Planet Resources & Description
Washburne III is in the Halicron System and is located on the Sagittarius Arm of the known universe. The Halicron System is roughly 700 Light Years from the Imperial Planets Okassis and Delta Tao, and 750 Light Years from the Eldar Craftworld Iyanden. Within the System there are 11 planetary bodies orbiting the Star Halicron, 4 Terrestrial (Habitable), 3 Rocks (No Atmosphere), 1 Venusian (Hot, Arid, Thick Atmosphere), 1 Jovian (Large Gas Giant), 1 Sub-Jovian (Medium Gas Giant), and 1 Asteroid Cluster (Destroyed Planet); Washburne’s I, II, III, and IV respectively, named after the Intrepid Imperial Galactic Explorer Lord Tarsus Washburne and their proximity to Halicron.
There are, on average, 7 to 9 eclipses in a Holy Terra standard year on Washburne III. It is an abundantly lush agricultural world that sustains a population of approximately 4 billion and produces enough resources to provide the neighboring Imperial Systems with ample agricultural supplies. It is about 1.1 times the size of Holy Terra, and has a cool temperature range (Average yearly temp range -13 C to 91.3 C). The standard length of the year is 2.2 that of Holy Terra, which allows for extended growth and harvest seasons.
58% of Washburne III’s surface is water of which 9% is utilized through indoctrinated filtering to irrigate crops and sustain both the indigenous population as well as the livestock. It is interesting to note that Washburne III’s aquatic agriculture is very seldom exported off world except within its own system as it is highly cherished by the inhabitants and a very good source of nutrients (not to mention the fact that is has a most distinct and favorable taste). There are 8 major land masses, 6 of which are used for agricultural purposes. The remaining 2 are used to maintain the requirements of the Imperial Guard. The land masses include: Ardeen- PDF, Bryllmir- PDF, Ivarra- Agriculture, Korvin- Agriculture, Lindholm- Agriculture, Marsden- Agriculture, Ryser- Agriculture, Sirkka- Agriculture.
Military Account & Organization
Washburne III’s military is still relatively young as far as Departmento Munitorum Imperial Records are concerned. When it was first colonized, the standing army saw extensive use to purify the world of key predators known to attack and consume the settlers and their resources (Crops and Livestock). This eradication is still observed annually by special detachments of the PDF and helps to keep an even harmony with the flora and fauna, as well as the inhabitants and their agricultural production. Since its inception into the recognized planets of the Imperium, Washburne III has deployed to the nearby systems to repel Hive Fleet Kraken’s advance and has been relatively successful in this endeavor. The Armies of Washburne III have, on occasion, formed an uneasy alliance with the Eldar from Craftworld Iyanden. Although this has been frowned upon by the “official” Imperial Creed and borders on heresy, it has been a necessary evil, as Tyranids make no distinction between Eldar and Human, devouring each species with acute vigor. Washburne III has been blessed, or cursed, in not having faced aggressive conflict on its home planet, but has faced sporadic encounters within its own system (Washburne’s II and IV have experienced Tyranid infestation).
Washburne III has raised 3028 Divisions (Imperial equivalent to a Regiment) to date. Divisions 1-8 consist of the PDF and are garrisoned on the 8 main territorial bodies. Each PDF Division also handles recruitment and the training of newly enlisted guardsmen. Washburne I is responsible for training and maintaining the system’s Naval Fleets and provides Washburne III with 2 permanently garrisoned Fleets as well as what is required to deploy a Division.
Guardsmen of Washburne III are unique in that most have a working knowledge of the machinery required for agriculture, are adept hunters/survivalists, and highly skilled on horseback. These skills transition soundly into the skills required for service in the Imperial Guard. As there are very few Machine Cultists in the Halicron System, many of the men and women that enlist have a solid operational familiarity (or expertise in some cases) with what is required to both operate and maintain machinery and munitions. Residing on Washburne III, the enlistees have acquired the skills it takes to hunt and survive via tracking, stalking, and gathering edible vegetation. A very large proportion of the settlers utilize beasts of burden on their agricultural estates to oversee the activities required to maintain them. As a result, almost all of those who enlist are exceedingly proficient equestrians. Of those equestrians, the very best are chosen to serve in the mounted cavalry. This is considered a great honor and only enlisted personnel can qualify for cavalry appointment.
Of note, there are no distinctions made between men and women who serve and both are treated equally as guardsmen.
Unit Descriptions
The Imperial Lord High Governor oversees the entire planet and is appointed through a rigorous global selection process. However, they are ultimately approved by high ranking Imperial Representatives. He or she is accompanied by a retinue of 2 personal administrators 8 Division councilmen (Lord Governors), and 1 Honor Guard Company.
Division/Fleet- 3 to 5 Brigades/Fleets, 1458 to 34375 souls, commanded by Lord Commanding General LCG
Brigade/Wing- 3 to 5 Regiments/Groups, 486 to 6875 souls, commanded by Lieutenant General LTG or Brigadier General BGD
Regiment/Group- 3 to 5 Companies/Squadrons, 162 to 1375 souls, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel LTC or Colonel COL
Company/Squadron- 3 to 5 Platoons/Flights, 54 to 275 souls, commanded by Captain CPT or Major MAJ
Platoon/Flight- 3 to 5 Squads/Sections, 18 to 55 souls, commanded by Second Lieutenant 2LT or First Lieutenant 1LT
Squad/Section- 6 to 10 souls, commanded by Corporal Grade 2 CP2 or Sergeant SGT
