Hive Helsreach
Hive Helsreach is a vast Hive city on the Imperial world Armageddon. It has vast docks and a link to the Deadlands, far to the south, in the form of an underwater pipeline. It is always one of the earliest hives to be fought over due to its strategic position and control of the pipelines.
Contents
First War for Armageddon
During the first war, the hive didn't feel any particular damage, as it is located in Armageddon Secundus, behind the line of defending Space Wolves and Imperial Guard although the forces of Chaos were about to begin a march on Hive Infernus and Helsreach but the Grey Knights teleported directly into combat with Angron, banishing his soul for one hundred years.
Second War for Armageddon
It is said that, just before the Second War for Armageddon began, the earliest warnings of the coming Ork invasion were at the Statue of the Emperor in Hive Helsreach, when it is said that it wept bloody tears. When the attack came, two Ork tribes struck off for Hades Hive and one to Hive Helsreach. The population were heartened by the defence of Hades Hive and put up massive resistance at every turn. Orks were ambushed at every turn and they used improvised weaponry to arm every available person. They converted the supertankers that had arrived in the port to transport non-combatants away, although they were forced to take a lot when it was clear that there was insufficient space on the tankers for everyone in the Hive.
Once the last ship had sailed, each member of the new Hive Defence swore an oath to sell their lives as dearly as possibly. Suicide bombers would leap into the frey and destroy an entire patrol for the loss of one life. Those who worked in the harbour welded themselves into their cranes and attacked Gargants for as long as they could. Eventually even the Orks began to wonder whether it was worth continuing the attack, so many Orks had died already. The defenders of Hades Hive took solace and comfort from the defence of Hive Helsreach.
Finally, the Hive fell when a large group of Ork Wyrdboyz sent a huge psychic storm, which exploded the minds of many and drove the rest insane. The Orks then entered the Hive and wiped out the defenders to the man.
Third War for Armageddon
The Third War for Armageddon saw the bloodiest fighting around Hive Helsreach. Again it was its port facilities that drew the attention of the Orks, and a good fight. It was estimated that around three million humans died in its defence.
An attack was attempted by the Orks of the Crooked Moons against the south and east side of the Hive, although these were repulsed by the Salamanders Space Marines while the Titans of the Legio Metalica and Legio Invigilata bombarded the Ork landing positions to the north from within the Hive.
Also, along the Hel's Highway, Ork forces often broke through the defences and assaulted the north of the Hive. Dispite these constant attacks and setbacks, the population of Hive Helsreach have fought like their forefathers, with a vigor and zeal that made the Orks pay dearly for every inch of ground they took.
