Olicana Primus
The heart of the Vermillion Port, Olicana is the remnant of a hive city that holds the majority of the planets remaining civilian population. Once the invasion force hit the planet, Olicana became the primary stronghold for any surviving population, stretching the cities resources and creating a primary target for the Ork invaders.
Though it went through much hardship, Olicana Primus still stands to this day, though no longer reminiscent of the grand trade city it once was, it's denizens have begun to rebuild, new blood returning to their broken ancestral homes from years of war.
Borders Drawn
After the destruction of the cities primary manifactorum led to a breakdown in city infrastructure and power, much of what was left has been abandoned. With roughly 8% of the city destroyed, 37% left without basic necessities like power and clean air, and 4% still in lockdown due to fears of fungal infestation and other biohazards. This disconnect left those few areas that remain safely inhabitable to be oft disconnected from each other. These so-called "townships" were stuck between the unsafe lost sectors that could no longer sustain life, and so many developed independently of those around them. After the war, many began looking inward to reclaim their lost pride, finding these forgotten townships amongst the dead zones of the city. When these first townships were discovered many were shocked to discover the brutalist, primal societies they had reverted to, within months of their discovery several battles had broken out that required the resolution of local PDF forces, some having been discovered to have reverted to the worship of Chaos or other strange ways that were truly heretical. Since this discovery, Planetary Governor Pence decreed that any such Townships should be sealed away and left to the judgement of the Imperium.The Loss of Pinnacle Tower
The success and expansion of Somnium Reach can be largely attributed to the significant Mechanicus presence within Olicana Primus, their manifactorum was built at the peak of the city, a place designed to assist in the repair of ships in orbit. The grand tower that strode above the city becoming its hallmark for many years. Upon the third battle of Olicana Primus, the ork invaders assaulted the tower with their artillery, the battle having been pushed back in the orks favour so significantly that the city could be attacked from range. With the bombardment of the Ork attackers came the destruction of Pinnacle Tower, causing its collapse onto the city below. This collapse caused such damage to the cities infrastructure and power that its impact is still felt to this day.War Of Many
Over the last eighty years, as the denizens of Somnium Reach fought against the Ork invaders time and time again, several forces were called in as the severity of the situation varied. Because of this, the city has become home to many of those that arrived to protect the planet, only to become wrapped into its endless war.- Somnium Reach PDF: Generations of war against the orks has honed the local PDF forces into capable combatants that could rival any Imperial Guard regiment. Nearly every citizen of Olicana joins either the PDF or the Adeptus Mechanicus as soon as they are old enough to do so, and doing so is seen as a point of pride.
- The Torlan Hammers: The second ork assault began only a few months after the first, with the local PDF forces severely diminished aid was called in. The 221st and 248th Torlan's were the response, their reinforcements used to bolster the PDF as it recouped its losses. Unfortunately, the efforts of the Torlan's were seen to do more harm than good, their use of overwhelming force causing as much damage to friend as to foe. The fall of Catrakas Secondis, the planets secondary hive city, was largely blamed on the recklessness of the Torlan forces.
- The Olicanan Guard : The Olicanan Guard stands as the planets own regiment. Returned to their homeworld to aid in the escalating war. Best known for their artillery capabilities, the Olicanan Guard have repurposed a portion of the old noble sector into a base of operations.
- The Order of the Bloody Rose: Guided to Somnium Reach by calls for aid during the Battle of Silent Crag, the sisters of the Bloody Rose struck the final blow against Hammafist Sculleata, ending the war against the orks. Their arrival and aid in the midst of battle was seen as miraculous. The sisterhood has reclaimed many of the cities local chapels, while many of their members still strike out into the remnant ork horde.
Government
Olicana has only recently left the martial law that was held for decades. Finally in a state to truly rebuild and grow once more. With this a new planetary governor, Harolt Pence, has been instated. Pence continues to try to rebuild the cities political and economic infrastructure while re-establishing contact with its population. His repute thus far has been extremely poor, with many concerned at his drive to push economics over rebuilding and making the city safe again.
To its citizens, then, the various gangs of the city rule. The majority of the power is split between The Steelhooks, a remnant group left over from Pinnacle Towers manual labour force, and The Crimson Veil, a fanatic group that follows the teachings of Father Fuqu.
Defences
In its current state, Olicana is primarily defended by the Olicanan Guard, several areas of the cities outskirts have been turned into traps and kill zones. There currently stands two known entry ways into the city that are known of. The West Gate that leads to Silent Crag and the Martyrs Gate that holds the main headquarters for the PDF.
Those trying to leave by any other means will find a collection of turrets, mines, and battle-automata that defend the city from the remnant forces of the orks. Eighty years of built-up defences have made the city a fortress for anyone trying to enter or leave.
Infrastructure
The cities population is almost entirely split between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the local Planetary Defence Force.
Those that choose the path of the Mechanicus become the stewards of the city, ensuring its repair and maintenance continue as needed. Those that choose the path of the PDF are primed towards defending the city, inside and out. Those that prove to be capable with a lasrifle are sent into the field, while those more talented in other areas are moved between where they are needed.
The cities nobility has all but abandoned the planet, and those few that remained fled deeper into the city to avoid the incoming war. Those who have survived have commonly claimed their own niches, some having carved out new homes for themselves in the remnants of the city while others fell deeper still into the underhives, mixing with the cities remnants that remained down there.
To those that lived (or fled) to the underhives, live has flourished, the loss of the cities police force and the abundance of abandoned homes and markets has lead to the growth of the underhive. Some gangs have prospered to such a degree that they have grown their territory into the city above, with some leaving the underhive entirely. While the city is left without policing, its citizens look to these gangs for protection and safety.
Founding Date
267.M39
Alternative Name(s)
The Vermillion Port
Type
Large city
Population
approx 838,500,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Olianan
Location under
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