Things have gotten even more violent and chaotic on Armageddon since Commissar Yarrick came back. Today, we’re finding out how the Space Marines factor into the wider war against the might of Waaagh! Ghazghkull.
This new phase of war started when Commissar Yarrick made a successful breakout from Hive Volcanus to Hive Death Mire, battling through incessant attacks from Wazdakka Gutsmek’s Speedwaaagh! to reach the last remaining astropathic choir the Astra Militarum could access. In reaching the choir, he ensured a powerful distress call cut through interference surrounding the planet and reached Imperial forces beyond – forces who would waste no time rushing to Armageddon’s aid.
Chief among those who heard the call for aid was Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines, returning with his fleet from fighting Tyranids in the Bastior Subsector. He quickly brought elements of Indomitus Crusade Fleet Sextus into his circle, before reasoning that for all their might, the Space Marines would only break Ghazghkull’s siege if they banded together, pooled their resources, and struck in a massive coordinated attack.
Within a few Terran weeks, multiple Space Marine Chapters had gathered elements of their forces at Voss Prime in the neighbouring subsector, with more streaming in as word of the operation spread through Adeptus Astartes channels. A portion of Battlegroup Xerxarian resolved to escort the growing armada and brought even more Space Marines from Indomitus Crusade Fleet Sextus, including the Salamanders, who were more than willing to defend the world on which they had spilt blood twice before.
The Black Templars and Space Wolves, who were no strangers to campaigning on Armageddon, pledged themselves to Calgar’s plan – though retained their independence as they continued to fight with their own methods. Brother-Captain Sendini* of the Blood Angels honoured his Chapter’s oaths to the planet and brought what Space Marines he could, and many more Chapters contributed anything from a single strike force to multiple full companies. The plan to break the siege and save Armageddon was formed, and given the codename Operation Imperator.
Each Chapter on the embattled world is given the honour of carrying a special standard – the Armageddon campaign banner. The Ancients who carry these banners are highly trusted members of the Chapter, and see it as a holy duty to bear such a distinction, and the Space Marines they accompany are inspired to fight even harder in the presence of such a standard.
The Space Marines of Operation Imperator bear the Armageddon campaign badge. This skull and dagger icon is emblazoned upon armour, weapons, and vehicles alike, and you can also see it on the banner above. It’s especially visible on the vambrace of the Vanguard Veterans.
Many of the war zones on Armageddon also have their own campaign badges, including the Infernus, Deadlands, Acheron, and Volcanus theatres.**
Now, even more Orks stream into the system as word of the escalating war grows.*** The Imperium cannot afford to lose Armageddon, both for its industrial output and its symbolic value as an icon of righteous defiance. Yet every day more crude ships appear in the sky, drawn by tales of the Waaagh! without end, and every Ork assault is a little bit stronger than the last.
The story continues in the expansive Operation Imperator book included only with the Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon launch box, which features extensively detailed sections for each of the major war zones and the forces fighting there. There has never been a launch box book quite like it, so make sure to get yours!
* That’s the chap you can see on the front of the Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon boxed set.
** These campaign badges are included on the transfer sheet in the box, making it easy to show where your troops have been fighting.
*** You can’t keep them away from a good fight!
