Siege of Arterac Skyfort
The Siege of Arterac Skyfort was a battle that occurred in 009.M31 during the Horus Heresy, where the 43rd Grand Battalion of the Iron Warriors invaded the world of Arterac Tertius held by the Blood Angels.[1]
History
When the 43rd Grand Battalion of the Iron Warriors Legion was dispatched to secure Arterac Tertius, a quarantined resource world rich in promethium, it was stymied by the presence of an unexpected Blood Angels garrison. Occupying a massive airborne redoubt of ancient and arcane design, the Blood Angels descended upon the IVth legion forces to wreak havoc before retreating untouchable, to their aerial holdfast. In answer, the Iron Warriors deployed their dedicated squadron known as the Olympian Eagles.[1]
With their Legion's usual stoicism, the Olympian Eagles commenced a campaign to systematically dismantle the skyfort's defences. Xiphon Interceptors drove off IXth Legion combat air patrols as Fire Raptor gunships pummelled emplaced defence batteries, clearing the way for Thunderhawks outfitted with macro-bomb clusters to rain death and destruction into the heart of the skyborne fortress. As the defenders attempted to take to the skies in retreat, the Iron Warriors shifted their focus away from the fortress and cut them down with merciless efficiency. Within days, the promethium-rich world fell under Traitor control, adding a massive influx of fuel and materiel to the Warmaster's efforts.[1]
