Space Marines - The Planet Belegos

space marines of the 41st millenium

Belegos' time has passed. Once, it was a thriving hive-world, with unparalleled industry and a vibrant, multiethnic culture. Its chief hive colony, Abis, exported refined materials, fuels, and manufactured goods. The spaceports were busy, and from time to time, the Elevator would whine to life, lifting some gigantic triumph of construction from the bowels of the hive's manufacturing levels, up to the heavens on a pulsating beam of light. To see it now, though, is to behold a hive-city in decay. Entire levels have been rendered toxic by exposure to the harsh outer atmosphere. Gigantic machinery, its purpose long forgotten, sits idle and rusting. What remains of an aristocracy huddles near the Spaceport, leaving the rest of the hive to anarchy. From time to time, from the Depths, the places no sane man would go, come echoing peals of maddened laughter.

History

Common knowledge is that Belegos was once a cultural icon, its fashions copied by the wealthy all over the galaxy, its artisans renowned above all.

Now, though, Belegos is essentially forgotten. Most people would be surprised that it is still inhabited.

It's often used by more fiery preachers as an example of the exalted falling from grace. "Beware hubris and pride," they say, "lest the walls of Belegos come tumbling down around you!"

More detailed history is surely available from a Chapter Librarian.

Interest in the planet

The Empire wants the insurrection on Belegos put to an end. Their rationale is cloudy, and it's unclear why the Astral Claws have been sent over more zealous chapters, but perhaps the duty is too lowly for the more respected chapters.

The planet is somewhat near the encroaching Tau Empire, however, and it's well-known among the educated in the Astral Claws that this is a front the Imperium can ill afford to fortify, the bulk of their resources being committed elsewhere. Should the Tau decide to make a push into Imperial territory, Belegos would be important as an early-warning station.

Regardless of the motivation, the directives from above are clear: Keep a low profile, and resolve the situation, so that enemies of the Imperium are not alerted to this weak point.

Geography

Belegos is dominated by its chief hive city, Abis. It was once a magnificent construction, a towering example of gothic grace, all limestone and whitesteel, contrasted against the dank mess of metal that comprises filthier hives such as Necromunda. Now, though, after millenia of disrepair and abandonment, the structure has a thorough wash of decay. Whole sections have caved in, exposed to the toxic atmosphere of Belegos. Only the top levels, by the spaceport, are well-maintained.

Politics

The political situation on Belegos is something of a mystery to the Astral Claws. There's a High Governor who reports to the Sector Administratum, but beyond that, the details are foggy.

Rumors

There are rumors, from captured pirates and itinerant merchants, that those on the lower levels of Belegos have resorted to cannibalism.