Overview of Mantes
Mantes is one of the five planets in the Xzar Sector, often compared to Meridia before its collapse, due to its lush jungle environment and volatile volcanic activity. Once a peaceful colony under Super Earth’s governance, it became a key battleground during the Automaton invasions of the Second Galactic War.
Topography
Mantes is a tropical jungle planet filled with dense vegetation, towering trees, and expansive grassy fields. The terrain features sporadic volcanic formations, which pose a severe hazard during combat—their eruptions can release deadly rock projectiles, indiscriminately obliterating Automatons and Helldivers alike.
History
Mantes was among the first planets to experience the wrath of the Automatons during their surprise invasion of the Xzar and Severin Sectors in February 2184. Despite the Helldivers’ determined defense, the overwhelming enemy forces occupied the planet within three days, locking Mantes into a prolonged deadlock as Super Earth shifted its focus to the Terminid Front in the east.
As soon as the Terminid Control System was successfully implemented, Super Earth High Command re-prioritized the Automaton threat, launching Operation Swift Disassembly in March 2184. The Helldivers mounted a relentless counteroffensive, liberating Mantes along with Draupnir and Ubanea as they eradicated enemy presence across the Western Galactic Rim. The decisive victory at Durgen marked the completion of the campaign, securing Mantes’ return to Super Earth’s control.
However, this triumph was short-lived. Just three days after the Automatons’ defeat, a second invasion force, ten times larger, emerged from deep space, capturing Cyberstan and rapidly spreading into neighboring systems. The citizens of Mantes could only watch in fear as the Automatons methodically reclaimed territory throughout April and May 2184.
By June, the Automaton war machine had fully entrenched itself, culminating in the capture of Charbal-VII and a renewed offensive toward the Xzar Sector. With Mort falling to the enemy on June 21st, Super Earth High Command issued a Major Order, prioritizing the defense of Xzar at all costs.
On June 23rd, the Automatons executed a previously unseen strategy, creating a new FTL Line from Vandalon IV into Mantes, initiating an unexpected assault. Fortunately, the Helldivers mounted a swift response, repelling the invasion by June 24th. However, this tactical development raised alarming concerns—for the first time, Super Earth’s enemies demonstrated the ability to create FTL Supply Lines, introducing an unpredictable new element to the war.