War in the Rift
The War in the Rift, known to the Imperium as the Scourge Stars War Zone[3], is an ongoing conflict between the Chaos Gods as well as the Imperium[1].
Overview
In the Plague Wars the Great Unclean One Slurg Glottathrax corrupted prosperous worlds of Ultramar into a vision of Nurgle's own garden. He struck at systems in Northern Ultramar first, subjecting them to all kinds of horrific diseases. Three systems fell and became known as Noxias, Rottgrave, and Verminox and are now known as the Scourge Stars.[3]
Eventually the Chaos God Tzeentch grew jealous of its Brother Nurgle's newly acquired domain of the Scourge Stars. While Tzeentch began plans to claim its own domain, the Chaos God set into motion events that would undermine Nurgle's control of its growing empire[1a]. Chief among them was whispering of the Scourge Stars' existence to Khorne, who soon stopped its Blood Crusade and led its forces in an invasion of Nurgle's new domain[1b]. Tzeentch soon invaded as well and Nurgle was forced to pull its forces from the ongoing Plague Wars against the Realm of Ultramar, to aid in the Scourge Stars' defense. Slaanesh later joined the battle, but the Prince of Pleasure changed sides frequently, and its forces would either aid Nurgle or Tzeentch and Khorne at any given time. Eventually, Tzeentch proposed the possession of the Scourge Stars, should be settled by a contest of Champions and the three other Chaos Gods agreed; bringing the fighting between their forces to an end, as the Chaos Gods are now preparing their selected Champions for battle.[1c] During the conflict, Mortarion decapitated the seven champions of Lybria and used their skulls to banish Ka'Bandha back to the Warp.[2]
However the war for the Scourge is not simply amongst the forces of Chaos. Embattled Imperial survivors continue to attempt to desperately stem the tide, chiefly the Sisters of Battle, Space Marines, Knights, and Imperial Guard. Chief among these bastions of resistance is the world of Vermidil.[3] The Tyranids have begun to intrude upon the region as well, further stretching the Imperial armies.[4]
Order of Battle
The following forces are known to be engaged on the world of Vermidil.[1]
- At the Valorous Heart Sanctuary:
- Order of the Valorous Heart - 1 Preceptory
- Takarn Iron Fists - 7 Infantry Companies
- Al-Arach Suvars - 4 Armored Companies
- Sentae Honorifica - Unknown
- Misc. survivors
- At the Basilica of Saint Jeronius
- Order of the Bloody Rose - 3 Commanderies
- Jeronian Guard - 1 Infantry Regiment
- Justus Bombardiers - 8 Artillery Companies
- Frateris Militia - Unknown
- Freeblade Knight Servant of Jeronius
- Misc. Survivors
- At Fort Crachtus
- Ventrillian Nobles - 9 Infantry Companies
- Phyressian Lancers - 10 Armored Companies
- Misc. Survivors
- Legions of Nurgle
- Death Guard - 12 Vectoriums
- Drudgewalkers - 7 Plague Legions
- Zzzzartap's Circus - 7 Drone Wings
- Sloughskins - 7 Plague Legions
- Carrion Legion - 7 Plague Legions
- Talliers of the Dead - 7 Plague Legions
- Poxbringers - 7 Plague Legions
- Poxguard - 7 Regiments
- Slimehorn Legions - 7 Pestigor Legions
- Seven Blights - 7 Blight Towers
- Chem Squads - 2 Regiments
- Befoulers - 7 Claw Corps
- Rot Reapers - 6 Companies
- Legio Pestia - 1 Legion
- Plague Zombies - Unknown number
- Legions of Tzeentch
- Capering Cohorts - 9 Legions
- Skyscreamers - 9 Legions
- Mutagenics - 9 Legions
- Flamechangers - 9 Legions
- Legions of Khorne
- Disembowelers - 8 Legions
- Dismemberers - 8 Legions
- Redblades - 8 Legions
- Skullclaimers - 8 Legions
See Also
Related Articles
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook
- 2: Codex: Death Guard (8th Edition) pg. 137-138
- 3: Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition Rulebook pg.19