Vigilus in Turmoil
Following the heroic stand of Celestine, order began to return to the beleaguered world of Vigilus. A new command staff, dominated by the Ecclesiarchy and known as the Synod Vigilant, took charge of the planet’s defenses. Inquisitor Caratvolnus and his retinue vanished, their mission accomplished.
Renewal and Purge
As the Imperium oversaw a general purge, the planet was cleansed of its Warp and Xenos taint. The explosion of faith reinvigorated Imperial forces, and Greenskin and Genestealer Cult forces began to flee the war zone. Many Ork warships abandoned their posts, stranding their comrades on the planet.
New Threats Emerge
However, not all enemies were vanquished. The Forces of Chaos, led by powerful lords such as Korval the Nightspear and Xagramothis, continued to wage war. The Alpha Legion Master Omicron sent operatives to sow discord among Imperial congregations, while the Iron Warriors of Warsmith Veszrax preyed upon refugee ships.
The War Expands
The conflict spread throughout the Nachmund Gauntlet, with dozens of worlds and outposts falling to Chaos forces. The Thort Ascendancy, a mercantile coalition of Vigilus nobility, was destroyed by a large Chaos fleet. The Shipyards of Proxiten Rhule, the mining colonies beneath Vendigast, and the Star Fort Gorheim were all claimed by Chaos forces.
Vigilus Stands Alone
As the war raged on, Vigilus found itself assailed but unbroken. Abaddon, the Despoiler of Worlds, turned his attention to the rest of the Nachmund Gauntlet, setting his sights on Dharrovar. The fate of Vigilus hung in the balance, as the Imperium struggled to maintain its grip on the beleaguered world.
Order of Battle
The Imperium’s defenders on Vigilus included:
- Sonasthi Royal Guard
- Vigilant Guard
- Vigilant Creedsmen
- Vyacine Adepts
- Adamant Rifles
- Dagmar Guard
- Nord Lothan Vanguard
- Expadar Vengers
- Golohastus XIIth “Decapitators”
- Black Torus Scouts
Space Marine Chapters involved in the conflict included:
- Ultramarines
- White Consuls
- Black Templars
- Praetors of Orpheus
- Silver Skulls
- Genesis Chapter
- Hawk Lords
- Howling Griffons
- Novamarines
- Space Wolves
- Mortifactors
- Imperial Fists
The Imperium’s struggle to hold Vigilus against the forces of Chaos would prove to be one of the most pivotal battles of the Great Rift era.
Leave a Reply