Battle of Martyr's Rest
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The Battle of Martyr's Rest was a battle in M42 taking place concurrently with the Charadon Campaign.[1]
Overview
The sickness on the Cardinal World of Alexistor began as strength-draining maladies spread throughout the crowds of pilgrims. Such troubles however were ignored by the world's Priests and Cardinals, despite many nearby systems having been invaded by the Death Guard. However, the Sisters of Battle of the Order of Our Martyred Lady recognised the threat and reinforced their defences on the world, particularly around the cathedral complex dedicated to the world's patron Saint, Jheraldine. The Battle Sisters first saw action against the crazed plague-worshiping cults that sprang up in the epidemic's wake. During the battle, the battle sanctum of Jheraldine seemed free of any plagues, which was hailed as a miracle by the Order's Canoness Joghilde.[1]
However, this seeming immunity began to degrade over time, and the Sisters began to notice that the plague was creeping ever further with each day. Palatine Erika Luminas emerged from solitary prayer with news of a vision by Saint Jheraldine herself, stating that the saint's very spirit was in peril. She stated that the Saint's bones on Martyr's Rest were under threat, and only when she could be peacefully laid to rest once more would her power be restored. With Joghilde's permission, Luminas set forth as the Dark Eldar Succubus Lelith Hesperax learned of the pilgrimage through her spies. The Xenos Queen of Knives sought out to undertake a great spectacle to test herself and her warriors. Hesperax arrived on Martyr's Rest well before the Sisters of Battle and had encircled its capital of Purity's City. The Xenos had hidden devices around the city over a course of days which when activated unleashed an inverted waterfall of vapour that folded dimensions. Within this breach crawled Ur-Ghuls, Mandrakes, and however horrific xenos beasts which were let loose upon the city. After having Scourges set an array of traps which included mono-filament nets, time-splinters, and graviton pits, Lelith agreed that the stage had been set and an entire city had been converted into her own personal arena. To oversee the "event", a group of Commorragh nobles had been invited by Hesperax herself.[1]
The Sisters were able to arrive at Martyr's Rest with unusual speed thanks to their prayers, which allowed the ships unusually easy travels in the Warp. Upon arriving on their world they discovered a state of crisis and ordered advance towards the pitch-black murk around Purity City. Attacked by Mandrake's and shadow creatures as they advanced, the Sisters were undeterred and continued marching, the prayers to the Emperor upon their lips. Upon arriving at Purity City they discovered a Hellish spectacle, though heard the resistance of some remaining Imperials. Luminas ordered the Sisters make for the Chantry of Dolmar Vettica, but it was then that the Xenos revealed themselves, chasing a group of Guardsmen. A group of Wyches bore down upon the Battle Sisters and the war began in earnest. After fighting off the Wyches and Scourges, Luminas ordered they continue the advance to the Chantry. Meanwhile Lelith heard of the Sisters arrival, and prepared to meet them in a spectacle that would truly test her abilities.[1]
Sources
- 1: Piety and Pain Rulebook, pgs. 3-9
