Purge The Streets - Dharrovar

 

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Opposing Forces.

Primary Objective: Domination.

The Rift Wardens forces for this brief engagement were formed from surviving squads of previous battles brought together rapidly by chaplain Camelair the day before. This was a sudden and unplanned attack, as the majority of the Rift Warden forces were engaged elsewhere against enemy positions. At the last minute, he was joined a pair of knights who offered their support.

The first fight took place in the streets and transit roads leading out of the Gothos religious center. The incoming convoy of Astra Militarum found themselves ambushed as the loyalist forces poured fire into the oncoming transports. The guardsmen quickly took to the field, but unaware of the exact space marine forces opposing them, their counter-attack halted as they waited for orders. But the shock and awe of the surprise attack stymied the commanders reactions.

This hesitation was fatal, however. With the knight reinforcements gunning down large numbers of guardsmen. When the Militarum commander finally took to the field with a rousing speech, they were able to launch a counterattack and did gain some strategic positions back.

Eventually, the situation resulted in a heavy bogged down firefight, but it was obvious that the space marines were in the better position, The Militarum commander continued to really his men and women but soon, he had no choice but to withdraw for now.

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.

Operation: Razorback

 

Points: 3000.

Deployment: Long Haul.

Primary Objective: Breakthrough.

The Imperial forces were determined to make up for the setbacks suffered in the last few months, and organised a much larger force, outnumbering the oncoming Tyranids significantly.

The Imperium regrouped it's forces into several strategic locations in the path of the oncoming Tyranid horde. In response, the Tyranids focused on a single perceived weak point in the Imperial lines, where the Rift Wardens were garrisoned. This forced the space marine commander, chaplain Quintos, to make immediate localised changes to the battle formation he had been assigned to.

The battle began with the Tyranid assault on the Rift Warden positions. It took four days for the Tyranids to break through due to superior delaying actions ordered by Quintos. The Tyranid swarm pushed through seizing a strategic site. A night time counter attack by a force of Knights from House Avalon failed to retake the location. Reinforcements from both the orbiting Rift Warden and House Avalon starships helped bolster the line though. The Rift Wardens suffered surprisingly minimal casualties whist holding the alien hordes back, potentially safeguarding numerous vital Imperial cities and installations. 

Battle of Transit Station Beta Kappa 12 - Antares

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Opposing Forces.

Primary Objective: Seize Ground.

At this point in the conflict, both sides had forces in and around the area of Transit Station BK12. In the early hours, a large Rift Warden force advanced to the transit station without encountering any resistance from the Custodes. Further forces advancing from the north met with resistance but managed to advance forward with minimal casualties. By noon, all space marine forces had reached the target. Custodes reinforcements arrived shortly after forming a wall of golden bodies.

The Rift Wardens north of their position received intense fire from the Custodes. Both sides concentrated their destructive firepower and both took heavy casualties. Ultimately after several hours fighting, both sides retreated to rearm and resupply.

Battle for Survival - Carnos Expanse

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Front Line.

Primary Objective: Sabotage.

The Carnos Expanse was a collection of systems that found themselves on the edge of the newly torn Maledictum. Chaos forces spilled out of the Warp and laid siege to the Saurian controlled worlds of the expanse.

The initial assault on Carnos Prime saw the Starhost and Chaos Knights clashed in the wasteland deserts beyond the great ziggurat cities. A force of saurian warriors supported by large siege dinosaurs advanced forward to block the enemy. Over two days, the Saurians fortified their planned choke point and hunkered down ready.

When only four smaller knights appeared on the horizon, the Saurian morale improved. This was a force they felt they could handle. If the initial attack failed, it might slow the enemy invasion. The Saurians then launched their attack. At first, this initial attack was a success, but over an hour, the Knight resistance hardened. Saurian firepower was strong but the  enemy shields proved resistant. By nightfall, the Saurian's had failed to down even a single enemy Knight and the fight continued.

In the morning the Saurian veteran decided to move his forces forward and take the fight to the enemy. Reinforcements arrived from the ziggurat city to hold the defences while they advanced. This was a bold move and it surprised the Chaos Knights. One Knight was almost destroyed and this gave the Knights pause.

In the late afternoon, the Saurians regrouped and concentrated their attacks. Fighting continued well into the evening when the Chaos Knights began to receive reinforcements from their landing site several miles away. These walkers came in on the right flank to take up firing positions.

The third day began with renewed attacks by the Chaos Knights. This force was now much stronger than the Saurians, and they began to make significant advances, even breaching the Saurian lines before being repelled. That evening, the Chaos launched a massive barrage on the Saurian lines but the defenders inflicted significant return fire causing the Knights to take their first losses. Soon after, the left flank of the Saurian lines were broken as more enemy walkers slammed into them from the wastelands. The central Saurian lines held though and by evening, the Chaos Knights had retreated to regroup and rearm.

Clash At Emperor's Landing - Antares

 

Points: 3000.

Deployment: Behind Enemy Lines.

Primary Objective: Last Stand.

In the days since the failed battle of the space port known as Emperor's Landing, the Custodians fought several small engagements against Rift Warden patrols. A small force fought a series of successful delaying actions that allowed the defenders of the space port to ready a defence. Those patrols, however, fell to the blades and bullets of the Custodian brothers.

The following day, the Custodians continued their advance back to the space port, but found the Rift Wardens mobile defence difficult to breach. The garrison of the space port was composed of three companies, led by Arthurus himself. Among them, fresh reinforcements that had arrived from orbit during the lull in fighting and a lone Vindicare Assassin. Unable to breach the defences, the Custodes took to taking and holding three outer defence towers away from the main port.

The Custodes commander was left with three choices; she could assault the heavily defended space port, try to breach and capture the outer defences, or try a risky teleport assault. Despite having little knowledge of what forces actually awaited them within the Rift Warden perimeter, she did not expect a truly significant opposition and ordered her troops to prepared a full ground assault on the space port.

Retribution of the Ancients - Xenoteris

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Opposing Forces.

Primary Objective: Breakthrough.

With the reemergence of the Slann back into the galactic stage, it was not unexpected that they might awaken to find old worlds now in the hands of the younger species. In the case of the world the Saurians call Xenoteris, it was now a Tau mining and industrial colony.

The Saurian assault came as a complete surprise to the Tau. Alien ships burst forth from the Immaterium in the upper atmosphere over the main industrial complex in the early hours of night. The complex was defended by a large detachment of fire warriors and battle suits, with little other military forces to safeguard them from attack. Despite being deep within the Third Sphere, the defenders were taken by surprise as the Saurian drop ships smashed into the center of the installation.

By the time the sun arose over the horizon, much of the colony was in Saurian hands. Thousands of Tau, military and civilians, were dead at the hands of the new enemy. The Saurians were not interested in taking prisoners. However, the Saurian victory was short lived as reinforcements finally approached from the west as morning took hold. The Tau reinforcements advanced into the complex without regard for the losses they sustained, which forced the Saurians to pull back and regroup. This situation had become precarious, but the Slann mage priests ordered a counter attack with their mighty dinosaurs. With these giant primeval beasts, the Tau soon panicked and retreated.

By early afternoon, the Tau attacked again, seizing vital locations. They captured equipment and weapon vaults. Enjoying superiority, the Saurians seized those sites most desired by the Tau for landing their transports. The two forces engaged in bloody street fighting which lasted the rest of the day, with various districts changing hands repeatedly. No one side was yet able to deliver a solid victory.

Operation: Judgement - Corinthia

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Front Line.

Primary Objective: Duel.

Operation: Judgement took place on the approach to two fallen hive cities: Corinth and Spartra, during the war to liberate Corinthia from the Tau. Here, elements of the Rift Wardens under Uther clashed with forces of the Tau Empire.

After the victory of Operation: Hellstorm, squads from the Rift Wardens began their assault towards the hive cities. The Tau forces present, which at this time occupied positions along the road leading towards them found themselves in a difficult position. The ethereal comanding these forces ordered his troops to concentrate in the vicinity of Corinth. The capitol of the planet was of strategic importance to the Tau, as it's position on the great plains, enabled them to look over the surrounding countryside and offered a safe route to withdraw their ground forces eastwards.

Chief Librarian Uther ordered his battle brothers to capture the capitol and cut off the enemy evacuation route towards Spartra. The initial battle allowed the space marines to capture the roadside positions with ease but this was short lived as Tau reinforcements from the city arrived before fortifications could be set up.

That evening, reinforcements were brought down from the Litany of Hate to retake the roads. With these fresh battle brothers, Uther led a charge into their lines. Despite stiff Tau resistance, the roadside defences were in Imperial hands by nightfall, but the assault on the capitol city had been blunted for now. Even so, the presence of a chapter of space marines beyond their walls complicated the position of the Tau Empire.

Silurian Invasion - Siluria

Points: 2000.

Deployment: Front Line.

Primary Objective: Duel.

Deep below the core worlds and the galactic plane lies a world forgotten for millions of years. Epochs of time have passed since the Slann of this world put themselves to sleep following their war with the Necrontyr. Now, ancient proximity alerts have triggered and roused the slumbering ancients from their dreams beneath the arcanatech ziggurats to face a new foe descending from the skies.

The initial engagement between the Saurian Starhost and the invading forces of Leviathan was brief, lasting just two days. Monstrous beasts tore through the jungles and one of the Slann took to the battlefield to lead the defence. The line was drawn on the edge of the great city ruins. At least the Saurians would have some local knowledge of streets and passageways.

On the first day, the Tyranids threw everything that had at the Saurian lines, concentrating their assaults within the tight street confines. The Saurians brought up their ankylosaur artillery beasts, opening fire upon the hordes. During this time, more awoken Saurian warriors came forth to reinforce their lines.

The Tyranid force was fresh, newly arrived in the galaxy and this would be a test of their abilities against a foe the Hive Mind did not know. Inexperienced, the hive mind forces were weak, and millions died within those few hours.

On the second day, the Slann decided to push the invading creatures out of the city to secure the outer defences and gateways, and open up room for further reinforcements. The Saurian warriors, supported by Tyrannosaur riders, pushed into the alien lines, successfully pushing them back. Other forces came forth to back them up, by two sections of the city walls had fallen during the ages and it became impossible to hold them. Here, the Tyranids had a significant advantage.

After an artillery barrage of their own, the Tyranids poured through the ancient walls slaughtered thousands of the reptilian defenders, even as the Saurians received more and more reinforcements. In took those newly arrived Saurians and Geckos with advanced weaponry to hold the Tyranid push back.

The Tyranids continued to pour their warrior bioforms into the battle, regardless of the losses. The Slann once again, ordered their warriors to assault the enemy. The Saurians suffered horrendous casualties, but after savage hand to hand fighting, the Tyranids were forced to retreat, and Saurians began to barricade the outer defences.

The initial invasion had been costly for both sides. This defence by the Saurians may have been considered a victory but the cost in lives was far too great.

Cover The Evacuation - Talos

Points: 1000.

Mission: Empty The Vaults.

Detachment: Anvil Strike Force.

Opponents Detachment: Invasion Fleet.

Agendas: Central Position, Hunting The Behemoth and Monstrous Targets.

Opponent's Agendas: Hunt & Slay and Tyrannoform The Prey World.

With Vardenghast overrun by the Tyranids, the majority of the Rift Wardens escaped via Thunderhawk but a small force led by Librarian Anwyr covered the ground escape from the city in a last ditch honour battle. 

Very few tanks could be spared for this attack, so the over flying Thunderhawks blasted the Tyranid horde on their way out. They provided concentrated fire which decimated the Tyanid forces under a creeping barrage that allowed Anwyr's forces to get to a suitable position in which to hold the enemy back. Their position consisted of a fortified position supported by old Militarum trenches and strong points. Here is where they made their stand.

The Tyranid horde smashed into their lines shortly before dawn the next day. The enemy found it difficult to breach the fortifications, which were held determinedly by the Rift Wardens. Anwyr's battle brothers suffered heavy casualties and he himself was laid low, leaving lieutenant Tristan to take control and hold the line. Eventually their force was recovered but not before suffering significant casualties.

Priority Kill Zone - Talos

Points: 1000.

Mission: Secure The Tunnels.

Detachment: Gladius Task Force.

Opponents Detachment: Invasion Fleet.

Agendas: Malefic Hunters, Monstrous Targets and Priority Kill Zone.

Opponent's Agendas: Hunt & Slay and Swarm The Planet.

In an attempt to hold the Tyranids back from the walls of Vardenghast, Arthurus led a strike force out into the fields of Vardenghast in the dark of the pre-dawn light. The thick clouds of smoke from fires and artillery shots obscured their approach. The main target was the principal defensive concentrations to the south, where numerous artillery beasts laid waste to the guardsmen manning the outer trenchworks. The attack had the most success on the northern flank where the Rift Wardens were able to advance into the enemy lines with ease. This allowed lieutenant Tristan to consolidate those gains and provide fresh marines to the battle.

The Tyranids swiftly counter-attacked the flanks of the space marines, supported by every artillery beast and monstrous creature within range. The Tyranids were able to drive Arthurus and his marines back to the walls of Vardenghast but with a significant estimation of 70 percent casualties. The Tyranid push was stopped by the city's defensive batteries and the hundreds of thousands of guardsmen manning the trenchworks.

Battle of Krithian Peninsula - Talos

 

Power Level: 60.

Mission: Supplies From Above.

Agendas: Angels of Death, Reaper and Recover Mission Archives.

Opponent's Agendas: Hunt And Slay, Lord Of The Warp and Sentinel.

On the day in question, the Rift Wardens landed at five vital locations around the Krithian Peninsula in the path of the oncoming Tyranid horde. Landing sites Alpha and Beta were hotly contested and the chapter suffered heavy casualties. A supporting landing made at Lamba site on the coastline to the north were made without opposition but the marines had no specific orders so made made no attempt to advance and just fortified their position. The first day objectives of several defensible locations were virtually undefended. The Rift Wardens forfeited an opportunity for an early success when they were forced back from Beta site when the Tyranids arrived.

After much fighting, the space marines were able to secure the main landing sites. After a diversionary raid further up the coast, the chapter managed to bolster their lines. By afternoon on the second day, the Rift Wardens were able to make an advance of about two miles up the peninsula towards the primary objectives, ready for the main assault the following day. The success of the Tyranid defence, led the Rift Wardens to overestimate the opposition they faces. The Tyranid presence was actually outnumbered but believing their numbers higher, Arthurus assumed that the enemy was receiving a constant supply of reinforcements.

The main battle commenced in the morning of the fourth day with the chapter's thunderhawks performing a number of aerial strikes. The plan of advance was for the one company strength force to hold position on the right flank while the main force captured a series of tactical locations. The plan was poorly communicated to the various lieutenants who would be leading the individual attacks. One detachment remained far from the front, because of this, they were not able to exert any control as the attack developed. The initial advances were east but a pockets of Tyranid resistance were encountered, some stretches of the line were held up while others kept advancing and ended up outflanked. As the marines advanced further up the peninsula, the terrain became more difficult as they encountered a series of deep ravines.

On the extreme left, the Rift Wardens descended into a ravine but were halted by a surge of ravening bio-organisms. No further advance would be made until Arthurus arrived to lead their attack. When Arthurus was sorely wounded and required extraction that the chapter was forced to call off the attack. Significant damage had been inflicted on the Tyranids presence but it was not enough and the Krithian Peninsula was overrun by the enemy.

Press The Advantage - Hesperous Prime

Points: 1000.

Mission: Desperate Raid.

Secondary Objectives: Assassination, Engage On All Fronts and Retrieve Nephilim Data.

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Oaths of Moment, Raise The Banners High and Stubborn Defiance.

With the Dark Angels in retreat, one captain gathered about him his most experienced battle brothers. They held firm to prevent the Rift Wardens overrunning their forces. Together they launched a counter-attack  despite it leaving them separated from their own forces. Though they might die, they would go down in the records of their chapter.

The Rift Wardens attacked the Dark Angel position with full force and fury. The Rift Wardens had intercepted vox communications and thus were well prepared for what awaited them. The attack was a costly failure but their expectations were bolstered by the arrival of Captain Andred and Lieutenant Agrippa. Under their command advances were made and the Dark Angel force before them was once more forced to fall back. This time the Rift Wardens did not challenge the retreat. The Dark Angels were neither attacked not pursued.

The next day, Andred noted that the fleeing Dark Angels had been forced by terrain to split into two groups, which offered the possibility of an enveloping pincer attack from the flanks. The risk was that should the enemy be reinforced by their battle brothers before them that the Rift Wardens might suffer greater casualties. Andred chose a cautious policy of preventing the danger by targeting one force with everything at his disposal and then moving to eradicate the other, thus lowering the risks to his own forces.

Attempts by the Dark Angels to halt those attacks were repulsed and requests for reinforcements were sent out. With their arrival, Lieutenant Agrippa suggested to his captain that a direct large assault was what was needed here but Andred overruled his request. Although Andred reported his actions as a successful victory to chapter master Arthurus, in truth his own forces had lost a number of battle brothers to death and injury. Andred wisely pulled his forces back and looked at the possibility of flanking the Dark Angels as they further retreated away from the Rift Wardens.