Echidna
The first Cielcin worldship captured and impounded by the Sollan Empire for study. A dwarf planet converted into a starship by the Cielcin Prince ZAHAMARA*. Captured by Imperial forces under the command of Lord CASSIAN POWERS after the Second Battle of Cressgard in ISD 15797. Archaeological digs found the bones of a Watcher amongst the Vaiartu writing and graven images. Best estimates place the ship and its indwelling tombs at fourty-thousand standard years in age—more than twice the age of the Sollan Empire.
Following the worldship's capture by Legion forces, the unnamed Cielcin prince was taken by Lord Powers back to Forum in triumph, paraded before EMPRESS TITANIA AUGUSTA III, and beheaded by the Chantry's White Sword.
* Ashes of Man's Index of Worlds in the original text lists the Echidna as having been settled by the Cielcin Prince Laramnaina.
Although a larger ship’s warp engine would warp space more efficiently once it fired, it was well known that the larger the vessel, the slower the jump to warp. The Cielcin worldships were notoriously slow to jump. It made catching them in a rout more possible. That was how Cassian Powers himself had caught the vessel-moon called Echidna at Second Cressgard, crippling her engines before she could jump to warp.
Disquiet Gods, Chapter 52: A New Order
Name Inspiration: In Greek mythology, Echidna is known as the "Mother of Monsters". She is typically portrayed as having the upper body of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a serpent. Her mate is Typhon, and together they are responsible for the creation of many iconic Greek monsters including: The Hydra - a multi-headed serpent, The Chimera - a fire-breathing monster with parts of a lion, goat, and serpent, Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the underworld, Orthus, a two-headed dog, etc.
Notable Discoveries:
—The Great Tomb: Vast subterranean reliquary located at the northernmost end of the Valley of Lords on Echidna, near the polar terminus. Constructed of hewn black stone with immense sealed doors—300–400 cubits tall—locked with ancient, gear-driven mechanisms buried beneath the ice. Entry required plasma cutting and gravimetric scans. The interior descends via a massive spiral stairwell into the bedrock, culminating in a domed arena-like chamber. The walls are inscribed with linear, pre-Cielcin script, and the floor steps down concentrically toward a shattered greenstone ossuary containing THE HAND. TOR MENCIUS theorized the tomb served a ritual or sacred purpose, as evidenced by dozens of dead Cielcin priests or attendants, sealed inside in robes, unpreserved.
—The Tomb of Prince Zahamara: Smaller burial site adjoining the Great Tomb, located on the east wall of the Valley of Lords. Accessed via a southern breach, resulting in the partial destruction of a mural inscribed with Cielcin writing. Preserved the mummified body of Prince Zahamara, vacuum-sealed, wrapped in silken bandages, and arrayed in silver-banded armor. The tomb is 40,000 years old, dating back to the first Cielcin settlement of Echidna.
—The Valley of Lords: A massive rift valley near Echidna’s pole. Believed to contain 111 tombs of ancient Cielcin princes. At least 40,000 years old, predating all of human civilization. Excavated by Imperial survey teams under TOR MENCIUS. Key tombs include that of Prince ZAMAHARA and the Great Tomb housing the Hand. Ancient tunnelways link it to the rest of the moon, long since collapsed.
Spoilers ahead, proceed with caution
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