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Index Astartes: The Matamatas - Home World |
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The planet Kopjes, the only planet in the Kopjes star system, is located in the Terpidus Star Cluster which lies in the
Galatic South-East. The world has an above average gravity, and is covered by chains of active volcanoes with frequent
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are no oceans, and what little water on the surface exists as boiling springs
which emerges through cracks in the planet's surface. The landscape is ever changing due to the frequent volcanic
eruptions, making it impossible for trees to grow only the planet. The only vegetation exist as fast growing and tough shrubs
which takes only a few weeks for it to reach maturity. Due to the lack of vegetation and water bodies, most of the life-forms
on the planet are land-bound and a few fliers which soar on the abundant thermals. With the rich minerals brought to the
surface by the volcanic activity, micro-organisms capable of utilising such minerals in their metabolic pathways have
replaced the more common water-bound protozoans and zooplanktons of many other terrestial-like planets. With the
exception of a few species of animals which are capable of feasting upon the tough shrubs and smaller animals which feed
upon the micro-organisms, all the other animals are carnivorous, with the Matamata as the ulitmate carnivore, resting at the
top of the food chain.
The Matamata is a fearsome predator, with adults capable of reaching the size of Land Raiders. It vaguely resembles a terrestial tortoise, possessing a shell which is capable of withstanding extreme pressure and high temperatures. It can not move quickly, nor does it have to as a Matamata is quite able to be swept in a river of molten magma and emerge unharmed. The Matamata has excellent camouflage, with its irregularly-shaped shell and protrusions covered scaly skin. Its skin colour blends in well with the surrounding rocks and it can remain stationary for hours on end. It catches its prey by waiting for it to unknowingly approach and then snapping out with its jaws wide open to engulf the prey. The jaws of the Matamata can exert enormous pressure, capable of breaking rocks apart. The humans that live on Kopjes do not build any permanent dwellings as they have to constantly relocate in the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption. They lives as nomadic hunters, each tribe numbering about a hundred strong. In addition, they are also capable miners, exploiting rich minerals seams brought to the surface by the tectonic activity. Mines are hurriedly digged to extract as much precious metal as possible before the tribe is forced to migrate again. The metals mined are used locally for building their mobile vehicles, weapons, while most are exported to other planets for trade. There are no permanent structures and hence no factories. As a result, despite the rich mineral wealth, the people on Kopjes are unable to maintain a high level of technology. Their hunting weapons commonly comprises of spearguns or huge, heavy hammers. Water is obtained from hot springs and distilleded in their vehicles for consumption. The Chapter's fortress-monastry does not reside on Kopjes, but on it's only moon, Galaphos. Galaphos is about half the size of Kopjes, is devoid of an atmosphere and unable to sustain life. It is nothing more than a spaceport linked to an orbital port where the Chapter's fleet can dock, be refitted and stocked. This is sufficiant to the Matamatas as they had started off as a fleet-based Chapter. When not at war, the Chapter's warriors live among the people on Kopjes. Each warrior returns to the tribe which he was selected from and live among them. Due to the long lives of all Space Marines, each time the warrior returns to his tribe, a few generations may have already passed and the current generation will view the Space Marine as a living legend, a figure of inspiration. When the tribesmen goes forth to hunt, the Space Marine will accompany them, not to fight with them, but to observe and sometimes, instruct. To the tribesmen, it is unthinkable for such a legend to aid them, and for a Space Marine to have to come to their aid or fight for them is considered a matter of great shame. Conversely, to be praised by a Space Marine is the highest honour any tribesman can hope to gained. In the presence of a Space Marine, the tribesmen are spurred on to greater heights of courage and deeds, especially the younger men who knows that if they are exceptionally courageous, they could be selected to join the ranks of the heroes. Indeed, this is how new aspirants are chosen, by Space Marines who have deemed the young tribesman worthy in courage and deed. Often, the chosen aspirant would have sustained some grevious and often mortal wound, but that is of no concern in the eyes of the Space Marine for he too would most probably have been chosen under such a condition as well. No two tribes will ever fight among themselves. There exist a spirit of cooperation unseen among people on other world. On Kopjes, the environment and prey alone, are sufficient foes for everyone. The presence of Space Marines further prevent any two tribes from coming to blow for to do so would be a matter of shame beyond any to be considered. |
Matamatas
Origins Hunting a Matamata Combat Doctrine Organisation Beliefs Gene-seed Special Rules Huh? Liber Imperialis |
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