Azula II

## History

Once in an age forgotten to all but those who lived through the Great Crusade, the Cardinal World of Azula II was once a planet infested by a mysterious and malign xenos race. When the force of the Legiones Astartes encountered Azula II the forces of the Ultramarines engaged in a grueling war to wipe out the xenos threat. It was said that in the end the Imperial forces could only seal away the worst of this foe deep in the earth. Since then the passing of time has turned the planet into a thriving Cardinal world where billions make treks across the arid wastes between holy cities to pay their respects.

Economically the planet has very little to offer and relies on imported goods to upkeep its populace. Multiple cities of vast construction dot the land built over famed battles from ages past. Perhaps the most noteworthy area is the capital city of Boncou Aux Dauka. Built around the base of the great Mount Imperialos this sprawling megacity is the seat of the Ecclesiarchy.

## Landmarks

Boncou Aux Dauka: An edifice to the splendor and wealth of the Ecclesiarchy, Boncou Aux Dauka is a sprawling megacity home to tens of millions of devout imperial citizens who toil away in manufactorums, basking in the city wide sermons of Cardinal Garros, and embarking on holy journeys. The most noteworthy feature of Boncou is the comb-like layout of its dozens of districts that segregate its peoples. The closer each "comb" is to Mount Imperialos the higher the next ring of districts becomes, the only official ways to move up via massive ramps guarded by local guards who only permit those to move up with sufficient donations of faith or with permissions from those within.

Mount Imperialos: Laying at the heart of Boncou Aux Dauka, this incredible mountain shines with a pure white light during the peak of day and many citizens look towards it as a symbol of the Emperor's favour. In reality deep within the earth of this mountain the remnants of forbidden things from ages past lay dormant, fortified by the main fortress of the Order of the Golden Rose who alone know of the dark secret and their duty to safeguard the Imperium from disaster.

## Ecclesiarchy

The supreme ruler of this world is the holy Cardinal Garros Thaumaturge. Despite his advanced age thanks to easy access to rejuv-treatments he rules over Azula II with absolute authority and in return the pilgrim citizens look to his planetwide sermons and firebrand speeches with fervor matched only by worlds found near Terra herself. Garros wields considerable political sway within the Theros system and many Ecclesiarchy holdings are present on all other planets with representatives numbering in the millions to maintain the faith of the God Emperor. Frateris Militia, Death Cults, and more are utilized by the Cardinal to wage wars of faith throughout the galaxy, although since the opening of the Great Rift he has withdrawn much of his power.

## Sisters of Battle

The Order of the Golden Rose makes their home upon Azula II in considerable force. While some of their Order have bases on each planet in Theros the bulk of their forces dwell at the heart of the capital. Lead by Canoness Leona Lumina she has stood vigil from their fortress of Martyr's Respite along with the Palatine Grace Convicta. The foremost defenders of Azula II the Order has been the essential tip of the spear upon which Wars of Faith are made victorious. While the fearless fury of the faithful are a force that cannot be denied, without the organized military power of the Sororitas the victory of heretic and xenos alike would be assured. Their armour is painted crimson with golden trim, draped in white capes and tabards made of the finest materials complementing the often literal glow each sister emits in the throes of combat, and mark their eyes with eyeshadow running vertical above and below the eyelids. The Sisters of the Golden Rose specialize in defensive formations unleashing a hail of withering firepower to cover their Imperial Cult allies, and their presence across the sector inspires and emboldens the common man to give his life in service to the master of mankind.