The Fall of Finlay: Alliance Offensive on Hylas

By 09.024M42, the Alliance between the Federacy and the Tau Empire had transformed its military approach on Hylas from a series of feints and limited engagements into a well-calculated campaign designed to outmanoeuvre and outmatch the beleaguered Imperial forces. What initially appeared to be a small-scale invasion driven solely by Hartak forces was, in truth, a tactical manoeuvre to obscure the Alliance’s ultimate intention: a fully coordinated offensive to push northward and seize key strongholds from the Imperium.

With their foothold on Hylas well-established and the Imperium’s delayed response lacking in decisiveness, the Tau began to unveil the full strength of their commitment. For the first time, Tau cadres marched openly, supplemented by a well-equipped array of non-Tau auxiliaries, including skilled Kroot mercenaries and Vespid Stingwings. Together, these forces launched a southern offensive from Desmond, setting their sights on Finlay—the strategically significant city that marked the last Imperial stronghold along their southern border.

Realising the impending threat, General Van Dorn quickly redirected his Guard forces to reinforce the marshland defences at West Hallen. He hoped that the fortified positions there, along with a small contingent of Adeptus Custodes, would be enough to slow the Alliance’s assault on Finlay and maintain the city as a valuable foothold deep in enemy territory. This foothold, Van Dorn believed, would eventually serve as the staging ground for his future counteroffensive from Berkeley. But events soon proved that the Alliance had prepared for this resistance.

The Tau’s fast-moving cadres and skilled Kroot scouts outmanoeuvred the Imperial forces, exploiting weaknesses in Van Dorn’s strategic lines. As the Tau closed in, Finlay was swiftly encircled, cutting off both the Custodes and Guard forces defending the city from any hope of reinforcement. The Custodes, known for their valor and strength, made a courageous stand within the city’s ruins but found themselves outmatched by the combined forces of Tau auxiliaries and rapid-response fire teams. Their resolve was unshakable, but they sustained significant casualties under relentless assault, with some units annihilated in the doomed defense of Finlay.

In the aftermath, Finlay fell completely under Alliance control, marking a pivotal victory for the Federacy-Tau coalition. The Tau quickly moved to occupy the no-man’s land separating their territory from the Imperial defensive network, bringing them within striking distance of West Hallen. The loss of Finlay not only represented a tactical setback for General Van Dorn’s forces but also diminished morale among the defenders. The once-stalwart defenses of Hylas now faced a looming threat, with the Tau poised to breach Imperial lines and turn the tide decisively in the Alliance’s favour. The stage was now set for a much larger conflict as Imperial forces braced for the inevitable escalation in the southern theatre.

Inquisitorial Report to Inquisitor Esquerra

Subject: Urgent Developments in the Rifts of Hecate

Inquisitor Esquerra,

I bring grave news from the Rifts of Hecate. While General Maximus’s Crusade Army consolidates its position around Ergura’s Fall and Haven as per your directive, the situation within the Rifts has escalated alarmingly. The planet Mendesum has been entirely consumed, falling at last to the relentless advance of Hive Fleet Poseidon.

Our intelligence confirms that the final line of defense on Mendesum—the ancient Tomb Complex of Xentephet—has been breached. This site, revered in its dark history as a fortress of the Necrons, provided a formidable bulwark against the xenos incursion. The necron forces fought with brutal efficiency, using both entropic weaponry and phase-shifted reinforcements in an effort to stem the Tyranid tide. Yet, the mindless and inexorable advance of Hive Fleet Poseidon proved too much for even these ancient defenders. Each fallen tyranid bioform only added to the biomass reserves available to the Hive Fleet, and Poseidon’s forces simply reformed, regenerated, and advanced without regard for loss or sacrifice.

With Mendesum’s necron defenders now eradicated and their protective mechanisms destroyed, Poseidon has begun the final stages of the planet’s consumption. This systematic harvesting of Mendesum’s resources will likely fuel the tyranid fleet, fortifying their strength to strike further into Imperial holdings.

The loss of Mendesum not only weakens our strategic foothold but marks a critical shift in the Hive Fleet’s resource reserves and readiness. With this added biomass, they will be poised to intensify their campaign, putting pressure directly on our key defenses at the Hecate Gap. It is my firm belief that immediate action must be taken. Our defensive line grows perilously thin, and any further expansion of the tyranid presence in this sector will render our current forces insufficient to hold back this oncoming tide.

Inquisitor, I urge your intervention. Hive Fleet Poseidon must be impeded before it overwhelms our position at the Gap. If we lose Mendesum without response, it will only embolden the Hive Fleet further and present a critical risk to our ongoing defense efforts.

Your loyal servant,

Agent Vannick

Mordecai: The Battle for the North Averbrooke-Menoria Corridor

Following the successful Dark Angels breakout from the hives of North Averbrooke and Menoria, Imperial forces under General Kutuzov braced for the inevitable response. The counterattack, as expected, arrived mere weeks later, as a force of Night Lords launched a wave of brutal terror raids along the northern front of the Imperial-held salient north of the Harian Mesa. These raids were swift and deadly, forcing the Imperial Guard to retreat in the face of the psychological and physical onslaught. Kutuzov’s forces, already strained from prior engagements, found themselves stretched thin, and morale began to waver.

In an attempt to stabilise the front, the Adeptus Custodes undertook a series of rapid counter-assaults against the traitorous Night Lords, hoping to force them into a full retreat. But the Night Lords, renowned for their mastery of fear and deception, had laid an elaborate trap. As the Custodes advanced, they were ambushed, taking heavy casualties in a sudden, vicious melee that left even these elite warriors in disarray. By the time Imperial forces managed to re-establish cohesion, the Night Lords had reduced the Imperial corridor between North Averbrooke and Menoria to a narrow strip, with some points shrinking to a mere ten miles in width. The setback struck a severe blow to Imperial momentum and disrupted Kutuzov’s strategic plans.

But the Dark Angels, undeterred by the traitor trap, rapidly redeployed their forces to fortify Menoria’s northern perimeter. Concentrating their strength against the entrenched Death Guard forces of the House of Eschar, they initiated a brutal assault to reclaim lost ground. Fighting was relentless, with Death Guard resistance proving formidable as they weathered Imperial firepower and struck back with foul weaponry. However, the Primaris Marines of the Dark Angels demonstrated unparalleled resilience, withstanding the virulent toxins and ferocious assaults of their foes. The sheer durability and discipline of the Angels of Death began to take a toll on the traitor legion, who were gradually worn down by the determined Astartes offensive.

After days of grinding urban combat, the Death Guard's resistance finally faltered, and the remnants of the House of Eschar were forced to retreat from Menoria Hive altogether. By the end of 10.024M42, the Imperium had secured the entirety of the Menoria urban area, pushing their foes back and restoring a measure of stability to the war-ravaged northern front. This victory afforded Kutuzov a solid, defensible position overlooking the Hamenia region, an expansive, open plain with few features to conceal enemy forces—ideal for further Imperial offensives.

With Menoria secured, Kutuzov now had to consider his next move. His diverse forces—bolstered by Dark Angels, Custodes, and Imperial Guard units—were well-positioned to capitalise on the recent gains, but careful planning would be essential to maintain momentum. In the coming days, he and his commanders would evaluate how best to deploy their forces and strike deeper into enemy territory. For now, the Imperium held the upper hand on Mordecai Primaris, but Kutuzov knew the forces of Chaos would not give ground lightly and that each victory came at a steep cost. 

Mabb Nebula Current Situation

 

Imperial scouts land on Fort Aerin

As 10.024M42 drew to a close, the Imperium faced mounting pressure and a series of demoralising setbacks in the Mabb Nebula and Zadoc Subsector. Holding onto Hylas had proven challenging, and the possibility of reclaiming New Cerberex seemed increasingly remote. With the corridors of Caitlen Station mired in an ongoing stalemate against Tyranid bioforms, Imperial High Command recognised the necessity of establishing a secure and strategic base from which they could organise and supply their fragmented forces.

The logistical strain across the Zadoc Subsector was so severe that General Van Dorn of Hylas stood as the highest-ranking Imperial officer in the sector, acting with limited oversight. Sector Commander Valentina Schumadz had deprioritised the region, leaving Van Dorn and his Space Marine allies to chart their own path. Fortunately, Admiral Craddock's battlegroup and an accompanying fleet of Astartes vessels were dispatched to support the beleaguered Imperial forces, offering them a rare, if limited, advantage. Though resources remained scant, the powerful presence of the fleet deterred both the Tau and Federacy forces from engaging the Imperium in open space combat, while the Orks—unpredictable at best—posed a haphazard but tangible threat.

After considering their options, Van Dorn and his Space Marine allies set their sights on Fort Aerin. Once an Imperial stronghold, Fort Aerin had been overrun by Orks, who now used it as a rudimentary fortress. The outpost's facilities and location rendered it an ideal strategic base, but the extent of the Ork infestation was unknown. Rather than risk full-scale bombardment or a conventional invasion, which would obliterate the valuable infrastructure, the Imperium devised a plan of surgical precision: teams of elite operatives would infiltrate and secure the fort in phases, clearing each section in a “slice by slice” approach. The strategy aimed to dislodge the Orks with minimal damage to Fort Aerin, preparing the ground for a larger eradication effort once the primary structures were secure.

The operation began with several special ops insertions, but it soon became evident that the task would be far from simple. The Guardsmen insertion team, comprising seasoned veterans, faced catastrophic losses. The Orks, seemingly bored of brawling only amongst themselves, greeted the intruders with unrestrained enthusiasm and savagery, annihilating the Guardsmen force before they could establish a foothold. A squad of Space Marines, however, fared better. By leveraging their superior combat prowess and tactical acumen, they managed to secure the west gate of Fort Aerin, carving out the first Imperial foothold within the fortress walls by the end of 10.024M42.

Though the cost was high and the initial losses significant, the capture of the west gate signaled a minor yet crucial victory for the Imperium. The initial breach served as a foundation for further operations, bringing renewed hope that Fort Aerin could eventually serve as the sector’s staging ground. With additional reinforcements and strategic coordination, General Van Dorn and his allies now held a tentative yet vital position from which they could begin to reclaim the outpost—turning it, with effort and perseverance, into a beacon of Imperial strength amidst the chaos of the Mabb Nebula.

Federal Forces establish Foothold at Hylas Reach

In the later stages of 10.024M42, the Federacy forces operating in the Zadoc Subsector had faced mounting setbacks. The Night Lords, notorious for their brutal void raids, had repeatedly targeted Federacy supply lines, causing critical disruptions to the Alliance’s logistical capabilities. Compounding this, recent failures in boarding actions on Caitlen Station revealed vulnerabilities in Federacy void warfare tactics, making it clear that improvements were needed if they were to achieve dominance in the sector. In response, Federacy command initiated a rigorous series of training exercises, aimed at refining their fleet boarding and defensive tactics.

Led by elite Yaegir Kill Teams, the exercises tested the mettle of Hartak League troops in simulated strikes on various installations. These exercises highlighted key weaknesses and identified areas for enhancement, with command implementing and rapidly acting upon these recommendations to bolster both defensive and offensive capabilities. With improved tactical cohesion and disciplined boarding drills, the Federacy forces emerged from the training cycle with sharpened void combat readiness.

No sooner had these exercises concluded than the Federacy saw an opportunity to put their training to the test on Hylas Reach Station. This outpost, located on the critical warp lane leading to the Mabb Nebula from Zadoc, used to be an Imperial mining installation of moderate size, having served as a stopover point for merchants traveling to Hylas and New Cerberex (previously known as Coronus). However, following an Ork invasion on 2909.023M42, the station had become a bastion of Greenskin infestation. Given its strategic value for controlling trade and movement in the region, recapturing Hylas Reach was deemed essential to the Federacy’s plans.

Employing their newly honed tactics, Federal breacher teams launched a precise and concentrated assault on Hylas Reach. In coordinated attacks on key areas of the station, the Hartak forces swiftly overwhelmed pockets of Ork resistance with compact yet highly disciplined teams, relying on layered overwatch positions to contain the bloodthirsty Orks as they advanced. In a matter of days, the Federacy forces managed to secure a foothold on the station, though large sections remained under Ork control.

While the operation achieved its initial objectives, the infestation was far from eradicated. Hartak command anticipated further skirmishes, understanding that the capture of Hylas Reach would require an extended campaign of precision strikes and specialized operations. In their minds, securing this station intact would offer a critical asset, providing the Alliance with a strategic anchor in the sector and an opportunity to exert greater influence over Hylas and New Cerberex.

With the Orks still swarming over much of Hylas Reach, the campaign remained uncertain, yet the Federacy’s recent improvements in void warfare and station-clearing tactics indicated that they were prepared to see this battle through, one bloody step at a time.

Tau special ops gain foothold on Corredon Outpost

As 10.024M42 drew to a close, the conflict across the Mabb Nebula escalated, with multiple factions vying for control over key installations. Among these was Corredon Outpost, a small but crucial listening post situated relatively near to Caitlen Station. Staffed by a minimal Imperial garrison and a few Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests, Corredon provided the Imperium with a strategic advantage. Located along the vital warp route between Zadoc and Tarsis Major, the station monitored Tau troop and fleet movements, making it a prime target for the ambitious Tau forces and their auxiliaries.

In an initial assault, Kroot mercenaries—employed by the Tau as specialised infiltration units—were dispatched to seize control of the outpost. The Kroot, known for their guerrilla tactics and stealth capabilities, aimed to secure Corredon and the sensitive data it held. However, they faced an unexpected counterstrike from a squad belonging to the Carcharadons chapter of Astartes . Descending upon the outpost with brutal efficiency, the Carcharadons neutralized the Kroot strike force as they attempted to transport vital Imperial communications. The Kroot, employing creative tactics, concealed themselves within stasis tubes and escape pods, hoping to evade detection and maintain their position. Despite this, the Space Marines’ ferocity drove the initial wave back, securing the station for the Imperium.

However, the Kroot auxiliaries were not so easily dissuaded. In a subsequent operation, another team managed to infiltrate the station, bypassing heightened Imperial security. Expertly exploiting the gaps in the outpost’s defenses, they succeeded in retrieving data from computer terminals containing sensitive Imperial intelligence despite once again being intercepted by the space marines. This data provided the Tau with valuable insights into Imperial movements and operational plans, undermining the outpost’s primary function as an Imperial surveillance post.

By 2910.024M42, Corredon Outpost remained a contested site. Though the Imperium retained control of the outpost, the Tau forces now held a tenuous foothold in Corredon, transforming it into a small yet important battlefield in its own right. The Kroot’s actions, although repelled initially, had ultimately succeeded in their objective of gathering intelligence, leaving the Imperium to face a new threat on a shifting front in the Mabb Nebula. The struggle for Corredon continued, each faction aware that this seemingly insignificant station could alter the balance of power in the greater war for the Zadoc Subsector.

Inquisitor’s eyes only

Agent Vannick Report - Gamma Team

To: Inquisitor Esquerra

Subject: Updates from the Aleph Sector

Inquisitor Esquerra,

I trust you are already well-informed regarding the major theatres of war in the Aleph Sector, as conveyed through official reports. However, I have uncovered several developments that may not have reached you through the usual channels:

• Tyranid Activity in the Rifts of Hecate: While the Tyranid threat has caused significant alarm in the sector, my recent intelligence suggests it may not be as dire as previously believed. The latest action recorded involved what can only be described as aimless raiding forces. The Tyranids do not seem to be pursuing any coordinated objective. Their most recent engagement saw a swarm of bioforms eliminate a Necron tomb on a terrestrial world. This may indicate random feeding behavior rather than a directed campaign, but caution is still warranted until more data is gathered.

• Necron Presence Beyond the Hecate Gap: Dark Angel patrols venturing beyond the Hecate Gap have uncovered a disturbing reality—there is a strong Necron presence in several systems. While these ancient xenos have not fully awakened, their defenses are formidable. Several Astartes combat patrols have met with unexpected resistance, suffering losses against Necron forces. This indicates that the threat from the Necrons in these worlds is greater than previously anticipated, and they could fully rise at any moment.

• Zadoc Subsector - Hylas: The conflict on Hylas has entered a lull, likely due to the cumulative effect of Astartes raids and a string of failures by Federacy forces. Notably, their attempts to establish a presence on Caitlen Station have been repeatedly thwarted. Intelligence also suggests a further blow to the secessionists—the Night Lords have begun raiding Hartak garrisons and installations. This has disrupted Federal supply lines, compounding their difficulties and weakening their presence in the sector.

I will continue to monitor the Aleph Sector for developments that might not make their way through the usual channels and will inform you as necessary. There are signs of deep instability across the region that warrant our continued vigilance.

As ever, I remain your loyal servant.

Agent Vannick

Gamma Team

Ork Resurgence in the Hecate Gap (10.024M42)

After nine months of largely static warfare, the Imperium  had begun to underestimate the Ork threat in the Hecate Gap. The Orks had initially invaded the region in 021M42, launching their assault with characteristic fury. However, after the Imperium successfully secured Erguras Fall and the Orks showed a reluctance to engage the Imperial Fleet in open battle, the greenskin menace seemed to wane. Imperial High Command, distracted by more immediate crises across the sector, particularly in the Perseus Deeps and the Hadron Expanse, deemed the Orks in the Hecate Gap a lesser threat.

This misjudgment led to the downscaling of the theatre of war, as forces were diverted to address more pressing conflicts. The Orks appeared content to consolidate their hold on the northern territories of the planet, and for a time, the Imperium’s lines held firm.

The Psychic Disturbance and the Grey Knights’ Intervention

In 10.024M42, the situation on the planet took a dramatic and unexpected turn. Strange psychic emanations began radiating from the north, far beyond the Ork-held territories. These unsettling waves of warp energy attracted the attention of the Grey Knights, the Imperium’s elite daemon-hunting Astartes. Believing the psychic disturbance to be the sign of a growing warp incursion or even the influence of a powerful Chaos entity, the Grey Knights deployed to investigate.

The Grey Knights’ first encounter with the Orks, however, was a catastrophe. Drawn north by the psychic signals, they found themselves ambushed by a massive Waaagh!. The Orks, far from the disorganized rabble they had appeared to be, had been galvanized by the strange emanations. The Grey Knights, despite their formidable psychic and martial prowess, were decisively overwhelmed in a brutal engagement. The entire force was wiped out to a man, their holy armour and weapons scattered among the crude trophies of the victorious Orks.

A rescue mission was hastily assembled, with another contingent of Grey Knights sent to recover the fallen and to quell the warp disturbance. Tragically, this second force met an almost identical fate. The Orks, now emboldened and coordinated by some unknown psychic force, once again obliterated the Imperium’s finest warriors. The defeat of the Grey Knights sent shockwaves through Imperial High Command. The realization that the Orks were not only far stronger than previously believed but also possibly under the influence of some dark power shook the Imperium’s confidence in their defenses.

The Waaagh! Unleashed

With the Grey Knights eliminated and the Imperium reeling, the Orks launched their full-scale assault. The long-dormant Waaagh! erupted with terrifying ferocity, surging across Imperial lines and overrunning key defensive positions. General Maximillian, the commander of the Hecate Gap’s Imperial forces, found himself facing a crisis unlike any he had prepared for. The Orks, driven by bloodlust and guided by some unseen force, smashed through the Imperium’s defensive lines, overwhelming fortifications that had once seemed impenetrable.

The fall of Haven, the strategic lynchpin of the Imperium’s defense in the region, would lead to the beginning of a catastrophic collapse. Several key defensive outposts and bastions were on the front lines were overrun, with Imperial casualties mounting by the hour. Panic spread through Maximillian’s ranks as the Orks’ relentless advance threatened to sever the Hecate Gap from the Imperium entirely. The Imperium’s complacency had allowed the Orks to gather strength in the shadows, and now they were paying the price in blood.

Tau covert operations on Hylas

By 10.024M42, the war on Hylas had settled into a tense, largely static conflict. The Imperial forces, reinforced by veterans from across the sector, had dug in behind the natural defenses of the West Hallen Marshes, a strong defensive line that anchored their positions. With the vast Sea of Eden’s Trench to one side and the towering, impassable peaks of Mount Flynn on the other, the West Hallen front became a fortress-like bastion. This provided the Imperium with a strong defensive posture, effectively deterring any major offensive by the Federacy throughout the harsh winter months.

As spring came to Hylas, however, Imperial commanders anticipated that the relative calm would soon end. The Federal forces, overwintering in the Beng Region, had yet to launch their spring offensive, but all signs pointed to an impending assault. Finlay, the most vulnerable of the Imperial defensive positions, was considered the most likely target. Alternatively, the Federacy might attempt a flanking maneuver to bypass West Hallen, advancing westward through Berkeley, Sarina, and down into Collingwood, an arduous trek spanning thousands of kilometers. Despite this possibility, Imperial strategists predicted that the main advance would likely focus on the shorter and more direct route through West Hallen.

The Tau’s Covert Support

While the Tau Empire had not officially committed their front-line forces to the battle for Hylas, they continued to covertly support their allies in the Federacy. The costly battles on New Cerberex had tempered the Tau’s willingness to openly engage the Imperium, especially given the ever-present threat of Astartes intervention. The Dark Angels, still maintaining a base at Mount Bone on New Cerberex, had already shown their willingness to respond to conflicts involving the Tau, and the xenos commanders hoped to avoid drawing their ire.

Despite this, the Tau remained honour-bound to their alliance with the Federacy and provided indirect assistance. Covert operations teams were deployed to Hylas, including units of Vespid Stingwings—elite, swift-moving warriors known for their expertise in reconnaissance and precision strikes. One such team was dispatched to conduct patrols around the East Hallen forts, a key Imperial stronghold.

The Surprise at East Hallen

In a daring operation, the Vespid Stingwings launched a covert reconnaissance mission that ended in a bloody confrontation. Their objective was to gather intelligence on the disposition of the Imperial forces defending East Hallen, particularly those manned by the grim soldiers of the Death Korps of Krieg. The Death Korps, known for their stoic endurance and unyielding defense, had fortified East Hallen with trench networks and artillery emplacements, prepared to face any assault.

However, in the shadows of the East Hallen defenses, the Vespid launched a surprise attack. Their advanced alien technology, coupled with their speed and precision, allowed them to catch the Krieg defenders completely off guard. In a matter of hours, the Vespid had massacred the garrison, leaving the Imperial lines shattered. The swift and brutal engagement stunned the Imperium, as they had not anticipated such a devastating blow from what they believed were purely reconnaissance forces.

Preparing for the Federal Offensive

The success of the Vespid Stingwings not only provided critical intelligence to the Federacy-Tau alliance but also served as a morale boost to their war effort. With detailed knowledge of the Imperial defenses in East Hallen, the alliance began preparing for their next offensive, confident that they could exploit the weaknesses revealed in the wake of the surprise attack.

The Imperium, reeling from the massacre at East Hallen, scrambled to reinforce their positions and bolster their defenses. While the immediate threat was contained, the psychological blow to the Imperial forces was undeniable. The realisation that the Tau were actively supporting the Federacy, albeit covertly, added a new layer of complexity to the war on Hylas. Imperial commanders now faced the prospect of battling not only the secessionist forces of the Federacy but also the advanced technology and cunning tactics of the Tau, all while under the looming shadow of potential Astartes involvement.

As the spring of 10.024M42 unfolded, the war on Hylas stood at a crucial turning point. The Federacy, bolstered by Tau support, prepared for their next move, while the Imperium braced for an offensive that could break their hold on the planet.

Dark Angels break deadlock on Mordecai

By 10.024M42, the war on Mordecai Primaris had descended into a brutal, grinding stalemate. General Kutuzov, commanding the Imperial forces on the planet, had been entrenched for months, his armies pinned within the hive sprawls of Westosia and Menoria. The once-thriving industrial cities had become nightmarish battlefields, where the forces of Chaos—specifically the Death Guard and other Traitor Astartes—dominated the toxic wastelands outside the hives.

The Imperial Naval Air Command was largely ineffective, as the combined corrupting influences of Tzeentch and Nurgle had transformed the lands beyond the hive spires into deadly quagmires of sorcerous energy and rampant disease. Even the most advanced war machines struggled to traverse these cursed lands, and Imperial airstrikes were often turned aside by unnatural warp-born storms.

The Arrival of the Dark Angels

In the dark hours of 10.024M42, a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of two companies of Dark Angels, including several elite units of the Ravenwing, the chapter’s renowned fast attack specialists. Their arrival shifted the strategic balance of power on Mordecai Primaris. The Dark Angels, known for their relentless pursuit of the Emperor’s justice, wasted no time in taking the offensive.

The Ravenwing spearheaded a daring assault, launching from Menoria toward the embattled hive of Westosia, where General Kutuzov’s forces had been fighting tooth and nail for survival. The Death Guard, ever the stalwart defenders of rot and decay, put up fierce resistance, but the Ravenwing’s speed and precision proved overwhelming. Smashing through the Death Guard’s outer lines, the Dark Angels pushed deep into enemy-held territory, driving a wedge between the forces of Nurgle and Tzeentch.

Breakthrough and Counter-Attack

By breaching the Death Guard’s defenses, the Dark Angels accomplished what months of attritional warfare had failed to achieve. The Imperial Guard, bolstered by the Astartes assault, surged forward to exploit the breach. The corridor between Menoria and Westosia—previously a perilous and contested no-man’s land—was widened, allowing for greater coordination between the two hives and ensuring the vital flow of troops and supplies.

However, the forces of Chaos were not to be easily undone. Within days of the Dark Angels’ triumph, the Night Lords, masters of terror tactics, launched a vicious counter-offensive. Their goal was clear: to sever the newly established Imperial supply line and once again divide the hives. The Night Lords struck hard and fast, sowing chaos and fear among the Imperial defenders. Yet, despite suffering heavy casualties, the Dark Angels stood firm, their indomitable will a bulwark against the traitor legions. The line held, preventing the Night Lords from achieving their objective.

The Tide Turns

The successful defense of the Imperial corridor marked a turning point in the war on Mordecai Primaris. The Dark Angels’ intervention had reinvigorated the Imperial war effort, and for the first time in months, the Imperium’s forces began to believe that victory was within reach. General Kutuzov, though battered, was now able to coordinate more effective offensives, bolstered by the presence of the Dark Angels and the reinvigorated Imperial Guard.

Hope stirred once more among the beleaguered defenders of Mordecai Primaris. With the Dark Angels standing alongside the Imperium’s forces, there was renewed optimism that the long and grueling war for the planet might finally conclude with an Imperial victory, and within an acceptable time frame. Yet, the forces of Chaos are as unpredictable as they are tenacious, and the final outcome of the campaign remained shrouded in uncertainty.

The Reclamation of Kagenut: Necron Counterattack on Gamador (09.024M42 - 10.024M42)

In late 023M42, the Chaos incursion into Gamador, located in the Perseus Deeps, resulted in the sacking of the tomb complex at Kagenut. The forces of Chaos, aided by the Dark Mechanicus, plundered the ancient Necron site, seeking to uncover its arcane secrets. Despite this desecration, the Necrons did not immediately respond with a significant counteroffensive. For nearly a year, the tomb complexes of Gamador remained largely dormant, offering no organised resistance to the invaders.

However, in 09.024M42, the growing presence of Chaos forces and renewed Necron activity elsewhere in the region finally triggered the reanimation protocols of the Gamador tomb complexes. The ancient Necron war machine stirred to life, and by 10.024M42, a vast Necron army materialised at the gates of Kagenut. The Dark Mechanicus, still entrenched within the tomb complex, were desperately working to extract knowledge and technology from its depths when the Necron legions descended upon them.

Recognising the imminent threat to their Dark Mechanicus allies, the Night Lords, an infamous Chaos warband, launched a preemptive strike. Their assault was fierce and initially effective, driving the Necrons back and creating a temporary breach in their lines. For a brief moment, it seemed as though Chaos might maintain its grip on Kagenut.

However, the tide of battle shifted when the Necron overlord of Gamador personally intervened, accompanied by a powerful Cryptek who unleashed devastating arcane technology. This combined leadership rallied the Necron forces and shattered the momentum of the Chaos assault. The Night Lords, now facing a fully-coordinated Necron army, began to falter. Realising  their position was untenable, the Dark Mechanicus chose to retreat, abandoning their spoils and fleeing Gamador to avoid complete annihilation.

By the end of 10.024M42, Kagenut was once again under Necron control. Though the Chaos forces had been repelled, the Necrons’ hold on Gamador remained precarious, with the wider conflict in the Perseus Deeps far from resolved. For the moment, however, the Necron overlord had reclaimed the tomb complex and secured its secrets from the grasp of the Dark Gods.

Drukhari raid the Hadron Expanse

+++Date: 2010.024M42

+++Subject: Status Update on the Hadron Expanse

+++To: Inquisitor Esquerra

+++From: Agent [Name redacted]

Inquisitor,

I regret to inform you that the situation in the Hadron Expanse has worsened significantly. Drukhari activity is increasing across the region, showing a concerning rise in their raids and abductions. Notably, two recent incursions were made against the Imperial world of Vanir.

In the first of these attacks, the Black Templars were dispatched to investigate disturbing reports of enemy movements. However, all contact was lost, and the only communication received has been garbled and indecipherable. None of the Black Templars have returned.

Soon after, the Grey Knights, suspecting a daemonic presence, responded swiftly to reports of dark figures roaming Imperial settlements, abducting civilians. Despite their efforts, they too were overwhelmed and defeated by the Drukhari raiders. Their loss in this engagement is not only a blow to our strength but also a grave sign of the enemy’s growing capability and boldness.

The consequences of these failures are already being felt. Morale on the surrounding Imperial worlds is plummeting. General Percival has formally requested reinforcements, indicating the strain on local forces and the fear now gripping the populace.

Compounding the threat, wider intelligence has reported that the Necron tomb world, known as “Bal of Bones,” has also fallen victim to the Drukhari. A tomb was looted during the raid, though the full extent of what the xenos acquired remains unclear. This act of audacity has only deepened concerns for the stability of the region, as it implies that the Drukhari are growing bolder, not only in their attacks on the Imperium but also in their readiness to antagonise other ancient powers.

I will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more intelligence becomes available.

Your obedient servant,

[Name redacted]+++

The Aleph Sector Warzones 10.024M42

The Perseus Deeps

By 10.24M42 the Perseus Deeps was divided into two main theatres of war. Towards Galactic "west" of the region, where the Foramen Nova bisects the Cicatrix Maledictum, providing the Imperium with a stable supply route from the Valitane Subsector in the Imperium Sanctus - is the Mordecai system. For several years the forces of Chaos, led by the Emerald Serpent and interference from Magnus the Red, have been slowly losing ground to General Kutuzov and his armies, supported by the fleets of Admiral Stark.

Mordecai Tersius and Secundus have fallen to the Imperium, but now with the strategic logistics situation finely balanced, Kutuzov is struggling to break out of his landing zones on the capital world Mordecai Primaris.

Further to the galactic "east", lies the Harakhty Dynasty of Necron worlds. Once minor unimportant outposts, these world were overrun by reanimating necrons during the period 002.042M42 to 014.042M42, but have been riven by a mysterious tech blight. Now the Imperium under General Veers has begun a renewed crusade in the Perseus Deeps, invading and securing the world of Enaloth in 024.M42. However the Imperium face resistance from chaos and tau forces seeking to disrupt this campaign

The Perseus Deeps is the main theatre of war for the eternal war of the Imperium vs. chaos, and features scope for large set piece battles, fleet actions and apocalypse games. By default all chaos vs. Imperium games will be added to the Mordecai System campaign, which has been going on now for nearly a decade in real time! Imperium are winning...

The Perseus Deeps also has the main necron wars, as the forces of the Tau Empire, Imperium and chaos attempt to carve up the necron worlds between them.

The Zadoc Subsector

Once a powerful Imperial realm the Zadoc subsector fell to the combined efforts of chaos, the tyranids and the Tau-Federacy alliance even before the coming of the Cicatrix Maledictum. Now only Hylas remains in Imperial control, and the Tau-Federacy alliance, with occasional help from the Aeldari, are conducting a campaign to remove this last remnant of Imperial rule, opposed by smaller forces of Imperial guard and space marine companies. The war consists of a number of small scale actions as well for small but important installations in the Mabb Nebula.

Meanwhile the Zadoc Subsector also sees a major Tau invasion of chaos held Zadoc. Taking this world, and then Grimlock followed by the Rim Worlds beyond, would secure beyond doubt the sector and cut off the Hadron Expanse from easy resupply from the Imperial hub worlds, and remove the chaos taint from their "Aleph Expansion Sphere".

This warzone is a major warzone but more narrative in context, open to smaller engagements but also large battles. The region sees the Tau invading the major chaos world of Zadoc, and the orks, imperium and tau forces vying for control of several small installations and minor worlds. Ideal for boarding action and Kill Team.

The Hadron Expanse

The Hadron Expanse isn't even designated as a subsector of the Aleph Sector by Imperial command. Although home to nominally two army groups under General Konev and General Percival, and a naval battlegroup, the imperial worlds in the region are scattered and of low resource value. However the Hecate Gap, the only stable pathway to the volatile region of the Rifts of Hecate, is vital to control, and is currently held at one end by the Imperium. Should this bastion of Imperial resistance collapse, then untold hordes of Orks, Tyranids and Necrons threaten to overwhelm the Imperium's borders in the region. In addition, the Tau Empire's "Hadron Sphere" would be hard pressed to deal with the Tyranid threat.

The Hadron Expanse focusses on outpost worlds, featuring a narrative of the orks and tyranids threatening the sector from the galactic rim. Any games are applicable, but allied games in particular (orks+tyranids+necrons are trying to get through the gap, everyone else is trying to stop them) also fit well in this theatre. From time to time the GM may introduce "McGuffin's" to fight for, over a limited time period, which will confer significant faction advantages on the winner.

Orks land on Erguras Fall

Activity in the Hadron Expanse had been low for around a Terran year by mid 10.024M42. Hive Fleet Poseidon appeared to be quiescent, although the Adeptus Biologis hypothesised that they may be in a "digestion" phase of their lifecycle, having recently conquered and absorbed three systems within the Rifts of Hecate. The forces of Chaos had consolidated their forces on Mendesum and continued to research exotic plagues under the direction of the Death Guard, and the Tau seemed content to maintain their watch at Garmenes.

In the strategically significant Hecate Gap, the trench lines dug by the Imperium at Haven had not moved for months, as they were content to hold the Ork threat off while maintaining control over their space port and defence lasers. With the Fleet in orbit, Haven was by now an Imperial controlled system with a cut off pocket of orks on the main continent. Ergura's Fall was more complicated, with no major power having overall control of the world. The brutal Erguran winter had set in however, making new assaults almost impossible. Now however, it was spring on Ergura's Fall once more, and with that spring came an unwelcome new invasion. The orks had returned to the Hecate Gap in force.

The ork invasion was modest by ork standards but still enough to butcher a chaos space marine contingent in the north of the world and set up a new encampment of greenskins. As of 11.10.024M42 the Imperium did not yet consider this new ork force a credible threat, but began monitoring the situation for any escalation. An all out Waagh! against the two systems of the Hecate Gap would put the Imperial held systems in the Expanse at considerable risk, as no new resources could be found and diverted to the region. The Tau took a close interest as well, as their "Hadron Expansion Sphere" lay directly in the path of any invading ork horde.

Harlequins disrupt investigation at Waystation 233

Following the space marine raids on Tau installations across the Mabb Nebula in the Zadoc Subsector, the Aeldari had been swift to remove the imperial presence at Waystation 233, but the Imperium were not willing to give up on controlling the strategically significant defence platform and space station. In early 10.024M42 a squad of space marines were sent ahead to scout the station for Tau or Aeldari presence. Approaching in a Hunter class escort with energy signature set to minimum, the astartes force found nothing and began their investigation of the now empty installation.

Within hours of landing on the station however, the space marine squad found itself under assault from a new Aeldari force, seemingly appearing from nowhere. The space marines fought a fighting retreat but were overwhelmed by the xenos attackers, although they did identify the force as those of the Rillietann, or Harlequins. In any case it was clear that retaking the Waystation would take more than a small insertion team.

Attempted Imperial landing at Gamador fails

Having secured the necron world of Enaloth general Veers was keen to push on and assault the next world as soon as possible. He had multiple concerns weighing heavily on him at the start of 10.024M42, as the war at Mordecai had stalled, giving him a personal chance to take some of the limelight away from his rival Kutuzov, but at the same time, news had come to his attention that the forces of chaos, seeing the moves by the tau and imperial forces, had launched their own offensive against the necrons.

percieving the necrons to be weak, a "carve up" of their territory was being planned, with the tau, chaos forces and Imperium vying to control the necron worlds as fast as possible to shore up their own respective strategic positions. With this in mind, instead of Gamordal or Sullidan being selected as the next Imperial target, Veers instead opted for an assault on Gamador, risking the longer route and proximity to both Tau space and the chaos held Rim worlds to prevent an easy chaos victory in the system and to perhaps distract the Tau away from their war in the Zadoc subsector. In all of these considerations Veers had failed to take into account one rather major factor. The necrons themselves.

In their exploratory landing the Imperial forces were lead by a Space Wolves detachment. The plan was simple, land at the Phillek tomb complex, secure the area and set up a strong defence in the Karothis valley. The initial landings were unopposed, but soon the Space Wolves were disconcerted to see a large and imposing necron army marching down the road from Karothis. Far from a dead tomb world suffering from a tech blight, this tomb world was awake and prepared to defend itself.

The ensuing battle did not go well for the Astartes who were badly mauled by the accurate firepower of their xenos enemies. Though the space marines fought on stubbornly long enough for Veers to evacuate his guard forces from Phillek, the result was a catastrophe for the Imperium, who had now lost any element of surprise with the chaos forces or the Tau, and had suffered a humiliating defeat Infront of not one but three enemies. Veers now planned how he would make amends for this setback.