Overview of Pöpli IX
Pöpli IX is one of the five planets in the Xzar Sector, known for its arid, sand-blasted terrain and deep mining operations. For many years, it stood as a thriving mining colony under Super Earth’s rule, but its peaceful existence was shattered when the Automatons launched their surprise invasion of the Xzar and Severin Sectors in March 2184.
Topography
Pöpli IX shares similarities with Wezen and Menkent, featuring vast desert landscapes, rocky formations, and open mining sites. Its barren terrain provides little natural cover, making it an exposed battlefield for both Helldivers and invading forces.
History
Pöpli IX thrived under Managed Democracy, with its colonists working in its extensive mining operations. However, this stability ended in March 2184, when the Automatons launched their surprise offensive into the Xzar and Severin Sectors, plunging the planet into the Second Galactic War.
From March to April, Pöpli IX endured relentless enemy occupation, with minimal Helldiver support compared to more strategically significant planets like Tibit and Vandalon IV. However, as Operation Swift Disassembly commenced in late March, the Helldivers turned their focus on reclaiming lost ground. The liberation of Pöpli IX was achieved on March 29th, just days before the decisive victory at Malevelon Creek on April 3rd, securing temporary peace.
However, this peace was short-lived. Following their defeat at Malevelon Creek, the Automatons launched a second invasion, this time targeting Cyberstan and its surrounding sectors. The citizens of Pöpli IX watched in dread as the Automaton forces advanced, one planet at a time.
On April 25th, Pöpli IX faced an indirect threat as the Automatons launched an attack on Mort. Though this assault failed, it was a clear sign of their ongoing aggression. By late May, the Automatons mounted a second attack on Mort, this time with increased forces, yet failed once again.
By June, Pöpli IX was placed on high alert as Automaton forces entrenched themselves at Charbal-VII, using it as a staging ground for further attacks. On June 21st, while the Helldivers were preoccupied with the Terminid Front, the Automatons successfully captured Mort, signaling a renewed offensive.
The next day, on June 22nd, the Automatons attempted to push into Ingmar but were repelled. On June 24th, they launched a dual assault, with one force advancing from Mort toward Pöpli IX, while another moved from Vandalon IV to Ingmar. Despite the severe threat, the Helldivers executed a masterful defense, defeating the invasion at Mort and crippling the assault on Pöpli IX, securing a decisive Super Earth victory.
However, true peace remained elusive. On June 24th, the Automatons unveiled a new tactic, creating a previously unknown FTL Line from Vandalon IV to Mantes. Although the Helldivers successfully defended Mantes, this unprecedented move raised new concerns for Pöpli IX—the looming fear that, at any moment, a new Automaton fleet could appear from deep space to reclaim it once more.