Hive Stack Hephestus - Arms Manufactorum
Hive Stack Hephestus - A conglomeration of two twin hives, a half dozen smaller demi-hives and a sprawling network of outhabs, foundry districts, forge thanes and transit hubs, this monumental structure dominates an archipeligo surrounded on three sides by the toxic waters of the outland sea.
A short ride from hanged mans spaceport by maglev, this vast industrial Mega-complex once supplied enough arms, armour and kit to outfit a score of exertus imperialis divisions, as well as legion equipment. Waning in the later years of the crusade, as the front lines spread ever further, the advent of the heresy revitalised the hives, albeit under strict martial law.
Second only in strategic value to the Titan works, this theatre is likely to be fiercely defended by the loyalists but this represents a serious prize to any traitor general able to take the production facilities intact.
'Men and Women of the Loyalist Defenders! Throw down your arms! Terra has already fallen, the Emperor is dead! Horus stands triumphant upon the throne world and has declared an amnesty for any who surrender. You have fought bravely, you have done your duty but now you must surrender! We have rations, warm clothes and medical facilities! Throw down your weapons!' - Alpha Legion Broadcast, Day 20.
'I don't care about the shelling or the rutting traitors, get your fire suppression teams in here now! There's 200 tonnes of propellant in each of those silos and if the fire makes it in there, half this hive tower will be gone!' Foreman Lex Gorram, Jonas and Son's Chemical Works.
'See down there, past the tank wreck? The building at the end of the block, thats the scholam, whats left of it. Traitors have been holed up in there, spotting shells from the bell tower no doubt. That used to be my lads scholam, I say we go kick the bastards out.' Lathe Operator 3rd Class, Gol Tannick, Seconded to the Planetary Defence Reserves.
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