Nemeton
| Map | Basic Data | Planetary Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Name: | Nemeton | 
|
| Segmentum: | Segmentum Ultima[4] | ||
| Sector: | Elara's Veil[4] | ||
| Subsector: | Annwyn Reaches[4] | ||
| System: | Ophion System[3a] or Avalon System[4] | ||
| Population: | Unknown | ||
| Affiliation: | Imperium (Emperor's Spears)[3b] | ||
| Class: | Adeptus Astartes Homeworld[2][3b], Feral World[3b] Ocean World[2][3b] | ||
| Tithe Grade: | Aptus Non | ||
Nemeton is an Ocean World and the homeworld of the Emperor's Spears Space Marine Chapter.[2][3b] It is the only planet of the Ophion System[3a][3b] or Avalon System depending on the source.[4] As a result, the system is sometimes called the Nemeton System.[2]
Overview
Nemeton is a planet covered in enormous oceans, with small forested and mountainous landmasses scattered in between. Rainfall is common, and a temperate to nearly tropical temperature is maintained.[1] Rain is viewed by the population as a manifestation of the Emperor's sorrow over his lost bride Elara.[4]
A well-defended world, a mighty minefield protects approaches to the planet, while many of the rocks that make up Nemeton’s rings have been turned into weapons platforms capable of bombarding attackers with waves of deadly torpedoes. Further defenses come from the Tech-Priests of Bellona, a forge-moon in the Nemeton system. The Emperor’s Spears have formed close links with Bellona, and together they defend the Elara's Veil region of space.[2]
History
Long ago, Nemeton was brought into compliance during the Great Crusade by the Ultramarines Legion. Over time, however, the people of Nemeton rejected the modernity and urbanization brought about by the Imperium and instead returned to the wilderness. The world is still dotted with the ruins of ancient abandoned cities. Technologicaly, the world is stuck in the Iron Age.[4]
Society
The population of Nemeton is divided into 12 primitive tribes which worship the rain, believing it to be a gift from Elara's Veil, which is visible in the night sky.[1] The relationship between the Chapter and Nemeton’s people is very different from that of most Space Marine Chapters and their recruiting stock. The tribes see the Space Marines as the spirits of lost children, taking their young before their time and leaving them as ghosts to be mourned.[2]
The most esoteric belief held by the natives of Nemeton is that of the geas. Every child of the clans is brought before a shaman, who reads the flow of fate in their blood. The nature of geases vary wildly, though all are semi-supernatural ‘promises’ of a specific moment or choice in the child’s life ahead. The Emperor's Spears believes that Nemeton’s seers read these futures through the warp’s echoes, like any prophecy, and armed with this poetic foreknowledge, the bearer of the geas can hopefully avoid the wrong choice when the time comes. Many geases take the form of warnings against dishonor or death should the bearer ever act in a certain way.[4]
The written runic language of Nemeton, dubbed the Runes of Ogham, is incomprehensible to most outsiders.[4]
Known Clans
- Kavalei - The "Clan of Kings", the largest and most powerful clan on Nemeton. Most of the Emperor's Spears are recruited from the Kavalei.[3c]
- Arakanii - Coastal clan known for scavenging the dead after battle. Rumors of cannibalism also persist.[3c]
- Novontei - Nomadic clan known as mercenaries and druids.[3c]
- Vargantes - Small northern clan.[3c]
Trivia
 |
A nemeton is a type of sacred grove in some Celtic religions.
See also
Sources
- 1: Index Astartes - Emperor's Spears (Limited Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Community: Who Are the Emperor’s Spears? (last accessed 28th December 2020)
- 3: Spear of the Emperor (Novel)
- 4: White Dwarf 460, pgs. 38-40
