Overview of Grafmere
Grafmere is one of the seven planets that reside in the Rictus Sector, a once-prosperous colony that fell victim to the Illuminate’s resurgence.
Topography
Grafmere shares geographical similarities with Eukoria, featuring a varied landscape of sprawling urban centers, rolling hills, and scattered industrial districts. The planet’s environment was well-suited for colonization, with a temperate climate and abundant natural resources that supported steady economic growth. Over time, its settlements expanded, forming a network of thriving metropolises that stood as a testament to Super Earth’s progress.
Despite its prosperity, the planet also had an extensive underground sewage and drainage system, remnants of early terraforming efforts. These subterranean structures became a vital part of the colony’s infrastructure, providing sanitation and flood control for the growing population.
History
Grafmere, like many other planets in the Rictus Sector, experienced a long period of peace following its colonization at the end of the First Galactic War. With a strong economy and well-developed urban infrastructure, it stood as a model of Managed Democracy’s success. However, this prosperity would soon attract the attention of an ancient enemy lurking in the shadows.
The Illuminate, a species long thought extinct, had returned. In the final weeks of 2184, they began launching rapid and coordinated assaults across the Southern Galactic Rim, targeting peaceful colonies for resources and captives. Their attacks were calculated, striking planets at their most vulnerable moments.
On January 7th, 2185, just hours after their successful raid on Botein, the Illuminate set their sights on Grafmere. As their forces descended onto the planet, the Helldivers scrambled to respond. Already stretched thin due to ongoing operations against the Automatons in the Marspira Sector, they could only divert a limited contingent to defend Grafmere.
The battle raged across the planet’s urban centers and industrial zones, with Helldivers engaging in brutal street-to-street combat. The underground sewage networks became an unexpected battleground, as Illuminate forces attempted to use them for covert movements and ambushes. Despite their best efforts, the Helldivers struggled to contain the invaders without reinforcements.
With Super Earth High Command working to issue new orders, the Helldivers fought valiantly to protect the colony. However, the enemy’s advantage in numbers and mobility proved overwhelming. After several hours of intense combat, the Illuminate completed their objective, plundering resources and abducting countless civilians before withdrawing from the planet.
The aftermath left Grafmere scarred, its cities in ruins and its people shaken. Though the Illuminate had withdrawn, the memory of their assault served as a grim reminder that the war was far from over.