Apex V
| Map | Basic Data | Planetary Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Name: | Apex V | 
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| Segmentum: | Segmentum Obscurus[1] | ||
| Sector: | |||
| Subsector: | |||
| System: | Apex System[1] | ||
| Population: | |||
| Affiliation: | Imperium (defacto Adeptus Ministorum)[1] | ||
| Class: | Frontier World (symbolic)[1] | ||
| Tithe Grade: | |||
Apex V is an Imperial Frontier World near the Eye of Terror. It is the fifth and only habitable world of the Apex System, which revolves around the star Apex.[1]
History
Because it is so close to the Eye of Terror, the Warp Storm can easily be seen from Apex V's surface. Due to this closeness, though, Apex V's shipping lanes are considered dangerous and not many interstellar traders visit what is considered to be an out-of-the-way world. This led the Imperium to not have a strong hold on the Frontier World, until Apex V received a new High Commander in late M41. He was a Terran, who was a rigidly orthodox follower of the Imperial Creed and fanatic of the Adeptus Ministorum. The new High Commander began imposing his own version of the Creed across Apex V with the help of his Enforcers and the Ministorum. This led to a drastic change on the Frontier World's population, as a strict religious belief was enacted, along with a uniformity of dress and conduct. This affected how citizens dressed, what they could eat or drink and even the appearances of Apex V's buildings.[1]
The population was now required to all wear drab black-and-brown clothing and had to praise the Emperor every few minutes, during their conversations with each other. They were also required to stop and listen, when the Adeptus Ministorum's Preachers gave public sermons. It soon got to the point that no one would dare do otherwise and the population of the city of Gendova was noted for being quiet and well behaved while doing so. Carrying weapons of any kind is also illegal in Gendova and anyone arriving at its spaceport with one, will not be allowed to enter the city. Stimulating beverages were no longer allowed to be sold on Apex V as well, due to the High Commander's rules. Now the closest thing to one is the hot drink Folian, which is sold in the world's Recaf Houses. The world's buildings would also share the same drab coloring that the population wore. All of these regulations has led people from other worlds, known as Outworlders, to stand out amid Apex V's population. They are now no longer welcomed as they were before the High Commander's arrival and receive suspicious stares wherever they go.[1]
It is the High Commander's Enforcers who ensure Apex V's population follows his rules at all times. These are known as Proctors, Arbitrators and Bailiffs, who carry out this duty in different ways. Proctors are the very public face of the High Commander's rule during the day and can be found anywhere Apex V's population gathers at. These sinister figures wear skullcaps and stiff black uniforms and are always looking for those who break the High Commander's rules or do not adhere to his strict uniformity. They also listen into conversations to ensure that the Emperor is praised every few minutes, as the High Commander has dictated. Those that break his rules are angrily confronted by the Proctors and warned about what they are doing wrong. They can also be told of any wrong doing as well. In the city of Gendova, Proctors are mandatory for Recaf Houses, where drinks are sold. They sit on raised dais, called duty stations, and use batteries of Softspeakers, that allow the Proctors to hear everything that is said in the Recaf Houses. When night falls, the Proctors retire and are replaced by the armed Arbitrators.[1]
Arbitrators are the armed might of the High Commander and use force to ensure his rules are followed. They are usually active at night and take over for the Proctors who are active during the day. In the city of Gendova, the Arbitrators strictly enforce curfews that see the population in their homes one hour after the onset of darkness and in bed a half hour afterwards. Only those with a special dispensation are allowed to be out otherwise. Bailiffs are Enforcers with black uniforms and hats, who enact the High Commander's meticulous legalities. Apex V merchants can use these legalities against Outworlders who bring trade to the world. Should a merchant receive a ruined shipment from an Outworlder, they can seek recompensation by claiming the Outworlder's spaceship. This will be carried out by the Bailiffs, who will seize the spaceship for the merchant. Any Outworlder who flees before this can occur, will no longer be welcomed on Apex V, as they will be arrested on sight.[1]
However despite the reach of the Enforcers, there are some members of Apex V's population, who rebel against the High Commander's rules in small ways. This includes wearing patches of muted color on their black and brown clothing. Stories on Apex V also tell of the wealth the Eye of Terror contains and some rebellious citizens will do anything to enter the cursed region in order to claim it for themselves. However these rebels keep their heads down to avoid the High Commander's wrath and stick to dark alleys where they can not be seen by his Enforcers.[1]
Sources
- 1: Eye of Terror (Novel), Chapter 3
