The Offensive Begins - Corinthia

Points: 2000.

Missions: Data Scry-Salvage.

Secondary Objectives: Bring It Down, Oaths of Moment and Raise The Banners High.

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Aerospace Targeting Relays, Engage On All Fronts and To The Last.

The main Imperial offensive in the south began when Arthurus led two hundred of his battle brothers north-east towards Fort Sanctus, and two regiments of Astra Militarum advanced on their left. One regiment also advanced slowly towards Hive Gothos, as a flank guard against Tau attack from the wastelands. The Rift Wardens had captured several vital locations further south in the days before hand, to protect the southern flank as the army advanced forward.

Despite warnings from Imperial commanders against splitting their forces, Arthurus decided to spread his forces out to cover more territory. Tau troops withdrew during the day allowing the Rift Wardens to recapture Fort Sanctus, and the Militarum regiments to advance much further than expected. At dusk, the Astra Militarum attacked Hive Gothos and was engaged by artillery and long range fire, which repulsed them with many casualties. On the second day of the attack, Tau long-range artillery had been able to bombard the Militarum artillery and infantry, inflicting greater and greater casualties.

The Rift Wardens had to attack methodically after artillery preparation but managed to push back the Tau. Scouts soon report an identified line of resistance of fire warriors close to the advanced Imperial troops and that a counter-attack was imminent. On day two, the Tau opposed the Imperial advance with long range artillery fire and day three, the Militarum received reinforcements. When the Tau were found to have evacuated the city, Arthurus ordered his marines to head north after them, while the guardsmen mopped up any stragglers.

A Tau counter attack occurred a couple days later, forced to separate battles on the Imperial armies, who were then defeated and retreated. The Tau pursuit was slow and it allowed the Imperium to occupy positions east of the city and extend the right wing towards the south. The right flank was attacked and driven back from their positions from whence the offensive had begun. Reluctantly, the Rift Wardens fell back to maintain contact with the main Imperial forces.