Vigilus in Ruins
The withdrawal of Abaddon’s forces brought little respite to the embattled Imperial commanders on Vigilus. Chaos Space Marines, Genestealers, and Orks continued to wreak havoc across the planet, leaving destruction and despair in their wake.
Megaborealis Under Siege
At Megaborealis Hive Sprawl, the ruling Tech-Priests refused to abandon their Blackstone mining network, despite relentless attacks by the Brazen Beasts, Genestealers, and Orks. The Mechanicum launched a counterattack, deploying Sicarian-class Skitarii against the Greenskins in the mines. Initially successful, the Skitarii soon became bogged down in subterranean ambushes by Genestealers.
Hivesprawl Mortwald on the Brink
Meanwhile, at Hivesprawl Mortwald, the Black Legion and Daemons of Slaanesh ran amok, using warp power to bypass Imperial defensive lines. Exhausted Imperial Guard struggled to hold back the tide, but many considered Mortwald a lost cause. However, human resistance continued, led by the enigmatic Corpse-King Rat, a former Hive gang boss who scored unlikely victories against Chaos forces.
Hyperia in Flames
Death Guard and Thousand Sons forces ravaged Vigilus’ capital Hivesprawl of Hyperia, before turning on each other. The hivesprawls suffered catastrophic damage, with warp anomalies toppling entire hive spires at random. While the defense of Hyperia continued, nearby Oteck Hivesprawl was declared lost to Genestealer Cults.
Scourged and Abandoned
Dirkden Hivesprawl was abandoned in the face of Genestealer Cult assaults, and fighting erupted between the Xenos cultists and The Scourged Chaos Space Marines. Storvhal was initially lost, but determined Skitarii counterattacks saw some gains made against Orks and Genestealers.
Kaelac’s Bane Holds Out
Only Kaelac’s Bane, the southern industrial and water production region, remained relatively intact against invaders. However, water production suffered greatly in the face of Dark Eldar, Genestealer, and Chaos attacks.
Ork Warbands Rampage
In the wastes, Warbands of Orks continued to rampage with near-impunity, operating their fast-moving vehicles out of massive scrap cities. The greatest of these was Fort Dakka, seat of Krooldakka himself. The Warboss coveted a subterranean ancient stronghold, but it was inhabited by the Iron Warriors warlord Venghaz, and the Greenskins soon came into conflict with hordes of Daemon Engines.
Space Battles Rage On
In space, the remaining Ork and Chaos Space Marine ships continued to battle each other, while posing a threat to any surviving Imperial vessels. Chaos forces remained active on Vigilus’ moon of Neo-vellum, battling Genestealers for control of its Astropathic Choir.
Calgar’s Fate Sparks Chaos
The wounding of Calgar had unforeseen consequences, as rumors of his fate spread throughout the Imperial ranks. Many thought he was dead, and confusion reigned. The Imperial war council broke apart, and Space Marine and Imperial Guard officers splintered into factions seeking their own victories. Some even sided with Chaos and Genestealer Cult forces out of despair.
A New Cult Emerges
The Adeptus Ministorum declared Calgar a saint, and a growing cult grew around the wounded Chapter master. Meanwhile, the Space Marines that had withdrawn redeployed to neighboring worlds, considering Vigilus secure enough to secure the outlying Nachmund Sub-Sector against enemy forces. Soon enough, Imperial counterattacks were launched on the Systems of Urastor, Jagdeth, Magna, and the Twins of Fundis.
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