Ishtar Subsector

Departmento Cartographicae suspected location of the Ishtar Subsector.

The **Ishtar Sub-Sector** is a region of space within the a Sector of the Ultima Segmentum. It neighbors the T’au Empire to the Southwest, the Necron Sautekh Dynasty to the West, and the Eastern Fringes to the Northeast. The Ishtar Sub-sector is a notable economic and military power within the Sector and has been riven by conflict since the opening of the Great Rift. With the Turn of the Millennium this subsector has become isolated and set upon by all manner of horrors and madness, standing as a light in the dark.

## Subsector History

The Ishtar Sub-Sector is a region of space located within the Sector, bordering the T’au Empire and the Sautekh Necron Dynasty. Ishtar is an ancient yet largely wild and untamed part of Imperial Space, filled with mystery and a myriad collection of threats. In M35, during the Nova Terra Interregnum the Imperium was riven by civil war, at its height the Moirae Schism split the Mechanicus in twain, adding fuel to the inferno.

Soon the Damuterr System was colonized and rendered compliant; with Incendius Lux overseeing the creation of Mjorn, a Forge World built upon a moon orbiting a Gas Giant rich in extractable resources named Blüde Seod in the native tongue, it shared its orbit with the moon designated Lunar Sangua, that would eventually become home to a shrouded Navigator House that would prove crucial to further exploration out into the Eastern Fringe. A Penal World that had been lost in the anarchy of the Horus Heresy was found, and swiftly reclaimed for use by the Imperium, serving as a conduit for criminals throughout the Sector and providing a steady stream of Penal Legions and fodder for Skitarii and Servitors. The ancient hives that eked out a harsh living on the acid-rain soaked planet of Aigéad Fuil was brought into the Imperial Fold, and would soon be gifted to the Bloodmoon Hunters Chapter for overseeing the warp routes further into the Ishtar Fringes that would become known as the Sanguis Portus, or the "Blood Gate".

As the next millennia turned Incendius Lex was assailed by the Mechanicus purging any remnants of Moirae followers, and by the Ordos Xenos purges of the Xenarites. By the time of M37 a now established and independent Mjorn were again ready to send a new wave of Explorator missions into the fringes. The fleets of Mjorn soon discovered an ancient Knight World named Tarakon, whose ruling House Fásacha had long served as the protector of the bleak planets that existed on the other side of the Sanguis Portus. Mjorn quickly struck an alliance with the House, and the Departmento Munitorum took advantage of the fact that hardened soldiers were drawn to Tarakon by House Fáscaha from across the fringes, and quickly established training academies and Schola Progenium facilities on Versliaus, Tarakon’s moon.

For the next four millennia various Frontier Worlds were colonized in the face of sadistic Drukhari Raiders and insane Chaos Cults. The whole Sub-Sector would additionally be forced to remain in a constant defensive posture against Ork invasions from the west, in what would eventually become the Charadon Ork Empire. As M41 dawned new great conflicts would see the military forces of the Ishtar Sub-Sector would be deployed such as the Macharius Crusades in Segmentum Pacificus and the terrible new threat that would be referred to as the Tyrannic Wars, the expansion of the nascent T’au Empire, and the emergence of the Necron Dynasties.

The Ishtar Sub-Sector was mercifully largely saved from the brunt of Hive Fleets Behemoth and Kraken and were able to devote forces to aid in their destruction, however the appearance of Genestealer Cults would soon emerge as a lasting threat. The Emergence of the Great Sautekh Dynasty would prove to much dire threat however, as its Necron Legions marched a war of expansion practically next door to the Sub-Sector, although fortunately it would largely be occupied with and act as a insulator against the Charadon Ork Empire. The T’au as well, in their expansions would frequently cause conflict as expeditions into T’au space occurred alongside T’au infiltration efforts into the Sub-Sector. These Shadow Wars would culminate in the Damocles Crusade, in which the forces of Ishtar devoted significant men and material. Although called off with the emergence of the Tyranids towards the close of M41 the conflict would be reignited in what would become known as Warzone Damocles. Amidst these conflicts the Fortress World of Cadia feel to Abaddon the Despoilers 13th Black Crusade, an event which resulted in the Galaxy split by the Great Rift and embroiled in Warp Storms.

As the Great Rift saw the Galaxy driven into madness the Ishtar Sub-Sector saw themselves besieged on all fronts. An increase in Chaos Cult activity resulted from the waxing power of the Von Grothe’s Rapidity, Hadex Anomaly Warp Storm, and Cyclonus Nihlus warp storms, Genestealer Cults began to rise up as tendrils of Hive Fleet Kronos snaked through the Sub-Sector searching for Chaos to destroy, which eventually resulted in the Battle of Contrition which saw the Penal World exterminatus after its massive Genestealer infestation proved too difficult to eradicate.

To make matters worse, as a part of the 5th Sphere Expansion the T’au Ci’haan Sept has renewed their efforts in the Ishtar Sub-Sector, infiltrating planets and attacking Mechanicus holdings in a series of reprisals. Never in its long history has the Ishtar Sub-Sector been so besieged, and day after day new heroes are created in its desperate defense.

The Noctis Aeterna begins to lift in 18+ ICM.M42 to the point that travel becomes possible between the systems of the Ishtar Sub-sector. Conflict increases as the forces of Ishtar race to reinforce the most vital war zones, and the Administratum struggles to reassert control. Regiments from across the Sub-Sector flood into the Ishtar Fringes to reinforce the desperate Frontier Worlds, some measure of stabilization is secured but the Harlequin of the Frozen Stars unleash devastating counter attacks that see magical laughter sow fear across the fringes in raids that see an entire Baronial Court of House Fásacha and almost an entire class of Scholastic’s Progenium students slain.

## Subsector Politics

The Lord Governor that is the latest in the line of the family who rules the Subsector from the planet of Ishtar, however he travels often to the various major planets like Cogger where he maintains multiple Governor palaces. However he does not rule in a vacuum especially since most Nobility of Ishtar are venal people who care little beyond their estates even though rulership of various enterprises are granted to them by rights of inheritance and the Adminstratum. The Cult Mechanicus factions on the planet Mjorn has long since sunk their teeth into most parts of Subsector and have several seats on the Subsector advisory council.

In the grand scheme of the Cult Mechanicus, Mjorn is considered a minor player as it's main exports are civil engineering equipment especially vox networks and vox scramblers. But it's influence in the sector is large thanks to close ties to the premier Astra Militarum formations of the Lunar Venatorii and the Knight World of Tarakon, also it oversees the Mining Clans of Blüde Seod as part of it's power base.

Early in Cogger's founding many Noble houses made deals with the Tech-priests of Mjorn. These deals greatly influence these families to this day. Further, Cogger is heavily influenced by the fact it is the premier manufacturer of Autocannons and Autocannon derivatives in the subsector. Also the Ishtarian Fringe world of Tarakon, an ancient Knight World of the Questoris Familia whose ruling House Fásacha had long served as the protector of the bleak planets that existed on the other side of the Sanguis Portus, has come into major influence of the subsector politics generally on the side of Mjorn.

Between providing expertise across the frontier and it's specialized production of certain kinds of equipment and Research has made the Minor Forge World more powerful than its size and production grade would suggest. Mjorn's power was vast enough to have direct control of a portion of the Schola Moon of Verliaus and place a major naval production facility next to the naval training grounds in the skies above. This allows Mjorn to apply influence to have local Mechnaicus representatives loyal to them rival the Adminstratum in areas.

A large amount of knowledge, resources, and artifacts has been harvested from the frontier worlds in the areas surrounding Ishtar Subsector as Mjorn has produced many an Explorator Fleet to recover artifacts and bring back to Mjorn where it gets brought to the deep underground research Vaults. Mjorn beliefs and focus has resulted in many expeditions and conflicts with the T’au, Pirates, and Necrons.

The Tarakonian Missionary Palladius Cullen eventually rose to the rank of Cardinal in the order of Cardinal Astral as the only candidate that every faction in the Ishtar Subsector could agree on to some degree. Being mainly outside the various power struggles of his peers he endeared fewer enemies than others as he was driven by ideals more than ambition. His very stance of being Apolitical placed him in a category all his own. His election to the post of Cardinal came at a time where faith became all the more important. The great rift open early in his office, it was his guidance and peacemaking that kept the various factions of Ishtar strong against the coming darkness and the wars that would consume the subsector.

The importance of the Imperial Cult in the subsector could not be understated due to the need for faith on the frontier and the much needed relief the Missionaries bring to these far flung and oft forgotten planets. This has placed the Cardinal of the Subsector as an great figure on the advisory council along with his allies that he finds from the rest of the Imperium. His philosophy that matches more of the Imperium that most of this dark subsector despite his kind and forgiving way he executes his policies.

The rest of the Advisory council that makes up the humans who rule the Subsector are a collection of Rogue Trader representatives, Astra Militarum Generals, Noble House Representatives, and always the ever looming Inquisition is always invited.

## Subsector Culture

he subsector is home to a hierarchy of nobles who rule over its various planets. These nobles are the highest strata of society and are often focused on their own estates and privileges. The subsector's pleasure world, Ishtar, serves as a haven for these nobles, providing a place of leisure and comfort amidst the harsh realities of the universe. The Adeptus Mechanicus, the technocratic and religious faction of the Imperium, exerts a significant influence in the subsector. Mjorn, the Forge Moon, is a center of Mechanicus activity and production. It's known for manufacturing experimental Skitarii patterns and advanced armaments, stressing its capabilities.

The Ishtar Sub-Sector is marked by cultural diversity due to the presence of different planets, each with its unique characteristics. The subsector has a mix of high society on Ishtar, industrial society on Cogger, and martial traditions on Tarakon, among others. The Imperial Cult is of significant importance in the subsector, especially on the frontier planets. Missionaries play a crucial role in bringing faith to the far-flung worlds of the subsector. The Cardinal of the Subsector holds substantial influence. The Imperial Guard, represented by various regiments such as the Ishtar Rangers and the Cogger Hive Guard, is deeply integrated into the culture of the subsector. These regiments serve as the primary military forces for defense against external threats.

## Subsector Military Forces

The subsector is protected primarily by a combination of the Bloodmoon Hunters chapter, the Imperial Navy Battlefleet Ishtar, and the various Imperial Guard Regimentos. To an extent, the House Fásacha and the Skitarii of Mjorn - though the latter heavily prefer not to send off the vast majority of their military forces anywhere unless as part of an Explorator Fleet. Mjorn is the primary production world for the subsector's various military forces, maintaining an some minor orbital forges for basic supplies to keep the Bloodmoon Hunters well-stocked with small arms, ammunition, and spare parts, etc. Knight World Tarakon maintains and helps administrate the subsector Imperial Naval drydocks and production facility outside the sub-sector in the fringes of the subsector proper.

Ishtarian Astra Militarum Regimentos:

* Arali Siege Sappers
* Cogger Hive Guard
* Dumizid Felinid Hellcats
* Inanis Thrashers
* Ishtar Rangers
* Lunar Venatorii Cavalry Regiments
* Sanguinum Sentinels
* Suaineach Stitchers

## **Notable** **Inhabited Systems**

### **Ishtar System**

#### Ishtar

##### Subsector Capitol/Agri World (α-class)

The Subsector Capitol and pleasure World for the nobles that are the highest strata of society for the subsector. A habitable world has a Taiga topography. Several species of tree were introduced to the planet by human terraformers thousands years ago. Since then, the trees have virtually taken over the entire planet. The Ishtar Rangers Light Infantry that make up the Militarum Regimentum of the Capitol are pulled from legitimate hunter/anti-poacher forces patrolling giant noble forest estates.

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### **Cogger System**

#### Cogger

##### Hive World (η-class)

A heavily Adeptus Mechanicus influenced world, the upper castes make trips to Mjorn as a religious pilgrimage. The primary Hive world of the subsector and the greatest concentration of humanity in the subsector. The Cogger Hive Guard Mechanized Infantry is the Militarum Regimentum of the Astra Militarum that fights in defense of the strategically-located Imperial Hive World of Cogger and its surrounding star systems. This planet blighted and poisoned by millennia of heavy industrial output, though is also a major manufacturing centre of Autocannons.

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### **Damuterr System**

#### Aigéad Fuil

##### Death World (δτ-class)/Adeptus Astartes Homeworld/Hive World (η-class)

On Aigéad Fuil, a single settlement, protected by void shields exists on this world, has a burgeoning society of techno-barbaric gangs. They are allowed to commit their gang warfare in the trade city as long as they don't attack off-worlders and give a tithe to the Astartes overlords. The Techno-Barbarians use armored vehicles, and scavenge from failed recon teams and aircraft from the wastelands due to the acidic atmosphere. But the risks of these expeditions and the rapidly degrading hulls of the vehicles cause inter-gang warfare, as gangs fight for loot and intact hulls for their own craft. The hardened youth, with an experience of armored warfare and technological expertise are perfect candidates for the Astartes.

#### Mjorn

##### Forge Moon (Φ-class)/Death World (δτ-class)

Established by a Xenarite expedition from Incendius Lux. This young Forge Moon has relatively little build up for major manufacturing. The production of experimental Skitarii patterns and armaments for the Frontier Regiments stress the abilities of the Forge Moon. Unknown to the greater universe however, the Forge Moon holds a dark secret of research into passages through the warp. Exposure to Xeno races has left this moon as a fringe world. Various Explorator Fleets stop by for additional troops and supplies. Center of knowledge before reaching the Ishtar Fringes.

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### **Ishtar Fringes**

#### Tarakon

##### Knight World/Medieval Worlds (μ-class)/Fortress Worlds (ρ-class)

One end of the Sanguis Portus Corridor, Tarakon and it's moon serves as a bulwark between the settled Imperial Worlds and the Xeno infested Frontier Worlds. Home of the fearsome Wyrms and the Gallant House Fásacha, it has become known for some of the fiercest warriors of the sector. Among the deserts and swamps of Tarakon large reptilian beasts known as Wyrms form the backbone of a ecosystem. Only the bravest venture near unless they are among the warriors of the Knight House.

#### Verliaus

##### Schola Training Moon

Lunar Venatorii Cavalry Regiments and their Wyrm Riders are the best the Astra Militarum of Ishtar has to offer, they form part of the break water defense needed to continue Imperial interests. On the training moon of Verliaus, the academies of war train the best and brightest of the Fringe if not the sector. No finer Cavalry are found within the sector. Heavily fortified with every terrain available for training, the programs of Verliaus know no bounds.

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## Major Voidstations and Exoplanetary Facilities

### **Imperial Navy Subsector Battlefleet Redoubt, *Tarakon Station***

Planetary Defense Array Nexus/Dry Docks/Explorator Waystation