The Fall of Mortwald - Mortwald

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Front Line.

Primary Objective: Relic Hunt.

The Fall of Mortwald is described in Imperial Records as a series of engagements around the hive city which ultimately led to the Imperial defenders abandoning the city. The Rift Wardens sought to evacuate as many Astra Militarum as they could while taking any available munitions and supplies as could be carried. Ultimately, the Death Guard forces present proved too strong and the space marines abandoned their human allies to an horrific end at the tentacles and plagues of Grandfarther Nurgle. 

Dawn Of War - Santorini (The Barrens)

Points: 1000.

Mission: Strut Your Stuff.

The desert planet of Santorini is a fringe world of the Imperium. Governed by outdated corporations who owned the legitimate planetary governor through money, bribes, and threats. Santorini has one mega hive built into the slopes of a long dead volcano along the equatorial deserts. Mining gangs and Mechanicus cults mine this vast peak and the lava tubes below for rare and exotic minerals and compounds. The largest corporation is the Nivis Mining Consortium and Inquisitorial concerns had drawn them to call upon the Rift Wardens to seize control of the company and the planet fully for the Imperium.

A small force, designated Task Force Tantalus, led by librarian Quirion was dispatched by drop pod to initiate a tactical and literal hostile take over. The drop pod smashed through the plexiglass canopy of the boardroom and the space marines opened fire on any who attempted to flee or put up a fight. Within minutes the site was secured. But it was not to last.  Aerial patrols over the outer barrens, the last inhabitable zone before the desert reclaimed the original settlement, detected Death Guard forces moving through the streets. Quirion left a skeleton force and relocated his marines to engage these unexpected enemies. It soon became obvious that the plague marines target was a water supply station and that they sought to contaminate the hives drinking water.

The water supply station came under swift attack. Quirion made contact with the orbiting strike cruiser requesting reinforcements as hostile forces had been uncovered. Those incoming forces were turned back by flights of Heldrakes that burst forth from the warp in low orbit. Without these immediate reinforcements, Quirion's marines were on their own and low on munitions.

Quirion dispatched scouts to capture and hold the water supply station but they ultimately failed. The Death Guard, supported by a horde of plague zombies managed to reach the site following the deaths of the scouts.

Task Force Tantalus, although determined, struggled to withstand the enemy assault due to limited forces and supplies. The Death Guard were able to cut off escape routes and effectively isolate the area from easy evacuation. Intense close quarter fighting and the supernatural resilience of the enemy, eroded the space marine operation. However, the losses inflicted by the Rift Wardens was enough to just about prevent the Death Guard from being successful. Without the means to adequately contaminate the hive's water supply, they fell back into the Barrens. Task Force Tantalus had little option but to fall back as well.

The Second Battle of New Horizon - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Ground War.

Primary Objective: Breakthrough.

On the eve of the battle, the Rift Wardens that remained occupied a single district of New Horizon. These were mainly basic battle brothers with a handful of scout units scattered about as advance warning. In addition, a handful of allied Knights provided backup. All of this was under the command of Chaplain Ramius.

Five days after the first battle, the Rift Wardens were attacked by hordes of plague zombies supported by pestilent daemon engines. With ammunition low and the scout forces overrun, Ramius decided a withdrawal back towards the hivesprawl's outer walls would provide a tactical defence line. Ramius dispatched back to Arthurus in the capitol his intentions and requested extraction at the first opportunity. By mid-morning, the space marines were marching from their position to the outer walls. But a lack of supplies and constant hounding by plague drones, forced the usually disciplined space marines into a disorganised rout, with squads splitting up to avoid concentrated enemy fire. During this time, the Death Guard pushed thousands of plague zombies - former civilians, astra militarum and arbites - into a relentless pursuit. Any who stood to fight were pulled down and devoured by the flesh eating undead. Only Ramius' forces, with one Knight for fire support, kept formation and was able to conduct a fighting retreat although they suffered heavy casualties..

At this point, the overrun and decimated Rift Warden forces in Dontoria crumbled. After the battle, the Death Guard had captured the entire hivesprawl. Any survivours were struck down by plague and reanimated as zombies. One hivesprawl had fallen to enemy forces within the first few months of the war.

The First Battle of New Horizon - Dontoria Hivesprawl

 

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Disordered.

Primary Objective: Seize Ground.

After a series of consistent victories in Dontoria, Typhus decided to make a new offensive to capture the northern most corners of the hive, a region known as New Horizon. Typhus dispatched one of his foul sorcerers to lead the fight and ensure victory.

The Death Guard managed to break through the Rift Warden resistance and occupied the first districts, together with controlling the transit tubes that linked New Horizon to the rest of Dontoria.

The Rift Wardens despite their defeat managed to avoid encirclement and made a strategic retreat, covered by a maniple of Imperial Knights, towards the eastern edge of New Horizon. During this battle, Typhus' sorcerer was slain by the Rift Wardens as he crawled out of his blasted Rhino APC.

The Death Guard captains debated now, the future of this campaign. These commanders, impressed by their victories so far, failed to consider the strategic situation that did favour the space marines. Instead they talked themselves into a risky decision to pursue an engagement with the Rift Wardens on their last line of defence, close to the Ankara Gate. Only a few dissenting voices were raised but their protests were ignored.

After that brief delay, that gave the space marines and their Knightly allies adequate time to prepare a defence, the Death Guard marched on their position.

Battle of Water Refinery AA23 - Vigilus Wastelands

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Front Line.

Primary Objective: Duel.

The battle for Water Refinery AA23 took place in the wastelands just beyond the frozen polar region. It was part of a larger series of engagements, where Imperial forces sought to make swift strikes on smaller enemy forces in a series of actions designed to demoralise the foe. During the day, the Rift Wardens has successfully managed to take control of the water refinery, but were repelled later that day by a smaller force of Death Guard in a sudden counter-attack. Although this engagement was a failure, it was the first in a series of such operations across Vigilus.

Pestilent Expansion - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Pincer Attack / High Octane.

Primary Objective: Linchpin.

Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.

Opponents Detachment: Mortarian's Hammer.

Following their defeat at the hands of the Death Guard reinforcements, the Rift Wardens had fallen back to the southern city walls to rearm and resupply. Unfortunately this meant that the Imperium had to given up vast amounts of territory to the enemy forces but they still retained enough forces to contain the Death Guard within the vast hive city. 

By this time, over 70% of Dontoria lay in Chaos hands and the population dead or mutated by plague. The Rift Wardens and their allies were struggling to save the hive.

Orbital Insertion - Dontoria Hivesprawls

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Dawn of War / Martial Pride.

Primary Objective: Take and Hold.

Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.

Opponents Detachment: Mortarian's Hammer.

Bursting from the roiling energies of the Great Rift, a small Death Guard flotilla emerged and pushed through the orbital war to breach the atmosphere above Dontoria Hivesprawl. The Imperial defenders were taken by surprise as the descending starships opened fire upon their lines before smashing into the city, crushing entire districts under their swollen bulk. From the derelict wreckage, reinforcements for the Death Guard emerged and slammed into the Rift Warden lines. The space marines attempted to counterattack but were repelled by artillery fire from plagueburst crawlers. Captain Pelenor ordered his forces to pull back even though it allowed the plague marines to expand their area of control.

Zombie Apocalypse - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Search And Destroy / Martial Pride.

Primary Objective: Burden of Trust.

Detachment: Ironstorm Spearhead.

Opponents Detachment: Virulent Vectorum.

The battle of Luchev District took place over four days, during a brief conflict between the Death Guard and Rift Wardens. Following recent engagements, the Death Guard front remained relatively stable and they controlled a significant section of Dontoria. During a scouting operation to determine Imperial positions, the Death Guard encountered a scout for of the Rift Wardens.

The Death Guard assaulted the Rift Wardens but with little success. Calling in hordes of poxwalker reinforcements, risen from the local populace, the Death Guard managed to capture significant ground. These new positions became the main concentration pints for the Death Guard advance, By the end of the conflict, the surrounding regions had become the battlefield for further engagements against the Imperial forces.

Retreat from Djodrolev Hivestar - Mortwald

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Sweeping Engagement / Rapid Escalation.

Primary Objective: Burden of Trust.

Detachment: Anvil Strike Force.

Opponents Detachment: Tallyband Summoners.

Following a string of defeats against the Death Guard in Djodrolev Hivestar district of Mortwald. Typhus and his loyal plague marines pursued them to the borders of the hive. Captain Lorgraine put up a valiant fight to allow his battle brothers to escape, but many Rift Wardens were slain in the retreat.

Battle of Nocturne Transit Station 2245 - Dontoria Hivespawl

Points: 1000.

Deployment and Mission: Search And Destroy / Chosen Battlefield.

Primary Objective: Sites Of Power.

Detachment: Ironstorm Spearhead.

Opponents Detachment: Plague Company.

The battle of Nocturne Transit Station 2245 was a battle fought following the collapse of the Nocturne Gate, and saw the Death Guard continue to apply pressure on the Rift Warden defenders.

The battle was fought around the Nocturne Transit Station that branched out across the hivesprawl. The Rift Warden survivors had fortified the sight and was the first target for Typhus and his allies. After weeks of desperate entrenched fighting, Typhus launched his forces decisive attack and finally smashed the space marine defence. The last two days of fighting were some of the most fierce fighting in the entire war for Dontoria. The Rift Warden defenders were massacred to a man and their gene seed corrupted and lost.

Battle of Nocturne Gate - Dontoria Hivesprawl

 

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Crucible Of Battle / Delayed Reserves and Secret Intel.

Primary Objective: Sites Of Power.

Detachment: Gladius Task Force.

Opponents Detachment: Plague Company.

During the night, Mortrarion, Typhus and several plague marine squads stealthily crept up as close to the Rift Warden position at the Nocturne Gate without arousing suspicion. On a sign from Typhus, the Death Guard made a charge for the open gate. The Rift Wardens, taken by surprise, were unable to close the gate in time. The space marines were able to let lose a fusillade of bolter and plasma fire which cut down many of the incoming plague marines. Mortarion crashed through the gate, and his forces opened fire upon the Imperial defenders as they followed in behind him. After a fierce firefight the gate was secured and the battle was over. During the battle, the majority of the Rift Wardens fell back from the gate leaving a number of volunteers to surrender their lives to allow the retreat to be a success,

Second Battle of Missionary Point - Dontoria Hivesprawl

 

Points: 1000.

Mission: Surge of Faith.

Secondary Objectives: Bring It Down, No Prisoners and Shock Tactics.

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Behind Enemy Lines, Grind Them Down and  The Sickness.

Due to extensive artillery barrages, the Rift Wardens were able to retake some of the territory lost to Death Guard control, and even attempt to outflank the main enemy force. The main thoroughfare through the sector was the scene of heavy attacks and counter-attacks by the Rift Wardens. During this conflict both sides suffered heavy casualties.

Due to their disgusting resilience, the Death Guard were able to hold their positions despite heavy casualties, which was dwarfed by those suffered by the Rift Wardens. This battle proved Typhus' tactical brilliance despite the limited scope of the conflict.

The Rift Wardens made some progress before they were eventually forced back by the Death Guard, although they did occupy the center of the battle zone for a brief period of time. The flanking force did reach their destination but were met with blightlord terminators and heavy plague mortar fire. Under such heavy fire the chapter was forced to once again fall back to their defences while Typhus' troops continued to hold the battle field.

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.

Battle of Missionary Point - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 1000.

Mission: Reconnaissance Mission.

Secondary Objectives: Oaths Of Moment, Raise The Banners High and Shock Tactics.

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

This engagement started when the Death Guard released a poison gas attack that hit the Rift Wardens forward command base and the surrounding districts. The chapter was forced to close up their fortifications and weather the storm.

The Deathguard, led by Typhus, advanced and occupied the outer districts of the ground controlled by the Rift Wardens, The chapter now came under heavy fire from the enemy forces. The engagement was brief and the Rift Wardens punished the plague marines with sustained bolter fire and although they did suffer casualties, the chapter held their fortifications.

The Battle for Mortwald - Mortwald

Points: 1500.

Mission: No Man's Land.

Secondary Objectives: Oaths of Moment, Secure No Man's Land and Slay The Warlord.

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Despoiled Ground, Slay The Warlord and Spread The Sickness.

After weeks of fighting throughout the outer districts of Mortwald, the Rift Wardens found themselves in danger of being surrounded by ever-increasing numbers of plague marines. Outnumbered, the Rift Wardens continued to resist the Death Guard attacks, especially from the hivesprawl's interior. Things became worse when it was revealed that Mortarion, daemon primarch of the Death Guard, was active upon Vigilus and leading his armies against the Imperium. Arthurus bravely fought Mortarion to a standstill giving his battle brothers time to fall back and regroup beyond the hivesprawl's walls. Things had changed. Not just Abaddon walked the sands of Vigilus but now the master of plagues as well.

Plague War - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 1000.

Mission: Centre Ground.

Secondary Objectives: Engage On All Fronts, Oaths of Moment and Slay The Warlord.

After several days with no sight of the Death Guard, Imperial strike teams investigated but could find no sign of the traitor marines. Imperial command became concerned and dispatched the Rift Wardens back to the hive sprawl with orders to scour deep into the hive and find the Death Guard. 

The Rift Wardens had barely entered the hive when a sudden bombardment from hidden plagueburst crawlers fell down upon their position. Likewise, similar bombardments fell upon the Astra Militarum lines behind them.

Simultaneously, a large number of plague marines emerged and attacked the space marines largely unopposed as many succumbed to the warp-fuelled diseases released. Captain Galadus quickly took charge of his battle brothers and quickly counter-attacked capturing a strip of ground between the two forces. From this point, the Rift Wardens attempted to push forward to retake territory and occupy high ground. A second force of Death Guard terminators teleported in behind the Rift Wardens but were repelled by heavy bolt rifle fire.

The battle waged on for hours and the Death Guard pushed the Rift Wardens back and secured the area. At this point a horde of plague zombies emerged from the sewers and ruins, spilling out into the streets. It was at this time that the Death Guard commander made an appearance and led his forces into close assault with the space marines. The Rift Wardens laid down heavy fire and for a time were able to halt the enemy advance. 

Captain Galadus arrived at this time with reinforcements but were unable to dislodge the plague marines. The enemy commander then proceeded to advance and attack Galadus' position supported by further plagueburst bombardment. The engagement, now in vicious hand to hand, was now very much in the hands of the Death Guard. 

Galadus attempted one final attempt to halt the Death Guard but after losing his bladeguard bodyguards he found himself outnumbered. Although he was pulled down by the enemy forces, in the aftermath of the battle he was recovered and returned to the Rift Wardens firebase where his injuries were treated. Unfortunately, with the Rift Wardens defeated, the Astra Militarum troops were easy prey to the Death Guard. Dontoria Hivesprawl remains in the hands of the Death Guard.

Into the Plague City - Mortwald

 

Points: 1000.

Mission: Anomalous Readings.

Secondary Objectives: Oaths of Moment, Shock Tactics, and Slay The Warlord.

In an attempt to defeat the Death Guard forces currently encamped in the Mortwald hive city, captain Lorgraine lead a company of Rift Wardens into the city and the enemy positions. The Death Guard had the possession of high ground and some artillery. Rather than joining his forces with the surviving planetary defence forces, Lorgraine ordered two thirds of his forces to accompany them, while he led a smaller force to envelop the Death Guard along their right flank. Although the Death Guard detected their presence, Typhus decided to deal with this threat himself and took a couple plague marine squads to counter Lorgraine's manoeuvre. 

The battle began with artillery engagement as a basilisk detachment in the wastelands opened fire on the Death Guard positions. Plague mortars attempted to return fire but were way too inaccurate in the close city confines to adequately target either the oncoming space marines nor the basilisk detachments. The Imperial artillery had a significant effect on the battle, causing a great many casualties among the enemy.

As the Rift Wardens and their PDF allies reached the Death Guard lines, a skirmish commenced between the two forces. Typhus confident in his abilities ignored the main battle in favour of engaging captain Lorgraine. It was a costly mistake.

The battle continued late into the night and it was as dawn began to rise over the wastelands, Lorgraine called in his reinforcements. Typhus was so intent on his flank that he failed to dispatch orders to his commanders on the main line and despite inflicting heavy causalities on the Astra Militarum forces, the Death Guard were left disorganised and forced to retreat deeper into the hive. Lorgraine engaged Typhus in an impressive melee but he was felled by the Traveller, and had to be dragged to the apothecary before the effects of Nurgle's Rot could take hold. In retaliation Typhus was grievously wounded by a dreadnought and forced to retreat himself.

With this battle, the Astra Militarum were able to set up defences while the Rift Wardens prepared to hunt down the plague forces hold up within Mortwald's core.

The Tide Turns - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 500.

Mission: Incisive Attack.

Secondary Objectives: Assassinate, Domination and Thin Their Ranks.

In an attempt to entrap Imperial forces in the Gethesmane district of Dontoria Hivesprawl, Typhus - warlord of the Death Guard, attempted to lay a number of ambushes for guard forces in various fortifications. When this failed, Typhus raged in frustration, and ordered this his forces to instead march forth to assault Imperial forces directly.

At first, the Death Guard performed well and slaughtered many Imperial warriors. However, their luck soon ran out when they themselves were ambushed in return by the Rift Wardens. The space marines sought vengeance for their recent defeat and they poured all their hate into the servants of the plague god. Their vengeance was great and a good many plague marines fell to their assault, or were forced to flee. Typhus himself was sorely wounded and had to teleport back up to the Terminus Est high in orbit.

Victory to the Rift Wardens.

Down With The Sickness - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 1500.

Missions: Front Line Warfare.

Secondary Objectives: Engage On All Fronts, Thin Their Ranks and Vital Ground.

At Dontoria Hivesprawl, the Rift Wardens had deployed primarily to combat the Death Guard threat which had arrived in the early days of the war. The first battle for the Rift Wardens came when one of their companies came under attack from a vanguard force of Death Guard led by a foul daemon prince. Taken by surprise the battle brothers were eventually cornered and forced into a corner of a warehouse district.

Despite having overwhelming numbers, the Death Guard still suffered heavy losses. The Rift Wardens lost many good brothers, some to combat and some to an unnatural malady that swept through their numbers. After two weeks of heavy fighting, reinforcements from other chapters were able to breach the area and rescue the survivors. Following this, the Death Guard fell back into the waste tunnels beneath the hive to regroup.

Victory to the Death Guard.