Crusades, Warp Lanes, and DIYs

[Dark Apostle Thirst]

So I came up with an idea last night recently. However, rather than going straight to the idea, I'm going to go to the credentials of it.

In the last book of the Dark Apostle trilogy that the name of is currently eluding me, much of the premise of the book is centered around capturing a specific world which is mostly valuable because of the abundance of stable Warp routes to and from it, which while also making it vulnerable to attacks from almost any direction, also meant it could summon loads and loads of reinforcements. It also served as a staging point for crusades, a repair and resupply dock, and of course a popular trading hub.

It was also mentioned that such worlds with a high enough number of stable Warp routes were exceedingly rare, and the whole book was about how even with a significant amount of resources committed, these planets were very difficult to take and hold by any faction.

Or in other words, the kind of thing that would take the joint forces of multiple DIY chapters working together, or even be worth founding a Chapter to solely protect

Now, it's been a while so you guys might have already covered this type of thing. However, I didn't see anything like it in the Liber Cluster - which, btw, is a fantastic project and looks amazing, kudos to everyone who worked on that - so I thought I might sort of throw this out there, see who it inspires. And also perhaps make an example of how this could be incorporated into an existing DIY.

The Wardenhold Crusades

Shortly after the Grail Wardens chapter was founded to protect the region of space conquered by the honorable Storm Krakens chapter, it was deemed necessary to begin uprooting an Ork empire that had long been considered unworthy of the time and resources when there were dozens of other systems to bring into Imperial fold. However, even though the Storm Krakens were newly freed to bring their entire strength against the Orks, it would still not be enough to exterminate them. There was hope, however, as the region of space controlled by the enemy was indeed measured and limited.

So it was the Krakens called for aid. It would take time for the full force of the Crusade to muster, but the Black Templars were among the first to answer the call. The numerous systems brought into the Imperium by the Storm Krakens also volunteered their regiments of Imperial Guard, and even a few small Titan Legions joined in, similarly formed by the Forge Worlds created in the wake of the chapter's advance. The Angels of Adamantium also came forth to wipe out the threat, quickly followed by the Red Lords, White Hands, Lords of Shadow, Hunters of Truth, Promethean Fists, and the Phoenix Knights.

Initially there was much success, the accumulated forces purging three whole systems before coming across a then nameless nexus world. It had dozens of Ork warbands stationed above it, and the first incursion to cleanse this stronghold ended in a full-blown retreat as more and more Orks poured in from multiple directions. The leaders of the Crusade convened, and elected a more subtle method to take this world in the Emperor's name. It was clear it would be near impossible to attack head on, and would cost more blood than the Imperium was willing to spill, at least for now. Instead, the Crusade would be split in two, to take two separate worlds feeding the nexus reinforcements. From there, the Ork counterattack would too have to split, as well as leave even more forces behind to defend the nexus world itself.

So began the long and bloody campaign of drawing xeno blood, provoking them to attack and slowly dislodging the Orks from system after system around the nexus itself. In that time, the Grail Wardens recruited and grew in strength furiously, as this whole crusade was conducted for their benefit, and they would need to be ready for when it was handed over for them. Finally, it was deemed that the nexus world had been cut off from enough of its neighbours, and it was time to claim it after all these years. The Grail Wardens committed most of the strength they had built up to join the attack, and it proved decisive. It was at this battle the Ork space fleet was not only broken, but run down, and not a full hour after the last shots had been fired did the Wardens make landfall. They provided the beachhead that allowed the rest of the Crusade to follow, and it was thanks to them that it took only two years to cleanse the world completely. It was dubbed Wardenhold, and thereafter the Crusade as a whole was referred to as the Wardenhold Crusade.

With the world finally taken, it was less than a decade before the rest of the Ork empire fell to the sword, and another victory served for the Emperor.

... Again that was just an example that I got a little carried away with. Something for you guys to play with

[Olis]

Interesting idea, DAT. I notice the title is the Wardenhold Crusades (plural) and you've given us background to the Wardenhold Crusade (singular). Room for more, methinks? 

 

I've just had a wonderful thought. I have a proto-DIY chapter (the Grey Spectres) that I'd love to develop further. Maybe this can be the beginning of something fruitful...

[Conn Eremon]

Very nice lore (and I'm had you liked the Liber Cluster), and it definitely is worth mentioning just how vital stable Warp routes are to pretty much everything 40k. Kudos!

 

Olis, you have my axe!

 

Or the Iron Hunter's axe, as it were.

[Dark Apostle Thirst]

Interesting idea, DAT. I notice the title is the Wardenhold Crusades (plural) and you've given us background to the Wardenhold Crusade (singular). Room for more, methinks? 

 

I've just had a wonderful thought. I have a proto-DIY chapter (the Grey Spectres) that I'd love to develop further. Maybe this can be the beginning of something fruitful...

It is on the Eastern Fringe, and these kinds of worlds would spread genestealer cults across the Imperium pretty quickly. I could definitely see a massive Hive Fleet tendril being drawn to the area as a whole. Also the kind of place Dark Eldar might hang around and hide out in, so many humans passing through nobody would notice if a few would go missing.

 

However, I'm not really invested in continuing the story of Wardenhold myself - recently started college and what not - but, talk to me about the Grey Spectres. Where are they located? What kind of foes do they typically face? Do they worship the Emperor, are they well-equipped, would they lead a joint operation or prefer to follow others, etc. etc.?

[Olis]

It is on the Eastern Fringe, and these kinds of worlds would spread genestealer cults across the Imperium pretty quickly. I could definitely see a massive Hive Fleet tendril being drawn to the area as a whole. Also the kind of place Dark Eldar might hang around and hide out in, so many humans passing through nobody would notice if a few would go missing.

However, I'm not really invested in continuing the story of Wardenhold myself - recently started college and what not - but, talk to me about the Grey Spectres. Where are they located? What kind of foes do they typically face? Do they worship the Emperor, are they well-equipped, would they lead a joint operation or prefer to follow others, etc. etc.?

They feature in an old thread of mine that I've ceased updating (for now). Aside from a rough idea of their colour scheme, the nominal use of Spanish names and some basic personality traits, I haven't nailed down much of their other attributes. Hence the 'proto' affix.

What I'd like to see is some of the Liberites taking a punt at this - it seems like a good topic to jump in on and take themselves to wherever they desire.

[Ace Debonair]

Hey, DAT's back!

Don't worry, we kept your room as you left it.

Normally I'd jump at the opportunity to take part in a community project, but I'm kind of involved In way too many projects at once as it is.

Definitely sounds like a fun idea, though!

[Dosjetka]

Welcome back, DAT :)

 

This tickles my fancy. Perhaps in a month's time or so... :P