Catachan
From Lexicanum
| Map | Basic Data | Planetary Image | |
| Name: | Catachan | 
|
| Segmentum: | Segmentum Solar | ||
| Sector: | Unknown | ||
| Subsector: | Unknown | ||
| System: | Catachan | ||
| Population: | Unknown | ||
| Affiliation: | Imperium | ||
| Class: | Death World | ||
| Tithe Grade: | Unknown | ||
Catachan is the most infamous Death World in the galaxy. It is located in the Segmentum Solar and is covered in dense jungle. The planet's entire ecosystem seems consciously hostile to all foreign life. Each and every element of the native flora and fauna of the planet represents a real danger to any human. Catachan's only valuable resource is its people, who by virtue of being born on the harshest world in the Imperium, are invariably tough and cunning. It is home to the renowned Catachan Jungle Fighters regiments of the Imperial Guard.1
Contents |
History
Catachan was colonised by humans longer than Imperial records can remember. When the first probes arrived, the planet was a deceptive, calm green orb from orbit but when the colony ships crash-landed and the colonists had no way to escape, they awoke to find themselves on one of the harshest planets in the galaxy. The colonists only barely survived, holed up in their spacecraft against a living, besieging jungle, a battle for survival in which many undoubtedly died.1
Current Conditions
Currently, the few settlements which can withhold the jungle forces are giant fortresses surrounded by vast plains which have been cleared to give improved lines-of-fire. Building on Catachan is difficult as vines and lichen take hold anywhere and poisons melt the mortar and vines can crush bunkers and tanks. Buildings must constantly be rebuilt, it seems that wherever they build the jungle redoubles its efforts to destroy them. As well as the jungle, the native wildlife gather to repel the human invaders and eventually the numbers grow enough to push the humans out of their settlement so they must resettle elsewhere.1
In such dangerous surroundings, children are quick to learn survival tactics and only those who are fast and have a good natural aim survive to adulthood. Children often learn to shoot before they walk, much like Cadian children.1
Flora and Fauna
All of the animals and plants on Catachan are geared in some way to destroy humans and any other invaders. Every plant is poisonous, making foraging impossible. Some plants secrete pollen into the air which is poisonous and destroys air-filters. Others secrete sticky liquid to capture passing animals and slowly dissolve them. Other plants poison the ground and turn the immediate area around them into boggy wasteland to trap invaders. The native animals are as deadly to humanity as the plant life. The native Catachan Devil with jaws as big as a tank is a major threat to human living centres. The Shambling Mamorphs of the volcanic regions are also a major threat.1
Catachan Flora
- The Brainleaf, a vegetative carnivore, is a small tree, not particularly conspicuous on Catachan, but is able to attach its tendrils to the spine and brain of a person, taking control over their body. This creature may be an offshoot of the Tyranid Cortex Leech, a creature with similar abilities.
- The Spiker, another deadly plant, fires its spikes into its victims' bodies, which then releases a mutative chemical which literally turns the person into another spiker.
- The Venus Mantrap is a carnivorous plant common to jungle Deathworlds. It resembles the Terran Venus Flytrap by which it is named, but is far larger, and unlike the flytrap, it is able to move its leaves to attack and consume its prey. The Mantrap consists of a number of mobile leaves attached to a single immobile stem.1, 2, 3
Catachan Fauna
- Grox, domesticated for pack animals and food on other planets, are wild here and are deadly predators. They are most famous for the galaxy spanning food consortium producing 'Grox Burgers'.
- The Shambling Mamorphs of the volcano lands are tough fighters and put up a good fight even against the Catachan Devil.1
- One of the famous deadly animals is the Catachan Devil, a voracious predator, looking somewhat like a scorpion. They can be as long as a land train but are very bulky and slow moving meaning that escape is possible.
- There are also many types of serpents on Catachan, including the Flying Swamp Mamba, the Coiling Death Cobra and the Catachan Black Viper, and are all deadly to most living beings. Some can kill in under 30 heartbeats.
- The most dangerous creature living on Catachan, though, is probably the Catachan Barking Toad.
Sources
- 1:Codex: Imperial Guard (2nd Edition)
- 2:Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook
- 3:Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
