The Battle of Calth: A Turning Point in the Horus Heresy
Initial Skirmishes
The battle begins with a series of skirmishes between the Ultramarines and the Word Bearers. Persson, a key figure in the Ultramarines, is contacted by John Grammaticus, who informs him of the need for his presence at the end of the Heresy. Persson gathers his kit and sets out, joined by Hebet Zybes, Katt, and Graft.
Meanwhile, Ulmor Nul starts tracking Ventanus, a skilled warrior of the Ultramarines. The Calth weapons grid is seized by traitor forces, leading to the destruction of Veridia Forge.
Escalation
Ventanus joins forces with Serotid’s Skitarii, and together they launch a counterattack against the Word Bearers. Tawren, a skilled operative, discovers that the gubernatorial residence at Leptius Numinus has casters that may allow for widespread vox communication. Ventanus makes it his primary objective to capture this location.
As the battle rages on, Thiel slays a daemon that has bitten off Gage’s hand, and assists him in coordinating efforts to retake the Macragge’s Honour. Rane and Krank, two loyalist soldiers, are forced to contend with a daemon while on the run from traitor auxilia.
Turning Points
The tide of the battle begins to shift in favor of the Ultramarines. Ventanus’s force reaches Leptius Numinus, shortly before traitor troops. Persson rescues Krank and Rane from knife brothers, and the three continue their fight against the Word Bearers.
The battle intensifies as Tawren and her team work on the vox system. Klord Empion and Thiel’s kill team purge the flagship daemon by daemon. Word Bearers join the fight at Leptius Numinus, but Ventanus’s force holds its ground.
Aftermath
The Mark of Calth will run until all Word Bearers are dead. Ventanus plants an Ultramarines standard he rescued from Calth into the ground of Colchis, shortly before the planet is subjected to Exterminatus. The battle may be over, but the war is far from won.
Reflections
The Battle of Calth was a turning point in the Horus Heresy. It marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the loyalist and traitor forces. The bravery and sacrifice of the Ultramarines, led by Ventanus and Guilliman, will be remembered for eternity.
The battle also highlighted the importance of strategy and tactics in warfare. The use of vox communication, combined with the skill and determination of the Ultramarines, proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of the battle.
In the end, the Battle of Calth was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Despite overwhelming odds, the loyalist forces emerged victorious, their bond and determination proving stronger than any foe.
Leave a Reply