Warhammer 40K Hive

The Anatomy of a Hive City

Hive cities are vast, sprawling metropolises that have grown over thousands of years, home to countless inhabitants. These urban behemoths are found on over 85% of all planets in the Imperium, and are characterized by their towering city spires and deep underhive layers.

The Upper Hive

The upper hive is the domain of the wealthy and powerful, where administrators and important individuals reside in luxury. The homes are spacious, and power is plentiful and free. Life is easy here, far removed from the hardships of the lower levels. The spires are the most desirable locations, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The Shell

The outer shell of the hive is punctuated by deep shafts that allow light and air to penetrate to the core. These shafts are protected by massive, movable shields that defend against external threats. The shell also houses essential infrastructure, including travel tunnels, gateway fortresses, and garrison blocks.

Heat Sinks

At the heart of every spire is a massive heat sink, a vertical shaft that harnesses heat from the planet’s core to generate power. This energy is distributed to manufactories and hab layers throughout the hive, providing warmth and light to the inhabitants.

Hab Zones

The majority of the hive’s population lives in overcrowded and squalid hab zones, where social standing is reflected by residential level. The elite live in luxury at the top, while the lower levels are home to the indentured worker class. Conditions are harsh, with dim lighting, recycled air, and limited access to fresh food.

Manufactories

The industrial complexes within the hive produce a wide range of goods, traded for food to sustain the vast population. These manufactories extend from the hab zones to the ash wastes surface, generating waste and pollution that must be carefully managed.

Ruined Manufactories

As the ash waste surface rises, abandoned manufactories become increasingly common. These derelict areas are infested by scavvies, mutant gangs that scavenge for anything usable or tradable.

Underhive

The underhive is the most run-down area of the hive, where gangs rule through fear and intimidation. It is a difficult place to live, with limited access to power, water, and food.

The Hive Bottom

At the base of the hive, buildings become structurally unsound, creating an inhospitable area known as the hive bottom. This zone is home to monstrous mutants that thrive in the darkness and pollution.

Outskirts

The outskirts of the hive are not as bad as the underhive, but still pose significant challenges. Power is non-existent, and running water and constant food supplies are rare.

Main Parts of any Hive City

The main sectors of each hive city are:

  • Sectors Imperialis: the main hive levels
  • Sectors Periferus: the outskirts beyond the hive’s borders
  • Sectors Mechanicus: heavy industrial zones
  • Sectors Spirum: the upper spires
  • Sectors Habculum: vast hab-blocks
  • Sectors Infernus: either the underhive or the underwastes

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