Overview of Stout
Stout is one of the five planets in the Quintus Sector. Originally a peaceful and prosperous colony of Super Earth, its isolation in the Southwestern Galactic Rim shielded it from the early conflicts of the Second Galactic War. However, as the war escalated, Stout found itself drawn into the fight, first through strategic containment measures against the Automatons and later as a target of the resurgent Illuminate.
Topography
Stout’s terrain is similar to Valmox, Liberty Ridge, Elysian Meadows, and Kharst. The planet is characterized by sprawling grasslands, rolling hills, and scattered forests, with vast stretches of open plains that once supported a thriving agricultural economy. These features made Stout a favorable location for colonization, allowing for the construction of urbanized settlements in scattered pockets across its surface.
The planet’s stable climate and fertile soil contributed to its self-sufficiency, making it a vital food-producing world within the sector. However, as war reached its doorstep, Stout’s once-thriving agricultural hubs became battlefields, and its cities bore the scars of relentless conflict.
History
Stout’s early history was largely uneventful, as its location in the Southwestern Galactic Rim kept it distant from the major conflicts plaguing other sectors. After its colonization following the First Galactic War, it remained a stable and prosperous world, untouched by external threats. However, the rise of the Automatons and the resurgence of the Illuminate would soon disrupt this peace.
In February 2184, the Automatons launched an invasion of the neighboring Severin Sector, swiftly occupying all planets within it, including Tibit. Recognizing the imminent danger, the Colonial Overseers of the Quintus Sector took decisive action, severing all FTL connections to the Federation’s network. This strategic isolation effectively trapped the Automatons within the Severin Sector, preventing their forces from expanding into Quintus. While this decision momentarily safeguarded Stout and its neighboring planets, it also left them vulnerable to future threats. Ultimately, the isolation paid off when Operation Swift Disassembly led to the complete eradication of the Automaton forces, liberating the occupied territories.
Despite this apparent victory, a far older and more insidious enemy had been watching from the shadows. The Illuminate, an ancient alien race long thought vanquished, had re-emerged from obscurity and launched a new war against humanity. Their first known assault came in December 2184, when they attacked Calypso, marking the beginning of their renewed campaign of terror.
On January 15th, 2185, the Illuminate turned their attention to Stout, launching an invasion fleet shortly after a successful raid on Alairt III. At the time, the Helldivers were heavily engaged in containment operations against the Terminids in the Farsight Sector, limiting their ability to respond. Only a small contingent of Helldivers could be dispatched to aid Stout’s defense, but the battle quickly became dire.
However, as the tide of war shifted, reinforcements arrived. With Terminid containment efforts proving effective, Super Earth High Command was able to redeploy Super Destroyers to Stout, bolstering its defenses. As Operation Farsight Breach neared its conclusion, the main Helldiver fleet relocated to Stout, determined to crush the Illuminate invasion.
For ten grueling hours, the Helldivers fought relentlessly, refusing to yield to the alien aggressors. The battle was fierce, but the unwavering resolve of Democracy’s finest ultimately prevailed. The Illuminate, unable to withstand the righteous might of the Helldivers, withdrew from Stout, their invasion fleet shattered, and their forces in retreat. The citizens of Stout were safe—for the time being.
Yet, the Illuminate’s thirst for domination remained unquenched. As their forces continued their brutal campaign across the Southern sectors of the galaxy, they gathered enough resources to launch another offensive. On January 23rd, 2185, another invasion fleet descended upon Stout, this time capitalizing on the Helldivers’ recent redeployment to other fronts.
With only a small contingent left to defend the planet, the Helldivers were unable to mount an effective resistance. The Illuminate ravaged Stout for twelve hours before withdrawing, having once again pillaged its resources and abducted its citizens. The scars of war ran deep, but the spirit of Stout’s people remained unbroken, awaiting the day when the forces of Super Earth would return to reclaim their home.