Fires of Phaistos

The Fires of Phaistos is a term given to a battle between the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter and an Ork force on the Cardinal World of Phaistos Osiris in 533.M39.^[1]

Overview

In 533.M39, the important Cardinal World of Phaistos comes under assault from the Snakebite Ork Warlord Rukrippa, threatening not only it but the entire Osiris Sector from three gigantic Space Hulks. The entire Salamanders Chapter mobilizes to defend Phaistos. The Chapter also leads disciplined troops from the nearby Schola Progenium facility as well as PDF and volunteer Frateris Militia. Undeterred, Ork forces descend from Landas and Krash-Kapsuls onto Phaistos in the millions and reinforced by Squiggoth herds.^[1]

The Salamanders organize and lead the resistance from a complex and subtle defensive line of strongpoints, minefields, and boobytraps to deny the planets resources to the invaders. They also employ a scorched earth policy withdrawing from the outer zones of the planet and burning all in their path as those unable to fight are evacuated to the great basilica's of Osiris. The Orks break against the walls of the worlds temple-cities like a furious tide, but the Salamanders seemed to be everywhere at once and are efficient in beating off the first waves through ambushing and entrapment. The first waves of the Ork attack are defeated without a single temple city fallen.^[1]

At this point, the might of the Salamanders chapter fleet supported by Battlefleet Ultima appear in orbit above Phaistos Osiris, previously concealed by a solar eclipse. The ships and Salamander Terminators engage Ruckrippa's Space Hulks, destroying them in orbit through sheer firepower and boarding operations. As the superstitious Snakebite Orks witness the eclipse and meteor shower caused by the destroyed Hulks, they suspect that their Warboss has gained ill favor with Gork and Mork. Ruckrippa realizes he needs to show he has the favor of the gods, and assigns his chief Nobz and Weirdboy to take Sanctis, the largest city on the planet. Led by Squiggoths which shatter the city walls, Orks spread throughout the city and kill all before them. However, the Orks spring into another Salamanders trap when they reach the Great Basilica of Sanctis in the city center.^[1]

Thousands of gallons of Promethium is poured from the city's main church gutters and gargoyles, pumped from prepared reservoirs and set aflame. The entire city goes up in flames, catching the Orks in the inferno. It is now that the Salamanders launch their final counter-attack, surging up from the catacombs beneath the city with support from suicidal Redemptionists and overhead Thunderhawks. Rukrippa himself dies at the chapel of the Great Basilica, his Waaagh! dying with him. In the weeks that follow, the surviving and chaotic Ork warbands are isolated and destroyed.^[1]

The 'Fires of Phaistos Osiris' have since entered into legend throughout the Imperium.^[1]

Source

• 1: Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two, pgs. 76-78