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#redirect [[Imperium of Man]]
{|hspace=5 VSPACE=5 align=right cellpadding=3 cellspacing=3 style="clear:right; margin:5px; border:1px solid #090909"
 
|colspan=2 align="center"|'''Imperium of Man'''
 
|-
 
|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Image:Imperial Eagle.jpg|250px]]
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Capital:'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Terra]]
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Official languages:'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Low Gothic]], [[High Gothic]],
 
[[Lingua-technis]]
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Major Species:'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Human]], [[Abhuman]] species
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Type of Government'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|Theocratic oligarchy
 
|-
 
|style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Head of state:'''
 
|style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Emperor of Mankind]]
 
|-
 
|style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Head of government:'''
 
|style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Roboute Guilliman]] (Regent)
 
|-
 
|style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Governing body:'''
 
|style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Senatorum Imperialis]]
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''State religious body:'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Imperial Cult]],
 
maintained by [[Ecclesiarchy]]
 
|-
 
|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Military forces'''<br>
 
[[Imperial Guard]]<br>
 
[[Imperial Navy]]<br>
 
[[Space Marines]]<br>
 
[[Collegia Titanica]]<br>
 
[[Sisters of Battle]]<br>
 
[[Legiones Skitarii]]<br>
 
[[Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation]]s<br>
 
[[Planetary Defense Forces]]<br>
 
|-
 
|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Internal Security forces'''<br>
 
[[Adeptus Arbites]]<br>
 
[[Inquisition]]<br>
 
[[Adeptus Custodes]]<br>
 
[[Sisters of Silence]]<br>
 
|}
 
The '''Imperium of Man''' is the galactic empire under which the majority of [[humanity]] is united. The founder and nominal ruler of the Imperium is the god-like [[Emperor of Mankind]], the most powerful [[human]] [[psyker]] ever known.
 
 
 
The Imperium is the largest and most powerful political entity in the [[galaxy]], consisting of at least a million worlds which are dispersed across most of the galaxy. An Imperial planet might be separated from its closest neighbour by hundreds or thousands of light years. As a stellar empire, the size of the Imperium cannot be measured in terms of contiguous territory, but only in the number of planetary systems in its control.
 
 
 
Several aliens and forces - the forces of [[Chaos]], [[Tyranid]]s, [[Eldar]], [[Dark Eldar]], [[Ork]]s, [[Tau]], [[Necron]]s - challenge the supremacy of the Imperium. From within, the Imperium is threatened more insidiously by rebellion, [[mutation]], rogue [[psyker]]s, and subversive [[Chaos Cult|cult]]s. Without the protection of the Imperium, mankind would fall prey to the countless perils that threaten it.
 
 
 
==History of the Imperium==
 
{{Main|Age of the Imperium}}
 
The Imperium was founded by the Emperor, also called '''The Immortal Emperor''', '''God-Emperor''', and the '''Master of Mankind''', at the end of the [[Age of Strife]] — a very long period of anarchy, war, and destructive regression which brought humanity to the brink of destruction and reversed the technological progression made during the [[Dark Age of Technology]]. In the [[Unification Wars]], the Emperor led his proto-[[Astartes]] known as [[Thunder Warriors]] to victory in unifying Terra for the first time in millennia.
 
 
 
As the [[Warp storm]]s of the Age of Strife subsided, after having secured the scientific posts and spacedocks of [[Luna]], along with the factories and scientists on [[Mars]], the Emperor began to unite mankind under his rule. A vast navy was built, with which his armies undertook the [[Great Crusade]], which lasted for about two centuries. During this two hundred year-long military campaign, the Emperor employed his most potent military units, the [[Space Marine Legion]]s, led by their leaders, the [[Primarch]]s. These, combined with the might of the [[Imperial Army]] (which was later separated into the [[Imperial Guard]] and the [[Imperial Navy]]), [[Custodian Guard]], [[Sisters of Silence]], and [[Martian Mechanicum]] forces that included the [[Collegia Titanica]] and [[Legio Cybernetica]] saw thousands of human worlds brought together under the Imperium. The Great Crusade ended with the corruption and treachery of the Primarch [[Horus]], the instigator of the [[Horus Heresy]].
 
 
 
The rebellion was fought across the galaxy. Horus, seeking to achieve a swift and decisive victory, led most of the traitor forces in a direct strike at the capital of humanity, in the [[Battle of Terra]]. In the final decisive battle between the Emperor and the Arch-Traitor, Horus was slain, leading to the breakup of the rebellion and the exile of the traitors to the [[Eye of Terror]]. However the Master of Mankind was himself mortally wounded. According to his instructions he was placed on the life-preserving [[Golden Throne]], where, for nearly ten thousand years, he has remained. Though physically a carcass incapable of movement or communication, his omnipotent will extends across the million worlds of the Imperium, beaming the psychic energy of the [[Astronomican]], soul-binding psychic humans and struggling against the [[daemon]]s of the Warp. He endures by his undying will, and by the sustenance that only the souls of sacrificial [[psyker]]s can provide. By the numberless masses of humanity he is worshiped as a god.
 
 
 
The immediate period following the Heresy, [[The Scouring]] and [[Age of Rebirth]], saw the Imperium slowly rebuild its might and control over the domain of man. It also saw the last of the Emperor's loyal Primarchs either fall in battle, become gravely wounded, or disappear altogether. Nonetheless in the subsequent age known as [[The Forging]], the Imperium enjoyed a period of growth and expansion.{{Fn|3e}} The Imperium's period of relative peace ended abruptly in mid-[[M32]] when an [[Ork]] [[Warboss]] known only as [[The Beast]] launched the [[War of the Beast|greatest Waaagh! ever encountered]]. The Beast was only halted at great cost by the [[Adeptus Astartes]].
 
 
 
The Imperium saw further periods of severe instability throughout [[M35]] and [[M36]], experiencing civil wars during the [[Nova Terra Interregnum]] and [[Age of Apostasy]]. This period saw the worst internal violence since the Heresy. Following the Age of Apostasy, the Imperium was again heavily reorganized and many [[heretic]]s purged in the [[Age of Redemption]]. This new fervor culminated in a series of major [[Crusade]]s and [[War of Faith|Wars of Faith]] most notably the [[Redemption Crusades]] and [[Macharian Crusade]]. However, while successful, this period exhausted the Imperium's military forces and in [[The Waning]], many worlds were lost to [[xenos]] and [[Chaos]] attacks as well as internal rebellion.{{Fn|3e}}
 
 
 
The effects of The Waning ultimately culminated in late [[M41]], known as the [[Time of Ending]]. Here the exhausted Imperium not only faced rejuvenated old threats, but also terrifying new enemies like the [[Tyranid]]s and [[Necron]]s as well new smaller but dynamic alien empires such as the [[Tau]], [[Noisome Reek]], and [[Ulumeathic League]]. Beset on all sides by heresy and alien invasion, the future of the Imperium seems bleak.{{Fn|3e}} The Black Crusade saw both the destruction of [[Cadia]] and the formation of the [[Great Rift]], which has effectively split the Imperium in two. However some hope has been renewed thanks to the rebirth of the Primarch [[Roboute Guilliman]], who has launched the [[Indomitus Crusade]] to reclaim worlds lost within the [[Imperium Nihilus|Dark Imperium]].
 
 
 
==Political Structure of the Imperium==
 
{{main|High Lords of Terra}}
 
The Imperium is still nominally ruled by the Emperor of Mankind. However, since his ascension to the [[Golden Throne]], the duty of actually ruling the Imperium falls to the '''Senatorum Imperialis''' — the Imperial Senate, led by the twelve [[High Lords of Terra]]. The identities and responsibilities of these High Lords may vary, as individuals inevitably die and their influence grows and wanes, but its members are always the leaders and representatives of the most powerful Imperial organisations.
 
 
 
This system endured for ten thousand years until the end of the [[41st Millennium]], when the revived [[Primarch]] [[Roboute Guilliman]] became [[Lord Commander of the Imperium]] and ruled over even the High Lords.{{Fn|12}}
 
 
 
===Imperial Organisations===
 
[[Image:ImpHierarchy.png|frame|center|208px|Organisation of the Imperial government.{{Fn|3e}}]]
 
 
 
The Imperial government is divided into four main bodies: the [[Adeptus Terra]] (The Priesthood of Terra), the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] (the Priesthood of Mars), the [[Adeptus Ministorum]] (State Church), and [[Inquisition]] (Secret Police). These in turn answer to the [[Senatorum Imperialis]], who rule in the name of the [[Emperor]].{{Fn|3e}} In practice, most of the organisations comprising the Imperium are divisions of the vast [[Adeptus Terra]]. There are countless divisions, and some are so secretive their existence is known only to a few. The most well-known of the "secret" organisations is the [[Officio Assassinorum]]. Other organisations are secret enough that nothing besides their mere existence is known, such as the [[Officio Sabatorum]] and the [[Templars Psykologis]].
 
 
 
The most important and well-known Imperial organisations include:
 
*The [[Adeptus Terra]], which includes:
 
**The [[Administratum]] — Responsible for administrative functions, it is the largest division, numbering countless scribes and petty officials. It administers the Imperium at every level, assessing [[tithe]]s and taxes, conducting population censuses, recording and planning. It consists of innumerable subdivisions, offices and departments.
 
***The [[Departmento Munitorum]] — A department of the Administratum, responsible for administering and supplying the [[Imperial Guard]].
 
****The [[Ordo Tempestus]] — Elite military force
 
***The [[Officio Assassinorum]] — The most subvert of all the known Imperial divisions, the assassins are responsible for removing key leaders of an enemy.
 
***The [[Estate Imperium]]
 
***The [[Imperial Fleet]]
 
****The [[Navis Nobilite]] — The self-ruling body of [[Navigator]]s who pilot Imperial vessels through the [[Warp]].
 
****The [[Merchant Fleet]] - Conducts all mercantile trade and controls 90% of Imperial spacecraft.{{Fn|21}}
 
***The [[Departmento Exacta]] - Oversees the collection of the non-military aspects of the [[Imperial Tithe]].
 
***[[Governor]]s of individual Imperial worlds
 
***The [[Officio Medicae]] - Public health agency.{{Fn|17}}
 
***The [[Officio Agricultae]] - Agricultural/food agency.{{Fn|20}}
 
***The [[Adeptus Fidicius]] - Financial agency.{{Fn|18}}
 
***The [[Officio Logisticarum]] - Logistical agency meant to facilitate the [[Indomitus Crusade]].{{Fn|19}}
 
***The [[Logis Strategos]] - Intelligence/threat assessment agency.
 
**The [[Adeptus Astra Telepathica]] — The Imperium's network of [[astropath]]s, responsible for transmitting faster-than-light messages through the Imperium.
 
***The [[League of Black Ships]] — Psyker-gatherers
 
***The [[Scholastia Psykana]] — Trains [[Sanctioned Psyker]]s
 
**The [[Adeptus Astronomica]] — Responsible for maintaining the [[Astronomican]], which is used by the [[Navigator]]s to navigate through the Warp.
 
**The [[Adeptus Astartes]] — Also known as the [[Space Marine]]s. They are the infamous bio-enhanced shock troops of the Imperium.
 
**The [[Adeptus Custodes]] — Guardians of the Emperor's physical form.
 
**The [[Adeptus Arbites]] — Galactic police force which enforces the "[[Lex Imperialis]]" - the Imperial law.
 
**The [[Logos Historica Verita]] — Historical & archival reformation agency
 
*The [[Inquisition]] — A secret police and internal affairs organization, they are responsible for investigating any potential threat to mankind or the Imperium. Its agents hunt down [[heretic]]s, traitors, alien infiltrators and even daemons. They necessarily exist beyond the Adeptus Terra's authority, as part of the Inquisition's role involves rooting out corruption and gross incompetence from the Imperium itself. They answer only to the Emperor and to themselves.
 
**[[Ordo Hereticus]] — Confronts the [[Heretic|Threat Within]]
 
**[[Ordo Xenos]] — Confronts the [[Xenos|Threat Without]]
 
**[[Ordo Malleus]] — Confronts the [[Chaos|Threat Beyond]]
 
**[[Ordo Minoris]]
 
*The [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] — Technicians and scientists who build and maintain Imperial equipment, vessels, and weapons of war, headquartered on [[Mars]].
 
**[[Tech-Priest|Priesthood]]
 
**[[Explorator Fleet]]s - Explore new parts of the [[Galaxy]]
 
**[[Prefecture Magisterium]] — Secret Police of the Mechanicum
 
**[[Forge World]]s - Produce vast amounts of technology for the greater Imperium
 
*The [[Adeptus Ministorum]] — also known as the '''Ecclesiarchy''', the Imperial church which maintains the Imperial creed and faith.
 
**[[Holy Synod]] — Ruling body of the Ecclesiarchy
 
**[[Creed Temporal]] — Deals with secular business
 
**[[Adepta Sororitas]] — All-women organization that includes the [[Sisters of Battle]]
 
**[[Missionarius Galaxia]] — Fields [[Missionaries]] to spread and maintain the [[Imperial Cult]] on worlds.
 
**[[Schola Progenium]] — Orphange & civil servant training institute
 
**[[Shrine World]]s
 
 
 
===Military===
 
As the largest single known polity in the Galaxy, the Imperium maintains a wide array of military forces. At any given times there are countless billions fighting for the Imperium of Man. Similar to its political organization each branch of the Imperium’s military is independent, with their own duties, rituals, chain of command, tactical acumen and gear of war. Though diverse, the forces of the Imperium often work in conjunction with each other, and the larger the battle, the more likely it will be to see multiple Imperial factions engaged in the same war. Massive conflagrations, such as the [[Chaos]] invasions known as the [[Black Crusade]]s or a major war zone such as the one surrounding the planet [[Armageddon]], will attract representatives from all of Mankind’s military institutions.{{Fn|13}}
 
 
 
The military forces of the Imperium consist of:
 
*[[Planetary Defense Forces]] — Often abbreviated to '''PDFs'''. These are independent armies raised and commanded by the [[Governor]]s of individual Imperial worlds. Though poorly trained and equipped compared to the rest of the Imperium's forces, they serve as the first line of defense.{{Fn|13}}
 
*The [[Imperial Guard]] — The largest single military arm of the Imperium, consisting of vast armies of unaugmented human [[Guardsmen]]. It falls under the control of the [[Administratum]]'s [[Departmento Munitorum]].{{Fn|13}}
 
**The [[Ordo Tempestus]] — Elite forces of the [[Departmento Munitorum]]
 
*The [[Imperial Navy]] — The military branch of the [[Imperial Fleet]]. Consists of large warfleets of spacecraft tasked with not only space combat but also transporting the [[Imperial Guard]].{{Fn|13}}
 
**The [[Aeronautica Imperialis]] — Atmospheric warfare branch of the Imperial Navy
 
*The [[Space Marines]] — Elite genetically modified warriors divided into independent armies known as [[Chapter]]s.{{Fn|13}}
 
*The [[Sisters of Battle]] — The all-female military arm of the Imperial church, the [[Ecclesiarchy]].{{Fn|13}}
 
*The military forces of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]], which include:
 
**The [[Collegia Titanica]] — Operates Legions of titantic warmachines known as [[Imperial Titan|Titan]]s{{Fn|13}}
 
**The [[Legiones Skitarii]] — Cybernetic soldiers that act as the standing armies of [[Forge World]]s.{{Fn|13}}
 
**Other miscellaneous smaller and specialized armed wings including [[Knight House|Knight Houses]], the [[Electro-Priest|Electro-Priesthood]], [[Legio Cybernetica]], [[Ordo Reductor]], [[Auxilia Myrmidon]], [[Centurio Ordinatus]], and [[Basilikon Astra|Fleet]]. These are often deployed together in formations known as [[Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation|Battle Congregations]].{{Fn|15}}
 
*The [[Sisters of Silence]] — [[Psyker]]-hunters of the [[Adeptus Astra Telepathica]] and guards of the [[League of Black Ships|Black Ships]].{{Fn|13}}
 
*The [[Adeptus Custodes]] — The elite guardians of the [[Emperor]]. For most of the Imperium's history they have remained at the [[Imperial Palace]] but recently have ventured forth on [[Crusade]]s.
 
*The forces of the [[Inquisition]] — Besides the [[Inquisitor]]s and their [[Inquisitorial Henchmen|retinue]]s, the Inquisition's forces include:{{Fn|13}}
 
**The [[Grey Knights]] — [[Chamber Militant]] of the [[Ordo Malleus]]
 
**The [[Deathwatch]] — Chamber Militant of the [[Ordo Xenos]]
 
**The [[Sisters of Battle]] — Chamber Militant of the [[Ordo Hereticus]]
 
**[[Inquisitorial Stormtrooper]]s - Standard soldiers which act as the guards and enforcers of the Inquisition.
 
**Independent fleet assets which include [[Inquisitorial Black Ship]]s and [[Inquisitorial Cruiser]]s.
 
*The [[Arbitrator]]s - The armed wing of the [[Adeptus Arbites]], the Imperium's police force. Heavy armed and equipped, they often see combat during issues of planetary invasion and rebellions.{{Fn|14}}
 
*The [[Officio Assassinorum]] — Agency which deploys specialized deadly assassins.{{Fn|13}}
 
*The [[Praeses Mercatura]] - armed wing of the [[Merchant Fleet]].{{Fn|21}}
 
*[[Frateris Militia]] — ad hoc militias raised by the [[Ecclesiarchy]] during [[Wars of Faith]].
 
 
 
Former military forces of the Imperium include:
 
*The [[Legiones Astartes]] — The original organization of the [[Space Marine]]s which saw them divided into twenty [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]]s each led by a [[Primarch]]
 
*The [[Imperial Army]] — The largest military force of the early Imperium, split into the [[Imperial Guard]] and [[Imperial Navy]] after the [[Horus Heresy]]
 
**The [[Solar Auxilia]] — Fighting elite of the Imperial Army
 
**The [[Imperialis Militia]] — Auxiliaries analogous to modern [[PDF]]s
 
**The [[Imperialis Armada]] — Naval branch reorganized into the Imperial Navy after the Horus Heresy
 
*The [[Taghmata Omnissiah]] — Type of organizational command for [[Mechanicus]] forces, roughly analogous to [[Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation]]s.
 
*The [[Frateris Templar]] — Large standing army of the [[Ecclesiarchy]]. Replaced by the [[Sisters of Battle]] after the [[Age of Apostasy]].
 
*The [[Order Elucidatum]] - The secret police of [[Malcador the Sigillite]].
 
*The [[Thunder Warriors]] — The earliest known genetically modified supersoldiers of the Imperium. Were led by the [[Emperor]] himself in the [[Unification Wars]]. Replaced by the Legiones Astartes
 
 
 
==Imperial Domain==
 
[[Image:ImperiumMap7th.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Map of the Imperium{{Fn|4}}]]
 
[[Image:SegGalacticPic.jpg|thumb|right|[[Segmentae]] of the Imperium]]
 
 
 
The disparate and widespread nature of Imperial territory means that a strongly centralised government would be unfeasible. The Imperium divides the galaxy into five administrative zones called [[Segmentae Majoris]]:
 
*[[Segmentum Solar]] — inner core and heart of the Imperium.
 
*[[Segmentum Pacificus]]
 
*[[Segmentum Obscurus]] — a heavily-fortified region due to the dangers posed by its most infamous element, the [[Eye of Terror]].
 
*[[Segmentum Tempestus]]
 
*[[Ultima Segmentum]] — the largest province of all; its furthest extents are beyond the range of the Astronomican.
 
 
 
The Segmentae are the Imperium's primary administrative division. Each is divided into [[sector]]s, which are areas of space. The sectors in turn consist of [[subsector]]s, each containing a number of star [[system]]s which in turn are made up of individual worlds. These divisions and subdivisions are levels forming an administrative hierarchy. Each Segmentum Commander oversees his Sector Commanders, who in turn oversees Subsector Commanders, who oversee the individual [[Planetary Governor]]s. The higher ranks in this system are usually combined with a basic planetary governorship as well as interplanetary duties. This system is the means by which the Imperium maintains control of the separate planets that comprise it.
 
 
 
The borders of the Imperium are marked by several uncharted regions of space which lay beyond the range of the [[Astronomican]], areas which are frequently viewed with uncertainty and fear by Imperial citizens.{{Fn|5}} These include the [[Halo Zone]] on the Imperium's western-most border, the [[Halo Stars]] to its northwest, the [[Ghoul Stars]] to its northeast, the [[Veiled Region]] and [[Mandragoran Stars]] to its south, and the [[Eastern Fringes]] to its eastern-most border.
 
 
 
Following the [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]] and the resurrection of [[Roboute Guilliman]], much of the Imperium's northwestern frontier became cut off from Terra. Becoming known as [[Imperium Nihilus]], Guilliman has launched a new [[Crusade]] to reclaim these worlds.{{Fn|11}}
 
 
 
===Planetary Classification===
 
Due to its vast magnitude, the Imperium can afford for entire worlds to become specialised places where a majority, perhaps even the entirety, of the population is devoted to a single task. This could be heavy industry, military training, manufacturing, mining or agriculture. Planet-wide dedication serves to simplify logistics and increase outputs.{{Fn|7}} While not all Imperial worlds can be classified, the most commonly encountered types are:
 
 
 
*[[Hive World]]s - Notable examples include [[Terra]], [[Armageddon]], [[Necromunda]], [[Ichar IV]], [[Badab]], [[Mordian]], [[Nova Terra]], [[Scintilla]], [[Praetoria]], [[Harakon]], [[Nostramo]], [[Black Reach]], and [[Port Maw (planet)|Port Maw]]
 
*[[Forge World]]s - Notable examples include [[Mars]], [[Agripinaa]], [[Jupiter]], [[Lucius (Forgeworld)|Lucius]], [[Metalica]], [[Graia]], [[Gryphonne IV]], [[Ryza]], [[Kiavahr]], [[Voss Prime]], [[Zhao-Arkkad]], [[Konor]], [[Mezoa]], [[Stygies VIII]], and [[Deimos]]
 
*[[Agri-World]]s - Notable examples include [[Iax]], [[The Pearl Moon]], [[Chiros]], [[Iocanthos]], [[Rynn's World]], [[San Leor]], [[Jouran]], [[Quintarn]], [[Tarentus]], [[Khai-zhan]], and [[Masali]]
 
*[[Cardinal World]]s - Notable examples include [[Dimmamar]], [[Gathalamor]], [[Ophelia VII]], and [[Espandor]]
 
*[[Cemetery World]]s - Notable examples include [[Certus Minor]], [[Cybele]], and [[Safehold]]
 
*[[Civilised World]]s - Notable examples include [[Elysia]], [[Valhalla]], [[Tallarn]], [[Kronus]], [[Jollana]], [[Tanith]], [[Caliban]], [[Sixty-Three-Nineteen]], [[Nuceria]], [[Olympia]], and [[Calth]]
 
*[[Death World]]s - Notable examples include [[Catachan]], [[Fenris]], [[Baal]], [[Cretacia]], [[Caldera]], [[Luther Macintyre IX]], [[Nocturne]], [[Murder]], and [[Midgardia]]
 
*[[Feral World]]s - Notable examples include [[Banish]], [[Birmingham]], [[Fenris]], [[Chogoris]], [[Barbarus]], [[Davin]], [[Honorum]], [[Bregundia]], and [[Blackwater]]
 
*[[Feudal World]]s - Notable examples include [[Attila]], [[Calderis]], [[Sepheris Secundus]], [[Coralax]], [[Solstice]], [[Mancora]], and [[Solemnus]]
 
*[[Fortress World]]s - Notable examples include [[Cadia]], [[Bakka]], [[Belis Corona]], [[Hydraphur]], [[Cypra Mundi]], [[Kar Duniash]], [[Talasa Prime]], [[Port Sanctus]], [[Prefectia]], [[Luna]], and [[Phobos]]
 
*[[Industrial World]]s - Notable examples include [[Vostroya]], [[Venus]], [[Beta-Garmon IV]], [[Endymion Prime]], [[Nimbosa]], and [[Loki (Macharian Crusade)|Loki]]
 
*[[Knight World]]s - Notable examples include [[Voltoris]], [[Alaric Prime]], [[Molech]], [[Raisa]], [[Kolossi]], [[Dragon's End]], [[Krastellan]], [[Chrysis]]
 
*[[Mining World]]s - Notable examples include [[Betalis III]], [[Mercury]], [[Deliverance]], [[Ghosar Quintus]], [[Piscina IV]], [[Ventrillia]], [[Mordant Prime]], [[Taros]], [[Medusa V]], [[Damnos]], [[Cthonia]], and [[Chemos]]
 
*[[Paradise World]]s - Notable examples include [[Iax]], [[Rapture]], [[Reth]], and [[Terion]]
 
*[[Penal World]]s - Notable examples include [[Savlar]], [[Obscurus (World)|Obscurus]], [[St. Josmane's Hope]], and [[Phyrr]]
 
*[[Shrine World]]s - Notable examples include [[Macharia]], [[Ophelia VII]], [[Ultima Macharia]], [[Maccabeus Quintus]], and [[Emiline's Hope]]
 
*[[Adeptus Astartes Homeworld]]s - Notable examples include [[Macragge]], [[Medusa]], [[Baal]], [[Chogoris]], [[Deliverance]], [[Nocturne]], [[Fenris]], [[Cretacia]], [[Sotha]], [[Banish]], [[Titan (Moon)|Titan]], [[Eidolica]], and [[Rynn's World]]
 
*[[War World]]s - Notable examples include [[Acheron (World)|Acheron]], [[Bleakfrost]], [[Certus Minor]], [[Moloch III]], [[Tarnis]], [[Verdicon]], and [[Rashad Prime]]
 
*[[Sentinel World]]s - Notable examples include [[Vigilus]]
 
*[[Quarry World]]s - Notable examples include [[Bellus Prime]] and [[Auros IV]]
 
*[[Repository World]]s
 
 
 
===Planetary Administration===
 
Because of the distances involved and the unstable nature of Warp communication, [[Planetary Governor]]s generally operate very autonomously. This allows quite a lot of variation in the regional governments. Most governorships are hereditary, but it is also possible for a planet to have an elected Planetary Governor, a tyrant Governor who rules by force of arms, or anything in between. So long as the Governor fulfills his duties to the Imperium, his rule will generally be accepted by the higher authorities. A rare few Planetary Governors preside over [[Feral World|feral]] or [[Feudal World|medieval worlds]] where the Imperium has not, for whatever reason, seen fit to introduce modern technology. These Governors are often isolated from their subjects, sometimes even living on orbital installations, only interfering to control mutation and psykers, as well as to collect the modest tithes these planets pay.
 
 
 
The Imperial duties of a Planetary Governor include paying the planetary tithe to the Administratum, controlling psykers, mutation and heresy among the population, defending the planet and putting down rebellions against the local government (and thus against the Imperium). A serious responsibility is the maintenance of an adequate planetary defense force capable of defending the planet in the event of invasion. The [[Planetary Defence Forces]] (abbreviated to PDF) are expected to defeat attacks from minor foes, and in the case of major invasions to hold out until reinforcements arrive, which could take a period of months or even years.
 
 
 
A relatively small number of Imperial worlds are not ruled by a Governor, but are overseen by an alternate organisation such as the Adeptus Terra, Ecclesiarchy, Imperial Guard or Space Marines. These include the [[Forge World]]s of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]], whose inhabitants toil without pause to manufacture the weapons of the Emperor's armies (including [[Mars]], [[Gryphonne IV]] and [[Fortis Binary]]), the [[Cardinal World]]s of the Ecclesiarchy, which are given entirely over to education and worship of the Emperor ([[Ignatius Cardinal]], [[Ophelia VII]]), and the Space Marine [[Adeptus Astartes Homeworld|Chapter planets]] (such as [[Fenris]], [[Macragge]], [[Baal]], and [[Medusa (Planet)|Medusa]]).
 
 
 
====Rebellion====
 
The Imperial creed maintains that all of humanity must be brought into and kept within the Imperium. Several Imperial organisations are permanently occupied with suppressing any possibility of rebellion before they have a chance of developing. The common worship of the Emperor holds mankind together and instills loyalty towards the Imperium. Rebellions and uprisings on Imperial planets nonetheless remain constant. The nature and causes of a rebellion can fall into several categories: the government of an Imperial world may decide to secede from the Imperium, or may attempt to overthrow the local Imperial government. In the most insidious of cases the rebellion may be brought about by xenos or Chaos influence. In the more prosaic cases however, a government established through rebellion is not necessarily opposed by the Imperium, so long as it accedes fully to Imperial authority.{{Fn|2}}
 
 
 
Besides outright war, there are many ways a rebellious world may be brought back into the Imperium. With its more secretive organisations, the Imperium is fully capable of carrying out subvert methods of restoring Imperial rule, including assassination, popular agitation, economic sabotage and terrorism. Sometimes a rebellion can be subdued by the removal of a single individual. Pro-Imperial groups or other anti-government forces can be infiltrated or supported.{{Fn|1}}
 
 
 
==Culture==
 
*{{main|Imperial Culture}}
 
While types of regimes and cultures differ greatly from world to world, there are commonly shared values and policies maintained by the Imperial central government. The worship of the [[Emperor]] as a god and the need for subject planets to pay the [[Imperial Tithe]] are rigidly enforced by agencies such as the [[Ecclesiarchy]], [[Adeptus Arbites]], and the feared [[Inquisition]].{{Fn|3a}} In addition, the Imperium is militantly xenophobic and will annihilate entire [[xenos|non-human]] species. Besides aliens, [[Mutant]]s and [[psyker]]s also face ruthless persecution{{Fn|3c}}, though certain types of [[Abhuman]]s such as [[Ogryn]]s and [[Ratling]]s are tolerated. The Imperium views their violently xenophobic, anti-mutant, and anti-psyker policies as necessary for the survival of the human race amid a galaxy of violent aliens and [[Chaos|dark gods]].{{Fn|3b}}{{Fn|3c}}
 
 
 
In addition to aliens, mutants, and psykers, most forms of robotics and artificial intelligence are outlawed in the Imperium. This taboo was inherited from human civilizations of the [[Dark Age of Technology]], who were nearly annihilated at the hands of the legendary [[Iron Men]].{{Fn|6}} Thus while certain forms of robotics such as [[Servitor]]s and [[Machine Spirit]]s are sanctioned, any kind of true artificial sentience is declared to be a heretical [[Abominable Intelligence]].
 
 
 
Everyday life differs greatly in the Imperium depending on which world one finds themselves on. However there is a common uniting factor: all activities are based around service to the Emperor and his regime. Life is often monotonous, with those on [[Hive World]]s spending their days as factory laborers before a short sleep cycle inside a cramped living quarters. Materialism outside of the nobility is virtually unknown. Whatever entertainment exists is heavily monitored by the [[Ecclesiarchy]] and is usually religious or political in nature. Most recreation is achieved through religious festivals, music, and drinking. Many, particularly those who can not find fulfillment outside of worship to the Emperor, resort to [[Narcotics|drug]] use to escape the reality of their lives. There are parks and shows for the nobility, but these are too expensive for a commoner to enjoy. On particular regressive worlds, gladiatorial combat may be used for entertainment. Against this backdrop most families will attempt to live a quiet humble life, hoping to never encounter the gaze of Imperial authorities or the horrors of the Galaxy.{{Fn|24}}
 
 
 
Making the sign of the [[Aquila]] is a common display of loyalty and respect within the Imperium. This is achieved through moving ones hands together into the shape of a double-headed eagle.{{Fn|22}}
 
 
 
===Imperial Languages===
 
[[Low Gothic]] is the common tongue of the Imperium, spoken on most Imperial planets as a first or second language. Imperial worlds have inevitably developed their own dialects of Low Gothic over time. [[High Gothic]] (represented as Latinised English) dates from an age before the Imperium, and is used solely as a hieratic tongue by the divisions of the Adeptus Terra, the Inquisition and the Ecclesiarchy.
 
 
 
===Religion===
 
*{{Main|Imperial Cult}}
 
*{{Main|Ecclesiarchy}}
 
The Imperium's state religion, the '''Imperial Cult''', is the one and only faith under Imperial law. While forms of worship may differ, they share a common belief that the [[Emperor]] is a God and the master of Mankind. This state religion is overseen by the [[Ecclesiarchy]], the Imperial church and one of the most powerful and influential organizations among humanity. Any kind of deviation or apostasy against the Imperial Cult is classified as [[heresy]], punishable by death.{{Fn|3d}}
 
 
 
However other illegal faiths are practiced covertly by denizens of the Imperium, most notably among persecuted classes such as [[mutant]]s. Unfortunately, it is common that often times this involves worship of the [[Chaos Gods|Dark Gods]].{{Fn|3c}}
 
 
 
==Economy==
 
Wealth in the Imperium is distributed highly unequally, and those below are expected to serve those above. The Imperium primarily collects its wealth through its [[Tithe]]s maintained on each world. Many types of currency in the Imperium exist, such as '''Credits'''{{Fn|8}}, '''Crowns'''{{Fn|9}}, '''Aquilas'''{{Fn|22}}, and '''Thrones'''{{Fn|10}}. Often goods, resources, and manpower are substituted as currency on a planetary level.{{Fn|3e}}
 
 
 
Examples of standard income in the Imperium is as follows, with the Thrones currency used. This however applies only to Acolytes of each profession.{{Fn|23}}
 
 
 
{| border=1
 
|colspan=4 |'''Income and Social Class'''
 
|-
 
|width=25%|'''Job'''
 
|width=25%|'''Thrones per Month'''
 
|-
 
|[[Hive Scum]]
 
|20
 
|-
 
|Common Laborers
 
|30
 
|-
 
|[[Guardsmen]]
 
|50
 
|-
 
|[[Arbites]], [[Sanctioned Psyker]]s
 
|70
 
|-
 
|[[Adept]]s/Bureaucracy
 
|100
 
|-
 
|Assassins/Mercenaries
 
|130
 
|-
 
|[[Tech-Priest]]s
 
|130
 
|-
 
|[[Priest]]s
 
|200
 
|-
 
|Nobility
 
|500
 
|}
 
 
 
==Imperial Dating System==
 
*{{main|Imperial Dating System}}
 
The Imperial dating system is based upon "Anno Domini", although expressed in rather different terms. A full dating code consists of a "check" number, "year fraction" number, "year" number, and the millennium. The millennium is a suffix, represented by an "M" and the millennium number. The three digits preceding the millennium is the year within the millennium, running from 001-000 (one thousand). For example 0150930/M32 is the year 930 of the thirty second millennium (31,930 A.D.).
 
 
 
Since the formation of the [[Great Rift]], the Imperium has introduced a radical new dating system to compensate for the extreme inconsistencies of time that has taken place across the galaxy. This is based around the planet's time in relation to the formation of the Rift itself.{{Fn|16}}
 
 
 
==Related articles==
 
*[[Quotes Imperium]] — General Imperial quotes
 
*[[Imperial Culture]]
 
 
 
==Sources==
 
{{Cite}}
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]], {{Cite This}}
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Dark Heresy Rulebook]], pg. 259
 
*3: [[Warhammer 40,000 6th Edition Rulebook]]
 
**{{Endn|3a}}: ''The Imperium of Man''
 
**{{Endn|3b}}: ''The Alien Menace''
 
**{{Endn|3c}}: ''The Enemy Within''
 
**{{Endn|3d}}: ''The Ecclesiarchy''
 
**{{Endn|3e}}: pg. 139
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]], pg. 1
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (2nd Edition)]], pgs. 31–32
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook]] — ''The Journal of Keeper Cripias''
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 7th Edition Rulebook]] — ''Unimaginable Scale''
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Necromunda: Outlanders Rulebook]] pg. 66
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Legion (Novel)]], Chapter 2
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Dark Heresy Core Rulebook]] pg. 124
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/05/16/new-warhammer-40000-the-dark-imperium-may16gw-homepage-post-4/ Warhammer Communuity]
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Dark Imperium (Novel)]]
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook]] pgs. 56–57
 
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Dark Heresy: Book of Judgement]] pg. 7
 
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Codex: Cult Mechanicus (7th Edition)]] — ''Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregations''
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Vigilus Defiant]] - Chronology of a dark age
 
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Codex: Eye of Terror]], pgs. 13-14
 
*{{Endn|18}}: [[The Beheading (Novel)]] - Chapter 13
 
*{{Endn|19}}: [[White Dwarf July 2019]] - Indomitus Crusade Fleets
 
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Hereticus (Novel)]] - Chapter 1
 
*{{Endn|21}}: [[Vaults of Terra: The Hollow Mountain (Novel)]] - Chapter 6
 
*{{Endn|22}}: [[Horus Rising (Novel)]] chapter 5
 
*{{Endn|23}}: [[Dark Heresy Core Rulebook]] pg.124
 
*{{Endn|24}}: [[Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Handbook]] pg.128-129
 
===Uncited===
 
*[[Codex Imperialis]]
 
*[[Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook]]
 
*[[White Dwarf 139 (UK)]] and [[White Dwarf 140 (UK)]], "Interstellar Travel" by [[Jervis Johnson]], [[Andy Jones]], [[Simon Forrest]] & [[Rick Priestley]]
 
 
 
{{ImperiumOrg}}
 
[[Category:Imperium| ]]
 
[[Category:Species and Factions]]
 
[[Category:Human Civilizations]]
 
[[de:Imperium]]
 
[[fr:Imperium]]
 

Latest revision as of 03:40, 19 December 2019

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