Veers crusade suffers setback on Gamordal

In the Perseus Deeps Crusade, General Veers’ campaign on Gamordal suffered a significant reversal as the Necron defenders launched a fierce counterattack against the Imperium’s foothold on the world. The assault, concentrated on the critical mining facilities near the city of Southrine, forced the Imperial invasion force to retreat under relentless pressure from the xenos.

The Necron Counteroffensive

Initially, Gamordal had been assessed by Imperial strategists as only weakly defended, its tomb complexes believed to hold a minor Necron presence. However, in late 11.024M42, it became clear that the ancient xenos  had underestimated neither the threat posed by the Imperial invasion nor the importance of the mines near Southrine. These facilities, vital for both material extraction and planetary control, became the focal point of the Necrons’ response.

The Necron forces, emerging in great numbers from previously dormant tombs, overwhelmed the Imperial Guard garrison units stationed at the mines. Their precise and methodical attacks were bolstered by swarms of Canoptek constructs, legions of Immortals, and Lychguard phalanxes. Despite the resistance of the Imperial forces, the Necrons’ relentless advance pushed the Imperium onto the back foot.

Custodes’ Failure to Hold

Recognizing the dire situation, General Veers ordered the deployment of a small detachment of Adeptus Custodes, elite warriors tasked with holding the line against the xenos tide. The Custodes, led by Shield-Captain Velorius, struck hard at the advancing Necrons, targeting their commanders and command protocols with precise force.

However, the Necrons proved highly resilient. The Custodes found themselves outnumbered and outmaneuvered by a foe that simply reanimated itself after every engagement. Canoptek Reanimators and Crypteks restored damaged Necron forces, rendering the Custodes’ valor insufficient to halt the assault. The mines fell after a grueling two-day battle, with heavy losses on the Imperial side.

Retreat to Southrine

The loss of the mines compelled the remaining Imperial forces to retreat to the urban defenses of Southrine. The city, already strained by weeks of war, now faced a Necron siege as the xenos forces advanced methodically, encircling the Imperial defenders. Supplies dwindled, and morale among the Astra Militarum sank as the reality of their enemy’s resilience became apparent.

Strategic and Political Fallout

The setback at the mines raised serious questions about General Veers’ leadership and the Crusade’s overall planning. The intelligence failure regarding Gamordal’s defenses sparked outrage among high-ranking officials within the Crusade command. Many questioned whether Veers had underestimated the Necrons or had been too hasty in pursuing an offensive against a world of such strategic complexity.

For the Imperium, the retreat to Southrine marked a major challenge to its efforts in the Perseus Deeps. With the mining assets lost and their foothold reduced to a besieged city, the Imperium’s ability to press forward on Gamordal was now severely constrained.