Summary Briefing (Nor sub-sector):

Correct as of 323994.M41:

The Nor Sub-Sector is located on the boundary between Chaldron Sector and Segmentum Ultima, on the Eastern Fringe, between the Tau Empire, and Utramar. The Emptiness of The Dead, a rift in the local star field, defines its southern edge and separates it from the Realm of the Ultra Marines. The sector has historically been better developed in its north western zone, becoming less developed to south and the east. Its basic geography means that most traffic to Imperium-Main is channelled via Garland’s Landing, onwards to the modern Sub-Sector administrative centre at Umbar. Scott is the main industrial centre, focused mainly on ore and gas processing, handling raw materials from mining concessions in central worlds like Shakleton, Franklin and Tranalis Major.

The relative isolation is both a blessing, and a curse, often leaving the sector untouched by events in Imperium-Main, but vulnerable when such events do intrude. It has also suffered from local dissent, most notable being the ‘Peasant’s Revolt’ of 843.M41 when the Governor of Nor declared himself independent following heretical revelations, and founded the petty successor state of the Kingdom of Nor. After sharp engagements across the sub-sector, during which many symbols of Imperial authority were damaged or destroyed, most worlds were secured by loyalist forces, an outcome seemingly unexpected by the Governor. The Heretics were besieged on their key stronghold of Nor, the administrative centre of the Sub-Sector, a world all but destroyed following the great siege of Nor (844 – 846). The capital was relocated to Umbar, where it remains to this day.

In the current era, the sub sector was bypassed both by the incursion of Hive Fleet Behemoth halted in Ultramar and Hive Fleet Kraken. However local militia and elements of the Imperial Guard remain watchful for splinter fleet activity, and Imperial listening posts are located on ‘Last Rock’ and ‘Amundsen’ at the edge of the Eastern Fringe, turned to the darkness, watching and waiting for the next move of the Hive Mind.

More pressing is the presence of the Tau to the North of this sub-sector. The Tau Empire’s Third Expansion brings Tau strike forces to within range of Nor, and Hardies World, re-named Bastion, is a now a major garrison world on the front line, supported by an Imperial Navy independent squadron on Garland’s Landing.

The final feature of note is Orna. This system appears to have been the home of a minor space faring race, now thought to be largely extinct, and perhaps related to the Tau. An Imperial Research station monitors ‘The Orna Worlds’ (the common name of the Orna system), but much information collected is classified. What is known is that vessels that casually/accidentally intrude into what is loosely known as ‘Orna-Space’, are usually lost.  Orna is currently classified as a navigational risk.

Given its isolated location and the fact that it is potentially threatened by any new Tyrannid incursion, or renewed Tau activity, this sub-sector is considered to have a Sacrificial-Strat status and be rated as ‘Vulnerable/Medium’. Military in this Sub-Sector are not expected to hold this territory in the face of major threat, nor to retreat, but to spend themselves weakening the enemies of the Emperor in readiness for counter attack by principal formations from Imperial Main.