State of the Sector 2023-11-03

Military

This has been a challenging time for the Arkangel fleet. Almost all Military objectives were unsuccessful. The attack on the Ork Pirate based in the asteroid fields of the demilitarised zone failed to destroy the ork base.

Their defences were stronger than previously expected largely due to the reinforcements sent by Cheevus Flashgob. With no prior reconnaissance or any ships to Muster support the battle was purely down to the luck and skill of the attacking ship. Though they put in a valiant effort the Ork Base is damaged but operational.

The Orks sent two raider fleets to attack Arkangel space. One fleet was destroyed the other was damaged but managed to pass the blockade and raid Arkangel Space. This has caused quite a stir among the systems that fall under Arkangels protection. As a result the damage is minor and were it not for the valiant efforts of the Rogue Trader ships it could have been so much worse.

Only things are worse, a Chaos fleet headed by Giaus Heartsbane has put the planet of Patroclus’ Rest to the torch. Any hopes of turning it into a shrine world have been utterly dashed. The planetary surface and all its inhabitants burned to ash.

Diplomacy

The Diplomatic situation remains on a knife edge. The Arbour has been split in half by Drukhari raids. The Military aid sent last season and the token aid sent this season along with the concerted diplomatic attempts have meant the Arbour remains friendly but no close alliance can be formed without an embassy.

The Blessed Multitude Trade Federation remains cordial if cool with Arkangel, given that the perceived closeness with The Arbour does represent a significant stumbling block. They are in the process of beginning their latest election cycle, who knows what attitude their next President will take. As the largest economic power of the three Human Star Empires they cannot be ignored.

The Font, much like the Arbour, are friendly if distant with Arkangel. With No embassy a close alliance cannot be formed. Worryingly they appear to be moving closer and closer to the T’au Empire who have recently sent diplomatic and military aid and have built an Embassy for them. The closest analogue to the Imperial creed in the sector joining The T’au Empire would surely have severe consequences.

The T’au Empire once again requests that an Embassy be built on Arkangel in the name of good relations and cooperation in future. While this would almost certainly allow the T’au to spy on Arkangel, it would allow Arkangel a rare opportunity to spy on the T’au.

Economic

The economic state of Arkangel is buoyant if unstable. A number of crews have taken advantage of recent opportunities. With the recent whaling Arkangel was with products made of Void Whalebone. Arkangels Tech Priests are pleased at the glut of high quality oil that has come in, happily reporting that the systems of the station will be running at high efficiency for some time. The Icarus Promethium and Petrochemical Mining corporation’s recent investments have gone well resulting in more money in general coming into Arkangel. However as Arkangel has no underlying institution to back its currency it relies on a combination of fiat digital cryptocurrencies and barter.

Thus the economy is fragile, vulnerable to bubbles and crashes. Considering Arkangels unclear relationships with the two largest economic powers in the sector, Svartalf and The BMTF, the future remains uncertain.

Religious

The followers of the Imperial Creed are in a state of ecstatic fervour. With the reports of the coming of a Saint the station is awash with visions and dreams of a Saint abroad. The betting shops are taking wagers on who the Saint might be, various cults have sprung up around the luminaries of Arkangel, the Lord Captains and their allies but also a growing movement of people saying that the Saint will be an everyman, one of the millions of the Emperors faithful.

The Festival of St Kylie has also made a significant impact on the Station. After the celebrations thrown by The Rexus Dynasty and the fact that the word of the coming of the Saint has originated with the visions of St Kylie to the Lord Captain fresh cults of St Kylie have sprung up, especially with the Arborian diaspora from the remnants of the Drifter Fleet.

The Slugger has become an unlikely folk hero to the people of Arkangel. While many recognise the staggeringly heroic actions taken by those that flew The Slugger, it has become more of a symbol to the people. A small tugboat took on a Chaos fleet alone. The remains were recovered and a shrine has been erected to it. “Remember the Slugger” they chant, “Bloody but unbowed.”

The Slugger represents an unusual cross over between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Imperial Creed. Both religions see The Slugger as a symbol of the shared endeavour of humanity against the overwhelming odds and an uncaring universe. The Adeptus Mechanicus maintain the Shrine containing the remains. They have ensured no part of The Slugger is taken or recycled. This Machine Spirit has earned its rest.

The construction of a Great Forge has met with rejoicing from the Cult of Mars. Forge Ichadon was lit with a controlled nuclear explosion, cracking the planetary crust to cause a huge geothermal event and in so doing has lit the great foundries and awoken the Machine Spirit. A titanic entrance made of carved and reinforced marble leads to the munitions labs, manufactorums and forges. On its arch, an engraving in thick gothic script reads: When you sail amongst the endless stars, when you face the enemy of man, take heart in the knowledge that He is with you. In your weapons, in your ships, in your engines of war. For we are the mailed fist of His wrath and where He reaches, we shall grasp.

Gothic and baroque pillars will line the entry, each has a plaque which lists out the following Dynasties in various levels of prominence: House Dunrega (Most Prominent) House Borovich (Prominent) House Rexuz (Prominent) House Tollman, House Lupus, House Kasputin, House Victoria, and House Cerastes The carvings of each house emblem of each dynasty spiral around the top and bottom of the pillars. A central platform with a half pillar has carved servo skulls around its top and base with the following inscription in gothic script, circling it: “Pride is not a sin. Hubris is not a failing. Ambition knows no bounds. The Stars are yours if you have but the strength to grasp them”.

While the followers of the Omnissiah have much to celebrate there are also more troubling matters at hand. Explorator Fleet Kerris is returning to discuss the Machine Spirit recovered by Magos Karchev from Patroclus’ Rest. Some believe this to be a machine spirit wrought by the hand of the Omnissiah itself, an Angel of a sort. Others believe this to be an Abominable Intelligence and should be destroyed without Mercy. As a result both this ‘angel’ and Magos Karchev have been extremely controversial topics on Arkangel.

The destruction of Patroclus' Rest was intended as a cruel act of sacrilege. An act so vile as to induce horror and moral terror on the people of Arkangel. However with the recent events; the coming of the Saint, the visions of St Kylie and their celebrations, The Slugger, The Cathedral, and the Great Forge, These actions have had the opposite effect. Rather than being horrified and cowed, the people of the station have been filled with a righteous fury and zeal. The faith of Arkangel is stronger than ever.

Other

The Von Den Totten Dynasty has a strange new ship. It looks to be of some sort of imperial design though it follows no STC anyone has ever seen. It also seems to contain strange components that are absolutely not of Imperial Origin.

The Dock Workers Union has been disbanded! In a single night of violence several high profile members of the Union were killed. While no official statement has been released it is generally understood that the Dunrega Dynasty were responsible, people have stated that they saw the former president of the union turned into a Servitor cleaning the Lord Captains personal chambers. This move has been met with a fair amount of rejoicing from some, many pointing out that Unions have no place in the Imperium.

An unusual occurrence has been reported across many of the battlefields of the sector, A single large void whale has arrived and seemingly observed the battles taking place. On board the ships taking part in the combat where this whale is seen it is reported that some crewmembers or ratings who are about to die due to injuries sustained will strangely stare off into the distance and whisper, “Permission to come aboard, Captain?” before breathing their last.