Medusa IV (Segmentum Ultima)
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This article is about the planet from The Fall of Medusa V campaign. For other uses of Medusa, see Medusa (disambiguation). |
| Map | Basic Data | Planetary Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
  Medusa IV |
Name: | Medusa IV | 
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| Segmentum: | Ultima Segmentum[1a] | ||
| Sector: | |||
| System: | Medusa System[1a] | ||
| Population: | |||
| Affiliation: | Imperium[1a] | ||
| Class: | Dead World[1a], former Hive World[1b] | ||
| Tithe Grade: | Adeptus None[1a] | ||
Medusa IV is a planet located in Ultima Segmentum.[1a]
Overview
Medusa IV was once the primary planet in the Medusa system, however after the Medusa Schism (see below), it was purged through Exterminatus and is now completely barren.[1b] Before its destruction, it was roughly equivalent to Terran conditions. It is now classed as Dead/Exterminatus and a tithe grade of Adeptus None, population n/a.[1a]
History
Medusa IV was originally the first planet to be colonised, and as such was the most important. It was a massive mining and supply operation in an ideal place to help traders and other ships resupply before trying to sling shot through the nearby warp storm, Van Grothe's Rapidity. It was first investigated by the Iron Hands and as such this is where the name came from, the homeworld of the Iron Hands. Great cities were built within months and civilians arrived by the millions. Then came the Medusa Schism and the planet was scoured in Exterminatus.[1b]
Medusa Schism
The Medusa Schism happened during a prolonged period of isolation due to high warp storms from the Van Grothe's Rapidity. The largest Hive Cities on Medusa IV declared themselves independent from the Imperium. The planetary forces reacted quickly to suppress the rebels but the rot went much deeper than many thought. It turned out that the rebels were well armed and openly declared themselves the servants of the Chaos gods. War waged in the streets lasted for weeks and more and more Hives declared themselves for Chaos. Vast areas of agriculture were put to the torch and millions died. Eventually, the desperate astropaths sent calls for aid, although these went unanswered due to the warp storm. Only Medusa V could respond. They bravely set up a militia force of sorts and set off for Medusa IV. The force was made primarily of miners and went to Medusa in commandeered bulk freighters and supply vessels. For two and a half years Medusa V's army protected the loyal citizens from the wrath of Chaos. Eventually however, the damage done was so extensive that even when the Ultramarines Second Company managed to arrive, there was little they could do. The Inquisition was dispatched and eventually came to the conclusion that Exterminatus was necessary. With the aid of the Administratum and Cult Mechanicus, they managed to open a one week period in which to evacuate as many workers as possible. The potential destruction of such a large force of loyalists would be a severe blow to the system's industry, which would be a long time in recovery. Millions escaped while Medusa V and Ultramarines forces acted as a rearguard, but eventually these were also forced to retreat and the Inquisition, under Inquisitor Baptiste acted with atmospheric incinerators. These caused the atmosphere to boil away, the heat so intense that cities melted along with every traitor and heretic and the planet glowed for a month. Eventually, those who survived made it to Medusa V and set up new cities after being examined by the Inquisition. The new citizens were soon integrated and its industries exploded with activity, creating a new golden age for the planet of Medusa V.[1b]
Other Planetary Data[1a]
- Orbital Distance: 1.12 AU
- Gravitation: 1.09G
- Temperature: 13°С
