Gothic Sci-Fi

The Vandrossian Worlds Crusade

Prior to the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum, the Vandross Subsector occupied a strategically vital position between the Scourge Stars and the Veil. Though prosperous and heavily industrialised, its location left it vulnerable to the sudden upheaval that accompanied the galaxy's division. As warp routes destabilised and astropathic communication failed, numerous systems throughout the subsector became isolated from Imperial authority. Into this confusion emerged a vast Chaos confederation known as the Jagged Hand. Led by a council of powerful Word Bearers sorcerers and warlords, the Jagged Hand united long-hidden cult networks, traitor militia forces, renegade planetary governments, and corrupted Astra Militarum formations. Within a matter of months, almost four dozen worlds across the subsector had fallen under enemy control or were under active siege. Recognising the threat posed to Imperial holdings throughout the region, the High Lords of Terra authorised a large-scale reconquest effort. Warmaster Cranell was appointed supreme commander of the campaign, with Lord General Militant Vurlette serving as his principal military deputy.