Part 1: Collateral Damage
Within The Obscurus Rift loomed Oligoterron Rex, sitting ominously in the vastness of space, its twisted and chaotic nature mirroring the events unfolding within. Within this maelstrom, the Ultramarines, led by Company Armistos Etrusca of the 4th Company, sought to bring the light of the Imperium to the local population. Unaware of the treacherous path the galaxy had taken, they had initially aligned themselves with the Iron Warriors, Sons of Horus, World Eaters, and Dark Angels, expecting their brother legions to be loyal to the Imperium. However, witnessing their once noble allies enslaving and murdering innocent civilians shattered their illusions, and they joined forces with the Imperial Fists and Salamanders in a desperate attempt to make amends.
The stars shimmered above as I stood upon the bridge of our flagship, gazing out at the vast expanse of space. My name is Armistos Etrusca, Commander of the Ultramarines' 4th Company. We were about to embark on a new campaign, a mission to bring the light of the Imperium to the local population, to offer hope and protection where it was needed most.
As we set course for Oligoterron Rex, I could feel the excitement and anticipation among my warriors. We were eager to join forces with our brothers from the Sons of Horus, Iron Warriors, and World Eaters, although little did we know of the impending storm that awaited
The thought of fighting side by side with our brethren, united under the banner of the Imperium, filled me with a sense of pride and purpose. The Sons of Horus, once paragons of loyalty and courage, still carried the noble legacy of the Luna Wolves. The Iron Warriors, masters of fortifications and siegecraft, embodied the resilience and determination that made them stalwart defenders of humanity. And the World Eaters, their ferocity in battle matched only by their unwavering loyalty, were a force to be reckoned with.
As we arrived at Oligoterron Rex, hope burned brightly within me. The gigantic space hulk loomed before us, an enigmatic canvas upon which our combined might would be unleashed
Location: Oligoterron Rex, outside Imperial Space
Commanding Officer: Company Armistos Etrusca, 4th Company, Ultramarines
Deployment: The Ultramarines, led by Company Armistos Etrusca, were deployed as a wedge amidst the ruined pipeline. Their objective was twofold: spread wide through gaps in the pipeline to pursue lost civilians and provide cover fire, while the heavy support units sought refuge in nearby cover to unleash a withering hail of fire upon the Death Guard.
Engagement: As the battle commenced, the Ultramarines swiftly took up their positions, their disciplined ranks spread out to encircle the Death Guard forces. The heavy support units, utilizing the cover to their advantage, unleashed a torrent of missile and volkite fire, effectively suppressing the enemy and creating a protective barrier for the advancing Ultramarines.
On the left flank, the Proteus, a formidable Ultramarines assault vehicle, charged forward with great speed, driving straight into the heart of the Death Guard lines. Carrying a cargo of Suzerain, the Proteus sought to deliver a devastating blow to the toughest of the enemy forces. The ensuing melee was brutal and bloody, with the Suzerain fighting fiercely but unable to break through the resilient Death Guard. Despite their valiant efforts, they were eventually driven back, unable to achieve a decisive breakthrough.
However, while the Suzerain engaged the Death Guard, the Locutarus, seizing the advantage, launched a daring assault on the enemy's assault marines. With their deadly power blades, the Locutarus inflicted heavy casualties upon the Death Guard, breaking their lines and pursuing them as they scattered. The Ultramarines capitalized on this opportunity, pressing the attack and routing the remaining Death Guard marines.
Victory and Civilian Rescue: The battle concluded with the Ultramarines holding the day. Their relentless assault and disciplined tactics allowed them to rescue many civilians who had been caught in the crossfire. Despite the initial setback with the Suzerain's inability to break through, the Ultramarines' combined efforts, bolstered by the bravery of the Locutarus, ultimately prevailed. The rescued civilians were brought safely back to the alliance, securing a small but significant victory for the Imperium.
Casualties and Aftermath: While the Ultramarines achieved their primary objective of rescuing civilians, the battle was not without its losses. The Suzerain suffered heavy casualties, and the toll of the brutal combat weighed heavily upon the hearts of the Ultramarines. The realization that their own brothers had fallen so far into darkness haunted them, leaving a lasting impact on their spirits.
With the battle concluded, the Ultramarines, bloodied but resolute, regrouped and prepared for the next engagement. As they reflected upon the harrowing events within the Obscurus Rift, their resolve to atone for their own sins and stand against the treachery of the Heresy grew stronger. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but the Ultramarines were determined to bring the light of the Imperium to the darkest corners of the galaxy.
Location: Oligoterron Rex, outside Imperial Space
Commanding Officer: Company Armistos Etrusca, 4th Company, Ultramarines
Deployment: Due to the confusion and fog of war, the Ultramarines and Salamanders found themselves unexpectedly crossing paths. Though they would later become allies, survival took precedence in the heat of the moment. The Ultramarines quickly arranged themselves in a strong firing position within the desert terrain, unleashing a heavy fusillade of firepower throughout the entire encounter. However, the resilience of the Salamanders' Nocturne armor proved difficult to penetrate.
Engagement: As the battle unfolded, the green-clad Terminators of the Ultramarines marched resolutely through the hail of enemy fire, securing the center of the battlefield. Meanwhile, a Contemptor Dreadnought was deployed to secure the left flank, providing additional fire support for the Ultramarines.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Ultramarines found themselves pushed back across the entirety of the battlefield. The relentless assault of the Salamanders proved formidable, driving the Ultramarines into a defensive posture. Though they maintained a heavy barrage, their firepower had little effect on the impenetrable Nocturne armor.
Undeterred, the Suzerain of the Ultramarines launched a determined assault on the center, hoping to break the Salamanders' defenses. However, they were met with an unstoppable force in the form of the Fire Drakes, the elite warriors of the Salamanders. The Suzerain fought valiantly but were ultimately beaten back, unable to gain the upper hand.
In a parallel struggle, the Locutarus fought alongside the Suzerain, attempting to penetrate the Tartaros armor of the Salamanders. However, their efforts proved in vain as they were crushed by the relentless power fists of the Salamanders in return.
Retreat and Salvage: In the face of overwhelming opposition, the Ultramarines made the difficult decision to retreat, salvaging what spoils they could in the process. Their hopes of a decisive victory were dashed, and they withdrew from the battlefield, acknowledging the superior strength of the Salamanders.
Aftermath: The battle concluded with the Ultramarines retreating, their ranks diminished and their spirits tested. The encounter with the Salamanders had revealed the formidable strength and resilience of their erstwhile allies. Though they had fought valiantly, the Ultramarines had been unable to overcome the might of the Salamanders and penetrate their defenses.
As they regrouped and assessed their losses, the Ultramarines acknowledged the need for a strategic reassessment. The encounter with the Salamanders served as a reminder that the Heresy had turned brother against brother, and the path ahead was fraught with peril. Determined to atone for their sins and forge a new path, the Ultramarines sought to find common cause with those who remained loyal to the Emperor, rallying their forces for the battles yet to come.
<Fluff Piece about changing alliances> Confirm forces in alliance
Location: Oligoterron Rex, outside Imperial Space
Commanding Officer: Company Armistos Etrusca, 4th Company, Ultramarines
Deployment: With newfound support from an alliance of like-minded brothers, the Ultramarines rallied their forces to a small town on the outskirts of the lake. Nestled within the hovels were several civilians in need of rescue. In the early hours of the morning, the Ultramarines rushed towards the town, driven by the urgency to save innocent lives from within enemy held dominions. Unbeknownst to them, the Night Lords also had their sights set on the town, but with very different intentions.
Engagement: As the Ultramarines entered the town, they were suddenly confronted by the presence of the Night Lords' terror squads. Recon Squad Asculum and Tactical Squad Capet swiftly sprang into action, retrieving several families and retreating with them to safety. Meanwhile, the rest of the Ultramarines force redeployed to provide cover fire, fending off the encroaching Night Lords.
In the darkness of the early morning, Heavy Squad Rutulii of the Ultramarines landed several precise hits on the Night Lords' Contemptor Dreadnought, inflicting significant damage. The Proteus, with its heavy bolter roaring, delivered the decisive blow, eliminating the Night Lords' formidable war machine.
However, amidst the chaos, the Locutarus stumbled upon an ancient xenos artifact to the north of the town. This discovery shifted the focus of the battle, with the civilians momentarily forgotten. Seizing the opportunity, the Night Lords' Raptors closed in, supported by their librarian who utilized his psychic gifts for terror to neutralize most of the Ultramarines' weapons. With their power claws gleaming with blood, the Raptors swept through the Ultramarines' ranks.
Seeking to restore honor and regain control, the Suzerain of the Ultramarines launched a determined assault on the center of the township. They crushed one of the Night Lords' Raptor squads and secured the vital central position. However, the other Raptor squad, led by a Praetor and Librarian, launched a devastating rear attack on the Ultramarines. The Locutarus bravely tried to delay the Night Lords' advance, but they were caught off guard by the savagery and brutality displayed by their once-brothers. The Ultramarines, their disciplined lines shattered, were forced to fall back. While they managed to secure a few civilians, the haunting memories of witnessing their own brethren succumb to evil would linger for years to come.
Aftermath: The battle concluded with the Ultramarines retreating, their spirits weighed down by the atrocities committed by the corrupted Night Lords. The struggle to rescue the innocent had been overshadowed by the darkness that had consumed their former comrades. The Ultramarines, scarred by this encounter, realized the depths of the betrayal within the ranks of the Astartes. Determined to atone for their sins and stand against the treachery, they resolved to forge ahead, rallying their forces and seeking redemption in the battles yet to come.
The darkness was suffocating, a shroud of terror had enveloped the battlefield and the sound of tortured civilians split the silence. As the Night Lords' Raptors swooped down upon us from the cover of the rock canyon, their Praetor at the forefront, wielding his deadly paragon blade, I felt a surge of fear coursing through my veins. This was a fear I had never felt before, one bolstered by the psychic presence of their librarian who amplified the dread already heavy in the air.
Leading my squad, of Heavy Support marines I stood shoulder to shoulder with Armistos Etrusca, our commanding officer, ready to face the horrors that awaited us in the darkness. Our Volkite culverins swept through the night looking in all directions for targets. Shapes moved at the edge of sight, too quick to track and disappearing before the order could be given to open fire.
Then from out of the darkness they appeared before us. They were not brothers, they were walking nightmares.
The weight of my Culverin pressed against my shoulder as I unleashed a torrent of energy upon the enemy, its searing beams piercing the darkness. But it was not enough. The Raptors moved with unnatural speed, their savagery matched only by the brutality of their power claws.
With a bone-chilling cry, the Raptors descended upon us, their claws tearing through the air with deadly precision. Chaos and violence erupted around me as my comrades fought valiantly, their volkite culvins useless at close quarters, but bolt pistols roaring in defiance. The Night Lords were swift and ruthless, leaving a trail of blood and ruin in their wake.
Amidst the chaos, I caught a glimpse of Armistos Etrusca locked in combat with the Night Lords' Praetor. It was a clash of titans, each wielding their lethal blades with deadly precision. But the Praetor's skill and ferocity was unmatched, his paragon blade slicing through the air with a malevolent grace. The battle waged on, a symphony of violence and desperation. Beaten and bloodied we broke ranks, and retreated carrying the bodies of our injured brothers, including Etrusca, as well as the heavy weight of defeat, and realisation of what our retreat meant for the civilians living here.
As the dust settled, I surveyed the battlefield with a heavy heart. Our squad had been decimated, comrades fallen, their valor snuffed out by the merciless Night Lords. The darkness seemed to mock our feeble attempts to dispel it, to uphold the honor and duty of the Ultramarines.
Though battered and bloodied, a flicker of determination burned within me. The Night Lords had shown us the depths to which brotherhood could descend, the twisted path that had led them astray. We had been caught off guard by their savagery, our disciplined lines faltering in the face of such malevolence.
As we regrouped, carrying the wounded and preparing for our retreat, the memory of that harrowing battle would forever be etched in my mind. The haunting screams, the metallic clash of weapons, and the darkness that seeped into our very souls were a testament to the horrors of the Heresy.
But as we withdrew, I knew that we carried with us the resolve to atone for our sins, to fight against the corruption that threatened to consume us. The path ahead would be treacherous, the battles yet to come fraught with peril. Yet, with our unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and the memory of our fallen brothers, we would continue to rise, to face the darkness head-on.
I, Sergeant Orchomenus of the Ultramarines, would not rest until the light of the Imperium shone brightly once more, banishing the shadows of betrayal and heresy. The battle against the Night Lords had tested us, but we would emerge stronger, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us in the grim darkness of the galaxy.
Location: Oligoterron Rex, outside Imperial Space
Commanding Officer: Company Armistos Etrusca, 4th Company, Ultramarines
Deployment: With their previous alliances shattered, the Ultramarines sought to rectify the wrongs they had been a part of earlier in the campaign. Still working behind enemy lines, they discovered a lightly defended township and decided to confront their traitorous brothers, the Sons of Horus, in an attempt to reclaim it. The Ultramarines deployed tactical squads Capet and Pectus, pushing hard up the center of the battlefield, aiming to retrieve civilians and retreat with full fire support. They also positioned themselves to face the incoming threat from a pair of Contemptor Dreadnoughts sweeping down the left flank.
Engagement: The battle began with the Ultramarines unleashing a barrage of missiles and volkite shots upon the oncoming Contemptor Dreadnoughts. However, despite their efforts, the enemy armour proved resilient, and the Ultramarines' firepower failed to make a significant impact.
On the right flank, the Suzerain of the Ultramarines set their sights on the Justaerin, the elite Terminator unit of the Sons of Horus. Engaging in brutal close-quarters combat, the Suzerain fought valiantly, despite being surrounded by enemy Despoilers. Through sheer determination, they managed to break both enemy units and hold the right flank. A desperate duel ensued between the Sons of Horus Champion and Brother Augustare of the Suzerain, with Augustare's thunderhammer proving decisive. Despite sustaining significant damage to his armor, Augustare emerged as the victor.
Retreat and Salvage: The Ultramarines' gamble did not yield the desired outcome. Unable to overcome the resilient Contemptor Dreadnoughts and facing overwhelming opposition, the Ultramarines made the difficult decision to retreat. They were able to rescue only a few of the locals, their hopes of reclaiming the township falling short.
Aftermath: With the survivors and rescued civilians safely secured within their spacecraft, the Allied forces prepared to exit the system. The Ultramarines, bloodied and somber, finally had a moment of peace to reflect upon the battles they had fought upon the gigantic hulk. They were humbled by the actions of their once loyal brothers, haunted by the atrocities witnessed, but resolute in their determination to atone for their own sins.
As they departed, the Ultramarines carried with them the weight of the past, understanding the depth of the betrayal that had consumed their former brethren. Their resolve to bring justice and restore order within the Imperium remained unwavering. United in purpose, they set their sights on future battles, prepared to face the challenges that awaited them with renewed determination and a commitment to honor and loyalty.
As the dust settled on the outskirts of the desert encampment, the weight of destiny hung heavy in the air. I, Augustare, a member of the revered Invictarus Suzerain, stood tall, gripping my thunderhammer tightly, its weight matching the determination in my heart. Before me stood the Legion Champion of the Sons of Horus, a formidable adversary leading the elite Justaerin terminators.
The clash of our weapons reverberated through the barren landscape, each strike an explosion of raw power. My thunderhammer, an embodiment of the Emperor's wrath, met the swift and calculated movements of the Champion's power sword. The clash of metal rang out, a symphony of violence and determination.
With every strike, I felt the weight of our Legion's honor resting upon my shoulders. Our duel embodied the struggle between loyalty and treachery, between light and darkness. My resolve burned brightly, fueled by the belief that our cause was just and that the Imperium must be protected from the clutches of chaos.
As our battle raged on, my armor bore the marks of our ferocious exchanges. Great rents appeared, evidence of the Champion's skill and my own determination. But I refused to yield. The Suzerain had trained me well, honing my skills and fortifying my spirit for this very moment.
With a mighty swing, I unleashed the full force of my thunderhammer upon the Champion's defenses. The power of the blow shook the ground beneath us, a testament to the righteous fury within my soul. In that moment, our clash reached its climax, the outcome hanging in the balance.
In a final surge of strength and will, I unleashed a devastating blow upon my opponent. The thunderhammer connected with a resounding crash, shattering the Champion's defenses and rending his armor. Through the chaos, I saw victory gleaming on the horizon, and I seized it with all my might.
The Champion fell, his power sword slipping from his grasp, defeated by the indomitable spirit of the Ultramarines. Weary but resolute, I stood amidst the wreckage, the battlefield a testament to the clash of brother against brother. The weight of the Heresy pressed upon me, the knowledge of the sacrifices made and the atrocities witnessed. But in that moment, a flicker of hope ignited within my heart.
As I surveyed the aftermath, the desert wind carrying the echoes of our duel, I knew that this victory, however small, was a step towards redemption. Our Legion had been humbled, tested by the darkness that had enveloped us. But in this duel, we had stood firm, refusing to succumb to the allure of treachery.
With my thunderhammer in hand, I vowed to carry the memory of this victory, a symbol of the strength and honor of the Ultramarines. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but our resolve burned brighter than ever. We would continue to fight, to bring justice and redemption to a galaxy engulfed in turmoil.
As the desert encampment faded into the distance, I knew that our Legion would not rest until the light of the Imperium shone brightly once more, banishing the darkness that threatened to consume us all.
I stood upon this hulk known as Oligoterron Rex, gazing out into the abyss of space, the weight of the recent days heavy upon my shoulders. I am Armistos Etrusca, commander of this Ultramarines' 4th Company strikeforce, and my mind is consumed by the battles we fought upon this twisted hulk.
As I reflect on our campaign, the memories of the battles come rushing back. The death and destruction, the betrayal of our once-loyal brothers, the horrors witnessed within the depths of this forsaken place. We had arrived with the noble intent to bring the light of the Imperium to those in need, unaware of the treachery that awaited us.
In the opening salvo against the Death Guard, we fought valiantly, rescuing civilians and securing a hard-fought victory. But it was there that I first glimpsed the darkness that had infected our brethren. The sight of our own brothers enslaving and murdering innocent lives shook me to the core. How could such evil have taken hold within our ranks?
I regret the actions we took against the Salamanders, the fog of war and confusion on the surface turned allies to enemies and enemies to allies, but it was this particular conflict that we must atone for. To bloody the noble warriors of Vulkan was an error, I am glad we were unable to injure too many, and only quick thinking stopped it driving an irreversible wedge between us.
The encounters with the Night Lords only deepened the wounds within my soul. Former allies turned foes, the confusion and fog of war had driven us into each other's paths. Our once-disciplined lines were shattered, and the brutality we witnessed left scars that will never truly fade. The battles became a struggle not just against our traitorous brothers, but also within ourselves.
The final battle against the Sons of Horus was a desperate attempt to right our wrongs. We fought with all our might, hoping to reclaim a township and bring justice to those who had fallen to darkness. But the losses we suffered, the retreat we were forced to make, they weigh heavily upon me. Our gamble did not pay off, and the bitterness of defeat lingers in my heart.
Now, as we gather the survivors and rescued civilians aboard our spacecraft, a sense of somber reflection envelops me. The horrors we witnessed, the atrocities we were part of, they haunt my thoughts. The realization that our own brothers could fall so far into evil is a burden that I, as their commander, bear heavily.
Yet, despite the darkness that has stained our souls, we are resolute. We have been humbled, but we will not falter. We carry the weight of our actions, determined to atone for our sins. The path ahead is treacherous, but we stand united with the Imperial Fists and Salamanders, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.
As we depart the system, I find solace in the quiet moments of reflection. We may be bloodied, scarred, and haunted, but we are still the sons of Guilliman, defenders of the Imperium. Our duty remains unchanged, and our resolve is unwavering. The battles within the Obscurus Rift have tested us, but they have also strengthened our resolve to bring justice and restore order amidst the chaos of the Heresy.
The journey ahead may be long and fraught with peril, but we will persevere. We will carry the light of the Imperium to the darkest corners of the galaxy, fighting against the corruption that threatens to consume us. I, Armistos Etrusca of the 4th Company, commander of this strikeforce, will not rest until we have brought honor and redemption to our Legion and to the Imperium we swore to protect.