Maiden Worlds
Overview
Maiden Worlds, or Lilaethan in the Eldar Lexicon, are the lush paradise worlds originally created through advanced terraforming techniques from lifeless Dead Worlds by the Eldar before the Fall of their race's ancient interstellar empire in the 30th Millennium. The creation of these worlds involved seeding formerly barren planets with life, gradually leading to their transformation into lush, life-supporting worlds. The seeding of worlds was part of a program of colonization which would take many thousands of years to reach fruition, and the result would only be seen by many later generations of the Eldar.
Place in the Imperium
Originally, these worlds were to be used a paradise worlds or pleasure worlds for important Imperial servants. However, with the integration of the Eldar into Imperial society, many of these worlds have been turned back over to the Eldar, so that they may repopulate.
While some Imperial officials argued against this, they were countered with the fact that the Eldar could not simply be crowded into Hive Worlds without further issues arising. In addition, many Maiden Worlds were already located within heavily guarded sectors of Imperial space, ensuring security.
The worlds of the Eldar are rich in natural resources and, as such, some are agri-worlds with advanced horticultural cities. Others are devoted to industry and with advanced technology, are able to produce various goods and materials with reduced levels of pollution.
While these worlds are usually reserved for expanding or incoming Eldar populations, there are times when humans are allowed to live there as well.
Known Maiden Worlds
Hannibal - An Eldar Maiden World later settled by human colonists and now populated by both races.
Twenty-eight Four – An unnamed Eldar Maiden World brought to Imperial Compliance by the Emperor's Children Legion during the Great Crusade in the Perdus Region, given back Craftworld Iyanden.
Eth-aelas - The site of the destruction, by the Eldar, of the second tendril of the Tyranid Hive Fleet Naga, destroyed.
Lilae'Fionnadh (Dread Pearl) - An ancient Maiden World lost to a Warp Storm during the Fall of the Eldar and later colonized after its return to Realspace by human settlers who renamed the planet Dread Pearl, now populated by both races.
Tarsus - A Maiden World, guarded by Craftworld Ulthwe and colonized by them.
Emele - Part of the Cabulis System.
Kiliak - Colonized by Craftworlds Biel-Tan and Ulthwe.
Davinuus - Colonized by Craftworld Iyanden.
Equinox - Maiden World colonized by the Imperium and An-Iolsus.
Defense
In addition to various human forces and fleets, the Maiden Worlds have kept their Guardian forces. Before their alliance with the Imperium of Man, the Eldar population was in decline and their Craftworlds beset on all sides by merciless enemies. As such, even Eldar who followed the civilian paths had to be trained and ready for warfare as Guardians. This tradition has carried on and Guardians are still in use, and can be counted to act competently in case of emergency.