite, and withdraw before the enemy can react to bring their guns to bear on the 'Nova'. It is armed with a single spinal Lance in the prow of the ship, able only to fire directly ahead. As with its 'Gladius'-class cousin, the 'Nova' is armed with broadside missile launchers, as well as a single plasma projector in the dorsal turret.

The Space Marine 'Hunter'-class destroyer is designed to fulfil the role of the 'Cobra'-class Destroyer of the Imperial Navy. Although available to all space marine chapters, the class is mainly used by the Dark Angels, due to their distrust of other sections of the Imperial hierarchy. The Dark Angels maintain large flotillas of 'Hunter'-class ships within their battlefleets.

The 'Hunter'-class is armed similarly to the 'Cobra', but is a little faster, allowing it to react quickly to openings the enemy provides. It is also more heavily armoured than a 'Cobra', providing it with a little more survivability in a combat situation. However, unlike its cousin in the service of the Imperial Navy, the 'Hunter'-class is solely armed with a pair of torpedo tubes, making it ideal for long range fire support, but little else.