GM notes on worlds at stake

Common knowledge

This list ranks nine planets across the Imperium based on their strategic, logistical, or cultural value, highlighting their contributions to the Emperor’s realm. Each of these worlds, while vital in its own right, shares a crucial connection to Cadia—a bastion that stands as the Imperium’s shield against the Eye of Terror. Whether through the supply of resources, reinforcement of faith, or mysterious ties to ancient technology, these planets influence Cadia’s in safeguarding the Imperium. Ranked from least to greatest value,

9. Destraxis Prime (Agri-World)

  • Connection: As an agri-world in the Ultima Segmentum, Destraxis Prime supplied vast quantities of food to hive worlds in Cadia’s surrounding sectors. These hive worlds, in turn, sent millions of troops and supplies to bolster Cadia’s defenses.
  • Importance: Without its food supplies, the hive worlds supporting Cadia would have faced shortages, potentially undermining their ability to sustain military forces destined for the Cadian Gate.

8. Sanctus Eterna (Shrine World)

  • Connection: Sanctus Eterna was a major pilgrimage destination for Cadian regiments and nearby systems. Many Cadian soldiers sought blessings here before being stationed near the Eye of Terror. The Ecclesiarchy often used this world to rally spiritual support for campaigns defending Cadia.
  • Importance: By reinforcing the faith and morale of Cadian defenders, Sanctus Eterna indirectly strengthened Cadia’s ability to withstand Chaos incursions.

7. Crucis Mortem (Fortress World)

  • Connection: Positioned near key warp routes leading to Cadia, Crucis Mortem acted as a heavily defended waypoint for reinforcements and supplies heading to the Cadian Gate. It was also used as a fallback position during smaller Chaos incursions that bypassed Cadia.
  • Importance: Its defenses ensured that vital supply chains to Cadia remained secure and uninterrupted during frequent skirmishes with Chaos raiders.

6. Solon Tertius (Mining World)

  • Connection: Solon Tertius provided critical resources such as adamantium and promethium for shipyards and manufactoria producing arms and voidcraft for the fleets patrolling the Cadian Gate. Some of these resources were directly used in fortifying Cadia’s Kasrs (defensive bastions).
  • Importance: Its contribution to the war effort was vital in keeping Cadia’s regiments and fleets supplied with the materials needed to maintain its defensive edge.

5. Arcaeon IV (Archeotech Deposit World)

  • Connection: Archeotech fragments recovered from Arcaeon IV are believed to have directly influenced the design of Cadia’s famed Kasr fortresses. Early in the planet’s fortification, Mechanicus explorators used ancient technology from this world to enhance Cadia’s defenses.
  • Importance: The archeotech served as a technological advantage, allowing Cadia to resist Chaos assaults far beyond what standard fortifications could achieve.

4. Lexicania Ultima (Archive World)

  • Connection: The strategic and historical data stored on Lexicania Ultima included detailed records of past Chaos incursions and strategies used to defend the Cadian Gate. These archives were frequently consulted by military planners coordinating Cadia’s defenses.
  • Importance: By preserving critical tactical knowledge, Lexicania Ultima ensured that Cadia could adapt to evolving Chaos strategies and maintain its role as the Imperium’s shield.

3. Helion Primaris (Strategic Fortress World)

  • Connection: Helion Primaris served as a staging ground for Imperial fleets and regiments destined for Cadia. It acted as a strategic launch point for military operations aimed at containing Chaos incursions spilling from the Eye of Terror.
  • Importance: Without Helion Primaris, Cadia would have lacked the reinforcements and coordinated fleet support needed to sustain its role as the Imperium’s first line of defense.

2. Sol Invictus (Core World)

  • Connection: As a core world, Sol Invictus coordinated the administrative and logistical support needed to sustain Cadia’s defenses. Resources, troops, and voidcraft originating from the Segmentum Solar often passed through Sol Invictus before reaching Cadia.
  • Importance: Its proximity to Terra made it a vital hub for ensuring Cadia remained supplied and reinforced during the growing Chaos incursions in the century leading up to the 13th Black Crusade.

1. Luminis Tertia (Unique Stellar Phenomenon World)

  • Connection: Luminis Tertia’s unique energy fields played a significant role in stabilizing warp travel routes leading to Cadia. Adeptus Mechanicus expeditions from the planet conducted research on the Eye of Terror’s effects on the Warp, providing invaluable insights to Cadian defenders.
  • Importance: The world’s contributions to warp research helped Imperial fleets navigate safely through the tumultuous Warp near Cadia, ensuring the system remained a viable supply and reinforcement point.

Summary of Connections to Cadia:

  1. Luminis Tertia: Research on warp stability near Cadia.
  2. Sol Invictus: Administrative and logistical support for Cadia.
  3. Helion Primaris: Staging ground for fleets reinforcing Cadia.
  4. Lexicania Ultima: Tactical and historical data critical to Cadia’s defenses.
  5. Arcaeon IV: Archeotech directly influencing Cadian fortifications.
  6. Solon Tertius: Raw materials for Cadian fortifications and fleets.
  7. Crucis Mortem: Protected supply routes to Cadia.
  8. Sanctus Eterna: Morale and faith reinforcement for Cadian defenders.
  9. Destraxis Prime: Food supplies sustaining hive worlds supporting Cadia.