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'''Ophelia VII''' is the oldest of Cardinal worlds, second in sanctity only to [[Terra]] itself. It is the site of the [[Synod Ministra]] and the [[Adepta Sororitas]]' [[Convent Prioris]]. The world is given over entirely to the worship of the [[Emperor]]. Its surface is covered in mile-high cathedrals and bell towers, linked by avenues lined with the statues of thousands of Imperial Saints. Dungeons plunge deep into the bowels of the world, where heretics are made to repent their sins, subject to such methods of soul-cleansing as ''[[Arco-flagellation]]'', ''death-masking'', ''soul-scouring'' and the ''Trial of Castigation''.<sup>1</sup>
Ophelia VII was the centre of the [[Adeptus Ministorum]] from the time of [[Ecclesiarch]] [[Benedin IV]] to [[Greigor XI]] and is still one of the main centres of Ministorum power to this day, second only to Terra. It is located far from its sister planet of Terra, in the galactic south<sup>1</sup> or near the [[Eastern Fringe]]<sup>3</sup> (depending on the source). In 40k's earlier background, the planet's name was ''Ophelia 4'' or ''Ophelia IV''<sup>3, 4</sup>.
==History==
Almost three hundred years after their arrival, Greigor XI decided it was time that the Adeptus Ministorum returned to Terra. It took twelve years and a good deal of the Adeptus Ministorum's funds, however the doors to the [[Ecclesiarchal Palace|Ecclesiarchal palace]]s on Terra were opened again and refurbished. Ophelia VII would no longer be the centre of the region of the Imperium, however it would still be one of their most holy sites.
==Later Historyhistory==
===Vandire and the Age of Apostasy===
[[Goge Vandire]] rose to power as head of both the Ministorum and [[Administratum]], gaining almost absolute power in the Imperium as no other institution could rival the might of the two united powers. Vandire brought his iron fist down on the Cardinals of the Ministorum and eventually his enemies decided it was time to escape; they chose Ophelia VII as their destination; however their ship never left the warp.
The [[Sisters of Battle]], founded during the reign of Vandire, are split between Terra and Ophelia VII, that way no one person can gain control of the whole organisation. There are extensive facilities for the Sisters on both planets, but each Order has a home on both worlds if need be. Two of the most famous Sisters are said to come from Ophelia VII, Saint [[Praxedes]] and [[Helena]] the Virtuous.
==Notes==
*The planet's name was ''Ophelia 4'' or ''Ophelia IV'' in 40k's original background.<sup>3, 4</sup>
==Sources==
*<sup>1</sup>[[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]]
*<sup>2</sup>[[Codex: Sisters of Battle (2nd Edition)]]
*<sup>3</sup>[[Codex Imperialis]], 1993*<sup>4</sup>[[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]] ==Related Articles==*[[Adeptus Ministorum]], 1987
[[Category:Shrine Worlds]]
