Gatehaven Sub-Sector

Location of the Gatehaven Sub-Sector within the Saeraphi Sector

The **Gatehaven Sub-Sector**, nestled within the vast expanse of the Saeraphi Sector in Segmentum Pacificus, stands as a sentinel on the very cusp of Segmentum Solar. This strategic location has long made it a vital point of interest for the Imperium, serving as both a gateway and a bulwark against threats seeking to encroach upon the heart of the Emperor's realm. The Sub-Sector is dotted with a collection of settled Imperial worlds, each contributing to the might and prosperity of the Imperium in its own unique way. From the innumerable factories of Merorn's Forge, churning out weapons for the Imperial Guard, to the shrine world of Sanctus Lumina, a beacon of faith for countless pilgrims, Gatehaven is a testament to the diverse and indomitable spirit of mankind. Governed by the ostentatious Lord-Governor Maximilian Lucius Aurelius Vortigern III, the Sub-Sector has seen a period of relative stability and growth, even as the galaxy around it is embroiled in turmoil.

## History

### The Age of the Imperium - Founding of Gatehaven:

In the early days of the Age of the Imperium, as the Emperor's Great Crusade expanded the borders of His realm, the region that would come to be known as Sub-Sector Gatehaven was discovered. The initial Imperial expeditions found a cluster of worlds rich in resources and potential. The first settlers, led by pioneers from the Segmentum Solar, established colonies on these worlds, laying the foundation for what would become a vital Sub-Sector. The name "Gatehaven" was chosen to symbolize its position as a gateway to the heart of the Imperium.

### The Horus Heresy - Gatehaven's Loyalty Tested:

During the dark days of the Horus Heresy, Gatehaven found itself torn between loyalty to the Emperor and the seductive promises of the traitorous Warmaster. While many worlds within the wider Saeraphi Sector fell to chaos and rebellion, the worlds of Gatehaven remained steadfast in their loyalty to the Throne. This unwavering allegiance was not without its cost, as the Sub-Sector faced numerous incursions from traitor legions. However, with the aid of loyalist Space Marine chapters and the indomitable spirit of its citizens, Gatehaven weathered the storm.

### The Age of Apostasy - A Beacon of Faith:

The Age of Apostasy saw the rise of religious fervor throughout the Imperium. Gatehaven, with its proximity to Segmentum Solar and the Holy Terra, became a focal point for pilgrimages and religious gatherings. The shrine world of Sanctus Lumina was established during this period, drawing millions of the faithful from across the galaxy. The Sub-Sector's leadership, recognizing the importance of faith in these tumultuous times, heavily invested in the Ecclesiarchy, further solidifying Gatehaven's reputation as a beacon of the Imperial Creed.

### The Age of Redemption - Rebuilding and Expansion:

Following the tumult of the Age of Apostasy, the Imperium entered a period of rebuilding and redemption. Gatehaven, having established itself as a spiritual hub, now turned its attention to fortifying its borders and expanding its influence. New colonies were founded on previously uncharted worlds, and the Sub-Sector's fleet was bolstered to protect against external threats. Trade routes were established with neighboring sectors, bringing prosperity and growth to Gatehaven.

### Era Indomitus:

As the galaxy plunged into the Time of Ending, Gatehaven faced challenges both from within and without. External threats, from xenos invasions to chaos incursions, tested the Sub-Sector's defenses. Internally, political intrigue and power struggles threatened to destabilize the region. However, under the leadership of the ostentatious Lord-Governor Maximilian Lucius Aurelius Vortigern III, Gatehaven has managed to navigate these challenges, maintaining its position as a vital and prosperous region on the edge of Segmentum Solar.

#### The 4th Tyranic War and the War for Gatehaven:

As the shadow of the 4th Tyranic War loomed large over the galaxy, the once-prosperous Sub-Sector Gatehaven found itself at the epicenter of a cataclysmic conflict known as the "War for Gatehaven." From the west, the insatiable Tyranid swarms of Hive Fleet Leviathan descended upon the Sub-Sector, consuming world after world in their relentless advance. Simultaneously, a newly formed wormhole to the south spewed forth a tide of xenos raiders, eager to plunder and desecrate the Imperium's domains. To make matters worse, the emergence of the Harrowgate Breach, a vast warp tear, became a gateway for the dark forces of Chaos, unleashing legions of heretics and daemons upon Gatehaven's beleaguered worlds. With threats converging from all directions, the defenders of Gatehaven now wage a desperate battle for survival, fighting a war on multiple fronts against overwhelming odds.

## Notable Campaigns

### The Siege of Gatehaven (Horus Heresy)

During the tumultuous days of the Horus Heresy, the Sub-Sector Gatehaven became a focal point for both Loyalist and Traitor forces. The traitor legions, under the command of a dark apostle named Varak the Defiler, sought to seize the strategically vital worlds within the Sub-Sector to establish a forward base for their assault on Terra. The Loyalist forces, led by the valiant Captain Ferronix of the Iron Hands, mounted a desperate defense. The campaign saw fierce void battles, planet sieges, and treacherous betrayals. Ultimately, after a grueling seven-month-long siege, the Loyalists managed to repel the traitors, but at a heavy cost. The Siege of Gatehaven remains a testament to the resilience and determination of the Imperium's defenders.

### Waaagh! Skullsmasha (M37):

In the 37th Millennium, the Sub-Sector Gatehaven faced one of its most formidable threats in the form of Waaagh! Skullsmasha. Led by the gargantuan Warboss Skullsmasha, a horde of Orks descended upon the Sub-Sector, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The worlds of Veritus Prime and Lorn V fell quickly to the green tide, their defenses overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and ferocity of the Orks. The Imperial forces, under the leadership of Lord Commander Valeria Draken, rallied their troops and launched a counter-offensive on the hive world of Ferros. After a series of brutal battles, the Orks were finally driven back, but not before they had razed entire planets and slaughtered millions.

### The Void Specter Incursion (M41):

In the early 41st Millennium, a mysterious Drukhari warband known as the Void Specters emerged from the uncharted regions of space, launching a series of hit-and-run raids on the outer worlds of the Sub-Sector Gatehaven. These elusive adversaries utilized advanced stealth technology, making them a formidable foe for the Imperial Navy. The campaign reached its climax at the Battle of Nebula's Edge, where Admiral Lysander Thorne led a daring ambush against the Void Specter flagship, resulting in a decisive victory for the Imperium. The remnants of the Void Specters retreated into the dark void, but their sudden appearance and subsequent disappearance remain a mystery to this day.

### War for Gatehaven (M42-Present Day)

The War for Gatehaven. Conflict ongoing...