Bernadotte

**Bernadotte** is an imperial world located in the Segmentum Obscurus. Following the Fall of Cadia, it was designated as a Fortress World and is now forced to fend off numerous attacks from Traitor forces and Necron invasions. Despite this constant threat, the world has become renowned for its Scholae, which includes a prominent Schola Progenium and several smaller Schola dedicated to the education of officers.

Due to the focus on officer training, Bernadotte has gained a reputation as an "officers world." The Schola on Bernadotte are highly regarded throughout the Imperium, producing some of the finest Imperial officers for the Militarum and Navy who are well-equipped to lead and protect the Imperium against the myriad of threats it faces.

Beyond its Schola, Bernadotte is home to a large population, including the Astra Militarum Regiments who defend the planet, and the civilians who support them. The world is governed by a planetary Governor, elected by the local military nobility with near absolute powers over their system. Despite the ongoing conflict, Bernadotte remains a vital stronghold for the Imperium in the Segmentum Obscurus.

## Early History

Bernadotte was colonized during the Dark Age of Technology, however records of the colonies early years remain lost. Due to its proximity to the eye of terror beats and mutants began to prey on the remnants of human civilisation on Bernadotte. The planet was eventually liberated by the Word Bearers legion and brought into the Imperium, where it was developed into a model world. During the Great Crusade, Bernadotte thrived and became an important hub for Imperial trade and culture.

### Horus Heresy

However, during the Horus Heresy, Bernadotte fell to the the Word Bearers. The inhabitants of Bernadotte were shocked to learn that their trusted rulers had been corrupted and turned against the Emperor and were now in league with traitors. Some fought against the goverment and paid with their lives, but ultimately the planet was taken over by the traitor forces and would send as many forces as it could muster to aid the traitor cause.

For years, the people of Bernadotte suffered under the oppressive rule of the Word Bearers. The inhabitants of Bernadotte lived in fear and terror, the corruption ran deep leading to a permanent reign of blood and terror inflicted upon the worlds citizens.

It was only during the Scouring, after the end of the Horus Heresy, that Bernadotte was finally liberated from the grip of the traitors. Imperial forces led by the Ultramarines and their Primarch, Roboute Guilliman, fought a fierce battle to reclaim the planet. The inhabitants of Bernadotte were mostly purged, most too corrupted to continue living. Colonists from Ultramar would take their place and even rename the world to its modern name.

### Reconstruction

After the liberation, Bernadotte slowly began to rebuild itself, determined to become a bastion of Imperial loyalty and strength. The planet contributed heavily to the Cadian Gate, building shipyards and manufactorums to support the Imperial forces' needs. The education system on Bernadotte proved to be a valuable asset as vast Schola complexes were established in orbit and on the ground for the training of officers. Initially, these facilities were only for the local forces, but over time they grew in scale and became the center of military theory, learning, and training in the Segmentum. While Cadians may be known for their prowess on the battlefield, the generals and planners from Bernadotte are the primary organizers behind the defense of the Segmentum. The Schola progenium on Bernadotte remains one of the most respected institutions of its kind, producing officers who are second to none.

## Black crusades

### First-Seventh Black crusade

Between the First and Seventh Black Crusade, the historical record regarding Bernadotte's involvement in these conflicts is sparse. However, scholars from the venerable House Tremblay have managed to gather some information that indicates Bernadotte forces may have taken part in the first and fourth crusades, albeit in a limited capacity. It's important to note that it took time for Bernadotte to establish its reputation as a formidable military center. While we do have some documentation and references to the movements of regiments from Bernadotte during this time period, much of the history from this era remains a mystery.

Despite the lack of concrete information, it's widely believed that Bernadotte played a role in the early Black Crusades. This was likely due to the planet's strategic location, which made it a crucial supply and staging ground for Imperial forces in the sector. As the planet's military power grew, so too did its influence and status within the Imperium. The Bernadotte system became a hub for recruitment and training of Imperial Guard regiments, and more crucially the first documentation indicate that many of the the sector's most famous commanders and generals had hailed from Bernadotte.

### Eight Black Crusade

The Eighth Black Crusade marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Bernadotte system, as it was the first recorded instance of a Ring noble house turning against the system. The conflict was sparked by a group of rebels, rumored to have received aid from the Word Bearers,. The ensuing civil war was a bloody and prolonged affair, and it threatened to tear the system apart.

Fortunately, the timely intervention of the Raptors Chapter, proved decisive in turning the tide of the conflict in favor of the loyalist forces. Without their intervention, the fate of Bernadotte would have undoubtedly been sealed. In the aftermath of the conflict, the system underwent a massive military build-up, as the ruling nobility sought to ensure that they would be prepared for any future threats.

As part of this build-up, the number of troops sent to the Astra Militarum was increased fivefold, with the system's military forces becoming one of the largest and most formidable in the sector. In addition, large orbital defenses were commissioned and began construction, ensuring that any hostile forces would face a formidable barrier before reaching the surface of the planet.

Despite the efforts to strengthen the system's defenses, the events of the Eighth Black Crusade made a black mark on the history of Bernadotte, that those who swore to uphold the Emperors justice would turn against him a profound impact on the people of Bernadotte. Anti-Lott senitments grew as riots dominated this period of Bernadotteian history, and the centuries-old social order of the system was shaken to its core never truely to recover.

### Ninth to Twelth crusades

The Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Crusades, while not directly impacting Bernadotte, left an indelible mark on the world. During this period, there was a noticeable shift in the balance of power within the Segmentum command. Bernadotte-born or trained individuals began to dominate the ranks of leadership, due to the world's reputation as a center of military excellence. This gave the Bernadotte system a prominent role in shaping the strategic direction of the Imperium's efforts in those campaigns.

The Ninth Crusade saw the rise of several notable Bernadotte commanders, such as General Henri Tremblay, who distinguished himself in several key battles. His success on the battlefield, coupled with his strategic acumen, earned him widespread respect within the Imperium's military establishment. Many other Bernadotte-born officers followed in his footsteps, rising to positions of prominence within the Segmentum command.

The Tenth Crusade saw the continuation of this trend, with Bernadotte's military reputation continuing to grow. The world's regiments were in high demand, and Bernadotte-born commanders were frequently sought out for their expertise. This period saw the emergence of a distinct Bernadotte "style" of warfare, characterized by a relentless focus on training and discipline, combined with a willingness to adapt to new tactics and technologies.

By the time of the Eleventh Crusade, the Bernadotte system had firmly established itself as a key player within the Segmentum command. Bernadotte-born officers and soldiers were highly respected for their martial prowess, and their reputation for producing elite soldiers was well-deserved. The lessons learned from centuries of warfare were incorporated into Imperial doctrine, and Bernadotte's military traditions and strategies became a cornerstone of Imperial warfare.

The Gothic War, in which Bernadotte played no active role, nevertheless had a profound impact on the world. Its military theories and strategies heavily influenced the development of Bernadotte's military doctrine, and many of its officers studied the war extensively. This knowledge was incorporated into Bernadotte's training programs, which helped establish it as a center of military excellence in the Imperium.

## Political structure

### The Lotts

Within the society of Bernadotte there are several Castws, locally called Lotts that govern the rights and responsebilities of its citizens. However there are some who are exempt from this structure, such as mechanicus and high-ranking offwordlers.

**Commoners' Lot**: One can be born among the commoners, which means having few substantial rights, and the only paths to social advancement are through a career in the military, as a merchant, or through civic excellence. Although this is the most common lot, most try to escape it because the duties of the commoner are to be humble, work diligently, and obey their betters. They may not use any weapons at all and are often unable to move from their home area without approval. However, it is possible to enter another lot.

**Priests' Lot**: Bernadotte is not a distant world, and the Ecclesiarchy present is very conventional. If you are able to pay to enter the seminary, you have a chance to join the local branch of the Adeptus Ministorum and escape your previous lot. Your duties are to preach and be pious. Ministorum officials with worldly duties are looked down upon.

**Noble Lot**: One might expect the officers' lot to be separate from the noble lot, but on Bernadotte, they are one and the same. The duty of the nobility is to lead, and as it is the most prestigious lot, many attempt to reach it. As such, there are several categories within the noble lot.

**Nobles of the Ring**: The old nobility, they inherits their position from their parents. While prestigious, they are commonly viewed as inbred and incompetent. They mostly serve as civilian leaders of Bernadotte during peacetime, and usually, the governor is from one of these families. It is not a large group, as both parents need to be of the Ring to qualify. Upon reaching the age of majority, each member is presented with a ring bearing the sigil of their house, representing their station.

**Nobles of the Blade**: These are nobles of the staff who have proven themselves worthy of nobility for five generations. Nobles of the Blade are also hereditary, and it is the mission of most nobles of the staff to reach this station. One cannot reach the highest offices and powers without their house being nobility of the Blade.

**Nobles of the Staff**: Granted for excellent conduct, nobles of the staff can be divided into two categories. Officers who earn commendation are given the anointment of the staff, which means they earn the right, privileges, and duties of the noble station. This usually coincides with becoming a commissioned officer and is most commonly granted by the schola to its graduates. As without being a noble, one may not give orders to others.

The other category is that of judges, administrators, and other white-collar posts. After years of service, they are granted this singular honor. While most officers are made nobles of the staff upon becoming a lieutenant, most civic nobles of the staff need to work dutifully for decades. It is not hereditary and as such, only applies to one person, not their family. Nobles of the staff are the workhorses of Bernadotte, and nothing would work without them.

**Lott of the Merchant**: They have the right to travel and trade freely. It's quite a simple affair; you can apply, and if you drive a successful enterprise, your children may also attain this lott upon birth. As the world of business is competitive and ever-changing, there are not many ranks. Two merchants may have the same societal rank, but one may own voidships while the other has sold water for generations.

**Lott of the Soldier**: Anyone who signs up for the Astra Militarum as a private is given this lott, although this is nearly always those of the commoners lott. It comes with a series of privileges. You may bear arms, and it is very possible to be made a noble of the Staff if you prove that you have leadership capabilities. It exempts most from taxation, unless they become very wealthy, and of course, it is the second most respected lott, only after the Nobility. This lott, however, cannot be inherited, and it's not guaranteed that you'll return.

### Planetary Governorship

To become the Planetary Governor-Marshall, one must be either a noble of the Blade or of the Ring and have served within the Astra Militarum for 30 years with distinction. Once meeting these requirements, they may present themselves before the Assembly of the Blessed Lotts and declare their candidacy. However, the nomination process is largely controlled by the nobility, who select the leader from among themselves. The other Lotts have limited power to veto candidates, and powerful members of influential Lotts can block certain candidates. It can take years before a candidate is crowned Governor-Marshall, with many retired generals often taking up the post, few are trusted with the supreme power, vested in the office.

#### Current Governor-Marshall, General Jean-Pierre Deschamps

The crown is currently held by Governor-Marshall, General Jean-Pierre Deschamps of House Deschamps, a noble of the ring. House Deschamps is an old and proud noble family of the ring that has served the Bernadotte system for centuries. The family has a long tradition of military service and many of its members have distinguished themselves on the battlefield. Despite their military reputation, the Deschamps are also known for their love of the arts and culture. Many members of the family are accomplished musicians, painters, and poets. The current Governor-Marshall, General Jean-Pierre Deschamps, is an accomplished composer and frequently hosts concerts and other cultural events at the governor's palace.

Jean-Pierre was born into a long line of nobles of the ring, and his family has a proud tradition of serving in the Astra Militarum. Henri followed in his family's footsteps and joined the military at a young age. He rose through the ranks quickly, earning a reputation as a skilled and effective commander. He eventually retired from active duty and turned to politics, where he continued to serve his world as a governor and eventually as the Governor-Marshall. Despite his old age, he still maintains a sharp mind and a strong will, and he remains a force to be reckoned with in the political arena.