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.

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.

Battle of Stump Subsprawl - Dontoria Hivesprawl

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Hammer and Anvil / Prepared Positions.

Primary Objective: Take and Hold.

Detachment: Gladius Task Force.

Opponents Detachment: Traitoris Lance.

The battle of Stump Subsprawl was a major battle between Imperial forces and a small maniple of Chaos Knights. The Rift Wardens and other space marine chapters attempted to claim control of the area as staging ground from which to launch attacks against the Death Guard and their allies in Dontoria. In response to their presence, the Death Guard sent their Knightly allies to slaughter the Imperial marines. The Knights with a small force of Nurgle daemons in tow managed to rout the space marines and force them out of the area. With no reinforcements available to support them, the Rift Wardens reluctantly fell back as well. With few resources available to them in Dontoria, the Rift Wardens redeployed elsewhere until new battle plans could be drawn up.

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.

Hold The Line - Vigilus Wastelands / Dontoria Hivesprawl

 

Points: 1000.

Mission: Sacred Ground.

Secondary Objectives: Bring It Down, Shock Tactics, and Raise The Banners High.

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Behind Enemy Lines, Bring It Down, and Grind Them Down.

The Rift Warden counter attack occurred the following day after the Ork attack. The Orks had decimated the Astra Militarum defenders and the Rift Wardens were soon halted by the immense horde of Greenskins. The chapter succeeded in recapturing one of the forts and their battle brothers rallied around it. Over the next two days the Rift Wardens fought but were unable to slay enough of the Orks.

On the morning of the third day of battle, the chapter was reinforced by Arthurus leading a force of aggressors but even their presence was not enough and they took heavy losses. The chapter was now pinned down, and could not advance or retreat. Despite their predicament, Arthurus ordered his battle brothers to continue the attack and slay as many of the Orks as they could.

Captain Lamorak gave up defending the outer walls of Dontoria to aid his chapter master. Under his command, his detachment fought through the Ork lines reach the defenders although he lost around half his force in casualties. With his assistance, Arthurus ordered an withdraw to the hive city walls. On the horizon however, more Orks were incoming.

Battle Beyond The Walls - Vigilus Wastelands / Dontoria Hivesprawl

 

Points: 1000.

Mission: Ascension.

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

Opponent's Secondary Objectives: Assassination, Engage On All Fronts, and Grind Them Down.

Nearly three years into the Vigilus war, the Orks were concentrated in the wastelands mainly south of Dontoria Hivesprawl, leaving their scrap cities largely undefended. Following the failed attempts by the Imperium to destroy the scrap cities two years earlier, the Ork speedwaagh in the area had substantial freedom of movement. This allowed the Orks to conduct a number of raids on Astra Militarum fortifications surrounding Dontoria. 

Then, one morning, as the sun rose above the horizon, the Orks surrounded and attacked the defence fort on the approach to the hivesprawl. Early in the battle, the Ork warboss was killed and chapter master Arthurus seriously injured as a immense Gorganaut exploded spectacularly. This left lieutenant Agrippa to lead the Rift Warden defence of the fort. The Orks brought up killa kans and deffkoptas, whose weapons were able to inflict considerable damage to the fort's defences. Despite having superiority in weapons and defences, the Rift Wardens were unable to prevent the Orks from breaking into the fort. Around middday after several hours of fighting, the Rift Wardens withdrew back to Dontoria, leaving the Astra Militarum to continue fighting the Orks.

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.

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.

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.

Greenskin Assault - Dontoria Hivesprawl

 Points: 1500.

Missions: No Man's Land.

Secondary Objectives: Raise the Banners High, Secure No Man's Land and Thin Their Ranks.

Prior to the arrival of the Rift Wardens, the Vigilus Astra Militarum regiments garrisoned to Dontoria Hivesprawl managed to inflict severe casualties upon the initial Ork invaders. This had enraged the greenskins and the invading Orks surged into the Imperial lines with unbridled rage. The Rift Wardens had set themselves up along the front lines in an derelict mining station and were preparing for their assault against the Orks when everything went wrong.

In the early hours as the sun began to rise over the wastelands south of Dontoria, the Orks made their move. The intercessors on sentry duty were taken by surprise as the greenskins crept over the outer defences. The greenskin forces then rushed the space marines who were arming themselves for the days warfare. The alarm was raised and the space marines began to fight back, loading for battle as the conflict raged around them.

The Rift Wardens suffered few casualties and were able to drive the Orks away with massed firepower. However, the surprise raid forced a set back in their operational plans while the Imperial outpost was reinforced and supplies were brought down from the orbiting fleet. 

Victory to the Orks.