Maelstrom: Spoils of War (2 vs 2)

MAELSTROM: SPOILS OF WAR (2 vs 2)

Chaos Space Marines (1000 points each)
1. Chaos Lord CF - Chaos Space Marines
2. Cmdr C - Chaos Space Marines


Adeptus Astartes Coalition (1000 points each)
1. Cmdr Luminator (Space Marines - using Salamander CT)
2. Me (Imperial Swords Space Marines)


PROLOGUE
For past three months, several Imperial Merchant Ships carrying supplies to and fro the Korvialis Sector has failed to turn up at their intended destination.  Suspecting that something went amiss, the Imperial Governors of the Sector lodged a request seeking aid in their predicament.

The Imperial Swords answered the call for help.  After weeks of patrol and a chance encounter with the forces of Chaos, they finally tracked the culprits to their hiding place.  Dorumir II, a cold terrestrial planet with very thin but breathable atmosphere.   The planet's cratered surface appears to be barren but suggest that it once supported robust and much larger lifeforms.

After making planet fall, the Imperial Swords found that another Space Marine Chapter was already set-up to do battle with the forces of Chaos.  These Space Marines had no logo or insignia which can identify them,  except for their blackened armors.

The forces of Chaos are numerous indeed, with Typhus leading a massive horde of undead and another Chaos Sorcerer accompanied by a personal retinue of Chaos Space Marines, Cultist and Chaos Terminator with armored support.   The Imperial Swords know that they are outnumbered and only by cooperating with the mysterious black Marines will they stand a chance.

Traitor vs Loyalist

DEPLOYMENT
The Imperial Swords stay true to their usual tactics and adopted defensive position.  Tanks are place in positions that would allow them clear line of sight to potential targets.  The 1st Tactical Squad are deployed next to Predator Shendao while Vindicare agent is set-up closer to Predator Seratus.   The Black Marines Vindicator tanks take up positions close to the center of the battlefield.

Scouts from Black Marines took up forward positions putting them closer to the forces of Chaos.   While Scouts from the Imperial Swords attempt to encircle the enemy to flank them.

On the Chaos side, there were simply far too many of them,  with the zombies making up at least 70% of their strength.  With very little space left, the Chaos forces are bunched up tightly together.   The zombie horde taking one flank while the other flank is taken by the Chaos Sorcerer's retinue.

The massive hordes of Chaos

THE BATTLE BEGINS

Like a well oiled machine, all the Scouts in black armor surged forward towards the Chaos position in a synchronized fashion.  As they draw closer to the forces of Chaos, an overwhelming stench of decay assaulted their sense of smell.   

Imperial Sword tank gunner watch on as Black Marines lead the charge

 Above them, a drop pod streaked across the sky before it slammed into the ground right before the zombie horde.   As soon as the Drop Pod ramps drop down, the Spaces Marines in Black Power armor strode forward dousing the zombies with jets of flaming promethium.
Although many zombies collapse in a heap of burning putrid flesh, it was not enough.     Many more zombies shambled forward.   The Librarian leading the Black Marines, unleash his psychic attack against the zombies which did nothing.  The zombies merely return the same lifeless gaze at the Space Marines that suddenly appeared before them.

The zombies set aflame by purifying fire of the Adeptus Astartes

Across the battlefield, numerous Squads of Scouts in Black Armor advance steadily towards the Chaos battle lines like a black tide. 

Scouts moving ahead to support the Drop Pod by covering the flank

Equipped with double barrel shotguns, these Scouts know no fear.

Meanwhile, their Imperial Swords allies, remained stationary.   The crew of the tanks scan the horizon and the vehicles pivot on the spot.  Turrets begin to turn as it aligns its guns facing towards the enemy forces.

Space Marine Armored vehicles getting in position for a kill

In a brief moment, scores of Lascannons beams streaked towards the Chaos Battlelines, lighting up the battlefield.  Many Chaos vehicles were damaged but still functional.  The Chaos Predator suffered severe damage to the engines, could only turn its turret to return fire at the loyalist tanks.  The Lascannon beam missed ever so slightly knocking out the searchlight of the Imperial Swords Predator tank.

Bring it on!  Forces of Chaos advances!

Undeterred by the combined Space Marine's opening salvo, all across the battlefield the Forces of Chaos advance to meet the loyalist head-on.  Chaos Rhinos move steadily across, with their combi-bolters roaring.  The cultist too fired wildly into the Black Armored Scouts.

You can't see it from here, but the Scouts could.  The flies are really that small

Elsewhere the zombies continue to shamble towards the Black Armored Scouts, the thick miasma of decaying stench and the gazillion numbers of flies hovering over the shambling mass made it difficult for the Scouts.  Try as they might, their shotgun rounds fell short even at such close proximity.  Only two miserable walking dead stayed dead after the Scouts were done, while the rest continued forward.

Flamers might not be enough.  We need a nuke

The Space Marines that Drop Pod in earlier, now found themselves completely surrounded.  Hordes of zombies continue advancing towards them.  Their flamers spitting out promethium but it did little to dent the putrefying mass closing in on them.  Within moments, the Space Marines are swinging their flamers at the zombies in melee combat.

Objective Secured!  Let none claim it!

The return fire of the Chaos forces did little to stem the advance of the Black Marines.  The Scouts continue to push forward, claiming an objective while trading gun shots at the Chaos Marines, with both sides taking minimal casualties. 

Imperial Swords Scouts, entered the battlefield from the flank, made their way behind enemy lines and rushed towards another objective. Behind the Loyalist gunline, Imperial Swords Predator tank continued to focus their fire on the Chaos Armored vehicles.
Multiple Lascannon beams pummel into the Chaos Predator, rupturing the fuel tanks setting the tank ablaze.  The next Lascannon beam ripped into the engines, causing the Chaos vehicle to explode in a ball of flames.   The Chaos Hellbrute did not suffer similar fate as the Lascannon from the loyalist lines struck only the sides of its armor.

The black armored Vindicator rumbled forward and its Demolisher cannon roared, meters away a thunderous explosion rocked the Chaos battlelines and reduce the Cultist into red mist and charred body parts.  The Vindicare Assassin lying prone within the crater, spied the Chaos Sorcerer weaving a spell.     Taking aim, the Assassin made sure the Sorcerer was in his sight and pulled the trigger.  The hellfire round punch through the Sorcerer's head.  The Chaos Sorcerer howled in rage and agony before collapsing into a heap. 

The forces of Chaos counter-attack with zombies

It was not long before the Black Armored Space Marine Command Squad was swarmed with zombies.  The forces of Chaos have overrun their position, their flamers can no longer be brought to bear upon the masses of walking dead.     Sensing the trouble that their fellow battle brothers are in, Black Armored Scouts moved into position to reinforce their senior.

Brother Marine Glenn is down!  I repeat, Glenn is down!

 
Behind the hordes of zombies, the Chaos Hellbrute stomp its way towards the Imperial Swords Scouts.  Its heavy bolters roared into action, spitting out death.   The heavy bolter punched through the Scout's armor, leaving red mists of blood when the round exploded within the Scouts body.   The Scouts tried their best to retaliate but were stunned by the ferocity of the attack.

Chaos Hellbrute stands victorious

A krak grenade bounced off the armor of the Hellbrute before exploding on the floor.   Within moments, the Hellbrute closed in, its power claws scythe through the remaining Scouts, tearing through the loyalist's carapace armor, ripping into flesh and bones.    Chaos has retaken the position claimed by the Imperial Swords earlier.

The group of zombies lead by Typhus finally closed in on the Black Armored Scouts.  The Scouts leveled their double barrel shotguns and blasted into the zombies at point blank.   Couple of zombies fell before them but many more scrambled forward, their filthy plague infested hands tried to grapple the Scouts to the ground.  The Scouts were much faster and quickly swung the butt of their shotguns to pummel at the zombies but there were just too many of them and it was too little space.
Making it difficult for the Scouts to dodge the zombies, eventually several Scouts were pulled down by the zombies and torn apart.   The gory death of one of their battle brothers unnerved the remaining Scouts and forced them to retreat. 

Dreadnought on intercept course

At center, Chaos Rhinos advance towards the objectives.   Imperial Swords Predator turns its attention towards the Rhino.  Lascannon beams pummeled the Chaos Rhino until only a smoking wreck is left.  The occupants quickly disembarked from the ruined transport only to find the barrel of a Demolisher Cannon some short distances away staring right at them.   The Black Vindicator tank unleash its devastating weapon and the resulting explosion razed the ground before it.  The Chaos Space Marine that disembarked from the Rhino was completely annihilated on the spot. 

A squad of black armored Scouts at the far end finds themselves outflanked by zombies.  For each Scout that fell, a zombie followed.  Unfortunately the zombies were too numerous and eventually only one Scout was left battling for his own life.

Game over man! Game over!

The remaining Chaos Terminators & Chaos Space Marine squads continue to advance and plowed into the Black Armored Scouts.  Out numbered and out-classed, the Scouts were swift dispatched by the Chaos Marines.    In response, the Imperial Swords Dreadnought strode forwards, its Assault Cannon and Stormbolters blazing away at the Chaos Terminators.

Imperial Swords attempt to halt the Chaos advance

Nearby a Tactical Marine leveled his Plasma Cannon at the Chaos Terminator and watched as the super heated ball of plasma careen towards his target before exploding into a miniature sun.  The Chaos Terminators howled in anguish as the plasma melted through their armor, fusing steel, bone and flesh together.   The remaining Terminator was brought down by a hail of bolter fire from the same Tactical Squad.  

While the Chaos Terminators bore the brunt of the attack from the loyalist.   One squad of Chaos Space Marines surge forward and leap into the crater, seizing the objective.  The second squad of Chaos Space Marines take the place of the Chaos Terminator to delay the loyalist's advance.  Towards

Overwhelmed, the last remaining Scout tried to take out as many zombies

Elsewhere, the Scouts that retreated from melee combat rallied and turn to face the zombies.   Their double barreled shotguns roared, many zombies fell but many more came.  Lead by Typhus, the zombies tear into the remaining Scouts.  This time there would be no escape, slowly and eventually each scout was torn apart by the plague infested zombies. 

So close... the Dreadnought is left with 1 Hull Point

At the center of the battlefield, the Dreadnought finally collided into the Chaos Space Marines.  The Powerfist swung out and grabbed hold onto a traitor Marine before crushing through power armor, muscles and bones.  Once the traitor was dead, the Dreadnought effortlessly flung it to the ground.  The remaining Chaos Space Marines tried to engage the Dreadnought in melee combat.  One of them side stepped a slammed a krak grenade on the Dreadnought causing an explosion that blew off pieces of the Dreadnoughts armor.  As the battle continued, the Dreadnought sustained heavier damage but not before entirely wiping out the remaining Chaos Space Marines.

The second Chaos Space Marine squad was annihilated by the withering firepower of the loyalist forces.  Lascannon beams, Hellfire Rounds and Demolisher cannon made short work of the few remaining Chaos Marines.

The Space Marine makes a last stand against Typhus and his zombie friends

After wiping out the Scouts at the far end, Typhus charged into the Black Armored Space Marine Command Squad that was still engaged in melee combat with the zombies.   The Librarian and his squad fought bravely but could not withstand against the unending tide of zombies and Typhus's psychic assault.   Eventually even they were overwhelmed.

After a grueling battle, it seems like most of the Black Armored Marines infantry units were utterly spent.  Only the Vindicators were left.    The Chaos forces lead by the Sorcerer was also completely wiped out.
All that was left are masses of zombies scattered on the battlefield, all under the command of Typhus.

The entire Imperial Swords gunline turned their attention towards Typhus.  Boltguns thundered in unison, Lascannons blasting away.  Several Lascannons punch through Typhus's Terminator Armor causing gaping wounds.  The Herald of Nurgle falls to one knee and clutched his Manreaper tightly for support.

Just as the Imperial Swords thought that they put the Herald of Nurgle out of action.  Typhus got up on his feet again and clambered forward.   The Space Marines looked on with disbelief, Chaplain Dardalion immediately command his squad to fire at Nurgle's Herald.
Patching in his comm, he requested all fire power to be diverted on Typhus.  Boltgun rounds ricochet off Typhus Terminator Armor, plasma balls slammed into it and was deflected by Terminator Armor's built in force field.

The Vindicare Assassin takes aim and points his Exitus Rifle at the Herald of Nurgle.  Pressing the trigger, the hellfire round found its mark and punch straight through Typhus's head.   The force of the shot jerked Typhus head backwards with such a force that it snapped his neck.  But a few seconds later, Typhus head turns back towards the Space Marines and howled with a insidious laughter.

Pointing at the Space Marines he bellowed, "Pitiful loyalist dogs, witness the power of Nurgle in all its glory!!!!"   Just then, the ground shook as Black Vindicator tank unleashed its demolisher cannon upon the Herald of Nurgle.  A thunderous explosion rocked the battlefield, scattering charred body parts all over the place where Typhus stood.    As the smoke cleared, Typhus still remains, holding onto Manreaper with one hand.

Typhus the invincible

Before Chaplain Dardalion could issue another command, a throng of zombies smashed into their flanks.  The Tactical Space Marines are engaged and stuck in melee combat.   As the battle wears on, both zombies and marines fell. 

Dardalion realize that there were far too many zombies on the battlefield, all which were advancing upon thier position.  The Black Armored Space Marines were also all but expended leaving only two tanks left.  The Chaplain had no choice but to call for general withdrawal to avoid losing more men to Typhus.  For he knew Typhus would raise a new crop of zombies from all the fallen Space Marines as well as those fallen Chaos Space Marines.

As the Space Marines retreated, Typhus mocked at them.  "Your false Emperor cannot protect you!  Nurgle is the only God worthy of worship and Nurgle will have you!"



EPILOGUE
The two loyalist Chapters retreated from Dorumir II and returned one week later with reinforcements but found nothing.  Elsewhere aboard a Chaos Warship, Typhus presides over a ritual to transform the corpses recovered from the battle into the walking dead.  This battle has only strengthen Nurgle. 

Maelstrom: Cleanse & Control

MAELSTROM: CLEANSE & CONTROL (1 vs 2)


Chaos Space Marines - Chaos Lord CF (2000 points)


Adeptus Astartes Coalition (1000 points each)
1. Wolf Lord Melhammer (Space Wolves)
2. Me (Imperial Swords Space Marines)



PROLOGUE
Tricked by the nefarious Inquisitor Cadmus, Wolf Lord Melhammer vows to regain his honor by slaying the traitorous Inquisitor.  After months of searching and gathering of intelligence from various sources, he has finally tracked the rogue Inquisitor to Korandus Prime.

Koronus Prime, once an Imperium world came under attack from the Greenskin horde of Warlord Thraz Maka several centuries ago.   Reinforcements came in the form of 127th Tallarn & 38th Harakoni Warhawks regiment but they were too late.    The planet was already controlled by the Orks.

The Imperial forces gained very little ground and could barely hold onto their deployment zone, spent months defending the attack while waiting for additional reinforcements.

During the that time, the Orks amassed enough resources to construct more Space faring vessels from which they will launch attack on other Imperial Worlds.   Unfortunately, Imperium was already embroiled in another conflict with Black Crusade spilling forth from the Eye of Terror and could spare no other resources to retake Korandus Prime.   The only aid that came was the Star Phantoms Space Marine Chapter - known for inflicting excessive collateral damage even on allied forces due to their indiscriminate use of overwhelming firepower.
When the two Astra Militarum regiments realize that their reinforcements were none other than the Star Phantoms, they did not rejoice but made a hasty retreat to their drop ships and left the planet in a hurry.  The Star Phantoms true to their reputation, bombarded the planet and leveled all of the Orks encampments including any Imperial infrastructure before landing their forces to purge any remaining Orks.

The end result left Korandus Prime completely devastated, if the initial invasion from the Orks haven't destroyed all the Imperium infrastructure and native lifeforms, the Star Phantom's involvement certainly would.   As such Korandus Prime is know nothing but a dead world, abandoned by the Imperium of Man.

When the Space Wolves arrived on the planet, they found another Space Marine Chapter that was already there.  The Imperial Swords who were pursuing the Chaos forces responsible for raiding the mining colony of Trandor V only just arrived a day earlier.

The Chaos Space Marines realizing that they are no longer alone on the planet, quickly mobilize their forces to do battle with the loyalist scums.


DEPLOYMENT

The forces are arrayed against one another.

The Space Marine coalition consisting of Thunderwolf Calvary supported by Space Marine armored vehicles are deployed on the South Western quadrant.   Chaos Space Marines armored vehicles take up position within the North Eastern quadrant supported by a plethora of Chaos Spawns and Mutilators. Imperial Sword Scouts took hold of Waypoint Gamma in the South Eastern Section using their infiltration skills.

A drop pod containing Ajac Rockfist and his retinue is aboard strike cruiser in low orbit.  The Chaos Heldrake patrols the skies nearby, waiting for opportune moment to strike.


THE BATTLE BEGINS

Scouts spy on the advancing Chaos forces from a safe distance

The daemon engines entombed within the Chaos Vehicles roared to life.  The Chaos Rhino and Landraider rumbled forward towards the center of the battlefield.   The goal is to secure Waypoint Beta.  The Space Marine Coalition are well hidden this time.  The advancing Chaos Rhino could only see vague images of the Space Marines hiding within the ruins and fired at them.  Boltgun rounds and superheated plasma bolts chip off the ruined building where the Marine was hiding.

The Landraider swung its sponsons and fired beams of Lascannons into the roofless warehouse where the Imperial Swords Tactical were holed up in.   One careless Space Marine did not duck in time and his entire head was vaporized by the Lascannon beam.   Heavy Bolter shells slammed into the walls of the warehouse doing very little.   Across the street from the warehouse, another Imperial Swords tactical marine took aim at the Chaos Landraider and fired his Lascannon.  The beam struck thick armor and failed to penetrate it.

Some distance behind the Chaos Landraider, miners who once worked in Trandor V shambled forward mindlessly as zombie minions of notorious Chaos Lord Typhus.

Deep within enemy territory

From low orbit, a Space Wolf drop pod hurtles into atmosphere of the planet.  The impact shook the ground, as it slammed into the battlefield, kicking tons of dust before the ramp opens up.  Arjac Rockfist strode out from the drop pod, flexing his neck muscles as he surveyed the battlefield around him.

Loyalist forces advance to meet renegade forces

 Elsewhere the Space Marines forces advance forward to meet the Chaos forces head on.  Thunder Wolves bearing their riders surge forward towards the Chaos line supported by Predator tank behind them.

Nearby, Imperial Swords Dreadnought and Predator tank moved out of their hiding place behind the warehouse.  The Lascannon beams from the Predator pummeled the Chaos Rhino, seriously damaging the vehicle.  Imperial Swords Razorback swerve in from the behind the ruins and moved into the crater but a piece of stray rock was flung into the tracks of the tank and causing it to be damaged.   Unable to move any further, the Razorback gunner pivot the Lascannon turret at the direction of Chaos Rhino, blasting it into a smoking wreck on the battle field.

The plague marines within it disembarked from their wrecked ride to punish the insolent fools for attacking them only to find Space Wolves in front of them.  Boltgun rounds punctured their armor, into the mess of bloated and decaying guts of the plague marines, still the Plague Marines advance.  One Space Wolf leveled his meltagun and vaporized the head of the plague marine.   The headless plague marine shambled forward for a couple more seconds before it collapse to the ground.

Arjac Rockfist and his retinue soon found themselves surrounded.  Plague Marines, Mutilators, a Chaos Spawn and the Chaos Defiler that Arjac was tasked to take out all converged on the Space Wolves.   Arjac & his retinue fired wildly into the mob charging into them.
The cyclopean monstrosity took a bolter shell to the chest but continued its advance.  Chainswords whirring, one Space Wolf severed one of the appendages of the Chaos monstrosity.  The Chaos Spawn unleashed a daemonic howl and slashed at another Space Wolf closing in.  The Marine deftly ducked the attack and plunged his combat knife into the massive eye of the Chaos Spawn bursting the head of the creature like a balloon.  Thick blackish ichor splattered all over the Space Wolves temporarily blinding them.
The Mutilators misshapen half organic appendages morphed into a pair of claws crackling with energy and plowed into the Space Wolves.  Arjac lifted his Thunderhammer to strike but he was too slow.  Lightning Claws plunge right through his chest piece.  The Mutilator lifted the Space Wolf in the air & sneered at him derisively before flinging the him to ground.  The last thing he saw was his battle brothers being cut down before his vision faded to darkness.

The Chaos Defiler strode forward on its massive legs. Lascannons and flamers blasting at the empty Drop Pod that is still firing its stormbolters at the Plague Marines.  When the Defiler finally closed it, its power claws gripped onto the Drop Pod tightly.   The armored plating of the Drop Pod strained under the immense pressure and groaned as it was ripped apart by the Defiler.

Khorne Berzerkers spill forth from the Landraider

Back at the center, the Chaos Landraider rumbled forward with its Lascannons blasting at the advancing Imperial Swords Dreadnought.  One Lascannon beam punched into body of the Dreadnought.  The Loyalist Dreadnought reeled to the left slightly as if wondering what just happened.    The Chaos Landraider arriving at Waypoint beta, then dropped its front ram.  Ornate powered armored figures surged out and turn towards their right, their chain weapons whirring into action.   The group half chanting half yelling "BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD" as they charged towards the Wolf Guards riding their Thunderwolves.

Death from Above

From above the sky, the Chaos Heldrake swooped into full view of the Thunderwolf Cavalry.  The Daemonic engine open its metal jaws and let loose a jet of warp fire at the Space Wolves.  Wolfguard Sven valiantly stood in the way, sacrificing himself to save his battle brothers from the effects of the unholy fire.

Pushing and shoving past his fellow Khorne Bezerkers, Kharn the Betrayer strode to the front.  Wolf Lord Melhammer noticed Kharn and issued a challenge, bellowing to him "I thought you died! I saw you get squelched by the Red Scorpions".   Kharn the Betrayer ignored the Wolf Lord's taunts and charged forward. Wolf Lord and Chaos Champion clashed, feinting their attacks and parrying each other.  Behind them, the Space Wolfs and their trusty steeds battled the Khorne Bezerkers, swinging at each other with their weapons.

Did we just walk into a filming set for the WALKING DEAD?

The mass of zombies continue advancing southwards from the north lead by Typhus.  The 2nd group of Thunderwolf Cavalry now closer to their quarry charged forwards, plowing into the horde of zombies, trampling over some of the walking dead.   Stench of decay and rotting organs filled the nostrils of the Space Wolves as they slashed their weapons left and right cutting down scores of zombies.  Their savage mounts tear into the zombies with their fangs and claws.   Putrid stale blood spurted and splattered all over and the ground is littered with ruptured decaying organs and fleshy parts.  Yet the zombies continue their relentless assault, grabbing and trying to pull the Space Wolves from their mounts.

While the Space Wolves engage the forces of Chaos in deadly melee.   Imperial Sword Predators moved or pivot into a better position.  Seven Lascannon Beams from different directions scored the Chaos Landraider, damaging it in the process.   The damaged Imperial Swords Dreadnought, regained its composure.  Minute mechanical machines were seen crawling over the hole caused by the Lascannon begin to repair the damage as the Dreadnought advanced.  Using its Powerfist, the Dreadnought ripped off the front ramp of the Chaos Landraider and started spraying the interior of the tank with its Assault Cannons causing multiple small explosion that rocked the Chaos vehicle from within.

Contesting for objective

The Razorback still stuck in the crater, turned its attention towards the advancing Plague Marines.  Lascannon beam punched through the chest of the Plague Marine in the front.  The Plague Marine looked at the gaping hole in his chest and took two steps forwards before collapsing to the ground.  Meanwhile, Chaplain Dardalion and his retinue of Tactical Marines disembarked from the Razorback and made a beeline towards Waypoint Beta.  Three Plague Marines turned their boltguns at them and fired while the rest shambled around the wrecked Chaos Rhinos.  The Chaos Mutilators lumbered forward the Waypoint Beta as well.

Another tactical squad seeing the Dreadnought engage the Chaos Landraider seized the opportunity to close in with their battle brothers.

Bloody melee combat

Back at the center, Space Wolves and Khorne Bezerkers continue to slug it out in melee combat.    Gorechild wielded by the more experienced and seasoned Kharn, score multiple hits on the Wolf Lord.  Try as he might, Melhammer could not stay the fury of the Kharn and failed to block one blow which tore into his shoulder leaving a nasty gory wound.  Sensing his master injury, the Wolflord's trusty mount, Snowclaw swiped at Kharne with his claws before pouncing on the Chaos Champion pinning him to the ground.   The Wolflord seized the opportunity and plunge his Krakenbone sword through Kharn's chest right into the ground.   Kharn laughed at the Wolf Lord mockingly before succumbing to his injuries.   Wolflord turned around and saw his Thunderwolf Calvary dispatching the remaining Khorne Bezerkers.

The Imperial Swords Tacticals tried to aid the Space Wolves battling the Bezerkers but contributed little.    After the Bezerkers were slain,  they consolidated their position and advanced towards Waypoint Beta.  Spying the Chaos Mutilators advancing towards their battle brothers already at the Waypoint Beta, the marines let off a couple of bolter rounds.  The Plasma Cannon hissed angrily, jets of steam blasted out from the vents of the weapon and refused to fire, the marine wielding it quickly activated the coolant system and grumbled to himself... "Not again..."

This seems like a recurring theme for Imperial Swords

Out of nowhere, a trio of Chaos Obliterators materialized behind the Imperial gunline.  Their misshapen hands morphed into Multimelta.   The first melta blast, ripped apart the rear armor another follow-up blast into the engine of the tank caused it to explode into a ball of fire, flinging pieces of fiery metal debris all over the place.

Wolf Lord Melhammer having consolidated his position turn around to find Chaos Obliterators standing behind the burning debris left behind by the allied marine tank.  Leading his retinue, they barreled into the Chaos forces.  Fangs, claws, blade & hammer fell upon the Chaos Obliterators and savagely overwhelmed them.

The opposing forces seems to have converged in the center of the battlefield by now.   The Imperial Swords Tactical Marines having secured Waypoint Beta attempt to hold, open fire on the advancing Chaos Mutilators.   The boltgun rounds bounced off the thick armor harmlessly but the plasma particles seared through the armor brought down two Mutilators.  From behind another Squad of Tactical marine closed in to reinforce their battle brothers, one boltgun round punched through the eye of the Mutilator, wounding it in the process.  The immobilized Razorback continued harassing the Plague Marines with its Lascannons.

The Dark Angels "lent" their power armor to us.  No, we didn't steal it... 

The Heldrake spun around and dive towards the last Predator tank on the battlefield and unleashed another gout of balefire at the armored vehicle.  The loyalist tank is engulfed with flames that quickly flickered out.   With no other targets available to them, Imperial Sword gunline poured all their firepower into the swift moving Heldrake.  Two Lascannon beams punched into body of the Heldrake blowing off chunks of its armor plating.  The Chaos Engine losing all maneuverability could not turn in mid flight and flew off the battlefield disappearing off in the horizon.

The Chaos Landraider down on its last legs (tracks) moved back and fired wildly at the advancing loyalist Dreadnought.  The Chaos Vehicle's targeting system was too badly shot up and all the shots missed the target just barely a few feet away.  The Dreadnought finally caught up to the Chaos Landraider and finished it off, leaving it a smoking wreck on the battlefield.

The slow grind through decaying corpses

At Waypoint Delta, the other Thunderwolf Calvary was mired deep in rotting flesh and putrid blood.  At long last, the Space Wolves have cut down enough zombies to be within reach of Typhus.  Just as the Wolf Priest was about to issue a challenge, they have received new orders via their comm-links. 


The Space Wolves reluctantly withdrew their forces from the battlefield and made haste to reach the extraction point.    The Imperial Sword Space Marines likewise also recalled all their troops from the battlefield.


EPILOGUE
Back on Fenris, Wolf Lord Melhammer is once again back into the fray, this time pushing back waves after waves of Eldar from the Biel-Tan craftworld.  "Never a dull moment eh?"  Wolf Guard Hrothgar laughed as he rode behind the Wolf Lord.

On Karondus Prime, the forces of Chaos took the opportunity to regroup.  Typhus looked at the lifeless body of Kharn and weaved his left hand over it.  But Kharn suddenly got up and glare back at Typhus.  "Not today, Herald of Nurgle, there are still skulls that needs to be taken in the name of Khorne and it shall not be mine".  With that Kharn picked up Gorechild and left Typon Calas alone in his own thoughts.

Aboard the Strike Cruiser "Sword of Vindication" Sergeant Fist turned to the Chaplain. "Why? We were so close".  Without even turning to face him, Chaplain Dardalion asked "How is your neck?, have the Apocthecaries taken another look at it?".

Sergeant Fist, knew what the Chaplain was implying and stay silent.  Their Chapter is still too weak to risk anymore losses and they have lost quite a few battle brothers in their last battle against the Red Scorpions & Black Angel coalition.

Maelstrom: Deadlock

MAELSTROM: DEADLOCK (2 vs 2)

Team Legion of the Damned Imperials
1. Commander Luminator (LotD/Fire Hawks)
2. Me (Imperial Swords Space Marines)


Team Silvery Black Scorpions
1. Commander Desmondus (Red Scorpions Space Marines)
2. Marshal W (Black Angels Space Marines)



PROLOGUE
After the initial geological surveys performed by the Adeptus Mechanics, Trandor V was discovered to be rich in minerals deposits and a rare crystal that can be use to manufacture Plasma coils found in Plasma based weaponry that comes out of various Imperial Forgeworlds.

Soon after an expedition was organized and miners sent to extract the minerals.  Miners toiled there day and night but it was not enough.  The Forgeworld representative has always told the Imperial Overseers that.. "WE REQUIRE MORE MINERALS!".   Thus more miners were shipped in to work in the mineral/crystal fields of Trandor V.

Everything went on schedule until one fateful day, the forces of Chaos struck.  Chaos warships appeared out of the warp and quickly disabled the orbital defense platform and landed their troops on the planet.

Because Trandor V was located far from the Eye of Terror, Imperial Overseers did not see the need to fortify the planet.  The small garrison of PDF, poorly equipped and poorly trained was overwhelmed by the forces of Chaos but not before the garrison commander send a distress signal asking for aid.

Four Space Marine Chapters answered the call and arrived as soon as they are able to.  Imperial Swords and a Space Marine Chapter resembling the long lost Fire Hawks arrived and engaged the Chaos Warship.
After destroying the Chaos Warship... they make planetfall on the planet to search for remnants of Chaos and any survivors.

Meanwhile, the forces of Chao wasted no time at all, they rounded up all the miners and took all the resources.   The leader of the Chaos Warband was a Epistolary Librarian turned renegade.  Sensing the destruction of their warship, he manifested his psychic power to open a portal elsewhere and escaped with the spoils of their raid.

The Imperial Swords and Fire Hawks (?) were too late.  Just then the Black Angels a lesser known successors chapter of the Blood Angels arrived too.  Due to time dilation within the warp, they arrived slightly late and made planet fall as well.

Elsewhere... the Red Scorpion strike cruiser is still.. cruising in the warp...

The Imperial Swords were first to arrive at the mining site and found no survivors.  After probing around, a marine found a strange object which is giving out an eerie green glow.  While they ruminate what to do with the item...   they picked up signs from the scanners that they were no longer alone.

The Black Angels have also arrived on scene.  Leading them was Librarian Callus Kormire and he could feel the stench of Chaos nearby.  Believing that the forces of Chaos are still present, they mobilize for battle.

The Imperial Swords continue to hail the new arrivals but received no response.... 


DEPLOYMENT

UAV online. 

The Imperial Swords and Fire Hawks (?) were deployed on the Northeastern corner of the mining site near the rocky outcroppings and the buildings still under construction.

The Black Angels deployed on the Southwestern corner of the mining site, in the safety of cover provided by the buildings under construction.  Tanks were arrayed against one another.  Soon after, Scouts from both sides take up position within the mineral fields.  Another two scouts from the Fire Hawks (?) placed within defensible positions, their purpose to hold the ground until reinforcements can arrive.

Staring into the face of the demolisher cannon.. the scouts are feeling lucky

THE BATTLE BEGINS
Despite the numerous hails from the Imperial Swords, the newly arrived Space Marines did not respond and continue to advance.   Since the last warning was not heeded, the Imperial Swords are convinced that these newly arrived Marines are on the side of Chaos and open fire.   Unknown to the Imperial Swords, Trandor V was experiencing strange electromagnetic storms when the Space Marines arrived and their message was never received by the Black Angels.

Imperial Swords gunline. 

From Imperial Swords gunline, lascannon beams streaked towards the leading Black Angels Vindicator tank, punching through the armor.  Frying the circuits of the tanks, the crew stunned by the attack were unable to do anything while they regain their senses.   While other beams vaporized the headlights of the tank but otherwise causing no other damage.   One Predator tank moved out from a hidden position and blasted wildly, as expected the beams of laser struck the nearby buildings or an unimportant piece of rock on the ground.

The Imperial Swords Dreadnought moved in from behind the cargo containers and unloaded its Assault Cannon on the Vindicator tank but did little as the shots bounced off the armor of the tank harmlessly.

On the right flank, the Fire Hawks (?) Scouts advanced through the mineral fields trying to get to Waypoint Alpha.  But they will have to contend with Black Angels Scouts advancing towards them.
Elsewhere on the landing pad and trenches, more Fire Hawk (?) Scouts maintain their position on Waypoint Delta and Waypoint Epsilon.

In low orbit, the Red Scorpions finally adjusted and compensated for the electro-magnetic storm brewing over Trandor V.  Finally received the greenlight to descend on the planet.  While the Imperial Swords gunline pound on the advancing Black Angels, Drop Pods descended like a comets onto the battlefield.  A Red Scorpion Thunderhawk gunship flying in closely behind, as soon as the side doors were open and front ramp dropped down.  Red Scorpion Assault Marines leap from the dropship and begin free-falling into the hotzone before firing up their jump packs.

The 8th Assault Squad unfortunately did not have their techmarine inspect their jump packs and fell to their deaths as their jump packs failed to activate before they hit the ground.

The Red Scorpion Drop Pods slammed onto the battlefield and the plasteel ramps open up revealing Devastator Space Marines wielding Grav Cannons surrounding the Imperial Sword's positions.   Wasting no time, the Red Scorpion Devastators let rip with their heavy weapons, streams of green glowing particles flew into the Purple colored Space Marine Vehicles.   The grav particles struck the Imperial Swords dreadnought from behind, causing its mass of some components to compact into a super dense version of the material.  Clumps of super dense components caused a massive malfunction in the Dreadnought and the weight pulled it down, putting it out of commission in a matter of seconds.

Even in death I still serv... screw it, I am taking a dirt nap

Elsewhere, another Imperial Swords Predator tanks is crippled as the grav particle crushed and condense the thread links & wheel into a solid lump of steel.   One particular tank was struck by the grav particles but the shots bounced off the armor harmlessly.

The bewildered Devastators re-checked their weapon and found that they still had the Grav-Cannon on stun mode... and quickly re-calibrated their weapons while the another accompanying Devastator Squad, turned their weapon away from the Razorback and re-directed their fire into the Predator tank, finally immobilizing it.  Behind them, the Black Angels Vindicator fires its Demolisher Cannon, blowing apart the immobilized Predator tank.

The 7th Red Scorpion Assault Squad that managed to activate their jump packs in time.  Landed between their Devastator Battle Brothers and the Imperial Swords Tactical Squad, charged forward to engage the Imperial Swords.  Bolter fires snap back at them but bounced off the Red Scorpion's armor harmlessly.  The Imperial Swords resorted to using their Boltguns as clubs while some pulled out their combat knifes, the two forces locked in melee combat.

Outclassed & Outnumbered.  The Scouts feel the wrath of Black Angels

At the center, Black Angels Assault Marines and Librarian Callus used their jump packs and ascended on the Landing Pad and smashed their way into the Fire Hawks (?) Scouts holding waypoint Epsilon.  The Scouts try as they might could not stand before the might of the fully armored Space Marines barreling into them and were swiftly cut down.

Death from the skies!  So much devastation

On the right flank, Black Angels Drop Pod descended from the skies and smashed onto ground.  The metal ramps slammed on the soft mud and the Black Angel Dreadnought stomped out, spewing out gouts of flaming promethium which engulfed the masses of Fire Hawks (?) Scouts.   The Scouts screamed in agony as the fire melted through their carapace armor and burnt through their flesh.   Only a handful of Scouts that ducked swiftly behind the mineral formation managed to escape the fiery wrath of the Dreadnought.

Things are not looking good for the Imperial Swords and Fire Hawks (?)

After bearing the brunt of the surprise attack by the Drop Pods, reinforcements from the Imperial Swords and Fire Hawks (?) finally arrived.

Appearing out of nowhere, a squad of Space Marines engulfed with spectral fire, level their weapons on the Black Angels Dreadnought.  Melta weapons discharged super heated wave of energy only managed to burnt a hole in the rear armor of the Dreadnought.  Damaging it only ever so slightly.   The Fire Hawks (?) Scouts hiding among the mineral fields joined in the fight, lobbing their krak grenades at the Dreadnought but did little as the grenade bounced of the armor of the Dreadnought harmlessly before exploding in the grass and mud.

Enemies all around the Legion of the Damned

The Dreadnought spun around and moved to a more advantageous position and let loose another stream of promethium at his attackers.   Few of the spectral marines unleashed an unholy howl and vanished as suddenly as they appear.
From the landing pad, Librarian Callus with his retinue descended on the Spectral Marines.   The impact of their landing sent the spectral marines reeling and the fury of their assault rip through the remaining of the spectral figures until there were none left.

Back on the left flank, Fire Hawks (?) Scouts arrived to reinforce the battered Imperial Swords gunline.  The scouts fired their bolt pistols at the Red Scorpion Devastators and dispatched one of the Marine carrying the boltgun.

Sneaky Speeder

The last remaining Imperial Swords tank rolled forward, spying upon a Black Angel Landspeeder hiding among the semi constructed buildings.  Pivoting its turret at the Landspeeder and beams of lascannon streaked towards the Landspeeder.   The pilot of the Landspeeder tried to evade but it was too late, the lascannon beam slammed into the Speeder, causing it to spin out of control.  The pilots frantically try to re-stabilize the skimmer, while Tactical Marines disembarking from the Imperial Swords Razorback and leveled their weapons at the spinning speeder.

One Imperial Swords Tactical Marine found the plasma coil of his plasma gun glowing much brighter than usual and shaking violently before exploding in a shower of plasma energy, flinging the Marine back and knocking him out.   The remaining squad, fired their bolters at the Landspeeder but their shots scattered wildly and only damaged the wooden beam of the building behind the speeder.

With the Razorback no longer blocking their view, another Imperial Swords Tactical squad fired at the Red Scorpion Devastators responsible for disabling their Predator tank.  Boltgun rounds punctured one of the Red Scorpion Marine's eye piece and the Marine keel over.  While the superheated ball of plasma exploded to left of the Red Scorpion. 

Are they going to charge us?

The lone Tactical marine engaged in melee combat with the Red Scorpion Assault marines was finally put down with whirling chainswords cutting into his ceramite armor.  Before them, was another squad of tactical marines, one with a lascannon aiming at his Devastator Battle Brothers.  Before they could engage, they received another set of instruction over the comm-link.  "Battle Brothers, disregard this target and go for the other squad directly ahead of you another 300 meters, take out the Plasma Cannon!".

Codex Astartes App, what do I do now?

Sergeant Rilem bellowed to his fellow Red Scorpions, "With me battle Brothers".  Activating their jump packs, they leap over the Tactical Squad in front of them and descended upon the other tactical squad.  Their Powered armor weight stomping down onto the Imperial Sword marines, wounding them in the process.  Caught by the surprise, the Imperial Swords marine did their best to stave off the assault but were dispatched by the Red Scorpions except for one Space Marine.  One Space Marine carrying the Plasma Cannon swung his heavy weapon around to bludgeon the Red Scorpions.  But the Sergeant Rilem sidestepped and swung in with his powerfist into the chest of the Plasma Cannon marine.  The force crushed the chest piece, rib cage and the lungs of the unlucky Space Marine.  The marine wielding the Plasma Cannon coughed out prodigious amounts of blood and drown within his own helmet.

Stand fast Marines! For the Emperor!

Elsewhere the Red Scorpions and Black Angels continue to pound the battered remnants of the Imperial Swords task force.  Volleys of grav particle disabled the last Imperial Swords tank and another demolisher round detonated right next to the Razorback, turning it into a smoking wreck.  The tremendous explosive force blew apart an unfortunate Space Marine standing next to the Razorback.   With half of his upper body torn off, exposing the ruined organs of the Marine, the injury was too grievous to withstand even for a enhanced super soldier.    Undeterred by the losses they have suffered, Chaplain Dardalion of the Imperial Swords rallied his fellow battle brothers.

Here to finish off the Dreadnought

Back on the right flank, another squad of Legion of the Damned Space Marines appeared out of nowhere.   Melta weapons blasted into Dreadnought, a super heated ray melted through the fuel tank and ignited the promethium causing the Black Angels Dreadnought to explode in a massive ball of fire.   Flaming pieces of the Dreadnought are flung all over the battlefield. 

The Librarian and his retinue remains unscathed

The Fire Hawks (?)  Scouts knowing they were outclassed decided to charge into the Black Angels drop pod.  Try as they might, they could not destroy the Drop Pod as the Krak Grenades were all shoved into non critical areas of the Drop Pod and served only to scratch the paint job of the Drop Pod.  A nearby group of Black Angels Scouts charged forward and engaged the Fire Hawks (?) Scouts in melee combat.
 

Picking up the pieces, finishing off damaged vehicles.

The pilot of Landspeeder managed to bring it back under control and flew the skimmer away from the frontline into a safer position to pick off enemy targets. But before the Landspeeder could bring its weapons to bear, a squad of spectral figures suddenly appeared in front of them and leveled their weapons at the Landspeeder.  Superheated rays and flaming boltgun shells reduced the Landspeeder into a pile of molten slag, the organic remains of the pilot and gunner fused with the plasteel & ceramite or reduced to ashes.

Out of the frying pan into the fire

Back at the left flank another group of Fire Hawks (?) Scouts arrived to relieve their brethren.  The group of Scouts previously holding onto waypoint Gamma surged from the buildings and charged towards the Red Scorpion Assault Marines beating on a lone Imperial Swords Tactical Marine.  One Scout lurched forward and shoved one Assault Marine to the ground while another shove the tip of his combat knife into neck of the Assault Marine.  The fury of their attack stunned the Red Scorpions who momentarily retreated.  The lone Imperial Swords Tactical Marine picked himself up and clambered into the cover of the buildings.

The Red Scorpion Assault Marines regrouped almost immediately and charge right back into the Fire Hawks (?) Scouts.  And two opposing groups are once again locked in dance of death.

Climbing over the smoking wreck of the Imperial Swords Razorback, Chaplain Dardalion led his squad forward and charged into the Black Angels Vindicator tank.  Sergeant Fist, ripped off the armor panels with his power fist while the Chaplain clobbered the exposed areas.  The crackling energy surrounding the Crozius ignited the leaking promethium and set it ablaze.    The resulting chain reaction cause an explosion within the crew compartments incapacitating the Black Angels tank crew.


The Fire Hawks (?) Scouts previously engaged in a fire fight with the Red Scorpion Devastator continue their advance.  One Scout squad was completely annihilated but it allowed two other Scouts scouts to close the gap and charge at the Red Scorpions.   Unable to bring their Grav-Cannons to bear in such close range the Red Scorpion Devastator had to resort to using their heavy weapons as unwieldy clubs.

At the right flank, the spectral figures fired at the advancing Black Angels but did little to stop them.  Only one Black Angel assault marine succumbed to the melta weapon as it melted through his armor burning a hole in his chest.  The Black Angels led by Librarian Callus swung their chainswords at the Legion of the Damned but their blows did not penetrate the power armor of the spectral marines.

The Fire Hawks (?) Scouts previously engaged in melee with the Black Angel Scouts finally gained the upper hand and dispatched the Black Angels Scouts.

Surrounded by enemies...

Despite the sudden appearance of the Legion of the Damned, things are still not looking well for the Imperial Swords and Fire Hawks (?).  Two Squads of Red Scorpion Devastators continue their advance into Imperial Swords position, blasting away at the last tactical squad entrenched within the building but did not manage to root the Imperial Swords out.

Put your hands up in the air!

To honor their Chapter, the Red Scorpion Devastators charged towards.   Blasting at the Imperial Swords Space Marines that just wrecked the Black Angels Vindicator.  Sergeant Fist of Imperial Swords Tactical Squad turn around only to catch a boltgun shell in the neck, putting him out of action while Chaplain Dardalion turned to face Sergeant Kurab of the Red Scorpions.  Both Squads swung at each other but failed to slay one another.  Neither side was gaining the upper hand in this fight.

The Chaplain then offered to withdraw from the battle and surrender on condition they can retrieve their wounded and recover the gene seed.  But Librarian Callus of the Black Angels would have none of it as he was consumed by rage and desired to finish off his opponents be they heretic or loyalist!

Elsewhere on the battlefield, both groups continue to lock themselves in melee combat.  Neither side gaining advantage over the other.  But it was clear that the Black Angels & Red Scorpions coalition would eventually emerge victorious.  The battle then came to an abrupt end as Chaplain Dardalion of the Imperial Swords called for his side to withdraw.


EPILOGUE

Librarian Callus was the last to board his Thunderhawk Gunship.  He would have continue to finish the fight with the Imperial Swords & Fire Hawks (?) if he could but they have ran out of time.  Both Black Angels and Red Scorpions were only given limited time to respond to Trandor V's call for aid.   And both were horribly overdue to meet their Chapter Master who has demanded their presence.   Librarian Callus smirked to himself, it didn't matter who their foes were.  Loyalist or heretics, victory was the Black Angels.

Elsewhere on another Thunderhawk, Sergeant Rilem ponder about the events that transpired today.  He conclude that the Red Scorpions should implement Skyhammer Annihilation Strategem for the entire Chapter due to how well they performed today.

On the ground, the Imperial Swords picked up their wound and retrieve the gene seed from their fallen battle brothers.  Chaplain Dardalion heaves a sigh...Imperial Swords is already under strength and such losses does not bode well for the future of the Chapter.  Of the Fire Hawks (?) & the Legion of the Damned, there is no sign.  They disappeared as mysteriously as they have appeared.