Classification: Frontier World
Sub-sector: Drusus Marches, Calixis Sector
Segmentum: Obscurus
Population: ~78 million
Governance: Imperial Navy Strategic Command
Function: Imperial Navy depot, staging post, and strategic stronghold
88 Tanstar is a dry and cold world situated on the frontier of Imperial space. Polar icecaps dominate the poles, while two vast inland seas — Lake Nartha and Voldar’s Hollow — provide the only substantial surface water. The planet’s atmosphere is thin but breathable, and its high-normal gravity (1.1g) exerts a constant strain on the unacclimated.
The equatorial and mid-latitude regions are barren, windswept plains of basalt and frozen dust. Only sparse, cold-resistant flora grows in the valleys. Nutrient-poor soil and glacial erosion leave the surface inhospitable for agriculture, and life clings to geothermal zones and the fertile bands along rivers that descend from the polar icecaps.
The inland seas are brackish and rich with bioluminescent algae and hardy marine creatures, forming the backbone of the planet’s food chain. These are harvested for sustenance and chemical synthesis, primarily by manual crews.
Settlements are coastal or located along rivers. Habitation includes cliffside ports carved into seaside ravines, seasonal riverline encampments, and winter cavern holds in the foothills of the mountain ranges. These serve as havens from deadly storms and harsh winters.
Civilian Aftermath – Survivors in the Shadow of Fire
Two centuries ago, the mining outpost of Fall Narrow became the site of a horrific xenos infestation involving the parasitic Cryptos species. The Imperial response was swift and merciless: orbital bombardment sterilized the primary population centers, including the first colony and central mining zones.
The survivors were left destitute and scattered. With infrastructure destroyed and the surface barren, they adopted a semi-nomadic existence. Communities now survive in cavernous footholds and riverside camps, relying on geothermal energy and maritime subsistence.
Bitterness toward the Imperium simmers beneath a thin veil of compliance. Forced conscription raids, lack of recognition, and the ever-present reminder of obliterated cities have left deep cultural scars. Administratum logs still list their homes as “cleansed and unrecoverable.”
Despite their suffering, open rebellion is checked by the lack of weaponry and the overwhelming presence of the Imperial Navy.
Imperial Navy Infrastructure
Orbital Facilities
Star Fortress Tenebris Vigil
A Ramilies-pattern star fortress in geostationary orbit, Tenebris Vigil is equipped with:
- Void shields and overlapping defense turrets
- Lance batteries and fighter bays
- Fleet command spires and encrypted cogitator relays
- Garrison for over 30,000 crew and 1,500 combat servitors
- Adeptus Mechanicus repair docks
It acts as the central resource nexus for naval activity in the Drusus Marches and a bulwark against voidborne threats.
Defensive Flotilla
Three Sword-class frigates orbit in support, maintaining:
- Patrol of warp translation lanes
- Rapid interception capabilities
- Orbital security against pirates, xenos, and saboteurs
Surface Installations
Fortress Tharsis
Perched on a central mountain plateau, Fortress Tharsis is a bastion of Imperial authority. It houses:
- Over 20,000 naval personnel
- Anti-orbital missile batteries
- Tactical command vaults and regimental barracks
Skyhammer Cave
A fortified voidport built into a cliff face, Skyhammer Cave facilitates:
- Bulk cargo transfers and deployment dropships
- Command-tier mustering
- Access for high-clearance visitors
88 Tanstar functions as a launchpad for Imperial Navy operations and logistics into the Koronus Expanse and beyond.
The Fall Narrow Incident & Cryptos Xenos
Fall Narrow’s destruction marked the first recorded contact with the Cryptos species—parasitic xenos capable of corpse reanimation and psychic influence. The Inquisition ordered total sterilization. No survivors or samples remain, and the settlement was erased from record.
- No confirmed Cryptos survivors
- No trace genetic markers
- Possible pre-purge evacuation
Strategic Role
88 Tanstar is essential to Imperial control of the Drusus Marches:
- Gateway to the Koronus Expanse
- Refit and supply hub for Navy voidships
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 