Somnium Reach
Within the Trepetarius System, Somnium Reach once stood as a glimmering port renowned for its significant Mechanicus presence and wild variety of goods from across the Imperium.
Travellers arriving would rarely leave the walls of Olicana Primus, but within they could find foods, luxuries, and curiosities while their ships were repaired and re-sanctified.
While the planet no longer holds its former glory, its people are still proud of their home, fighting against the invading ork threat at every opportunity.
Post-War Recovery
After over eighty years at war with the ork threat, the people of Somnium Reach are left broken and rebuilding. Noble houses return from off-world while those who fell into the belly of the planets hive worlds move to recover and return to Imperial society. Before the start of the war, 93% of the population resided in and around Olicana Primus, now over 99% of the population remains within its walls. Efforts continue to reclaim the continents beyond Minin, Olicana's home, but due to the widespread ork presence left on the planet, little action can be taken to complete this venture.Places of Interest
As a common point of transit, the planet became a point of interest for many groups. Outside of its various cities and towns, Somnium Reach is also known for;- The Shrine of St. Calarnus: Calarnus became the Saint of Travellers after hunting down the heretic cult known as The Nights Razor across three Segmenti. His efforts took him to Somnium Reach, in which his final battle with the cults leader lead to his eventual death. His body, along with his sanctified weapons, can be found in the shrine hidden within the Mornsail Forest.
- The Glass Sea: The equatorial line of Somnium Reach possesses a severely weakened ozone layer, the centre of the Grand Desert possessing the largest, most severe ozone breach. In the summer months the solar bombardment is so severe that the sand dunes are scorched to glass. The so called "Glass Sea" is a deadly place for anyone to visit unprotected, as even at night the ambient radiation in the area is enough to kill.
- The Crag of Nauratosus: Hidden near the northern pole of the planet stands a cave system so deep its end has yet to be found. It's current maximum depth has been found to be around 48,000ft, though standard scouting automata are unable to function at any depths beyond.
Geography
The geography and ecosystem of Somnium Reach is variable at best. Some areas are bursting with lush forests, flowing planes and a swathe of biodiversity. Due to the incomplete Ozone layer, some portions of the planet are bombarded with huge amounts of solar radiation.
While the planet has an overall lack of metal and mineral deposits underground, its significant build-up of micro-particle minerals within its soil and earth make for superb farming land. At its discovery, Somnium Reach was considered for Agri-World status, but the unpredictable atmospheric distortions common around the equator negated this.
The lands topography is largely a collection of hills and mountains, much of the affable land being found in the shadow of these mountains where any remnant solar radiation can be partially blocked. The planets liquid water is high in sediment, leading to salt and mineral build-up beyond what a standard human could process. As the planet lacks any significant outcroppings of fresh water, most villages are built around the large scale water pumps common to the planet.
Localized Phenomena
Rad Storms: Localized ozone breakdowns causing large amounts of solar radiation to permiate the atmophere. Common in the summer months.
Ice Snaps: Large collection of ozone in the shifting stratosphere causing sudden storms of snow and hale. Ice Snaps are rare but highly damaging. Most common around the poles.
The Kotriglow: Phenomenon occurring once every 23 months, inner-atmosphere particulates catch the light of neighbouring planet Kotrila Mons, causing the eastern horizon to appear a deep crimson as the sun rises.
Natural Resources
Though best known for the trading of good from other planets, Somnium Reach has its own collection of resources used for trade.
- Tokon Sap & Gum: The gum of the tokon tree, a short, wide tree with dense foliage. Tokon trees shed their bark once every five years in order to purge the build-up of radiation. Their sap is known to be good for treating radiation burns and is commonly used in medicines to treat those with radiation sickness. The trees gum is instead mixed and applied as a body paint to provide basic protection against radiation, it became extremely popular with voidborn, who would rub this gum mix under their void suits in case of breach.
- Somn Water: The processed water produced by local villages has become popular for its incredibly high mineral content. Several facilities have been erected in order to sell somn water en masse. Nobles of hive worlds across the sector cherish the mineral-rich water for its health giving properties. If any aspect of Somnium Reaches trading days are remembered, it is likely in the few bottles of somn water now hoarded by the Imperiums elite.
Type
Planet
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Comments