State of the Sector 2024-03-26

Military

With the most recent attacks by the Arkangel fleet the Military situation in the sector has been thrown from a long entrenched cold war to the beginnings of a very hot one. The Drukhari who have held a position of some superiority over the other factions have been dealt a crippling blow. Being struck so aggressively while also being so over extended caused the drukhair to suffer significant casualties and, more importantly, to lose a great deal of the wealth they were in the process of extracting. The drukhari have withdrawn their forces entirely from Arbour Space and have by and large withdrawn to Camorragh to lick their wounds.

The same cannot be said for the Knights Encarmine. After their recent defeat they have moved much of their known fleet into the Svartalf system, an obvious show of force. Iron Councilor Gaius Heartsbane has returned to Svartalf and has begun making himself very conspicuous. He has announced gladiatorial games, circuses and free bread for the people of Svartalf for a new upcoming festival; The Vermilion Feast. Two of his frigate ships, Frenzy in Scarlet and Glorious Demise are conspicuously absent.

The ork raider fleet has been destroyed and the attacking Geenskins sent into a full retreat. There is still a thriving Ork base not far from Arkangel space so it is clear that they will return before long.

On the subject of Greenskins, rumours are spreading back to Arkangel via Svartalf of huge Void battles taking place between the T’au Empire and Orks somewhere in the north western areas of the Sector. This has raised more than a few eyebrows as the T’au are known to be historically non-aggressive in this Sector. Rumours of surprise attacks on Ork Strongholds and with supposed planetary invasion imminent the powers that be within this sector are re-evaluating their stance on the T’au.

The three human Star Empires are set upon a precipice of imminent War. The Arbour of the Righteous have suffered greatly at the hands of the Drukhari, but the losses they have suffered have seemed to only energise this Militaristic Empire. Every planet in this Empire has moved to a state of total war in preparation for what they see as the inevitable. The Blessed Multitude Trade Federation are similarly in the Process of moving their economic might into production of materiel. All of the candidates in their upcoming Presidential Elections see War as unavoidable, the only difference being their candidates outlook on who the true enemy is. While it is clear they will be well equipped, how much of a stomach for a full scale War their population has is anyone's guess. The Most Holy Order of the Everlasting Font sees an attack from either or both of the neighbours as inevitable so have called up their military orders to defend their borders. T’au warships have been reported as patrolling their space however those reports are unconfirmed at this time.

Svartalf, for all the chaos around them remains as they always have. Neutral territory.

Economic

The Arkangel economy is rolling. With recent victories over Drukhari, Ork and Chaos fleets, confidence of Imperial investors in the Arkangel market has gone through the roof with resources and lines of credit flooding through the maw. With the construction of an Imperium backed bank however Arkangel is now officially an economic player in the Sector. The Arkangel Mark is now a widely accepted currency on Svartalf, shares for projects run by the The Icarus Promethium, Petrochemical and Mining Corporation are now being traded in the BMTF grand stock exchange. This along with infrastructure improvements made after the founding of a Great Cathedral and Grand Forge, dynasties will have greater yields on their economic endeavours and will have greater access to large scale purchase options. Whether this boom brings the Arkangel feet into conflict or alliance with the mighty economic power of the BMTF remains to be seen.

Diplomatic

All three of the human Star empires in this sector appear to have seen which direction the diplomatic wind is blowing.

The Arbour of the Righteous leader his Majesty King Agravain du Morholt is overjoyed at the Arkangel fleet's assistance in fighting off the Drukhari. He has Knighted a number of individuals involved in the liberation of his people and has instructed his Court Troubadours to compose songs, poems and other great artworks in commemoration of the great deeds of the Arkangel fleet as a whole. While no written offer of an alliance has been made, such things are difficult to establish without proper diplomatic channels, it is clear that they seek an alliance.

The BMTF have had a recent turn around on the Arkangel fleet. Arkangels perceived friendliness with The Arbour and little common diplomatic ground have kept relationships with the BMTF cool but recent reports stated that opinions may be changing in the Trade Federation. Their President and Chief Executive Officer Onan Steward was recently quoted on their premier media channel, “The Economic Epoch” as saying “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Arkangel, what they’ve done in such a short period of time is truly remarkable. Their Victoria and Alexander Dynasties in particular, are tough negotiators.” Trade concerns across Arkangel report preferential rates and increased lending options. While no formal diplomatic offers have been made it is clear they are looking to cut some sort of deal.

The Most Holy Order of the Everlasting Font remain the most aloof of the three Star Empires. Her holiness, handmaiden of the faith, Successor to the Prince of the Earth, Primate of Aqua Aeternus, Vessel of the light of Sol, Servant of the Servants of the Star Father, Hestia Lucretia Julii is said to be well disposed toward the Arkangel fleet but holds deep concerns as to the future of her people with the growing shadow of war looming. It is believed by Arkangels diplomatic corps that this cool position is due to the interference of the T’au. The T’au Federation have been throwing a great deal of their political and military resources at converting the Font. An exceptionally high ranking T’au Water Caste is reported to have visited the Fonts Capital Aqua Aeternus on several occasions. It is believed that such a high ranking diplomat would only appear in person if the T’au Federation were about to make a formal offer.

The Iron Council is in a state of great upheaval. With the recent murder of the Arbour Representative, and mounting tensions and rioting taking place on the Station, the Political Landscape is in a state of flux. Iron Councilor Gaius Heartsbane has been scrabbling to regain his lost political footing. He has openly stated his intentions to personally Murder Lord Captain Romeles Blair, Lord Captain Ambrose Tollman and Lady Captain Severina Von den Totten.

Maugur Khir has remained more politic on his recent losses in materiel, wealth and prestige but it is clear he will not take this lying down.

Rumours

Saint fever has gripped Arkangel station with constant reports of supposed miracles during the recent Sangunalia festival. The identity of the Saint is unknown with various notable individuals within the Archangel fleet developing their own small cult followings.

Rumours of the Saint have reached Port Svartalf, this has supposedly led to a large scale riot taking place on Svartalf Station main concourse.

The Cult of Mars continued debate on the status of the supposed “Digital angel” continues. Large factions have spring up claiming that his Machine spirit is an Abominable Intelligence and so, must be destroyed. Conversely a similarly sized group claim that it is a Machine spirit wrought by the hand of the Ominsiah himself. Magos Karchev as such has become a deeply polarising figure on Arkangel.

Curious reports of Briggs LePitch have come back from around Arkangel station. His Colours have been hung in various places around Arkangel station, no one knows who has flown them or how they came to be placed there. Recruitment posters have been found calling on stalwart void hands to join his crew. Interestingly one clause he states “If ye be in fear of thy life and believe ‘tis thy end, call to me! I shall see ye through the sea of souls back to Terra in return for one hundred solar years of service as my crew.”

Some have reported hearing his voice echoing through the halls and corridors of the station proclaiming:
“When once again I walk with mortal feet,
Thine foes shall fear the colours of my fleet.
When once again I have lungs to draw breath,
Mine allies enemies shall know only death.”