War for the Sithoza System
The War for the Sithoza System began in M42, when several Space Marine Chapters' fleets were ambushed by Chaos forces while in the Sithoza System.[1]
The Chapters consisted of the Imperial Fists, Raven Guard, Black Templars, Fire Lords, and Mantis Warriors, who were in the Imperium Nihilus when they went to take part in Vigilus' War of Beasts. However they needed to resupply and so traveled to the Hive World Torikev, which lied within the nearby Sithoza System. When they arrived in its orbit, though, Torikev's defensive lasers unexpectedly opened fired upon the Chapters' fleets resulting in several ships being destroyed. As the fleets began to take evasive maneuvers, their Vox networks were suddenly filled with a barrage of traitorous babble from all three of Sithoza's worlds. They heard shouts proclaiming the doom of the Imperium and the worship of the Chaos Gods, but also a handful of cries from embattled Imperial forces. The Chapters knew that for such an important System close to Vigilus, to turn against the Imperium now was no coincidence. It was believed, that Abaddon the Despoiler's agents were acting to ensure it all but impossible for Imperium Nihilus relief forces to reach Vigilus. In order to rectify this, and ensure aid reached the important embattled world, the Sithoza System had to be wrested back from the Heretics' control. The Chapters then split apart and invaded the Chaos held worlds, seeking also to assist the remaining loyalist forces.[1]
The Mantis Warriors aided the Iat Mountainmen, as they faced off against hordes of Daemons summoned by Iat's tribes. The Black Templars invaded Hediarth and assisted the Battle Sisters there, as they fought against the rebellious population. While on the Hive World Torikev, where the world's entire planetary leadership had fallen to Heresy, the Raven Guard began a shadow war, assassinating Cult leaders and key heretic overseers. By making essential factorums vulnerable in this way, the heavy siege forces of the Imperial Fists and Fire Lords could capture them with ease and finally turn the tide.[1]
Sources
- 1: Codex: Space Marines (9th Edition), pgs. 42-43
