Theatres of war

As the Aleph campaign raged into late 018M42 two theatres of war became critical focus points for all factions in the region. 

The Foramen Interdictum

The Foramen Interdictum constitutes two stable warp pathways across the Cicatrix Maledictum, between the Vastrid subsector and the Persues Deeps. The two channels (Majoris and Minoris) are held open by arcane technologies on Corticant, but control of key systems - Tarlius and Paradorn for the Majoris, Destino and Vandrax for the Minoris, means control of the passageways. Should any faction gain outright control of either, the strategic benefits are great.

In 018M42 Paradorn had been successfully secured by the "loyalist" imperium, but Tarlius remained a warzone, such is its proximity to Warsmith Stahl's domain and heavily fortified base at Minos. Stahl and the forces of chaos desperately want control of the Foramen Majoris as it would link their empire and divide the Imperium. They almost succeeded in mid 018M42, but last minute intervention by the Imperial Fists and Grey Knights averted disaster.

Inquisitor Vorushko and the "Crusade" control Vandrax, but Vorushko's plan - so vehemently opposed by Lord Hathek, is to take Vandrax and Destino (currently dominated by the loyalists) and destroy the Foramen Minoris. This Hathek sees as heresy, while Vorushko considers it heresy not to, since the ancilliary pathway is too much of a risk to keep open.

Meanwhile the eldar have managed to lay claim to a world in each system, watching and threatening to intervene should any single power claim dominance over the Foramen. They would prefer no one had control. The focus in this theatre is all out war and the securing of the four key systems for the main powers, although strategic battles around the key worlds continue to affect the campaign.

The Hadron Expanse (and the Foramen Ignotum)

The Hadron Expanse is a relatively recent discovery following the effect of the Cicatrix calming long standing warp storms separating the area from the rest of the galaxy. Rediscovery of long lost human worlds tempts the Imperium, and in the expanse the loyalists and crusade forces are for now at least working together in common cause. The tau also seek to expand here, having declared the "Hadron Expansion Sphere" in alliance with the Federacy, and with more than a little help from the Kel Sandros Eldar.

Necrons and other dangers lurk in the area however, and the forces of chaos - especially the Emerald Serpent - are seeking their own base of power. Lastly, the lure of the predicted fourth channel through the Cicatrix - the Foramen Ignotum, spurs on all powers in the region into finding and controlling this accessway.

The focus in the Hadron Expanse is control, domination and construction of settlements and defences in newly secured worlds. In addition small groups* are being sent out for clues as to the whereabouts of the Foramen Ignotum

*Kill Team battles will gain clues.