Hephaes

While Hephaes is classified as a Dwarf Planet, it nevertheless sports nearly Terra-like gravity, thanks to its massive lead core. Why this barren world has an atmosphere nobody knows, and the initial Explorator fleet tasked with solving this mystery in M34 soon grew to a full-fledged Forge World, albeit a minor one under the direct control of Mars.

As long as the Adeptus Mechanicus has controlled Hephaes, the Orks of the sector have remained a constant nuisance. Recently the threat has grown more dire, and the various Chaos incursions in the sector also showed an interest in gaining Hephaes abundand metallic ressources and production facilities.

Hive Fleet Leviathan has ignored Hephaes thus far, as the Tyranids have attacked more plentiful bounty, because the planet lacks biomass. The local AdMech command is nevertheless preparing for an all-out Tyranid attack, because the Hive Mind won't ignore Hephaes strategic importance forever.

To combat the various threats, the Skitarii and Cult Mechanicus forces have been bolstered by Imperial Knights of House Taranis.