Second Battle of Sartur - Corinthia

Points: 1000.

Mission: Shifting Front.

Secondary Objectives: Bring It Down, Engage On All Fronts, and Oaths Of Moment..

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Aerospace Targeting Relay, Engage On All Fronts, and Slay The Warlord.

Following a series of minor victories against the Tau elsewhere across the surface of Corinthia, the Imperial commander in this warzone persuaded Arthurus to launch a second offensive against the Tau forces besieging the hive city of Surtur while they lacked immediate reinforcements. The commander argued that his troops, many natives of Surtur themselves, would be demoralized if forced to retreat and leave the city in the hands of the enemy. He also pointed out that the Tau were not as strong as they appeared to be.

On the day of battle, after a night deployment, the Rift Wardens advanced through the wastes and outflanked a Tau division, having been left largely unprotected. The battle was brief and inflicted sixty percent casualties on the enemy, capturing one of the city gates as a result.

To the south, the Astra Militarum regiments were still moving up and were not ready for combat.  Hearing of the space marine victory to the north, to rushed to engage the Tau forces. However, their expected air support did not arrive in time to assist. The Tau in the area were well aware of the Imperial intentions due to the Rift Wardens attack, and had spend time preparing for the assault by moving up their heavy support. At first the Imperial attack went well, but it faltered once it came under Tau artillery fire, and the Tau were able to easily turn the Imperial flanks and force them to retreat.

Rather than press the attack once again, the Militarum regiments turned north to assist the Rift Wardens. Their flanks were then attacked by Tau battle suits and gravitic tanks. Unable to advance without sustaining heavy casualties, the guardsmen were forced to stop and fight. The Rift Wardens were ordered to pull back from Sartur to assist which meant their hard won victory at the north gate was for nothing.