{{Otherusesotheruses|USE=Wars on [[Vigilus]]|OTHERUSE=War against the [[Ork]] [[Warboss]] known as [[The Beast]]|OTHERPAGE={{PAGENAME}}War of the Beast}} {{BattleBattle4

|Date =1.192.VCM - 25.141.VCM ([[Imperial Dating System_System#Post-Great Rift|New Style]])<br>001-025.[[M42]] ([[Imperial Dating System|Old Style]])<br>

|Outcome =Ongoing, though fighting is beginning to wind down. Imperium continues to hold Vigilus{{Fn|6c}}<br>Greater [[Nachmund Rift War]] erupts{{Fn|8d}}|Combatant1 =[[File:Aquila1transparent.png|30px]] [[Imperium]]<br>[[File:Eldar.png|20px]] [[Eldar]] (Phase 3 Onwards)|Combatant2 =Unaligned Invaders<br>[[File:Chaos.png|30px]] [[Forces of Chaos]]|Combatant3 =[[File:Orks.png|30px]]<br>[[ChaosOrks]]|Combatant4 =Unaligned Invaders<br>[[Genestealer]]s<br>[[Eldar]] (Phases 1-2)<br>[[Dark Eldar]]|Commanders1 =[[File:Ultramarinessymbol.png|20px]] [[Chapter Master]] [[Marneus Calgar]](WIA)<br>[[File:Martyred lady.png|20px]] [[Saint Celestine]]<br>[[File:Inquisiton.png|20px]] [[Inquisitor]] [[Erasmus Cartavolnus|Cartavolnus]]<br>[[File:Crimsonfists.png|20px]] [[Chapter Master]] [[Pedro Kantor|Kantor]]<br>[[File:IronHandssymbol.png|20px]] [[Iron Father]] [[Kardan Stronos|Stronos]]<br>[[Wolf LordFile:Spacewolvesymbol.png|20px]] [[Jarl]] [[Krom Dragongaze]]<br>[[Wolf GuardFile:Spacewolvesymbol.png|20px]] [[Haldor Icepelt]]<br>[[File:Deathwatchsymbol2.png|20px]] [[Watch Master]] [[Gaius Acastian|Acastian]]<br>[[File:Crimsonfists.png|20px]] [[Space Marine Captain |Captain]] [[Jhermandes]]<br>[[File:IFsymbol.png|20px]] [[Space Marine Captain|Captain ]] [[Dravastis Fane]]<br>[[File:NecropolisHawksSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[Chapter Master]] [[Raquilon Zandtus|Zandtus]]<br>[[File:WhiteScarssymbol.png|20px]] [[Olujin Khan]]<br>Master [[File:Darkangelsymbol.png|20px]] [[Meneraeus]]<br>[[File:Darkangelsymbol.png|20px]] [[Space Marine Lieutenant |Lieutenant]] [[Kodden]]<br>[[File:GovernorSymbol.png|20px]] [[Governor]] [[Lucienne Agamemnus IX]](MIA)<br>[[File:FleetSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[Arch-Commodore]] [[Hentzmann]]<br>[[File:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|20px]] [[General]] [[Deinos Agamemnus]]<br>[[File:Ministorum1.jpg|20px]] [[Pontifex]] [[Slyne Galluck]]<br>[[File:Machina Opus.png|20px]] [[Fabricator-General|Fabricator]] [[Vosch]]<br>[[File:Machina Opus.png|20px]] [[Magos]] [[Dalathrust]]<br>[[ArchmagosFile:Machina Opus.png|20px]] [[Dominus]] [[Nesium Caldrike|Caldrike]]<br>[[Magos File:Machina Opus.png|20px]|20px]] [[Dominus]] [[Ipluvius XIV]]<br>[[File:Martyred lady.png|20px]] [[Canoness]] [[Temperance Blaise|Blaise]]<br>[[File:Bloody Rose.png|20px]] [[Canoness]] [[Corinn Hrethnar|Hrethnar]]<br>[[File:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|20px]] [[Imperial Guard Commander|Proctor Commander]] [[Venedar]]<br>[[File:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|20px]] [[Lord Commissar]] [[Barthold Dorst|Dorst]]<br>[[File:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|20px]] [[Lord Commissar]] [[Asdan]]<br>[[File:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|20px]] [[Lord Commissar]] [[Feodor Lasko|Lasko]]<br>[[File:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|20px]] [[Tempestor Prime]] [[Liocardus]]<br>[[File:QuestorisSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[Joren Vanaklimptas]]<br>[[File:Aquila1transparent.png|20px]] [[Rogue TradersTrader]] [[Delarique du Languille]]<br>[[File:Inquisiton.png|20px]] [[Inquisitor]] [[Frenza]]<br>[[File:Rune-saimhann.png|20px]] [[Farseer]] [[Keltoc]] (Phase 3+)|Commanders2 =Orks[[File:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[Abaddon the Despoiler]]<br>[[SpeedbossFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|Speedlord20px]] [[KrooldakkaHaarken Worldclaimer]](KIA)<br>[[SpeedbossFile:NightLords.png|20px]] [[DakkabadRamaghan Savasdus]]<br>[[MekbossFile:ScourgedSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[Big TankaGnorrel Cantus]]<br>[[WarbossFile:ScourgedSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[ZogbagVeshel Thanetis]]<br>[[WarbossFile:MagmaHoundsSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[Ogrokk BitespiderAthmar Rivetheart]]<br>[[WarbossFile:IronWarriors.png|20px]] [[DrogzotKharrack]]<br>[[WarbossFile:ScourgedSymbol.jpg|20px]] [[MurkGallus Herodicus]]<br>[[Big MekFile:NightLords.png|20px]] [[GazrogVarrus Hekatos]]<br>[[Big MekFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[TankskrappaKorval the Nightspear]]<br>[[Bootstompa GhalgutzFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[Omicron]]<br><br>Genestealers<br>[[Genestealer PatriarchFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|Patriarch20px]] [[Grandsire WurmBorgha the Red Hand]]<br>[[BroodlordFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[Nemesis 9 TyrantisVeszrax]]<br>[[Genestealer PrimusFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|Primus20px]] [[Dethru NoanXagramothis]]<br>[[Genestealer MagusFile:NightLords.png|Magus20px]] [[SlyntePraxis Empyrealus]]<br><br>Eldar<br>[[FarseerFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[Anvirr KeltocGhordar Bann]]<br>[[AutarchFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[RhyloorVex Machinator]] (KIA)<br>[[SpiritseerFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[QelanarisThorosgar Bear-fist]]<br><br>Chaos<br>[[WarmasterFile:Black Legion Symbol.png|20px]] [[AbaddonZhune Tzang]]<br>[[File:Chaos Lord.png|20px]] [[Haarken WorldclaimerTzungdan]]<br>[[Chaos LordFile:Deathguardsymb.png|20px]] [[Ramaghan SavasdusZoculinsus]]<br>[[Chaos LordFile:Fallen Symbol.jpg|20px]] [[Gnorrel CantusOsandus]]<br>[[File:Chaos Lord.png|20px]] [[Veshel ThanetisVannadan]](KIA)<br>[[Chaos LordFile:WordBearers.png|20px]] [[Athmar RivetheartCoven Triplicatus]]<br>[[Vodt Redtooth]]<br>[[WarsmithFile:Nurgle mark.png|20px]] [[KharrackRotigus]]<br>[[Chaos LordFile:Slaanesh mark.png|20px]] [[Gallus HerodicusLeiwa'quasca]]<br>[[Chaos LordFile:Slaanesh mark.png|20px]] [[Pale Stalker]]|Commanders3 =[[File:Mini-speedfreaks.jpg|20px]] [[Varrus HekatosKrooldakka]](KIA)<br>Chaos Lord [[Korval the NightspearFile:7eC-bad-moons.png|20px]]<br>Chaos Lord [[OmicronDakkabad]]<br>Chaos Lord [[Borgha the Red HandFile:Orks.png|20px]]<br>Chaos Lord [[VeszraxBig Tanka]]<br>[[SorcererFile:7-deathskulls.jpg|20px]] [[XagramothisZogbag]]<br>[[Master of PossessionFile:7eC-snakebites.jpg|20px]] [[Praxis EmpyrealusOgrokk Bitespider]]<br>[[Master of ExecutionFile:7-deathskulls.jpg|20px]] [[Ghordar BannDrogzot]]<br>[[Lord DiscordantFile:7eC-goffs.jpg|20px]] [[Vex MachinatorMurk]]<br>[[Thorosgar BearFile:7eC-bad-fistmoons.png|20px]] [[Gazrog]]<br>[[Master of PossessionFile:Orks.png|20px]] [[Zhune TzangTankskrappa]]<br>[[WarpsmithFile:Orks.png|20px]] [[TzungdanBootstompa Ghalgutz]]|Commanders4 =Genestealers<br>[[Plague SurgeonFile:Pauper Princes Icon.png|20px]] [[Genestealer Patriarch|Patriarch]] [[ZoculinsusGrandsire Wurm]]<br>[[OsandusFile:Pauper Princes Icon.png|20px]] [[Nemesis 9 Tyrantis]]<br>[[CovenFile:Pauper Princes Icon.png|20px]] [[Genestealer Primus|Primus]] [[VannadanDethru Noan]](KIA)<br>[[Coven TriplicatusFile:Pauper Princes Icon.png|20px]] [[Slynte]]<br><br>Eldar<br>[[File:Rune-saimhann.png|20px]] [[Farseer]] [[Vodt RedtoothAnvirr Keltoc|Keltoc]]<br>[[RotigusFile:Rune-saimhann.png|20px]] [[Autarch]] [[Rhyloor]](KIA)<br>[[Leiwa'quascaFile:Rune-saimhann.png|20px]] [[Spiritseer]]<br>[[Pale StalkerQelanaris]]

|Strength3 =See Order of Battle|Strength4 =See Order of Battle|Casualties1 =At least several billion casualties (both military and civilian){{Fn|3b}}|Casualties2 =Heavy Chaos casualties|Casualties3 =Heavy Ork<br>casualties|Casualties4 =Heavy Genestealercasualties<br>Moderate Heavy Eldarcasualties<br>Unknown Dark Eldar<br>Heavy Chaoscasualties

The '''War of Beasts''', later sometimes known as the '''War of Nightmares''' upon the arrival of [[Chaos]] forces{{Fn|6b}}, is the term for the ongoing conflict on the [[Imperial]] World world of [[Vigilus]].

With the rift scrambling the planet's [[Astropath]]s and [[Psyker]]s no foresight of the disaster had been foreseen, and the Ork fleet easily punched through Vigilus' naval cordon then crash-landed its ships in the great deserts between [[Hive]]sprawls. Those that were protected by bubble-like forcefields survived, but many Ork ships simply crashed and burned. However these surviving ships became the heart of newly erected Ork scrap-cities from which the Greenskins have used to plague Vigilus since. Reeling from the formation of the Great Rift, the defenders of Vigilus did not act as these cities were being constructed. When all the preparations were complete, the Ork [[Speedboss]] [[Krooldakka]] emerged at the head of a massive armada of [[Bike]]s, [[Trukk]]s, and Wagons.{{Fn|33a}}

In 210.33 pevio in the [[Imperial Dating System_System#Post-Great Rift|new Imperial dating system]] a clutch of [[Genestealer]]s was sent from [[Chancer's Vale]] by the [[Genestealer Cult]] known as the [[Pauper Princes]]. Only one managed to make it to Vigilus, but it was able to secrete itself in the caverns beneath Megaborealis and spread its influence. Over the ensuing years it became a [[Genestealer Patriarch]] known as [[Grandsire Wurm]] as its cult grew in size and strength.{{Fn|3a}}

Using their pet officers and Guardsmen the Cult then manipulated 4,000 soldiers into marching into the wastes before some 15,000 Orks, assuring them they would be withdrawn once the force fields were back up. Simultaneously, the Cultists staged an uprising in Dirksden's primary Hive and defenseless defenceless the government easily fell. They subsequently raised the force fields suddenly, trapping the Guardsmen outside to meet their end at the hands of the Orks. Many of the untainted managed to flee Dirksden as it fell, unwittingly bringing many hidden Genestealer Cultists with them to nearby Hivesprawls. Meanwhile, at Oteck Hivesprawl, the Pauper Princes struck hard as the Cult desired its plentiful water. Despite bitter fighting, the Pauper Princes were able to seize control of Oteck's water supply and corrupted it with their genetic taint.{{Fn|3a}}

The response of the Imperial government on Vigilus to the Genestealer Uprising was slow, and they simply dismissed the attacks as the acts of criminals that would soon be dealt with by the [[Adeptus Arbites]]. Instead, they focused their attention on shoring up their defenses defences and reinforcing their own positions. This allowed Vigilus' industry to effectively grind to a halt due to the cessation of export and resource convoys, a problem compounded by constant Ork raids in the wastelands. During the '''Battle for the Seeping Delta''' a force of Mechanicus [[Skitarii]] battled in rivers of industrial runoff, with both sides inflicting millions of casualties on the other. The Mechanicum only won the battle when Fabricator [[Vosch]] set the delta alight with a 600-strong [[Kataphron Breacher]]s attack, burning both sides.{{Fn|3a}}

At the Mechanicum Stronghold of Megaborealis, the commanding [[Magos Dominus]] of Hive Scelerus [[Ipluvius XIV]] was distracted by his studies and overly confident in his own defensesdefences, allowing a team of Ork [[Kommandos]] to infiltrate and find a weak point in the Hivesprawl's force fields. What followed was a massive Ork Speedfreak attack. Ipluvius XIV's [[cogitator]] froze under the pressure and the leaderless Skitarii were assailed by not just the Orks but also by Genestealer Cultists of the [[Claw of the Thirsting Wyrm]] who simultaneously rose up under the leadership of [[Slygaxx the Prophet]]. The Cultists were able to steal [[Vortex Missile]]s and detonate them in the hivesprawl center, wiping out much of the assets of the defenders such as the [[Warlord Titan]] ''[[Dominus Rex]]''. By now Archmagos [[Nesium Caldrike]] had Ipluvius XIV put into stasis and took his place. Proving a decisive commander, he was able to coordinate with the Iron Hands ' [[Kaargul Clan]] to stall the Genestealer momentum after bitter fighting.{{Fn|3b}}

By now, the Imperial Guard had undertook a large scale counterattack in cooperation with [[Valkyrie]] and [[Vendetta]] squadrons of the [[Imperial Navy]]. Most of the missions involved escorting fuel and supply convoys to beleaguered outposts but were ultimately aiming to reinforce Megaborealis. The Guard armored armoured convoys of [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]]s and [[Chimera]]s reaped a heavy toll on the Orks they met thanks to artillery support. However this served to only attract more Ork Speed Freaks and overwhelmned overwhelmed the Imperial Guard formations by weight of numbers. At the '''Battle of Mourning Gorge''' the 121st Goliath Armoured Battle Group was destroyed by the Ork Speedster [[Fragbad Squigbiter]] after he set off after he recklessly assailed a [[Deathstrike Missile]] with [[Stikkbomb]]s. The battle ensured that nearby Storvhal would be encircled and a vital Imperial supply route was cut.{{Fn|3b}}

By 2.230 post, the cramped slums of Hivesprawl Dontoria were already under the pressure of unknown raiders on its lowest depth (which would eventually be revealed as [[Dark Eldar]]). Compounding this problem, they received reports of an unknown vessel inbound. Despite being fired upon by the defending anti-aircraft batteries the ship managed to crash into Dontoria's centercentre, unleashing the [[Gellerpox Infected]] into its overcrowded sprawls. However what followed next was even worse, as a detachment of [[Death Guard]] emerged in the Infected wake. Though the local [[Tempestus Scion]]s of the [[98th Lamdic Oxen]] and [[Arbitrator]]s were able to contain the Infected, they were quickly overwhelmed by the [[Chaos Space Marine]] assault. Facing defeat the [[Tempestus Scion|Tempestor]] [[Naiod]] ordered the lower levels fire-bombed within a two mile radius. The pitiless act seemed to work and the 98th withdrew. However shortly after a strange plague broke out across the districts of Dontoria, and it became clear that the Imperials had failed to contain [[Nurgle]]'s followers. Despite the warnings of the [[Rogue Trader]] [[Delarique du Languille]], who had experience with such plagues, the Aquilarian Council was slow to respond.{{Fn|3b}}

As the Imperial pursued the Craftworld Eldar, their Dark Eldar kin continued their hit-and-run raids across the planet. Their raids on Hyperia and Oteck hivesprawls were such harrowing and spectacular affairs that they became known as feared as the '''Carnivals of Pain'''. The Dark Eldar force included not just [[Kabal|Kabalite]] ite troops but also [[Wych Cult]]s and [[Haemonculi]] creations. At the head of the Dark Eldar force was the [[Haemonculi Coven]] of [[The Altered]]. The Altered were out for revenge against the sons of [[Ultramar]] after being defeated by [[Roboute Guilliman]] in a past engagement during the [[Indomitus Crusade]]. During their raids, the Dark Eldar managed to capture entire squads of Ultramarines and haul them off to [[Commorragh]].{{Fn|3c}}

In Dontoria, the [[Primaris Space Marine]] [[Chapter]] [[Necropolis Hawks]] had arrived and were now working closely with Rogue Trader du Languille in trying to contain the Gellerpox infected. Meanwhile the [[Crimson Fists]] under Captain [[Jhermandes]] worked with the Iron Hands to construct the ultimate barrier against the plague. At the decommissioned Litmus Dock, the Necropolis Hawks and Crimson Fists fought through [[Chaos]] [[Mutant]] horrors. Following the Iron Hands instructions, the Crimson Fists used the [[Hellhounds]] of nearby Vigilant Guard to set fire to the Hivesprawl's [[promethium]] pipelines, creating a literal firewall around the infected zone.{{Fn|3c}}

Since the fall of the Oteck Water supply, the precious resource was becoming even scarcer on Vigilus. Dontoria was now in danger of losing its own water supply, Lake Dontor, which was now under constant vigil due to threats of contamination. Even worse, Calgar's Vigilus Senate had still not yet rediscovered the Death Guard that had made planetfall. But water was not the only scarce resource, on the false continent of Mortwald much of the planet's food and medicine was produced but with the Orks and Genestealers now threatening it production was running dry and the common people were paying the price. However , Mortwald was defended by scores of veteran Guardsmen from the [[Ventrillian Nobles]] to the [[Vostroyan Firstborn]] to even now-refugee [[Cadian Shock Trooper]]s under the command of [[Deinos]], the Governor's own brother.{{Fn|3c}}

Thus when the Mortwald came under attack, Deinos' trench network held fast and gunned down many Orks. Well-coordinated withdrawals and kill-zones further hindered the Greenskin advance. For weeks, the Orks could not penetrate Mortwald's defensesdefences. The Guardsmen proved equally adept at handling Genestealer uprisings in the Ejecta Districts. Lord Deinos preached the mantra which now became the rallying cry of the defenders - Mortwald would not fall.The situation for the defenders improved drastically when the [[Imperial Fists]] ' [[5th Company (Imperial Fists)|5th Company ]] under [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Dravastis Fane]] arrived via aircraft and improved upon its already formidable defensive network. Ork [[Stompa]]s soon emerged by their hundreds, causing Fane to fallback to higher ground before counterattacking. Shortly after loyalist [[Knight]]s from [[Dharrovar]] under [[Joren Vanaklimptas]] as well as those from [[House Terryn]] arrived to further reinforce Mortwald's defenders.{{Fn|3c}}

The Space Marines did not leave the reckless Knights to their fate, with Fane leading an airborne assault alongside the [[White Scars]] under [[Olujin Khan]] and a [[Ravenwing]] strikeforce under [[Meneraeus]]. Supported by Imperial Navy bombers, the Space Marines quickly closed on the Knights location within the Scrap cities. Olujin's squadrons of [[Stormtalon Gunship]]s mapped out approaches to the blind spots of Ork air defenses defences and strike into the heart of the settlement and destroyed their heavy artillery. Without artillery support, White Scars and Ravenwing bikers cut through the Ork ranks to aid the beleaguered Knights. It was at this point in the battle that the Ravenwing force broke off from the engagement and made straight for the Vhulian swirl. With half of their strike force gone in a matter of seconds, the White Scars found themselves on the verge of being overwhelmed by the growing Ork assault. Faced with no other option, Olujin Khan ordered a retreat. Unknown to all except the [[Unforgiven]], the Dark Angels had abandoned the war effort for now to serve their own purpose.{{Fn|3c}}

The new enemy to threaten Vigilus was first seen in the form of strange [[Voxvox]] emissions and ghosts. The Great Rift above Vigilus seemed to blacken. Psykers reported that the [[Emperor's Tarot]] was reporting the same card every reading, : that of the Daemonblade crossed with the Herald of Darkness and the Knight of the Abyss. Reports of abductions and bizarre monsters in the upper spires became abundant. Those sent to investigate the latter claim were never seen again. Only the [[Tzeentch]]ian Chaos [[Chaos Cultist]]s recognized these signs for what it truly was: that a [[Chaos]] invasion was imminent.{{Fn|3d}}

Far to the south, [[Thousand Sons]] [[Rubicae]] squads were discovered among the ruins of Kaelac's Bane, infiltrating the Oteck Hivesprawl's force-field during a routine shutdown to cause havoc inside the Imperial lines. Under [[Lord Commissar]] [[Barthold Dorst]] led an armored armoured assault to try and repel the Rubicae, but were unable to deal with their warpfire weaponry. Meanwhile at Mortwald, a new Gellerpox Outbreak erupted and the elites of of the Hivesprawl shut themselves inside their spires with all the food and water they could find. Abandoned and without food or drink, the workers of Mortwald slowly died over the ensuing months. The Chaos and Genestealer forces took advantage of this act, spurring the desperate workers into uprisings against Imperial authority. Amid all this, the vox traffic of Vigilus was overwhelmed by the cries and suffering of atrocities that were yet to pass but would soon be upon them.{{Fn|3d}} Haarken has claimed that he will conquer the planet in 80 days.{{Fn|4}} And the worst has yet to come,{{Fn|3d}} as soon word that [[Abaddon the Despoiler]] himself was also inbound to Vigilus at the head of a massive Chaos armada.{{Fn|6a}}

As Vigilus reeled under Chaos assault, Calgar made his plan to leave the planet, leaving the defenses defences to [[Pedro Kantor]] of the [[Crimson Fists]]. Calgar sought to journey to [[Nemendghast]] aboard his flagship ''[[Laurels of Victory]]'' in order to discover what had befallen the [[Nemendghast Raid|the strike force he had dispatched there]]. After a weeks journey into the void to the location given by [[Vanguard Librarian]] [[Maltis]], Calgar came across a Black Legion fleet led by the legendary ''[[Vengeful Spirit]]'' itself.{{Fn|6a}}

The bloated monstrosity that was Grandsire Wurm reorganized reorganised the Genestealers and led a massive counterattack. The [[Genestealer Patriarch]] was able to seal himself within the primary control center of the hoist, but was assailed from [[Onager Dunecrawler]]s that had crawled up the structure without notice. Grandsire Wurm was wounded and forced to flee, and the Dunecrawler assault was able to cleanse the upper levels of Genestealers completely.{{Fn|6a}}

Inside the Vhulian Swirl, a massive storm that plagued the lands east of Hyperia Hivesprawl, was Abaddon's first objective. From the ''Vengeful Spirit'', Abaddon and his [[Bringers of Despair]] teleported to an ancient construct at the center of the Swirl known as the Citadel Vigilant. The fortress was currently under the control of a warband of [[Fallen]] under the former [[Dark Angels]] [[Librarian]] [[Osandus]]. These Fallen had signed a pact with Abaddon since the war on [[Pandorax]]. At the spine of the Citadel was a massive ancient weapon known as the [[Voidclaw]], and Abaddon desired its power. Using the extreme gravity capabilities of the weapon, the Warmaster sought to reshape the [[Nachmund Gauntlet]] by firing it into the space between Vigilus and its moon [[Neo-Vellumvellum]].{{Fn|6b}}

When unleashed, the Voidclaw had a disastrous effect on Vigilus. Everything on Vigilus was pulled towards the orbiting gravitic singularity, creating a level of global catastrophe known as the Vhulian Anomaly. The anomaly first struck the orbiting Imperial vessels, who were confused due to the sudden deployment of Chaos vessels. Though the Chaos ships were shifted to points where they could conteract the effects of the anomaly with their engines, the Imperial fleet was not prepared for what hit them and were crushed and scattered by the gravitic forces that assailed them. Planetside, anything not bolted down was drawn towards the Vhulian Swirl, a crisis which affected the ramshackle Greenskins most of all. The spires of Megaborealis, Hyperia, Dirkden, and Storvhal all tumbled and fell under such forces. The planets precious water supply was also affected, with much of it escaping those reservoirs still held by the Imperium and being reabsorbed into the surrounding landscape. On Vigilus' moon of Neo-Vellumvellum, the acidic swamps that had once been contained spilled across its surface and caused mass destruction. With one act, Abaddon had struck a blow against the Vigilus System that would be almost impossible to counter.{{Fn|6b}}

However , the Chaos forces did not go unopposed. Though reeling, though reeling Calgar was able to wage a campaign of misdirection and entrapment. By manipulating the demeanours demeanors of their foes, the Imperial Forces sought to drive one enemy into another and obliterate them all in a tactic inspired by [[Kryptman]]'s Gambit against [[Hive Fleet Leviathan]]. Calgar ordered several Space Marine [[Chapter Master]]s fighting the battle-hungry World Eaters, [[Crimson Slaughter]], and [[Red Corsair]]s to mount a series of fighting retreats, drawing out the Heretic Astartes out of the cities and into the streets. This drew the attention of the Orks of the Speedwaaagh!, who drove into the mass of Chaos forces as the . The Space Marines were able to withdraw via Gunship and Bulk Landers. In the space of a few hours, even the World Eaters were hard-pressed on the open terrain by the crazed and fast-moving Speedwaaagh!.{{Fn|6b}}

However the arrival of the ''Cerberite'' stirred an another foe: the Orks of [[Krooldakka]] that had now long plagued Megaborealis. The Speedboss sought to investigate the 'glowy thing' now hovering above Megaborealis. Soon enough, a massive horde of [[Battlewagon]]s and [[Trukk]]s carrying the creations of [[Big Tanka]] smashed passed past the overstretched Skitarii lines around Megaborealis and stormed into Thunder Sump. The sudden arrival of frenzied Greenskins hindered the Chaos advance and soon ground it to a halt.{{Fn|6b}}

At Mortwald, the situation soon became dire. Vigilus had long depended on its archaeotech Bastion Force Fields to hold back the many threats to its Hivesprawls. However , they now had to contend with the [[Iron Warriors]], who themselves were masters of siegecraft. Iron Warriors [[Warpsmith]]s were able to use [[Scrapcode]] to disrupt the Bastion Fields operating systems, shutting down two-thirds of the networks. Into this disaster came an armored armoured blitz of Iron Warriors, sweeping aside defense defence trenches on the flanks of Mortwald and Megaborealis. At Mortwald, The Iron Warriors were able to capture massive Tectonic Fragdrills, using them to breach whatever Trench Networks could stand against their initial assaults. [[Imperial Fists]] under Captain [[Dravastis Fane]] , backed by [[Knight]]s , intervened, engaging and engaged in a vicious trench war with the Iron Warriors which resembled the legendary [[Iron Cage]]. Due to their simultaneous battles with Ork Scrap Cities in the West, the Fists did not have the manpower to hold back the Iron Warriors and were forced to withdraw to Hyperia, ceding the outer eastern, western, and northern defenses defences of Mortwald to Chaos. Meanwhile [[Deinos Agamemnus]] had dispatched many of his elite [[Ventrillian Nobles]] and [[Sonasthi Royal Guard]] Imperial Guard regiments to combat Genestealers in the south. Thus , when the [[Iron Warriors]] advanced to the Deinos Trench Line, the Imperial defenders had little in the way to halt their advance. In typical fashion, the Iron Warriors besieged Mortwald.{{Fn|6g}}

Inside Mortwald, the ruling and rich of the Hivesprawl ureacted reacted to the arrival of Chaos forces by stockpiling as much food and water as they could find. In Immortalis Spirehive, the elite had more food than they could consume in a hundred lifetimes. Soon enough, these gluttonous rulers were influenced by the touch of [[Slaanesh]] in the form of Cults of Luxury and Immortality. A wave of rioting also hit Mortwald, a situation which the [[Flawless Host]] used to its advantage. Arriving at Immortalis Spirehive, the Flawless Host sought to show Lord Deinos and his compatriots the meaning of true excess. Hordes of [[Daemonette]]s were summoned by the [[Master of Possession]] [[Zhune Tzang]] and each proud spire of Mortwald soon burned from within, its rotten heart exposed for all to see. With Mortwald in disarray, the Flawless Host finally achieved their true objective given to them by the Black Legion and shut down the Hivesprawls automated defensesdefences. This allowed 1,000 Black Legion Marines under [[Terminator]] Lord [[Thorosgar Bear-Fist]] to bypass the Deinos Trench Network entirely to and launch devastating attacks on Electros and Djodrolev Hives.{{Fn|6g}} At the same time, the starved common people of Mortwald launched their own bloody Revolution. [[Khorne]] took full advantage of this, reducing many of the insurgents into crazed Blood Cultists.{{Fn|6b}} By the time the Imperial Fists and [[Necropolis Hawks]] could respond, it was too late and the streets of Mortwald ran with blood.{{Fn|6g}}

It was now apparent that time was running out for Vigilus. Most Imperial forces had now congregated at Saint's Haven for a final last.{{Fn|6g}} The tide of Chaos was slowly crushing the Imperial defenders. Neo-Vellumvellum's surviving relay stations reported that the [[Great Rift]] itself was expanding towards Vigilus due to the slaughter. The entire [[Nachmund Gauntlet]] was now at risk of being closed by an influx of Chaos energy. It soon became clear that Abaddon's plan was to close the Gauntlet and trap the whole of [[Imperium Nihilus]] from Terra's aid. Faced with this grim prospect, the Vigilus Senate discussed abandonment and [[Exterminatus]] of the Vigilus Warzone. However Guilliman himself had ordered that Vigilus was too vital and could not be abandoned for any reason, and Calgar dismissed such plans. The Ultramarines warlord as well as [[Pedro Kantor]] pointed out that the Genestealers and Orks had taken a significant toll upon the Chaos forces. Some victories were still being reported, such as at Magentine Veils where the misguided Imperial Guard commander [[Nerrogh van Thrynn]] used Ork mercenaries. Though victorious, he was nonetheless executed by a [[Commissar]] for the heresy.{{Fn|6b}}

In orbit, the outmached outmatched Imperial fleet had been patched back together by Calgar and met the greater Chaos armada to put up a screen as to their true objective. Though 80% of the Imperial vessels were lost, the ''Vaul's Ghost'' managed to rendezvous with the vessels carrying Deathstrike Missiles. The Eldar vessel then made towards the ''Vengeful Spirit''. The stealthy vessel was able to infiltrate the Chaos shiplines and crashed directly into the ''Vengeful Spirit''. All six Deathstrike Missiles in its hold were detonated, creating a massive explosion that blasted a gaping hole in the side of the [[Gloriana Class Battleship]].{{Fn|6c}}

As their bodyguards clashed around them, Calgar and Abaddon engaged in a fateful duel. The Ultramarines Chapter Master sought to keep his distance from the Chaos Warmaster and instead sought to deliver [[Bolter]] strikes from afar. Abaddon responded in turn with Bolter fire from the [[Talon of Horus]]. As a flagstone gave way under the weight of Calgar, Abaddon lept towards Calgar and injured the Ultramarine's arm with his Talon. Calgar responded with an unarmored unarmoured fist that cracked Abaddon's jaw before attacking with his other fully enclosed [[Power Fist]] that lifted the Warmaster from his fleet. Angered, Abaddon swung [[Drach'nyen]] at Calgar, severing two of Calgar's fingers and slashing open his armor armour and destroying his secondary heart.{{Fn|6c}}

At Kaelac's Bane, the Dark Eldar battled the [[Thousand Sons]] around a hidden [[Webway Portal]] both sides utilized. The Drukhari utilized stolen terraforming technology at Quixotine Loop to summon blizzards against their enemies. The temperature around Kaelc's Bane plummeted well below zero. Though able to shrug off damage, the [[Rubicae]] of the Thousand Sons proved vulnerable to the extreme temperatures and became entombed in prisons of ice. The [[Sorcerer]]s of the Thousand Sons were forced to abandon their Rubicae retinues and flee back into the Webway Portal.{{Fn|6g}} The confusion allowed them to transport hundreds of thousands of slaves back to [[Commorragh]], including many Space Marines from the [[Necropolis Hawks]]. Meanwhile, with their task fulfilled and honor honour satisfied with the death of much of the Aquiliarn Council, the Eldar chose to withdraw.{{Fn|6c}}

In the aftermath of Abaddon's withdrawal, Imperial commanders saw the situation change little for them on the ground. Chaos Space Marines continued their attacks as Genestealers and Orks rampaged across the planet. At Megaborealis Hive Sprawl, the [[Stygies VIII]] ruling Tech-Priests ignored calls to abandon their [[Blackstone]] mining network despite attacks by the [[Brazen Beasts]], Genestealers, and Orks. However the Mechanicum soon launched a counterattack of their own, launching Sicarian-class [[Skitarii]] against the Greenskins into the mines. While initially successful, the Skitarii became bogged down in subterranean ambushes by Genestealers. Meanwhile at Hivesprawl Mortwald, the Black Legion and Daemons of [[Slaanesh]] continued to run amok, using warp power to bypass Imperial defensive lines manned by exhausted Imperial Guard. The hivesprawls chem factories had long since ceased production, and the outer defensive ring formerly manned by Space Marines were under attack from both Chaos and Ork forces. With many Space Marines having since withdrawn from the warzone, many Imperial Commanders considered Mortwald a lost cause. However Human resistance continued in the face of [[Corpse-King [[Rat]], a former Hive [[gang ]] boss who scored a number of unlikely victories against Chaos forces. Death Guard and Thouand Sons forces had ravaged Vigilus' capital Hivesprawl of Hyperia but soon enough turned on one another. The hivesprawls suffered tremendously in these battles, and warp anamolies anomalies saw huge disturbances which toppled entire hive spires seemingly at random. While the defense defence in Hyperia depserately desperately continued, nearby Oteck Hivesprawl was declared lost to Genestealer Cults. {{Fn|8a}}

Dirkden Hivesprawl had likewise been abandoned in the face of Genestealer Cult assaults, and fighting soon erupted between the Xenos cultists and [[The Scourged]] Chaos Space Marines. Storvhal was initially lost, but determined Skitarii counterattacks were seeing some gains being made against Orks and Genestealers. Only Kaelac's Bane, the southern industrial and water production region, had managed to stay relatively intact against invaders. Despite this, water production suffered greatly in the face of Dark Eldar, Genestealer, and Chaos attacks. In the wastes, Warbands of Orks continued to rampage with near-impunity, operating their fast-moving vehicles out of massive scrap cities. The greatest of these was Fort Dakka, seat of Krooldakka himself. The Warboss' latest scheme was to supplement his capital with an even greater fortress, and he coveted a usubterranean ancient stronghold that had been exposed during battles between Abaddon's forces and the Dark Angels. However the lair was inhabitated by the Iron Warriors warlord [[Venghaz]], and the Greenskins soon came into conflict with hordes of [[Daemon Engine]]s. In space, the remaining Ork and Chaos Space Marine ships continued to battle one another while still posing a threat to any surviving Imperial vessels. Chaos forces remained active on Vigilus' moon of Neo-Vellumvellum, battling Genestealers for control of its Astrophatic Astropathic Choir. Meanwhile, the satellite planetoid [[Hearthlack]] became occupied by the [[Word Bearers]].{{Fn|8a}}

For the Imperials, Calgar's wounding had unforeseen consequences. Rumors Rumours of his fate spread throughout the Imperial ranks, and many thought he was dead. Confusion reigned, and the Imperial war council that had once been dominated by Calgar broke apart. Space Marine and Imperial Guard officers splintered into factions looking for their own victories, and many Imperial troops became demoralized by false rumors rumours of Calgar's death. Some even sided with Chaos and Genestealer Cult forces out of despair and a desperate hope for survival against a situation they thought doomed. At the same time, the [[Adeptus Ministorum]] declared Calgar a saint and a growing cult grew around the wounded Chapter master. Meanwhile, the Space Marines that had withdrawn often redployed to neighboring worlds, considering Vigilus secure enough to secure the outlying Nachmund Sub-Sector against enemy forces. Soon enough Imperial counterattacks were launched on the Systems of [[Urastor]], [[Jagdeth]], [[Magna]], and the [[Twins of Fundis]].{{Fn|8b}}

Finding the Imperial forces at Storvhal in disarray, Cartavolnus quickly established his authority over them by torturing many captured officers and transmitting their agony across the wider area. He then launched a mass attack towards Mount Phaestos, taking heavy losses amongst his requsitioned armies but caring little. While the Imperials were united by faith and fear, the Chaos forces were disjointed and often refused to come to the aid of one another. This allowed Cartavolnus' forces to prevail and reach the summit of the volcanoe. It was then that their offensive started slowing, and the Inqusitor Inquisitor himself alongside his Black Iconoclasts entered the fray and enacted his ritual to seal the Crown.{{Fn|8b}}

Brigadier General [[Van Telost]] then assumed command alongside the orbiting [[Rear Admiral]] [[Fhallen]]. Together, they reorganized reorganised the defenses defences and prevented a total rout. However the two both knew Orgalnafor was lost, and sought to evacuate as many assets from the world as possible. Using the Guard for many distractionary and deceptive efforts, the Imperials secretely secretly sought to evacuate their most precious assets. However word spread of the truth, and panic began to erupt in the Imperial ranks. In orbit, several Imperial vessels were lost keeping the evacuation points secure. After evuacting evacuating all they could the Imperial fleet withdrew, leaving 200,000 soldiers behind. Their fight was not over however, as during the breakout from the system more Imperial vessels were lost to attacks by Chaos warships. In time the event would become known as the ''Orgalnafor Massacre''. Within the Warp the fleet desperately sought a safe point, accidentally ariving arriving at Vigilus due to its illuminating beacon within the Immaterium.{{Fn|8c}}

As the sacrifice on Vigilus continued, a growing cult of martyrdom encouraged by the Ecclesiarchy swept across the world. The religious ferver fervour reached a peak when it was reported [[Saint Celestine]] herself had appeared in Hyperia Hivesprawl, and it was this revered figure who was able to rally Imperial defenders and finally slow the Black Legion advance there. In the subsequent defense defence of Saint's Haven it is said tens of thousands of Imperial troops were lost, but they eventually forced the Black Legion to withdraw. Celestine departed the region soonaftersoon after, reappearing at Megaborealis at the fortwall leading to Dontoria.{{Fn|8d}} At Megaborealis, Celestine met with Hrethnar of the Order of the Bloody Rose and commanded the whole of the Orders forces on the world cease their operations and instead muster for an attack on the corrupted city of Dontoria. After a passionate speech to the assembled Imperial forces, Celestine herself led a vicious purge of Dontoria. Fighting through [[Poxwalker]]s, Celestine had orbiting vessels launch a ferocious bombardment which annihilated the vast hordes of these creatures. The Sisters then forged through into Dontoria's outer districts and with their ships in orbit began to purge the entire false continent. Celestine's efforts would shine all the way to [[Terra]] and become a symbol to Chaos that Vigilus was not theirs to take.{{Fn|8d}}

At MegaborealisAfter leaving Dontoria, Celestine met with Hrethnar of the Order of the Bloody Rose and commanded her Sisters next made for Hive Mortwald to rally the whole of the Orders forces on the world cease their operations defenders and instead muster for an attack on the corrupted city of Dontoriaaid Inquisitor [[Cartavolnus]]. After a passionate speech to Facing them was the assembled Imperial forcesBlack Legion Sorcerer [[Xagramothis]], Celestine herself led who summoned a vicious purge trio of Dontoria. Fighting through giant [[PoxwalkerDaemonhost]]s, . In the ensuing battle Celestine had orbiting vessels launch a ferocious bombardment which annihilated led her Sisters as well as Space Marines battle the vast hordes of these creatures. The Sisters then forged through into Dontoria's outer districts and with their ships in orbit began to purge the entire false continenthordes of lesser Daemons that accompany them. Celestines efforts would shine As Cartavolnus escapes via dropship he witnesses Celestine destroy all three Daemonhosts, but the way to [[Terra]] battlefield is swept away in an empyric fire and become nothing escapes. Celestine's status thereafter is a symbol to Chaos that Vigilus was not theirs to takemystery.{{Fn|8d9}}

Thanks to the explosion of faith, Imperial forces became reinvigored and Greenskin and Genestealer Cult forces soon began to leave the warzone entirely. Many of the orbiting Ork warships had left, stranding the remaining Orks there as the ambitious [[Bootstompa Ghalgutz]] began his scheme to build his grandest bastion atop an ancient stronghold that had been uncovered in the fighting. Meanwhile many more of the Genestealer fanatics remained and began to scheme to use the religious fervor erupting to their own advantage. Outside of the walls of Dontoria, a gaint giant sinkhole appeared and from it emerged the few cultists that had survived in Dontoria. While greeted by their kin as a blessing, in truth they carried many foul diseases that would infect other cult cells.{{Fn|8d}}

At the northern end of the Nachmund Gauntlet, the situation was worse for the Imperials. Dozens of worlds and outposts had fallen and the mercantatile mercantile coalition of Vigilus nobility known as the '''Thort Ascendancy''' was reported destroyed by a large Chaos fleet. Chaos forces had also claimed the Shipyards shipyards of [[Proxiten Rhule, the mining colonies beneath [[Vendigast]] , the [[Star Fort]] [[Gorheim]], and the asccretion accretion disc of [[St. MarniusMarinus' Halo]]. At [[Qu'arth]], an Imperial fleet sent to relieve [[Kennet Majoris]] which consisted of 24 cruisers and 3 dozen escorts simply vanished in a sudden surge from the Great Rift. The Rifts expansion had been slowed by Cartavolnus, but it was still very much active.{{Fn|8d}}

==Order of Battle{{Fn|3c}}==

***[[Sonasthi Royal Guard]] — 8 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vigilant Guard]] — 32 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vigilant Creedsmen]] — 19 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vyacine Adepts]] — 2 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Adamant Rifles]] — 4 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Dagmar Guard]] — 8 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Nord Lothan Vanguard]] — 1 Regiment{{Fn|3e}}***[[Expadar Vengers]] — 2 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Golohastus XIIth]] 'Decapitators'{{Fn|3e}}***[[Black Torus Scouts]] — 3 Companies{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Sondoran Gearheads]] — 4 regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Cadia|Cadian Heavy Armoured]] — 6 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Ustenoran Gundogs]] — 9 regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Kharbys Iron Cavalry]] — 4 regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vostok 44th]] 'Crushers'{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Vigilant Guard]] — 12 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vigilant Creedsmen]] — 7 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Utica Pikemen River Guard]] — 2 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Palladion Rifles]] — 6 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Tallarn Desert Raiders]] — 4 cavalier Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Miasman Redcowls]] — 7 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Hydroplant Water Hounds]] — 5 castellanries{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vastadt I Expendrines]] — 3 sabot groups{{Fn|3e}}***[[Gharti Volunteers]] — 7 regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Tekarn Iron Men]] — 2 Iron phalanxes{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vresh Grenadiers]] — 11 regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Anark Zeta]] [[Bullgryn]] Auxilia - 2 brute regiments{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Vigilant Underhivers]] — 13 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Dharan Bloodfists]] — 5 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Kanak Skull Takers]] — 1 regiment{{Fn|3e}}***[[Cthonol Nineguards]] — 7 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Miasman Redcowls]] — 3 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Anark Zeta]] [[Abhuman]] Auxilia - 2 detachments{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Vigilant Guard]] — 8 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vigilant Creedsmen]] — 3 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Mordian Iron Guard]] — 2 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Gantor Rough Riders]] — 3 [[Rough Rider]] Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Indigan Praefects]] — 5 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Ezelti Lancers]] — 7 Echelons{{Fn|3e}}***[[Ocanan Phalanx Troops|Ocanan Rad Waste Troopers]] — 9 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Cadian Shock Troopers]] — 12 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Catachan Jungle Fighters]] — 4 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vigilant Guard]] — 34 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Vigilant Creedsmen]] — 32 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Ventrillian Nobles]] — 14 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Sonasthi Royal Guard]] — 15 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}

***[[Truskan Snowhounds]] — 19 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Catachan Jungle Fighters]] — 2 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}***[[Valhallan Ice Warriors]] — 4 Regiments{{Fn|3e}}

 *[[Space Marines]]{{Fn|3f}}

===Orks{{Fn|3h}}===

===Genestealer Cults{{Fn|3i}}===

**[[Heralds of the Inevitable End]] - 2 armored armoured warbands

**[[Armoured Serpents]] - 1 armored armoured warband

**[[Spectral Curse]] - 1 armored armoured warband

===Dark Eldar{{Fn|7}}===*[[The Altered]] - 5 Haemonculi + cells{{Fn|7}}*[[Kabal of the Black Heart]] - 5 Shards{{Fn|7}}*[[Kabal of the Flayed Skull]] - 6 Shards{{Fn|7}}*[[Cult of Unending Pain]] - 7 Circles{{Fn|7}}*[[Cult of the Obsidian Rose]] - 4 Circles{{Fn|7}}

*War on [[Sangua TerraTerran War]]

*{{Endn|3}}: [[Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Defiant]]:

**{{Endn|3c3e}}: Forces of Warpg. 73**{{Endn|3f}}: pg. 79**{{Endn|3g}}: pg. 93**{{Endn|3h}}: pg. 99**{{Endn|3i}}: pg. 110-111

*6: [[Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze]]:

*{{Endn|7}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition Rulebook]] , pg.130*{{Endn|8}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Vigilus Alone]]: