2 vs 2 40K Tournament

On the 19th of September, I had experience my 2nd 40K tournament.  I am going to recap my experiences and put some comments.

Prior to the tournament, myself and Commander W psyched up the rest of the gang to join up for the experience.  Cmdr Desmondus and Wolf Lord Melhammer obliged, being the good sport that they are.

Both Melhammer and myself were not in it to win the tournament, although I had some expectations.



BEST APPEARANCE

I was one of the winners for BEST APPEARANCE for the previous tournament that I took part in.  Judging by the overall standards of painting by other participants and given Melhammer's high standard of painting, I felt that we stood a pretty good chance of winning BEST APPEARANCE again.

After I realized that Rico is taking part as well, I am not as certain of our odds.  Rico is one of the best painters in Singapore and have clinched a Golden Daemon in Australia before.   While I was particularly worried, I lowered my expectation a bit.

Lucky to have Melhammer as partner, enabling us to win best appearance

The day came and the judges awarded our team for BEST APPEARANCE.  It was a close one.   The judges have mentioned that painting are judged based both armies in the Team.  As a result we won, Rico might have won if his partner had a well painted army as well.




TOURNAMENT PERFORMANCE
I had already known my list was sub-par.   In a competitive setting, I would rate my own army list a 3/10.  I am fully aware of how limited my list is and its weaknesses.  But I paint too slow to be able to churn out a competitive list.

Melhammer OTOH had some beefy units that are useful.  Unfortunately they are not configured properly and were lacking the proper equipment to pull off the viciousness that Thunderwolf Calvary list were known for.  He also lacked ablative wounds by not having enough Fenrisian Wolves.  Likewise, it is too late for him to paint something new in such a short span of time.

Still his list hits harder than my does and I am counting on his Wolves to carry us.  While I count on my experience to help carry us further into the game, since I have more games under my belt than he does.


First Game - vs Necrons & Blood Angels

I had faced Blood Angels before and knew more or less what they were capable of.  But Necrons was completely new to me.   The special rules or mission packs also threw us a curveball.  I think on the whole, I should have redeployed or moved my troops to assist Melhammer's Space Wolves.  Our opponents utilize a divide and conquer strategy which we fell for.  At later stage, I could not find suitable targets to shoot at while Melhammer was tied down and slowly being whittled down by Necron Wraiths.

It was indeed a learning experience.  All my previous game experience counted for nothing since I only faced other Marine players before.  At the end, we lost by a significant margin and barely had enough troops left to make a difference.

Second Game - vs Blood Angels & Space Marines

We faced up against our own friends.  Desmondus and Cmdr W.  I had faced this army before and knew what to do.  Tried my best to deny any advantages to Skyhammer Annihilation Formation and opt to go second.   Although the deployment generally helped, choosing to go second did not.

At the first turn, we lost several key units in Space Wolves element to Cmdr W's move 12" and shoot str 10 barrage template Vindicators...  something which I really dreaded.  Again, our forces were slowly whittled down until very little was left.   At the last turn (game time ran out), I moved all my units that are still alive to the objective and secured them, played accordingly to the special rule of the mission.

We still lost, but it was marginal difference in VP.  Not bad.  But then later, Desmondus realized that his Grav Cannons actually had 3/5 Salvo and not 4 shots. He had played them wrongly.  So if he had done it correctly, I think our different in VP would be much more significant.

 
Third Game - vs Tyranids & Eldar

 The tournament carried on until evening and as the day went by I started to develop a headache.
I have some rough idea of what Tyranids and Eldar could do in theory but never played against them before either and our opponents are two of the most experienced players in the 40K tournament scene.

At this point in time, I could no longer focus with my headache and knowing we stand very little chance against our very experienced opponents - I have mentally thrown in the towel already.
The mission this time requires us to pick up the relic and hold it until the end of the game.  So we deployed most of our forces in the center near the relic since we have no idea how to deploy against our opponents.

As expected, our opponents took us apart piece meal and eventually tabled us.  Both of us were quite tired and just conceded after 3 or 4 turns.    The saving grace was that our opponents were quite entertaining and we had a lot of funny moments in that game even though we lost.    Out of all three games we played, the last game was the most entertaining.


CONCLUSION
I think that both my partner and myself were not really prepared to go all out to win.  We basically wrote army list based on our collection of painted models.   A competitive player serious about winning would include competitive units or set-up within their army list and have appropriate models for it.

Although I am a little disappointed with myself that I did not help carry our team and that we ended up at the bottom of the tournament. Felt that I let my team down.

At this stage, I think I fall into the category of a narrative gamer/collector. 
My current focus still remains to finish my backlog of unpainted models to the level I am satisfied with.  What this means is that I will still be far away from actually being able to compete seriously in a tournament.  I will need to re-adjust my expectations regarding competitive gaming.  I should probably refrain from giving tactical advice or commentary until I have some substantial wins under my belt.

I really should paint up more transports.   My current list feels so much like a sitting duck army list. It is just waiting for things to happen and far too passive to win any games.
Still a looong way to go....

Too much stuff IV

Finally found time to clear more stuff, this time WHFB!

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.

Eternal War: Purge The Alien

ETERNAL WAR: PURGE THE ALIEN, TEAM GAME (3 VS 3)

Team Chaos Wolf of the Damned
1. Wolflord Melhammer (Space Wolves)
2. Chaos Lord CF (Chaos Space Marines)
3. Commander Luminator (Legon of the Damned)

Team Adeptus Astartes
1. Commander D (Red Scorpions Space Marines)
2. Commander CS (Ultramarines Space Marines)
3. Me (Imperial Swords Space Marines)



PROLOGUE
Rumors of a legendary Space Wolf relic lost during the Horus Heresy has surfaced.  Wolflord Melhammer, eager to seek glory for the chapter set off on a quest to reclaim the sacred artifact.  The search brought the Wolflord and his retinue far and wide across the galaxy.  Months have passed since they first departed from Fenris.  Finally, they came across Inquisitor Cadmus who claims to have known the exact location of the relic.  But first they must depart to planet known as Corinus XVI.

Corinus XVI, is a small planet colonized by the Imperium in the past.  It recently came under attack by the Orks which was later repelled by Imperial Forces.  However the city surrounding the Space port was left in ruins in the wake of the Ork invasion.    A small contingent of three Space Marine Chapters were left behind as security detail while the Imperium attempt to repair and rebuild the city.

Upon arrival, the Space Wolves were informed by the Inquisitor that each of the Space Marine Commanders tasked with the defense of the city were in possession of a dataslate.  When all three pieces are obtain, it will reveal the exact location of the ancient relic.  Inquisitor Cadmus also claimed that the loyalty of the Space Marines were compromised as they were corrupted by Chaos.  Stating that is only a matter of time these three Space Marine forces turn against the Imperium and thus urged the Space Wolves to purge them in the name of the holy Emperor.

At first the Space Wolves balked at the idea but slowly the words spoken by the Inquisitor seems to make more and more sense.  Eventually the Space Wolves agreed and prepared to wage war against their cousins from other Space Marine Chapter.

Inquisitor Cadmus then sent a last minute warning to the three loyalist Chapter and warned of an impending attack.  The Space Marines quickly evacuated the Imperial workers rebuilding the city and prepared for war.



DEPLOYMENT
Space Wolves deployed to the left corner with Thunderwolf Calvary all hidden within the ruins.
The Chaos Space Marines take center, with Landraider leading the front, supported by Chaos Cultist and Chaos Defiler.  On the right flank, a lone Vindicare Assassin awaits atop of the building, assign to hunt heretics by the orders of the Inquisition.

On the opposite side, the Red Scorpions are deployed on the left flank.  With one tactical Squad position atop the Imperial Bastion overlooking the ruined city.  The rest of tacticals on ground or within Rhino APCs.  The Imperial Swords occupy the center, tanks deployed behind the buildings.  While the tactical squad perched atop a newly constructed residential hab block.  On the right flank, Ultramarines deployed with a mass of powered armored troops supported by a Vindicator tank.

Another Vindicare Assassin attached to the Imperial Swords Space Marines takes up position on the elevated landing pad in the middle of the battlefield. 

Thunderwolf Calvary, bold but also cunning.  Hiding in ruins

THE BATTLE BEGINS
Barely just after evacuating the construction crew from the scene of battle, the Loyalist Chapters hurried to get into battle positions while the invading forces advance.

Imperial Sword Dreadnought watches as the forces of Chaos advance

On the left flank, the Thunderwolf Calvary surged forward from their hiding place towards the Red Scorpions.  The Red Scorpions open fire in an attempt to halt the Space Wolves advance.  Two unfortunate Space Wolves fell from their Thunderwolves as a fusillade of Lascannon beams, plasma balls and boltgun shells filled the battlefield.

On the right flank, the Vindicare Assassin fired a Turbo Penetrator round that went inside the Vindicator tank's exhaust vent.  The round somehow ricochet into the loading mechanism and caused a minor explosion that rocked the tank.  The crew within it were stunned by the explosion and spent the time struggling to get back to their feet.  The remaining Ultramarines advanced towards the Vindicare Assassin using the Rhino APC as a cover while another tactical squad move in from the extreme right flank behind a residential hab block.

Elsewhere, the Landraider advance forward, its Lascannon sponson swiveled into position and fired at the advancing Imperial Swords Dreadnought but missing it slightly.  Behind the Landraider, the Defiler unloads all of its weapons at the Imperial Swords Dreadnought.  The shots scattered wildly and instead landed on the Imperial Swords Space Marine on the building behind the Dreadnought, killing two marines in the process.
The Imperial Swords Tactical Marines tried to return favor but the Plasma Cannon seized up.  The Marine holding the heavy weapon, instinctively released the coolant fluid to prevent the weapon he is holding from exploding on himself.   The plasma cannon hissed as the superheated steam vented from the weapon exhausts.

Loyalist Marines maintain their position.

The Imperial Swords Predator tank squadron swerved into action, blasting their Lascannons into the Landraider with no effect.  The Lascannon beams missed by several inches and those that connected, hit only the non critical sections of the Chaos vehicle.  On top of the landing pad, the other Vindicare Assassin aimed for heavy bolter weapon mount hoping to cause a critical reaction.  Unfortunately, the shot missed and bounced off the side armor harmlessly.

No light shall penetrate this darkness.

As the battle rages on.  Space Marines engulfed in flames suddenly appeared in front and behind the Ultramarines.   Why or how they appeared is a mystery but their intent is clear as they unloaded their weapons into the Ultramarines.  On the roof, the LotD marines leveled their guns at the Vindicator tank.  Superheated rays lanced towards the side armor and blew a huge hold, rocking the vehicle again.  Another krak grenade tossed into the opening finally put the Vindicator tank out of commission, leaving it a smoking wreck.

The LotD marines that appeared infront of the Ultramarines fired their melta weapons at the Rhino advancing toward their position and turn the stormbolter mounted on the Rhino into metal slag.  The molten metal dripped into Rhino interior and causing further damage to the electronic wiring of the tank.

Yet the Ultramarines were not so easily dissuaded.  The Ultramarine Rhino engines revved up and pushed towards the LotD Marines hoping to crush them underneath its tracks.  The spectral figures swiftly got out of the way.  One of the spectral looking marine wielding a melta gun stood his ground and blasted the tank with another lance of superheated ray, stunning the Ultramarine Rhino.  Within moments the LotD Marines find themselves surrounded by Ultramarines.  It was as if they struck the hornets nest. The Ultarmarines descended upon the LotD with righteous fury.  Boltguns & boltpistols ripped into the LotD.  As if that was not enough, the Ultramarines Assault marines barreled their way into the LotD, slashing their chainswords left and right while boltpistols blasted off at the spectral figures before their quarry vanished into the ether.

Ultramarines avenge the loss of their Vindicator. 

Back the center, Lascannons beams from Imperial Swords gunline continue to blast at the Chaos Landraider with no effect as the Chaos vehicle continues moving into the Loyalists' position.   The Tacticals on the top of the building, spun around where the second squad of LotD Marines are and open fire.  Boltgun rounds bounced off harmlessly from the LotDs' power armor while the plasma denoted in a superheated ball of energy too far from the target.

Just then a Red Scorpion Stormraven gunship descended from the skies to reinforce the Imperial Swords position.  The pilot hit the brakes and adjusted the aircraft to graciously descend onto the battlefield, disgorging the contents it was carrying.  Red Scorpion Dreadnought & Terminator Squad led by Librarian Desmondus disembarked from the transport and prepared to do battle with the Traitor Marines.

On the landing pad, the Vindicare on the loyalist side continued to aim at the moving Landraider.  This time the shot connected and pierced through the Heavy Bolter weapon mount causing the heavy bolt shells stored within to explode.  The bullet continue until it struck the thick armor plate and ricochet into the promethium fuel tanks causing it to detonate.  The chain reaction tore the Landraider from inside out.   One unlucky Traitor Marine was flung out with such force that he fell onto a metal spike which punched through his helmet killing him instantly.

The remaining Traitor Marines managed to disembark from the Landraider in time only to face the coming onslaught of the Red Scorpion Space Marines.  Kharn the Betrayer, eager for blood leap forward and swung Gorechild wildy, slashing all around him.  By the time he was done, two Red Scorpion Terminators and Traitor Marines were left in a bloody mess.  The Red Scorpions struck back and slaying the remaining Traitor Marines.

Back at the left flank, the Space Wolves charged into the Red Scorpion line, despite the Red Scorpion's attempts to halt their advance.  The Space Wolves known for their melee prowess swiftly dispatched the Red Scorpion Tactical Squad and the Rhino on the ground level.  The remaining Tactical Marines on top of the tower fired their boltgun rounds at the Space Wolves but did little damage to them.  Knowing that they were no match for the Space Wolves in melee combat, the Rhino transporting the 2nd Red Scorpions Tactical Squad quickly sped away, hoping to put some distance between themselves and the Space Wolves.

The grey tide of fur and fangs cometh

At the right flank the Ultramarines trudge onwards, boltguns firing away at the LotD Marines.  The sheer amount of fire power finally overwhelmed the spectral figures and they finally vanished into the ether.  With the immediate threat eliminated, they turn their attention towards the lone Vindicare Assassin who destroyed their Vindicator tank.

The Assassin scanned the battlefield looking for his next target and loaded his Existus Rifle with another Turbo Penetrator round but before he could take his next shot.  He was surprised by Imperial Swords Scout Squad sneaking up from behind him.  To his right on the ground level, an Imperial Swords Dreadnought lumbered towards him.  In unison, the Ultramarines & Imperial Swords Space Marines unleash a torrent of boltgun shells & assault cannon shells into the Assassin perched on the building.  Despite being entrenched in a good position, the Assassin could not withstand the combined fire power of the Adeptus Astartes, all coming from different directions.

The mysterious Spectral Marines coming in from the rear

Back at the center, the Imperial Swords feeling safe in their deployment zone was suddenly caught by surprised.  Spectral power armored figures appeared out of nowhere.  Their weapons spitting death and destruction.  One squad of LOTD blasted at the Imperial Swords Razorback in the rear armor, causing it to explode in a ball of flame.  The surviving passengers crawling out from the burning wreck to face their assailants.

The Red Scorpion Stormraven continue to maintain holding pattern, hovering above the Imperial Swords gunline.  Beams of Lasers & skyhammer missles streaked towards the Chaos Defiler, damaging the Chaos Vehicle but not enough to destroy it.   Behind the Defiler, a cultist runs towards the infernal war machine and sacrificed himself in the name of Chaos.  Broken wires, gears and metal plating began to melt into a silvery lump before reforming as if it has never been damaged before.

The Stormraven pilot prepares to take another shot at the Defiler, unaware of the spectral figures that appeared behind his aircraft.  The LoTD Marines unleash their weapons at the Stormraven hovering above them.  One of LotD Marine flung a krak grenade that flew into the aircraft's engine exhaust, the grenade exploded causing the Stormraven to spin out of control.

The Stormraven pilot wrestled with controls, struggling to stabilize the aircraft and gain some altitude.  But before he could succeed, a battle cannon shell smashed into the sides of the Stormraven ripping it apart in ball of fire.

On the left flank, the Space Wolves on their trusty steeds leap onto the tower.   The Red Scorpion Space Marines atop the tower fired at the Space Wolves but the boltgun rounds bounced off the power armor of the Wolflord.  With a flurry of blows, Wolflord Melhammer's power sword cut through the Red Scorpion Marines like butter, while the rest of his cohort chase after the Red Scorpion Rhino speeding away.

Above the landing pad, Space Wolves Stormwolf Assault craft swooped down from the skies, raining death from above.  Lasers, superheated rays & cold waves blasting at the the Imperial Sword Predator tank.   Electronics fizzled out and sparks flew all over the interior of the tank.  The tank crew are momentarily stunned while they struggle to regain control the vehicle.

Underneath the Stormwolf Assault craft, the Vindicare Assassin turns his attention towards the spectral figures that appeared in the Imperial Swords gunline.   Swiftly putting the LotD Marine carrying the Multimelta out of comission.

But this was not enough to save the Imperial Swords.  The LotD Marines seized the opportunity and both squads of marines pour prodigious amount firepower into the Imperial Swords tactical Squad, taking out one other marine and the Chaplain in the process.

The remaining Imperial Sword tactical marines, swore to avenge the loss of their commanding officer, open up on the LotD marines.  Forcing only one spectral figure to vanish into the ether.  The tactical marine holding the plasma cannon watched in disbelief as the LotD marines shrug off the superheated ball of plasma and cursed under his helmet.  "By the Emperor, what kind of warp@#$% is this?!"

Uhh.. Imperial Command?  We just lost our air support.

At the right flank, the Ultramarines consolidate their position and turn to assist their brethren Chapter.  But before they could do so, they were intercepted by the Chaos Heldrake.  The unholy war machine, swooped in from the skies passing the Imperial Sword Scouts staring at the flyer with disbelief.  The Heldrake's metal jaws lowered and a gout of warp fire engulfed the Ultramarine Assault Marines.  The burning fluid burnt through the power armor of the Assault Marines as the Marines screamed in agonizing pain.  The two remaining Assault Marines quickly entered their transport, hoping it would provide some form of protection.

The remaining Ultramarines from other squads quickly dispersed and headed back to their deployment zone to assist the Imperial Swords.  The Scouts on top of the building tried to help by firing their bolt pistol at the flying Daemon Engine but it was no use as the Heldrake was simply too fast and too high up.

In the middle of the Battlefield, Kharn the Betrayer has felled another Red Scorpion Terminator.  His Gorechild dripping with blood.  He swung around and parried Librarian Desmondus's Force Axe.  While the two were locked in battle.  The remaining Terminators struck at Kharn with their powerfist, bursting Kharn like a watermelon, his armor and flesh pulverized into a bloody pulp.

The Red Scorpion Librarian and his retinue continued forward, stormbolters spitting out death at the Chaos Cultist ahead of them.  Besides them, the Red Scorpion Dreadnought fired his Multimelta at the Defiler, the superheated ray melted through the armor and damaged the hydraulic systems momentarily stunning the Defiler.  A short distance away, the Imperial Swords Dreadnought tried to help by firing its Assault cannon but its shots bounce off the armor plating of the Defiler.

The Chaos Cultist surge forward, firing their weapons inaccurately at the advancing Red Scorpions.  Those few bullets and small lasblasts that hit, bounced off the Terminator armor harmlessly.

The loyalist closing in the Chaos position

Behind them the Stormwolf Assault Craft continued towards the Ultramarine position.  It's multimelta, helfrost cannon and lascannon blasted at the Ultramarine Assault Squad on top of the building.  Realizing that their armor could not withstand such powerful weapons, the Assault Squad hunkered down hoping the parapets of the building would offer additional protection.   Indeed all the Marines survived except for one who was too slow and was ripped apart by the Heavy Weapon fire.

Elsewhere, Wolflord Melhammer leap off the tower, rejoining his retinue of Wolfguards but he was too far from the action.   Some distance ahead of him.  His fellow Space Wolves have given up chasing the Red Scorpion Rhino.   Instead they found a juicier target.  The Thunderwolf Calvary barreled into the Imperial Swords gunline.  Smashing their Thunderhammers into two Imperial Swords Predator tanks.  The thunderous blow smashed one tank into a smoking wreck while the other tank was badly damaged.  Its occupants, struggling to put out the fires from within.


Nearby on the landing Pad, another Squad of LotD Marines appeared out of nowhere, ambushing the only Vindicare Assassin left on the battlefield.  The Assassin suffered light injures but knew that his position was compromised, leap off the landing pad and onto the ground beneath.  Landing nimbly on his feet, he pulled out his Exitus Pistol from the holster and fired at the Space Wolves smashing at the tanks.  The hellfire round struck the tail of the wolf steed but did little than to cause the beast to whimper in pain.

At the right flank, the Ultramarines moved towards the Imperial Swords position which has already been compromised.  In a last ditch attempt, the two loyalist Chapters' tactical marines poured as much fire power into the LotD Marines inflicting minor casualties.

The Heldrake spun around and flew towards the Red Scorpion Terminators, unleashing its baleflamer them.  Warpfire ignited in an instant but did little as the Terminator armor was too sturdy.  Behind the Heldrake, two Ultramarines and an Imperial Swords Dreadnought blasted at from the ground.  One Assault Cannon round clipped the Daemon Engine's wings damaging it slightly.

Nearby, the Red Scorpion Tacticals disembark from their transport and opened up on the Chaos Cultist.  The boltgun rounds tore through the ranks of Cultist turning them into a red mist of blood as the bolter rounds exploded within the bodies of their victim.   One lone Cultist Leader survived the deadly barrage but was brutally stomped into a puddle of blood by the Red Scorpion Terminators charging into him.

Red Scorpion Dreadnought closed in on the Defiler, firing all its weapons at it before smashing into with its powerfist.  Servos whirred as the Dreadnought dismantled the Defiler's mechanical limbs one by one.

As suddenly as they appeared, the LotD Marines suddenly vanished.  The last remaining Chaos Daemon Engine, flew off leaving only the Space Wolves to carry the fight.   The Space Wolves still strong in numbers suddenly halted in their assault.   The battle has ended with casualties on both side.


EPILOGUE 
It was later revealed that it is Inquisitor Cadmus that was compromised.  A radical Inquisitor who frequently used Daemonhosts as his servants was eventually corrupted by powers of Chaos which he sought to control.   It was he who is ultimately responsible for trying to lead Space Wolves astray.    The Inquisition only discovered his treachery recently and dispatched agents to hunt him down.

Through the usage of forbidden sorcery the rogue Inquisitor was able to manipulate the Space Wolves to do his bidding.   However this required him to be within proximity of his victims for the spell to work.  When the Grey Knights hot on his heels arrive to capture him, Inquisitor Cadmus quickly fled the planet and evaded capture.  With him no longer in proximity of the Space Wolves, the spell broke and the Space Wolves were finally freed from the geas.


The presence of the Legion of the Damn on the battlefield could not be explain and remains a mystery.  Although some have claimed that these Spectral Space Marines are manifestation of the warp.