Boralis Schism
The Boralis Schism began in the Boralis System shortly before the Thirteenth Black Crusade.[1]
Overview
The Boralis system is a series of Shrine and Cardinal Worlds, that are dedicated solely to the Adeptus Ministorum and is considered by many to be a jewel within the Imperium's domain. It is home to trillions and due to the fervent belief in the Emperor, the Boralis System is also a heartland for zealous belief and influential demagogues. This especially applies to the Church of the Lost Martyrs, an acclaimed firebrand sect of the Imperial Creed that has risen to power in recent centuries. Worship at this church is one of toil and hardship, for they believe that Mankind is composed of sinners who are not worthy of the Emperor's love and they must all atone for their transgressions. Led by Cardinal Ramaldus, the Lost Martyrs also preach that the end times are now approaching and Mankind must fight for its survival, and in doing so, they will redeem themselves in the Emperor's eyes. However shortly before the Thirteenth Black Crusade began, it was discovered that the Lost Martyrs' followers also secretly believed that the Despoiler's next Crusade would succeed and baptize the Imperium in fire. Additionally Cardinal Ramaldus and the Lost Martyrs' other leaders had begun to preach that when the Despoiler ended his Crusade, it would result in enlightenment and redemption for those of the Imperium that had aided him in his cause.[1]
When the Lost Martyrs' heretical rhetoric, was discovered by the other Churches within the Boralis System, they began to oppose it and violence soon ensued. In response to this, the Church of the Lost Martyrs' leaders revealed themselves to be Chaos worshipers and used their now corrupted followers to seize the world Boralis II, for themselves. Splinter factions of the Lost Martyrs rose up on other worlds within the System and worse yet the forces of Chaos appeared as well; having used the Lost Martyrs to infiltrate the System and weaken it from within. Now finding themselves besieged by heretics, the remaining Cardinals of the Boralis System called for aid in order to save the System, before it fell to the forces of Chaos. The Imperium heard their plea and a coalition of its forces, led by the Black Templars High Marshal Helbrecht, arrived in the besieged System to destroy the Lost Martyrs and restore order. They quickly linked up with the Sisters of the Order of the Ebon Chalice, that were stationed in the System, but Helbrecht would later have difficulty keeping his coalition together as they fought the heretics. Within the Astra Militarum though, their are rumours that an Imperial Saint will arise within their ranks and lead the Imperial forces to victory.[1]
However, the Imperium is not aware that the Boralis System emanates a strange force upon reality and the Warp, making it a clear nexus for power and faith. The forces of Chaos are aware of this though, and under the leadership of a being known only as The Sinner, they seek to manipulate Boralis' power to imbue their warriors and generals. With such power and sheer numbers under their command, the forces of Chaos aim to cause as much confusion, destruction and carnage within the Boralis System that its fabric of reality will severely weaken. If they achieve this, then when the Thirteenth Black Crusade properly begins the Despoiler's forces will be able to use the Warp, to directly enter the Boralis System and overwhelm any Loyalists still fighting within it. Once the System is in the Despoiler's hands, Boralis will be a major waypoint for the Black Crusade; allowing ships to resupply, slaves to be reaped and unholy worship to begin.[1]
