The First Battle of Djodrolev Hivestar - Mortwald

Points: 2000.

Mission: Conversion.

Secondary Objectives: Engage On All Fronts, No Prisoners and Raise The Banners High.

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Despoiled Ground, Fleeing Vectors and Spread The Sickness.

The approach towards the Rift Wardens command base within Mortwald was made through the twisting confines of the narrow hive streets. The Rift Wardens had outposts at three surrounding and protecting the approaches to their base of operations. There was a four outpost to the far north otherwise isolated from easy reinforcement. All of these would need to be cleared by the Death Guard vanguard before the main assault could proceed forward. 

In a swift operation, the Death Guard cleared the four outposts with relative ease. Fighting was heavy as the Rift Wardens had fortified their positions and occupied with heavy intercessors, providing superior firepower against the attackers. The Death Guard were victorious but the fight had left them running behind schedule and the main command base had been alerted.

Three companies of plague marines with daemon engine support advanced through the hive, reaching their designated positions as night gave way to dawn. This put them roughly 500 yards from the Rift Wardens. The fourth company became lost in the sprawling hive streets and never arrived. 

The attack was the main element in a wider offensive against Imperial positions in the Hive. As the sun rose over the city walls, the Death Guard charged into the incoming defensive fire. The battle was brutal and both sides took huge casualties. Victory went to the servants of the plague god.