Defence of Hermetica
The Defence of Hermetica took place between 659 and 760.M41, between the Imperium and a warhost of Word Bearers led by the Dark Apostle Leyak the Devourer.[1]
Overview
The Hive World of Hermetica, capital of the Chonma Sector in Segmentum Solar, came under attack from a massive Mutant horde numbering in the millions, led by the Dark Apostle Leyak the Devourer in 659.M41. The Chaos forces arrived from the Warp aboard a colossal Space Hulk designated Nightmare Paradox. Although Hermetica was well-protected, the sheer scale and suddenness of the Chaos attack saw the system's outer defenses overwhelmed. The transcontinental Hives of Hermetica were soon battlegrounds, besieged by the Chaos forces.[1]
The Minotaurs were the first outside force to respond to Hermetica's pleas for aid, using their fleet's firepower for cover and cutting off the invaders from orbit. They quickly landed at the main Chaos foothold on the planet, centered on the Basilica of Saint Lehsor the Anchorite. The Minotaurs' assault was devastating and indiscriminate, and after heavy bombardment of their landing zones they used their armoured forces to smash through the Basilica's central plaza heedless of the cost. The Minotaurs' advance was relentless, blasting apart any strong point they encountered and driving back not only the enemy, but also thousands of trapped civilians attempting to flee the carnage but having nowhere to run to.[1]
The main cathedral complex itself was soon encircled and bombarded by Thunderhawk gunships, with the Minotaurs showing no concern for damaging the ancient and revered structure. Into this storm of debris and ash, Terminator squads of the Chapter led by Chapter Master Asterion Moloc attacked to wipe out any survivors. Fighting their way into the depths of the basilica vaults, it was Asterion Moloc who slaughtered the Possessed Chaos Space Marines that formed Leyak's personal retinue. Moloc then struck a mortal blow to their mutated master, but before the Dark Apostle could be struck down he escaped into the Warp by sorcery.[1]
The degenerate mutant tide fought on, but was now leaderless and quickly beaten back. By the time the Imperial Guard 17th Battle Group from Necromunda arrived to purge the planet of Chaos taint, the mutant hordes were mostly defeated. The Imperial Navy escort ships used Nova Cannons to blast apart much of the Nightmare Paradox, whose remains still occupy a quarantined orbit around the planet, awaiting examination by boarding teams of Grey Knights.[1]
