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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→Resistance grows and Vandire's fate
With the success of Thor's movement, other branches of the Imperium began to wake up to Vandire's corruption. The [[Adeptus Astartes]] and the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]], both of which had avoided interfering with Vandire's reign, began voicing support for Thor's movement, and demanded that the High Lords indict Vandire as a traitor. In response, Vandire dissolved the council of High Lords, and ordered his Ecclesiarchy forces to attack these new threats. However, this was a suicidal prospect, as the [[Space Marines]] and Adeptus Mechanicus were simply too powerful; many officers refused to obey, only to be executed by Vandire. When the Ecclesiarchal forces finally attacked, it became clear to all that Vandire had betrayed the Imperium and would need to be removed by force.
The [[Fabricator General]] of the Adeptus Mechanicus ordered several regiments of [[Skitarii|Tech Guard]] to attack Vandire's [[Ecclesiarchy Ecclesiarchal Palace]] on Terra; this force was joined by Space Marines from several chapters, including the [[Imperial Fists]], [[Black Templars]], [[Soul Drinkers]], and [[Fire Hawks]]. The assault on the impenetrable fortress that is the palace was difficult- not only due to the fortifications themselves, but also because the Brides of the Emperor had been expanded to a force of over 10,000 elite warriors. The campaign to remove Vandire from power bogged down into a lengthy siege.
Deep within the Imperial palace, eternally guarding the Emperor's body, stands the [[Adeptus Custodes]], aka Custodians. To keep themselves completely pure of heart and mind, they voluntarily cut themselves off from the outside world, and, during the bloody reign of Vandire, they remained so. However, they learned of the assault upon Vandire's palace, and became aware of the events that had led to the invasion. Utilizing secret passages known only to their order, a small contingent of Custodians was able to reach Vandire's inner sanctum, but was prevented by the Brides from seeing him. The Custodians requested a parley, and were granted the request, but, despite lengthy negotiations, were unable to convince the Brides to renounce their oaths.
