Rifts of Hecate: Hard fighting on Lodax

The end of 04.022M42 saw the main action in the Rifts of Hecate focus on the system of Lodax. Two planets were of interest, and the Imperium had set up a base on the inner world, as the outer had clearly been a necron tombworld in aeons past. The Imperium were very interested in uncovering the secrets of Lodax II, but the Aeldari were equally determined to prevent any of the "lesser races" from uncovering any of the treasure of their mortal enemies, knowing also that to blunder around ancient necron tombs was also risking the full awakening, or full attention of the necron dynasties in the region.

Several eldar forces appeared on Lodax I almost simultaneously. The Ynnari took a company of Carcharadons by surprise, massacring them in short order and threatening the imperial presence on the world. At the same time, the Kel Sandros Eldar made their presence known, attacking a force of Dark Angels who were attempting to secure the area around the main imperial base. This engagement was a much tighter affair, with both sides giving no quarter. Eventually however the stubbornness and toughness of the astartes overcame the swiftness and ancient grace of he Aeldari, and despite suffering significant casualties, the eldar were driven off, ensuring the planned investigation of Lodax II would go ahead.

The invasion of Lodax II had already started, but the Ha'Tek dynasty had responded, attacking from their ancient tombs. In order to expand their perimeter of operations the general of Novgorod forces planned a traditional ground offensive, which they undertook with their usual lack of subtlety. The Ha'Tek dynasty organised a considerable counter attack as the Imperium approached important tomb complexes, and the Novgorod forces were forced to yield significant ground to absorb this assault. This resulted in high casualties amongst the infantry, but the Guard were able to keep their artillery intact, despite losing their tanks. Assisted by a small contingent of Hammers of the Emperor astartes, who were present directing an orbital bombardment from their strike cruiser, the imperial force did manage to hold their lines, while inflicting crippling casualties on the necron attackers.

By the end of 04.022M42 the necron counter attack had petered out, and the Imperium once again began to move slowly but inexorably towards their goals. They were not alone. While the Imperium conducted a traditional war of holding and expanding their territorial control, the Death Guard arrived with a pinpoint assault against the embattled necrons, defeating one of the Ha'tek dynasty's armies and quickly investigating one tomb, before leaving with their spoils. Well aware of the likelihood of Aeldari attack, the chaos forces declined for the moment to pursue a conquest strategy, and instead withdrew after their victory to strengthen their bases on Mendesum and Pyrrho Zeta.