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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→The Siege
With the blockade in place, around twelve hours after the death of the ''Skraemar'' two specially held-back Thousand Sons naval vessels moved into synchronised orbit over the Fang. These '''Planet Scourers''' were essentially gigantic plasma cannons built into and around a starship, designed with the express purpose of being able to keep up an intense and continuous bombardment of a surface target. They opened fire on the Fang itself...but were unable to penetrate the [[void shield|void shielding]] that surrounded the Space Wolves' fortress. The Thousand Sons had anticipated this however, and had deployed the ships in an effort to neutralise the Fang's surface-to-orbit defences, as well as hinder aircraft movement.<sup>1e</sup>
This tactic meant that the Thousand Sons ground forces could land relatively - but not completely - unnopposedunopposed. The defenders of the Fang had reacted fast, and were able to scramble several packs of Space Wolves before the bombardment commenced. These roving groups attempted to interdict and prevent the traitors from landing. Despite some successes, the weight of numbers bore against the Space Wolves and the tactic was quickly given up before unneccessary unnecessary casualties were taken. After an advance lasting four days, the Fang was besieged.<sup>1f</sup>
The attack on the Fang proper began on the eighth day; artillery and counter-artillery fire, followed up with demonstrations of psychic powers from both sides. The siege lasted for a short while before the Thousand Sons had knocked out enough of the Fang's guns to bring up their '''Gate-Breakers'''; specially constructed [[Daemon Engine|daemon-engines]] that poured concentrated eldritch firepower upon one of the main entrances to the Fang itself...and broke through. The Spireguard surged forward, but were met at the very threshold by a sally led by Jarl Greyloc, whose Astartes units proved superior to the mortals assaulting them. Eventually however, the Space Wolf forces had to retreat inside their walls (blowing the entrance behind them), pressed as they were by constant artillery barrages and the implaccable implacable advance of [[Rubric Marines]]. When they re-entered the Fang, they discovered that, in accordance with Greyloc's earlier request, a dozen [[Dreadnought|Revered Fallen]] of the Chapter had awoken...among them, Bjorn the Fell-Handed.<sup>1g</sup>
===The Stand===
