Imperial Palace
From Lexicanum
The Imperial Palace is a massive, sprawling edifice spanning a large part of a continent on Terra, divided into Inner and Outer Palace. It is more like a hive-city than an actual building.1
Many millions of adepts work and reside within the Imperial Palace. The Outer Palace is also heavily urbanized by a population of destitute non-adepts. Members of the Adeptus Mechanicus maintain the vast Golden Throne that sustains the Emperor's shattered body with a diet of human souls. Massive gates forged of the strongest materials stand before the Inner Palace and the Sanctum Imperialis, the heart of the Imperium. The Sanctum Imperialis is the massive "throne room" of the Palace, where the arcane machineries comprising the Golden Throne keep the Emperor's few living cells alive, providing an anchor point in the warp for his mighty spirit.
10,000 Adeptus Custodes maintain a constant vigil over the Imperial Palace, and are among the few permitted to pass beyond the Eternity Gate into the Emperor's presence. Two Warhound Titans stand guard over the Gate in its demasked beauty and immeasurable strength.
Finally, the Palace is the heart of the Administratum3. Countless souls labour in the immeasurable archives and headquarters of the Imperium, ordering and maintaining an empire that spans the galaxy. Without them, the Imperium would lose all access to its history and databanks. Also, it is the seat of the High Lords of Terra, who are charged with interpreting the Emperor's will. These twelve Lords are accounted the most powerful of all living men. They guide the overall strategy of the inexhaustible armies of the Imperium, and uphold the Emperor's might across a million worlds.
Sources
- 1:Inquisition War Trilogy (Novel Series), Draco, Harlequin (Novels), Ian Watson, Black Library Publishing
- 2:Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook
- 3:Codex Imperialis
