Ministorum History
Feb 20, 2022 23:56:57 GMT -5
Post by Fate's End on Feb 20, 2022 23:56:57 GMT -5
Ministorum Presence in the Haven System
The Ministorum has a large presence in the Haven system, largely thanks to the location of a moderately prominent Shrine world in the form of Laramie’s Hope. Renamed in her honor several centuries prior in recognition of the Saint’s deeds in purging a violent cult of unsanctioned pyskers, the world became a beacon of pilgrimage and supplication.
This in turn caught the eye of an aspiring Arch-Deacon (who desired the role of Cardinal). He moved his powerbase to the Shrine world in the hopes that the offerings brought by pilgrims would propel his cause and career. Though the coming of the Great Rift has likely put a damper on the Arch-Deacon’s plans, his presence and intentions are still written clearly upon the world. The faithful who flocked to it in droves prior to the coming of the Great Rift were quickly pressed into (mostly) willing service as a gargantuan Frateris Militia.
Even after horrendous losses, the Militia still numbers in the millions, and is personally led by several Crusaders dispatched directly from Arch-Deacon O’Banion’s personal accompaniment. Reveling in this new-found power, the Arch-Deacon has now promoted several more men and women to the rank of Deacon to act as his eyes and ears, sending them as envoys to the other worlds in the system with small bands of Militia. The intent to make their presence and faith known throughout the system, and to perhaps share in the glory of the Imperium’s victories (and, by extension, ensure that O’Banion comes out of the siege as a mighty leader of the faithful).
The priesthood works cooperatively with their sisters in arms, the Adepta Sororitas, but they mainly tend to themselves. The Sororitas will fulfill their duties to the church and the Arch Deacon may occasionally call upon them, but they carry out such things as they see fit. Likewise, it’s rare that the priesthood is even informed of the Sisterhood’s plans, much less ask for their assistance. Nonetheless, they are united in their faith in the God-Emperor.
Ministorum on Haven’s Garden
The Ministorum presence on Haven’s Garden is almost entirely relegated to the Ministorum priests and functionaries who had been on the world prior to the war, or those who accompanied the Astra Militarum forces deployed there.
However, with the rise of the Frateris Militia and the Arch-Deacon’s wishes made manifest, a Ministorum Deacon makes regular trips to the planet from Laramie’s Hope with his personal cadre of retainers to see that the Ministorum has an adequate voice in the happenings of the agriworld.
The Deacon, a man by the name of Jacob Masada, firmly believes that the reported Genestealer Cults on the planet are the largest threat to the Imperium. And has made a concerted effort to divert attention to their destruction, pleading with the Astra Militarum command structure to initiate violent purges in the name of cleansing the loyal citizens of any Xenos taint.
The Astra Militarum are, barring perhaps the Jannissary command structure, incredibly reluctant to initiate any such purges out of fear of losing what goodwill they have.
Adepta Sororitas in the Haven System
The Sororitas presence is most felt on Laramie’s Hope; a Shrine World and the final resting place of Saint Laramie. There are several different Orders here but by far the biggest is the Militant Order of the Argent Shroud. They have been charged with the protection of the sacred burial site of the lauded saint; therefore, they have a permanent presence on the planet. Though the numbers fluctuate, at this time the size of the convent in Haven is a Preceptory (~1000). Like most of the Argent Shroud, they are quiet and rarely share their plans, much to the annoyance of the clergy and others working alongside them. However, they are also altruistic and fearless; striking from nowhere when the time is right be it to help someone in need or devastate the enemy even in impossible odds.
The second biggest Sororitas group is the Order Hospitaller of the Shed Tear. They have close ties with the Argent Shroud and established a hospital on Laramie’s Hope shortly after their Militant Sisters established themselves. It’s said that Saint Laramie personally commissioned it and chose where the foundation would be laid. Officially, a Commandery is stationed here. However, it’s rare that they are even half the maximum size. It’s only due to the now postponed crusade that they reach around 200 now. They are fairly cooperative with other Imperium forces and zealously defend their hospital and charges if need be.
There are other Sororitas Orders here, such as from the Orders Famulous and Orders Pronatus, but they aren’t in any significant numbers.
Adepta Sororitas Forces on Haven’s Garden
While a majority of their force is on Laramie’s Hope, the mass turning of traitors on Haven’s Garden can not be ignored. To reinforce the faith of the wavering and root out the insidious taint of the heretic, a large Mission led by Canoness Susanna Luxalia of the Argent Shroud was sent to the beleaguered planet. Some may question the need for a Canoness to lead a simple Mission, but the Canoness Preceptor deemed that the threat facing the soul of the planet demanded no less. Most of this force is made up of infantry with some transports in the form of Immolators and Rhinos. Other tanks rarely make themselves known and, while known to be on planet, the Repentia have not been spotted. Much of this force is made up by Dominions and Seraphim, with particularly potent Celestians attending the Canoness who act as leaders, bodyguards, and executioners. While beloved for their heroic and altruistic actions, Canoness Luxalia sees any plans given to her as mere suggestions and deploys her forces as she sees fit, much to the annoyance of the other high ranking staff. She’s also rather hard to get a hold of for she usually oversees troops operations personally, oftentimes sends her Celestians to meetings in her stead.
Along with the Order Militant, the Hospitallers of the Shed Tear have also been deployed to aid the stressed hospitals in the capital. They are a much smaller Mission led by Almoness Janica Sanaven (equivalent to a Order Militant Palatine or Astartes Lieutenant) and are very cooperative with both the Guard and civilians alike. While their main purpose is to tend to the injured troops, they serve a less known, darker, yet vital role of rooting out traitors, xenos, and malcontents through means both scientific and divine. Because of this, Hospitallers rarely venture out of the city unless on specific orders. Almoness Sanaven often is busy performing complex operations but does her best to see to her Mission and the demands of others.
The Argent Shroud and the Shed Tear are the most prominent Sororitas on Haven’s Garden. Other Orders have been seen but not consistently. Due to being the highest rank, all other Orders ultimately fall under the purview of Canoness Luxalia. The Orders are left to operate by themselves, but when a need rises that demands a stronger voice it often reaches the ears of Almoness Sanaven or one of the Canoness’ Celestians who then see to it that the need is met.