The universe is divided into sections where different forces place footholds. Our story begins near Catachan, which is the Astra Miliatrum and Space Marines Territory. Near Catachan we have Ryza, Sarum, Chogoris (White Scars base), Radab, and Nocturne (Salamanders base). Catachan is also close to The Maelstrom. It is a warp rift/warp storm area where the intergalactic travel is nearly impossible. The Maelstrom is an excellent hiding area for pirates, renegades, some Chaos units, and a few Ork empires.