Warhammer 40K. A guide to the battles of my space marine chapter The Rift Wardens.
Friday, 6 March 2026
Wasteland Firefight - Vigilus Wastelands / Hyperia Hivesprawl
Monday, 6 October 2025
Battle of the Badlands - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 3000.
Deployment and Mission: Crucible of Battle / Night Fighting.
Primary Objective: Scorched Earth.
Detachment: Gladius Task Force.
Opponents Detachment: War Horde.
After the Imperium lost their campaign against the Orks of the Scrap Cities, they fell back into the wastelands pursued by the greenskins. Arthurus gathered a company worth of battle brothers and dreadnoughts to hold off the wrath of Ghazkhull while the surviving forces retreated. Even so, the Orks had the numerical advantage.
Arthurus, decided to forestall their advance and ordered his brothers to hold the line. Initially the Rift Wardens were able to destroy the oncoming forces and were briefly able to push them back. The Ork hordes concentrated their war bands and rushed the space marine lines. Heavy fighting ensued and the battle lines became a deadlock.
Over the next two days, the Rift Wardens pushed the Orks back but then Ghazkhull arrived to bolster their numbers. Under his command, the Orks recaptured territory lost to them and inflicted heavy casualties on the space marines. With the main Imperial force now safely out of harm's way, Arthurus pulled his forces back to the hive cities and plotted a revenge against the Orks.
Monday, 11 August 2025
Battle of Water Refinery AA23 - Vigilus Wastelands
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.
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Operation: Retribution #2 - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Search and Destroy / Rapid Escalation.
Primary Objective: Take and Hold.
Detachment: Gladius Task Force.
Opponent's Detachment: Warpforged Cabal.
The first stage of this operation began with a frontal assault by the Rift Wardens at a Thousand Sons defense point at the base of Mount Sybo. The Rift Wardens captured the objective and breached the enemy lines. The site exchanged hands several times however, during periods of heavy combat.
The plan for the battle was straightforward for both sides. The Rift Wardens wanted to break through the Thousand Son's defences, while the traitor legion's aim was to defend the area long enough for a two-pronged counter-offensive from the south.
After three days of intense fighting, the Thousand Sons managed to repel a direct assault by Arthurus and his company. The struggle for control forced the enemy sorcerer lord to start the counterattack earlier than planned. The site was captured and this victory proved to be the turning point in the tide of war. Having suffered crippling losses, the space marines had no choice but to leave the site to the enemy.
After three days of intense fighting, the corps-sized 1st Polish Army under General Franciszek Latinik managed to repel a direct assault by six Red Army rifle divisions at Radzymin and Ossów. The struggle for control of Radzymin forced General Józef Haller, commander of the Polish Northern Front, to start the 5th Army's counterattack earlier than planned. Radzymin was recaptured on August 15, and this victory proved to be one of the turning points of the battle of Warsaw. The strategic counteroffensive was successful, pushing Soviet forces away from Radzymin and Warsaw and eventually crippling four Soviet armies.
Saturday, 5 July 2025
The Second Battle of the Vangalt Defence Line - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Defensive Line / Night Fighting.
Primary Objective: Purge The Foe.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: Soulforged Warpack.
The second battle of the Vangalt Defence Line was part of an ill-fated offensive by the Rift Wardens on the Black Legion occupying this strategic site after the recent battle. In this case, they found that Abaddon had summoned Vashtorr the Arkifane, and they would be forced to deal with his followers as well.
The Rift Wardens assault with the aim of cutting off one division of Black Legion and encircling them. One of the assaulting forces, managed to breach the front line and assaulted a fortified bunker, defended by a small number of cultists. After a brief skirmish, the chapter had captured a suitable command position, As the Rift Wardens took no prisoners, they slaughtered hundreds of traitor marines and even brought down Vashtorr, banishing back to the Warp. Following this, Abaddon joined the battle was forced to teleport back to the Vengeful Spirit having suffered grievious wounds from Chief Librarian Uther. The Rift Wardens had suffered minimal casualties as now the Black Legion lacked enough firepower to repel the loyalist forces and their counter-attack was repelled. Over the next twenty four hours the Rift Wardens broke through the defence line and obliterated the enemy forces. A significant victory had been achieved.
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Under The Shadow of Chaos - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Hammer and Anvil / Swift Action.
Primary Objective: The Ritual.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: Shadow Legion.
Belakor's daemonic host surged out of the deep deserts - an undulating legion of otherworldly horrors laying waste to everything they encountered. A small force of Rift Wardens concentrated in the vicinity were dispatched to halt their advance towards the hive cities. The space marines, under captain Lorgraine, went on the offensive but his forces were smashed in the first battle. The Shadow Legion gained ground pushing through the space marine defence line.
The last points of Rift Warden controlled desert were taken from them over the next three days. Having suffered considerable losses, Lorgraine ordered a retreat back to Hyperia Hivesprawl. Recent defeats against the Orks and other Chaos foes, had negatively impacted the chapter's morale.
Sunday, 4 May 2025
Operation Annihilation: The Ending - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Hammer and Anvil / Swift Action.
Primary Objective: Terraform.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: War Horde.
After months of brutal fighting, the greenskins launched a counter-offensive against the Imperial forces assaulting the scrap cities and looking to regain territories seized during the fighting. The initial attack was so great that it forced the Astra Militarum to withdraw almost entirely. Then, they turned their attention to the astartes chapters remaining. A fierce battle for the outer scrap cities lasted almost a month, finally ending with am Ok victory.
Finally, the space marine chapters suffered severe casualties and Imperial command ordered an immediate withdrawal. Operation Annhilation had achieved some successes but had proved far too costly in manpower and equipment. For the time being, command would leave the scrap cities to the geenskins and seek to stymy their assaults elsewhere.
Saturday, 5 April 2025
Operation: Retribution #1 - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Tipping Point / Smoke and Mirrors.
Primary Objective: Purge the Foe.
Detachment: Anvil Task Force.
Opponent's Detachment: Cult Of Magic.
Operation: Retribution was a swiftly enacted military operation by the Rift Wardens and was one of three battles fought at the base of Mount Sybo, the base of operations for the Thousand Sons on Vigilus, in which the Rift Wardens captured the approach to the mines within the mountain. Even the presence of Ahriman could not prevent the Rift Wardens enacting their retribution among the traitor legion.
Retaliation - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Crucible Of Battle / Inspired Leadership.
Primary Objective: Unexploded Ordnance.
Detachment: Anvil Task Force.
Opponent's Detachment: Cult Of Magic.
In the aftermath of recent battles, Magnus the Red led his legion in a brutal assault on the Imperial positions below Mount Sybo. The goal was the total obliteration of the Rift Warden forces present - a goal which Magnus concluded would lead to significant losses on the space marine chapter and this would lead to a decisive victory in the area. After initial successes, in which the Imperial forces present retreated out into the desert wastes, the Thousand Sons overextended themselves. The Rift Wardens did indeed suffer terrible loses but it was not so destructive a victory as Magnus had planned. Instead, it just galvanized the chapter into a hatred of the traitor legion.
Saturday, 1 February 2025
Battle of Cargo Dept 1145 - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Dawn of War / Fog of War.
Primary Objective: Take and Hold.
Detachment: Firestorm Assault Force.
Opponents Detachment: War Horde.
In the early hours, Ork forces attacked the wasteland cargo depot from three sides. At the same time, squig riders headed eastwards to cut off any reinforcements from aiding the defenders. The defenders put up a strong resistance but only the sudden arrival of a Rift Warden force gave them any hope. With their presence ensuring that the battle ensued for longer than the greenskin warboss expected, rokkitboy reinforcements were called in.
Heavy fighting lasted throughout the day and into the night with many casualties on both sides. The ork squig riders managed to halt the Rift Wardens and allowed the greenskins to push deeper into the depot. The orks went building to building, killing and looting.
On the morning of the third day, the main Ork assault began, with more and more reinforcements running in from the wastelands, After an further hour of heavy fighting, the depot was captured and with it vast amounts of lootable ammunition and equipment.
Thursday, 9 January 2025
Skirmish At Fuel Station Zigma - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 1000.
Mission: Polarising Energies.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: Dredd Mob
Agendas: Calculated Devastation, Drive Them Back and Headhunters.
Opponent's Agendas: Calculated Devastation, Overwhelming Aggression and Skrag Killiest Gits!
This small skirmish was fought between elements of the Rift Wardens and rampaging Orks around the Zigma 12 fuel depot. The engagement was brief, lasting a little under two hours. Unfortunately, it saw the space marines pushed back into the wastelands while the greenskins refueled their vehicles and walkers.
Monday, 9 December 2024
The Hills of Mount Sybo - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Search and Destroy / Prepared Positions.
Primary Objective: Supply Drop.
Detachment: Gladius Task Force.
Opponents Detachment: Hexwarp Thrallband.
The battle for the foothills of Mount Sybo was a military campaign during the war for Vigilus that lasted for nearly sex months, in which the Thousand Sons, under Ahriman, repulsed attacks by the Rift Wardens on the outer mine complexes after heavy fighting.
After several successful engagements where the Rift Wardens managed to seize control over the territory at the base of the volcano, the chapter attacked the central mine workings, which had been abandoned and subsequently occupied by Ahriman and his forces. His aim was control strategically located defence points, in order to keep the Imperial forces away from the legions objectives. After heavy fighting, the Rift Wardens were able to capture key locations in the area.
By the time the campaign ended, the front had encircled the entire the mountain, and Ahriman's forces held the most vital defense points against the space marine forces. Ultimately, the space marines were unable to breach these defense lines and the victory went to the Thousand Sons.
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Operation Annihilation : Assault on the Stompa Factories - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Tipping Point / Inspired Leadership.
Primary Objective: The Ritual.
Detachment: Gladius Task Force.
Opponents Detachment: Bully Boyz.
This battle was part of the Imperial offensive against the Ork scrap cities and was fought between the Rift Wardens and the Orks occupying their Stompa factories. It was fought while the main Imperial forces fell back to rearm and resupply, and the objective was to hinder the Ork forces during this time. The Rift Wardens attack resulted in the Orks present being cut off from their forces elsewhere in the scrap cities, and allowed the space marines to encircle their prey. The Orks attempted to to use their superior numbers to try and counter-attack but suffered severe losses. Chief Librarian Uther led the attack and under his leadership his brothers planted hundreds of explosives which destroyed the factories in one massive explosion.
Wednesday, 9 October 2024
Battle of the Vangalt Defence Line - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Dawn of War / Chilling Rain.
Primary Objective: Take & Hold.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: Pactbound Zealots.
The Battle of the Vangalt Defence Line began with an apocalyptic bombardment during which vast numbers of traitor tanks, supported by the firepower of two Carnage class cruisers, while traitor Knights fired a creeping barrage to cover the legionnaire assaults. The Black Legion marines attacked simultaneously along the front line, defended by the Rift Wardens and the Astra Militarum. During this battle, the enemy breached the front and second line trenches to eventually capture the defenders headquarters. On the right, those trenchworks were attacked and eventually captured by three companies of legionnaires. These three companies subsequently advanced, despite the defenders being reinforced by further Rift Warden squads, and captured supply points. This created a gap in the front lines for Black Legion bikers to ride through. They rode north and eastwards to the rear to capture the defending Imperial lines of communication.
The second phase of the battle began as soon as the gap was made during the infantry attacks. The bikers led the way north up of the Vangalt plains followed by hordes of legionnaires in reserve. These divisions subsequently rode across the Vangalt hills to occupy the wastelands beyond. The Black Legion slaughtered hundreds of thousands of guardsmen during this stage of the war.
The Rift Wardens command firebase was initially unsuccessfully attacked by one force of Black Legion marines. During this battle however, the Rift Wardens commander, chief librarian Uthar, was forced to escape, teleporting back to an orbiting battle barge. The firebase was captured days later, and soon the enemy had seized control over large swathes of territory. On the last day of the battle, the Rift Wardens attacked the Black Legion rearguard, killing large numbers of the traitor marines before fading back into the wastelands.
Tuesday, 20 August 2024
The Battle of Teluu Salt Flats - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 3000.
The Battle of Teluu Salt Flats was a minor engagement during the Vigilus crusade, after a marauding war band of World Eaters attacked a Rift Warden garrison on the edge if the aforementioned salt flats. The site has been occupied by the space marines since shortly after their arrival on the planet. Following a series of local Ork raids, the space marine chapter decided to make this a strategic defensive sight.
A World Eater war band attacked the patrolling outriders on the edge of the salt flats, while Kharn the Betrayer led a force directly into the heart of the out post. As these attacks took place, on the far side of the salt flats, the servants of the Blood God deployed two companies to attack Imperial bridgeheads between the hive cities. The space marines were overwhelmed and slaughtered, and because of this defeat, the World Eaters were in a position to attack other Imperial forces unopposed.
Saturday, 27 July 2024
Battle In The Wastes - Vigilus Wastelands
Mission: Overwhelming Dread.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: Traitoris Lance.
Agendas: Calculated Devastation, Monstrous Targets and Priority Kill Zone.
Opponent's Agendas: Critical Objectives and To The Last.
As the sun rose over the deserts of Vigilus, the Rift Wardens chapter of space marines left their trenches following an hour long artillery preparation. Part of this was artillery fire directed an an oncoming traitor Knight lance advancing on the Imperial lines. A rolling barrage of artillery fore was calculated to give the Rift Wardens time to keep up behind it.
The Rift Wardens, led by chapter master Arthurus plus a handful of veteran aggressors and several land raiders captured territory from the enemy forces. This objective was situated on a high ground surrounded by broken rocks, making it an ideal observation for monitoring the Chaos Knights.
Because the Rift Wardens did not have them at hand, the Imperial Navy provided air cover, multiple artillery regiments and multiple guardsmen squads. The Rift Wardens themselves brought their own land raiders and spartans, whose purpose was to eliminate the smaller Karnivore engines. With the Astra Militarum artillery to aid them, Arthurus' battle brothers were victorious in destroying the enemy Knights. A much needed victory for the chapter.
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
Operation Annihilation: Counter Assault - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 1250.
Deployment and Mission: Sweeping Engagement / Hidden Supplies.
Primary Objective: Linchpin..
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: Dread Mob.
The Rift Warden offensive against the Ork scrap cities was launched chief librarian Uther's forces marched South in order to block the Orks from receiving reinforcements. Uther cut the greenskin supply lines with ease. During the next two days, his battle brothers took several districts from the enemy, routing a force of killa kans and other mechanised forces back into the heart of the scrap cities. On the same day, the Rift Wardens pushed back against the Orks.
On the following evening, the Orks attempted to counter attack and poured numerous bodies into the front lines. Boss Snikrot led a force and were able to establish a defence line. Elsewhere the greenskin lines collapsed and fell back into the heart of the scrap cities. Snikrot was the only Ork warboss to remain in the area and he would led a defence for now.
Saturday, 6 July 2024
Operation Annihilation: The Second Battle For Orks Drift
Points: 1000.
Deployment and Mission: Hammer And Anvil / Fog Of War.
Primary Objective: Terraform.
Detachment: Gladius Task Force.
Opponents Detachment: War Horde.
The second battle of Orks Drift took place over three days, during the Imperial operation designated Annihilation. It is notable for being the first occasion in which the Astartes and the Orks fought major tank battles against each other. It was the biggest and most successful tank action of the Orks during the entire Vigilus crusade.
A counter-attack by two huge mobs of boyz led by Ghazkul Thrakka attacked the Rift Wardens by night and they forced the space marines out of the area. Ghazkul's presence was crucial in pushing back the space marines with the greenskins fortifying the former Astartes positions.
Friday, 7 June 2024
First Battle Of Mortwald - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Dawn Of War / Minefields.
Primary Objective: Vital Ground.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponent's Detachment: Berzerker Warband.
The First Battle of Mortwald was fought over three days in the wastelands north of Mortwald Hivesprawl. The battle saw forces of the World Eaters advance to fill a gap in the Chaos lines that had formed north of Mortwald during the Imperial offensive there. This advance towards Mortwald was checked by the Rift Wardens short of the World Eater's objective, a spur of badlands overlooking the hive, and were subsequently counter-attacked by elements of the Rift Wardens led by Captain Lorgraine. These attacks were repulsed with heavy casualties, as the World Eaters blunted the Rift Wardens advance, which stabilized the Chaos lines.
The fighting then largely moved south as the Imperial forces sought to consolidate their positions around the hive, preventing the traitor forces within the hive from being reinforced by the World Eaters.
Tuesday, 21 May 2024
Operation Annihilation: The Second Battle Of Skumtown - Vigilus Wastelands
Points: 2000.
Deployment and Mission: Crucible Of Battle / Sweep And Clear.
Primary Objective: Scorched Earth.
Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.
Opponents Detachment: War Horde.
As the Imperial offensive against the Ork base of operations failed over the last few weeks, the Orks launched their own counter-operation against them. Their limited tactical goal in the area known as Skumtown was to encircle the Rift Wardens and krump them proper. Heavy fighting broke out immediately and the space marine lines collapsed, and the Rift Wardens withdrew towards their allies but the Orks had successfully outmaneuvered them. The Rift Warden command ordered their battle brothers to occupy the ramshackle buildings and defend for as long as possible. The Orks besieged their positions with the largest number of Boyz seen in the war so far. Related engagements were fought in the surrounding areas as some Rift Wardens squads found themselves cut off from their battle brothers.
Over the next few days the two forces clashed multiple times but the Orks were repelled each time. The greenskins brought up heavy walkers ad started firing onto the space marine positions, and the Rift Wardens were forced to evacuate eastwards. The Orks captured their former positions, but using land raiders and spartans, the Rift Wardens managed to fight their way through the advancing Orks.
Purge The Streets - Dharrovar
Points: 2000. Deployment: Opposing Forces. Primary Objective: Domination. The Rift Wardens forces for this brief engagement were formed...
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Points: 1500. Missions: Retrieval Mission. Secondary Objectives: Domination, Raise the Banners High and Thin Their Ranks. In the afterm...
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Points: 2000. Deployment and Mission: Dawn of War / Martial Pride. Primary Objective: Take and Hold. Detachment: Anvil Siege Force. Oppo...
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Points: 1500. Deployment and Mission: Hammer and Anvil / Martial Pride. Primary Objective: Purge The Foe. Detachment: Gladius Task Force...



















