| abstract | - Luggnum is a backwater Mining World situated in a relatively isolated region of the Golgenna Reach Sub-sector of the Calixis Sector. The ores obtained through the backbreaking labour of Luggnum's lower classes are useful but unremarkable -- a description that could be applied to the entire planet. As a Mining World, Luggnum is often overshadowed by the nearby Sepheris Secundus. While the Imperial Guard regiments raised from Luggnum may not be as famed as the Brontian Longknives, or as oft-imitated as the Cadian Shock Troops, they are every bit as tough, as dependable, and as under-appreciated as the ore quarried from the depths of their homeworld. This core world produces strong, battle-worthy Imperial Guard regiments known as the Sewer Rats. The moniker "Sewer Rats" was bestowed on the Luggnum regiments centuries ago, and a number of different stories profess to explain it -- some less flattering than others. Regardless of the truth, the people of Luggnum have adopted the disparaging name as a source of pride, characteristic of the dour humour for which they are known. Despite their relief at escaping the doldrums of mine work, Luggnum regiments are often assigned operations to which their experience is suited. These include such theatres of war as the depths of hive cities, the catacombs of Shrine Worlds, and, on occasion, the corridors of a void craft or Space Hulk. Logically, the Luggnum Sewer Rats are often called up to fight on Mining Worlds. Casualties during such missions are often jokingly chalked up to "a case of homesickness" by Lugnum Guardsmen. The people of Luggnum are faithful, honourable, and hard-working. Luggnum's men and women take to heart the Imperial maxim that work earns salvation. The knowledge that they serve the Emperor of Mankind is more than enough to content most of Luggnum's inhabitants as they toil in the darkness of the mines, but that does not stop them from envying those of their fellows chosen to serve the Emperor in a decidedly more heroic fashion—serving in the Imperial Guard. In contrast to the bleak, monochrome landscape of their homeworld, the people of Luggnum prefer bright, colourful patterns for their garb. Luggnum culture places high value on a man's ability to handle himself in a brawl, which perhaps explains the preference shown by many Luggnum regiments for close combat. The Sewer Rats are drawn from all levels of their world's society, but from the highest noble to the lowliest labourer, each man brings with him his clan sword, a priceless family heirloom. It is a common saying on Luggnum that "even those who have nothing can still offer their blades." What's remarkable about this tradition, however, is the craftsmanship of all Lugnum familial blades. Even the poorest family of deep-miners can boast a blade of the finest workmanship and sharpest edge. This has led to rumours that the nobles of Luggnum hoard the finest ores for the use of their personal smiths, or even hide entire mines of rare material from Imperial surveyors, although investigation and testing has so far lent no credence to such stories. When a Luggnumite falls on the battlefield, his squad mates see it as a matter of gravest honour to recover his blade -- in fact, placing a much higher priority on recovering his sword than his body. Many Luggnum Sewer Rats have experience serving on deep mining operations back home, during which they might operate at lung-crushing depths for weeks or months without returning to the surface. Men serving under such conditions must learn a certain degree of self-sufficiency, as mine collapses, rock pirates, and other hazards can easily prevent the delivery of much-needed supplies. Luggnum miners tithed to the Imperial Guard often ply these skills on the battlefield, making the best of available resources and finding creative uses for common equipment. Like many worlds in the Calixis Sector, Luggnum has its secrets. The planet is still haunted by the atrocities committed by Lady Orlea Grey many years ago, although they are seldom spoken of in polite company. Some believe that Luggnum was not the first world subjected to the Lady's heresies, and in near-empty taverns, in the dead of night, grizzled miners whisper that Orlea Grey was no native-born Luggnum noble at all. Despite attempts by the authorities to cover up the truth, there are few on Luggnum who have not heard whispers of the sadistic blasphemies committed by Grey and her courtiers in the once-fruitful Ironback Mines, though few know, or even suspect, the true scale of her crimes. The Ironback Mines are long since sealed by order of the Inquisition, that the lingering taint of Chaos not pollute Luggnum's material output or its population. Rumours persist, however, of dark, twisted things glimpsed in the deepest shafts of Luggnum's other mines, ghoulish figures that may once have been human.
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