Aurum (Planet) - History: Aurum derives its name from the golden glow that suffuses its atmosphere. If it contained so mundane a resource as actual gold ore, it would be of interest only to reckless Rogue Traders willing to risk the untamed Jericho Reach to exploit it.However, Aurum is rich in a far rarer and more immediately useful resource than metal. The unique amber colour suffusing the sky and tinting the planet originates from its rare Decavane Crystals. Decavane Crystals can hold an exponentially larger power charge than standard crystal batteries, making them highly valued for the manufacture of alternate Imperial weapon patterns and other military equipment.The relationship between the crystals and Aurum's environment, if any, is unclear, but it is obvious the planet is exceptionally resource-rich and fertile. Nearly every form of flora prospers when introduced to the rich soil, and herd animals mature quickly and free of illness.Even the native Human population has grown strong and able on this unusually healthy planet, although the native predators are equally flourishing and the Aurans must strive constantly to perfect their martial skills to keep pace with them.Some have theorised that the Decavane crystals emit a subtle, beneficial energy field, while others propose that they are the effect and not the cause of some undiscovered property of the planet. Until the natives allow the Adeptus Mechanicus to perform detailed research, Imperial scholars can only conjecture.For their part, the Aurans attribute their planet's benevolence to the "Soul of Aurum," a male personification of the planet's will. This "Soul" actually has striking similarities to the story of the God-Emperor -- from His creation of 20 sons and their armies to a betrayal by His most beloved child.Their religious parables likewise show roots in the Imperial Creed. The original date of Human habitation can only be guessed at, but the Low Gothic dialect and various cultural artefacts present on Aurum clearly indicate an Imperial history.Since 783.M41, the Imperium has had a presence in Haistand, which passes for Aurum's capital city. Small groups of diplomats and missionaries have resolutely persisted in their efforts to forge a lasting alliance with the natives.Both the previous and current Caele allowed Imperials to land, but not to venture beyond Haistand. Over the last few standard years, the missionaries have observed an unusual number of disappearances; these events are doubly suspicious because the populace, and the Caele in particular, meet inquiries with stony silence.The situation came to a head when Sister Rachayel, a Sister Hospitaller accompanying the Ecclesiarchy, was found dead. As Diaz Lan, the crusade's liaison to the Ecclesiarchy put it:"Her body was found in the mission, with her own dagger through her chest. The locals were eager to call it a suicide due to a weak spirit. She may not have been a Sister of Battle, but no loyal member of her order would throw away her life."Indeed, reports made by Inquisitor Adrielle Quist to Lord General Castus Iacton have documented a series of such deaths among Imperial diplomats to Aurum.Inquisitor Quist would end her report as follows:"This world is critical to the crusade. If these primitives only respect strength, we will send them the Deathwatch. One way or the other, Aurum will be brought into Compliance."