[last of the bloodthirsty]

Many know of the few death worlds that dot the imperium- Kanak or Catachan herself- but one on the western fringe, only mustering 3000 people in population, 1200 of them being warriors, Thorin is one of the smallest planets of the Imperium of man. With 2 continent spanning jungles and 1 continent of violent volcanoes, there is no wonder this small nugget of struggle and violence produces such fine warriors.

As it is on Catachan it is on Thorin, everyday is a battle of survival. Many barely make it past birth, then they must fend for themselves most of the time while everyone tries to forge a living in their small existence. Those that live in the jungles must watch for the ever present danger of disease and toxins produced by plants throughout the undergrowth, but also for the lightening quick Juniper vipers that carry enough toxin to kill a marine in hours let alone a man. The lumbering yet vicious Gruel Bears kill anything that is not welcome in its territory (which means anything except it self and it’s kind) their territories cover most of the more inhabitable places in the jungles. The volcanic plateau that makes up Thorin’s 3 continent is where warriors are born. Wracked with ever-changing fissures and magma pipes unloading noxious fumes and molten rock on to the landscape. Each boy or girl that reaches the age of 16 must ritually fight a Fire Dragon- a large (6 meters long) reptile that lives in the volcanoes and magma pipes- with only his wits and a long hafted axe (favored weapons of Thorins). This is the only way to prove your self a warrior, for if you cannot fight a clever beast then how are you going to beat a smart opponent. Once proven the warriors are plunged right into the wars of the Imperium, grouped together out of family and acquaintance rather than the melting pot that other regiments are, they elect their leaders by popular vote and they will follow that man unto the pits of hell.

Captain “Dread” Hawkings is the leader of a group by the name of the “Fire Belchers”, a group of ruffians hailing from this terrible world who pride themselves on how much of their home brew they can drink. Though they are unruly at best they are known for their use of veterans and flamers, plus the ever present plasma guns. These men and women are the best of their kindred and hate orks with a passion, hell their commander is known as “Dread” because he killed a rampaging ork dreadnaught with his lone melta-bomb, when everyone from the cadian crew were too scared to shoot at it. The Captain demands respect from his troops when it is needed but will take part in many a ribbing of rival commanders or the enemy themselves.

Given the chance any of these men or women would kill who ever disrespects their fellows or the home planet. So watch your tongue, or you will lose it