Battle of Optera
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In 908.M41, during the Badab War, the Lamenters Chapter already suffered significant losses defending convoys in the southern Badab Sector protecting the Secessionist supply lines. Thanks to intelligence provided by Legate-Inquisitor Jarndyce Frain, the Loyalists realized that the Lamenters were used as expendable shields by the Tyrant of Badab to guard his southern flank and contest the domination of the Pale Stars.[1]
An opportunity came to the loyalists when the Lamenters' ship Mater Lachrymarum was located in orbit around Optera IV for resupply. A rapid assault force was dispatched by the Minotaurs Chapter and after a seventeen-hour ship-to-ship and surface battle, despite suffering heavy casualties, the Minotaurs overwhelmed their enemies with their superior numbers and brutality.[1]
The surviving Lamenters were forced to surrender to avoid annihilation and 311 battle brothers were imprisoned in a prison orbiting Sagan II. With their fleet decimated and their numbers drastically reduced, the Lamenters were left in a dire state. Deployed elsewhere, their remaining forces were estimated to be less than a hundred after the battle.[1]
