HOUROFTHEWOLF

THECONCLUSIONOFTHESANCTUSREACHCAMPAIGN

INTRODUCTIONAlaricPrimeisgrippedinthegreenfistoftheOrk,itsdefendersreelingfromtheimpactoftheRedWaaagh!.TheSpaceWolveshavearrivedtoprytheworldfromtheinvaders,yettheyfaceawarthatwillbecomemoredesperatebytheday.SanctusReach:HouroftheWolfisthethirdbookinthethree-partSanctusReachcampaign.FollowingonfromtheeventsdescribedinSanctusReach:TheRedWaaagh!andSanctusReach:Stormclaw,thisbookfollowsthefinal,fatalbattleforAlaricPrime.Compelledbyhonourandguidedbyprophecy,theSpaceWolvesarrivetoreinforcethedefendersofAlaricPrime.Fightingshouldertoshoulder,theSpaceWolves,CadiansandKnightsbegintodrivetheOrksback,onestepatatime.AscracksbegintoshowintheImperialalliance,thedefendersofAlaricPrimeareforcedtofightharderthanevertosurvive.Yetasthetwoforcesbattletothedeath,nonecanpredicttheterrifyingconsequencesoftheirbloodywar.

HOWTHISSUPPLEMENTWORKSSanctusReach:HouroftheWolfcontainsthefollowingsections: TheWrathofFenris:ThewarforAlaricPrimereachesnewheightsofsavageryastheSpaceWolvesloosetheirfury.Astheconflictswingsbackandforth,trapsarelaidandsprung,andmightyheroesriseinvictoryorfallinbloodyruin.AstheOrksaredriveneverback,theirleadersareforcedtoresorttotrulydesperatemeasures,theconsequencesofwhichwillbegraveindeed.

NewMissions:ThemedmissionsforyourgamesofWarhammer40,000,writtentorepresentpivotalbattlesintheHouroftheWolfstoryline.

Datasheets:DatasheetsthatfeaturetheFormationsthatfoughtinthecampaign,allowingyoutofieldtheseheroesandvillainsinyourowngames.

PlanetstrikeII:FiveexcitingnewmissionsthatexpanduponthePlanetstrikerulesfeaturedinSanctusReach:TheRedWaaagh!Deathrainsfromtheskiesandinvadersdescendinhordeswhiledefendersmanthebattlements.Choosewhethertolaywastetofortressesorfendoffyouropponentselitewarriorsandholdyourground.

WARHAMMER40,000SUPPLEMENTSThisbookfollowsanarrative,chroniclingaspecificwarthatunfoldsacrossaswatheoftheImperium.Itfeaturesaplethoraofevocativestoriesandstunningimagery,providingalandscapewithinwhichyoucanuseyourownprizedcollectionofCitadelminiatures.Thebookincludesnotonlyasetofrulesforplanetaryinvasions,butalsonewmissions,stratagems,datasheetsandothercontentforyoutospiceupyour

gamesofWarhammer40,000andreenacttheeventsofHouroftheWolf.

AWORLDBESET

DeathhascometotheKnightworldofAlaricPrime.ThetitanicOrkWaaagh!ofMogroktheManglerhassweptacrosstheplanet,overwhelmingthedefendersandburningandlootingallinitspath.However,thiswarisonlyjustbeginning.Waaagh!GrukkhittheSanctusReachsystemlikeatidalwave.MillionsofOrksfelluponObstiria,thehomeworldoftheObsidianGlaivesChapter,annihilatingtheSpaceMarineswholesale.ThehiveworldofGhulJensenfellnext,theOrksmomentumseeminglyunstoppable.Finally,theirtrailofdestructionbroughtthegreenskinstoAlaricPrime,anancientandhideboundKnightworldofturbulentoceans,verdantislands,andgrim,sprawlingpenitentiaries.WarnedoftheimpendingthreatbytheirhouseholdAstropaths,theknightlyhousesofDegallioandKestrenelectedtotakeaction.TheybreachedAlaricPrimesSacredMountain,succeedinginusingtheancientsecretshiddenwithintosendtheImperiumacryforhelp.Thoughtheaftershocksofthisdeedalmostbroughtthestiff-neckedhousestocivilwar,thesituationwasdefusedbythearrivalofCadianreinforcements.CastellanSteinledamassivearmygroupofCadianregimentsdowntoAlaricPrimessurface,theirnumbersaugmentedby

anaccompanyingstrikeforceofScholaProgeniumTempestusScions.SteinsforcesdispersedacrossthesurfaceofAlaricPrime,swiftlydigginginandpreparingtheirdefencesagainstthecomingoftheOrks.ThemainCadianstrengthwasconcentratedupontheplanetsprimarylandmass,SacredIsle.Meanwhile,smallerforcesweredispatchedtogarrisontheislesofKamata,Brahmica,andVelemestrinwhichadjoinedSacredIslebywayofnaturalorman-madebridgesmanymilesinlengthandthedozensofsmallerrigs,miningfacilities,refineryislesanddock-complexesthatdottedtheplanetssulphurousseas.NonecouldpredictpreciselywheretheOrksfirstblowmightfall.Theentireplanethadtobeready.TheirregimentsbolsteredbytheloomingpresenceofAlaricPrimesmightyKnights,theCadiandefendersdugtheirtrenchesdeepandaimedtheirweaponsattheskies.Soonenough,falsestarslittheheavensastheOrkrust-shipsbegantheirthunderousapproach.

RAINOFRUSTThegreenskinsfellfromtheskiesintheirmillions.Theircraftsoonprovedtobesheathedinnigh-impenetrablebubblesofforce.TherustshipsplungeddownthroughAlaricPrimesatmospherebeforeslammingintoSacredIsleenmassetodisgorgetidesofscreaminggreenskins.Itwasanunsubtleheadbuttofaplanetaryinvasion,andonethatsettheplanetsdefendersreeling.Believingthemselvesmorethanamatchfortheircrudefoes,theKnightsofHouseKestrenchargedheadlongintotheOrkhorde.Thoughtheirdisplayofbravadowasstirring,theyhadreckonedwithoutthesheerferocityofWarlordGrukkFace-rippa.Surroundedandoutmatched,thechargeofHouseKestrenwentfromdebacletomassacre,asoneKnightafteranotherwasbroughtlow.WithouttheKnightssupporttheCadianfrontlineswereswiftlyoverwhelmed,andonlytheinterventionofthefamed1652ndCadiantankregiment,theSteelHost,preventedanoutrightdisaster.TheCadiansfellbackingoodorder,yetcouldnotignorethefactthatanentireknightlyhouseholdhadbeenlostbeforethewarhadeventrulybegun.TheOrksmomentumhadtobeslowed.Tothisend,CastellanSteininitiatedastrategytodrawtheOrksinandcutthemapart.WhiletheImperiumsforcesonoutflungislandsfoughtholdingactions,SteinmetthemainthrustoftheOrkhordeastheyattemptedtocrossthetwobridgesoverBoilingRiver.DeployinghisregimentsinaformationknownthroughoutthearmygroupasSteinsAnvil,theCadiancommanderplannedtofunneltheOrksontothebridgesandslaughterthemenmasse.Thebattlethatfollowedwasaveritablemeat-grinder.Orksdiedintheirthousandsasprecisionshellingandsmallarmsfireraineddownuponthem.Bullgrynsmarchedontothebridges,lockingshieldsandshuttingthedoorhardinthefaceoftheOrkcharge.YetwhenWarlordGrukkthunderedintothepress,theImperialdefendersbegantoloseground.Worsewastofollowasagreathordeofgreenskinscrossedtheriverbymeansofwarpcraft,fallingupontheImperialartillerypositionsandturningthegunsupontheCadiansbelow.OnlytheinterventionofHouseDegalliorescuedthesituation,theirislandfortressdisgorgingastrikeforceofKnightswhocrashedintotheOrkflank.TheKnightsinflictedhideouscasualtiesuponthegreenskinhorde,evenhurlingGrukkandhisretinueintothebubblingwatersofBoilingRiver.OncetheCadianshadwithdrawn,theKnightsfellback.

MatterslookedgrimfortheAlaricanforces,buttreacherywasbrewingwithintheOrkranks.WhentheImperiumsforcesralliedontheslopesofSacredMountaintheOrkhordessufferedanalmightyblow.Atthebattlesheight,thehalf-boiledWarbossGrukkchargedforthonceagainonlytofindthatsomeonehaddisabledtheforcefieldonhispersonalBattlewagon.FacingthewrathofSteinsdedicatedbodyguardsandtheancientKnightknownasGerantius,Grukkwascaughtinabrutalfirestormofgrenaderoundsandplasmablasts,beforehavinghisprizedrideunceremoniouslykickedoverontopofhimtofinishthejob.

THEWAROFKUNNINInthewakeofGrukksfall,theOrkhordedissolvedintomayhem.TheOrkswereleaderless,fightingamongstthemselvesforpower.Steincapitalisedonthis,isolatingoneOrkhordeafteranotherandexterminatingthemwithoutmercy.YetthemenoftheImperiumcouldnotknowthat,evenastheythoughtthemselvesresurgent,theywereplayingintothehandsofMogroktheMangler.LonghadthisdeviousBigMekcovetedGrukksrustythrone,andnowhemovedtoseizeit.ThisphaseofthebattleforAlaricPrimewouldcometobeknownastheWarofKunnin,anditsawoneOrkruseafteranotherbroughttobear.LootwascentraltoMogroksplans.HisLootasandBurnaBoyzcrawledlikefliesacrosseachbattlefieldtoreclaimandrecycletheironcarcassesleftinthewakeofwar.SeeingMogrokasthebosswhostartedallthebestfights(andwonthem),thetribesunitedbehindhim.TheforcesoftheImperiumweredeniedreinforcementbycleverlylaidambushesandboobytraps,whileBloodAxeKommandosstruckatmunitionsdumps.Worstofall,Mogrokwasnearingcompletionofamightysuper-weapon:theKlawofMork.ThisdeviceseizedameteorfromitsorbitaroundtheplanetandbegantodrawitdownonacollisioncoursewithSacredIsle.AdesperateraidbyTempestorPrimeWhitlocksTempestusScionssawtheKlawofMorksabotaged,sendingthemeteoroffcourse.TheImperialforcesfellbacktoSacredMountainitself.Asifrespondingtotheplightofitsdefenders,themountainssystemswoketorevealamightyfortresshiddenbeneathitsflanks.Meanwhile,below,thebedrockyawnedinagreatchasm,thisnewmoatswiftlyfillingwithboilingwaterfromsubterraneanrivers.InthenewlyrevealedFortressAlaric,theImperialforcescouldfindshelterfromthestormabouttodescend.AsthefinalOrkoffensivebegan,theCadiansandsurvivingKnightsfoughtbackhard.However,Mogrokhadonemoredeadlyployprepared,andtheCadianscouldonlywatchinhorrorasare-launchedrustshipcollidedwiththeplungingmeteor.Smashedbackontoitsoriginalcourse,themeteorstreakeddownandploughedintotheflankofSacredMountain.

Inablastakintothestrikeofacyclonictorpedo,theimpactsentathunderousshockwaveroaringoutinalldirectionstoslaughterhundredsofthousandsonbothsides.Yetevenamidstthisdevastation,manycombatantshadsurvived.ThosesoldiersoftheImperiumsheltereddeepenoughwithinFortressAlaricwereprotectedfromthefuryoftheblast.Theyclungtolasriflesandstaredateachotherwithwideeyesasthecorridorsshudderedandthelightsflickeredmadly.Outside,theKnightshadreactedwithselflessnobility,engagingancientprotocolsthatprojectedacracklingnetofionshieldingfromonewalkertothenext.Thoughseveraloftheirnumberpaidtheultimatepriceforthisheroicact,thereststoodfirminthefaceoftheblast,agreatswatheoftheirCadianalliesshieldedintheirmidst.AsfortheOrks,Mogrokwasntthesorttodropameteoronhisownarmywithoutplanningfortheconsequences.Thegreenskinswereprotectedbymassivedomesofforceunderwhichtheynowhuddled.AsthestunnedsurvivorsclamberedtotheirfeetitwasclearthatamightyOrkhorderemained.Itwasthenthatanewrainoffallingstarsappeared,cuttingthroughthesmoke.Astheyplungedtowardstheplanetssurface,thehowlingbegan,andeverythingdescendedintofireandmayhemagain.

BRAINZOVERBRAWNMogroktheManglerwasoncethepowerbehindthethroneofWaaagh!Grukk.Now,havingengineeredthedownfallofhisformerboss,Mogrokrulestheroost.Heisthatrarestofthings,anOrkwithaplan(onethatdoesntjustinvolvepunchingpeoples

teethinandyellingWaaagh!)TheManglerhasusedchicanery,larceny,gratuitousforwardplanningandahealthy

doseofoutrightviolencetohumblethehumandefenderstimeandagain.NowhestandspoisedonthebrinkofavictorythatwillcementBigMekMogrokasthe

ruleroftheWaaagh!onceandforall.WiththeImperialdefendersattheirwitsend,Mogroklookssettobecomethebiggest,baddestbosssinceGhazghkullThraka.

ACASTELLANUNBOWEDAveteranofbattlesuncounted,JakrenSteinhasfacedtheworstthatahostilegalaxycanthrowathim.YetthebattleforAlaricPrimehastestedhimtohislimits,spiritually

andmentally.TheCadiansarenostrangerstohardship,theirofficerstrainedtomakecalculated

strategicresponsestoeventhemosthopelessofsituations.ItisnottheCadianwaytosquandersoldiersneedlessly,yetneitheraretheyapeoplewhoshrinkfromdoingwhatmustbedone.However,thebutchersbillforAlaricPrimerisesastronomicallyandstill

victoryseemsnocloserathand.InMogrok,Steinhasfoundanemesiswhoovercomesallhistrainingandexperience.Grukkwasamonstrousbutcher,butatleasthewaspredictable.SincetheriseofMogrok,thewarhasbeenslippingoutofSteinscontrol.TheOrkstacticsareso

outlandishthattheImperiumsforcescandolittlebutreact.Witheachdefeat,Steinsfrustrationgrows,hisdangeroustemperboilingclosertothesurface.Witheachnew

casualtyreport,hishopeiscrushedalittlemore.

THEWRATHOFFENRIS

AstheshockwaveofthemeteorsimpactfadesandthedazedCadiansurvivorsdragthemselvestotheirfeet,theyareoutnumberedmorestarklythaneverbythegreenskininvaders.Thesituationlooksbleak,butascontrailsfilltheskies,itbecomesapparentthatthetablesareabouttobeturneduponMogrokshordeinashockingandviolentfashion.

THEFURYOFFENRISTheskiesaboveSacredMountainboiledwithsmokeasblackasnight.Ashfellinadismalrainacrossthereelingcombatantsbelow,whileoutontheplainsmightyfirestormsstillraged.Greatmoundsofrubbleandwreckagelaystrewnaboutthemountainsfeet,risingaboveaspiderwebofcracksandfissuresthatjettedcloudsofsulphurousfumes.ItwasintothisapocalypticwastelandthattheSonsofRussplungedontrailsoffire.Dozensofgrey-blueDropPodsplummetedtowardSacredMountain,glowingwiththeheatofatmosphericre-entry.Astheyfell,thevoxnetworkoftheCadiansandthecrudecommsoftheOrksalikewhinedwithfeedback.Fromeveryspeaker-grilleandvox-hornburstachillinghowl,risinginvolumeastheDropPodsspedtowardtheground.Thecryofathousandhungrywolvescutthroughthegreenskinsbellowing,drawingtheireyesskywardtothedoomdescendinguponthemasthethunderoushowlreacheditscrescendo.Momentslater,theassaultcraftstruckhome.Thrustersbellowedflame,slowingtheDropPodsmeteoricplungeatthelastmoment.CeramiteandplasteelcrashedagainststonewithboneshakingforceaseachcrafthittheflanksofSacredMountain.Frombelow,Mogroksgreenhordesentupamonstrousroar,achallengetomatchthehowlingoftheattackers.Inanswer,lockingboltsblastedfree,theDropPodsslammedopen,andanavalancheofpowerarmouredferocityplungeddownthemountainside.SquadaftersquadofBloodClawsburstfromtheirrestraints,loosinghowlsofferaljoyastheychargedtowardtheirfoe.Theyleaptacrossraggedchasmsandplungedheedlesslydownsheerslopes,surefootedasthewolvesthatgavetheirChapteritsname.Attheirheadchargedafigureoflegend.RagnarBlackmanesprintedtowardstheOrks,hisnight-blackpeltbillowingbehindhimandakillinglightinhiseyes.BehindthischargingmasslopedgrizzledsquadsofLongFangs,theirheavyweaponsslungeasilyovertheirshouldersastheysoughtavantagepointtocovertheattack.Themomenttheywereinposition,theveteranwarriorsunleashedaviciousfusilladeintothemillingOrksbelow.Ramshackletanksexploded,piercedbyrubyspearsoflight,whilefragmissilescorkscrewedintopackedmassesofgreenskinstodetonatewithflesh-shreddingforce.Galvanisedintoaction,theOrkhordesurgedforwardoncemore.ManythousandsofgreenskinsstillremainedaroundthefeetofSacredMountain,andnowtheyhurled

themselvestowardstheirfoeswithrenewedvigour.Yettheireffortsseemedill-coordinated,lackingpurposeandcohesion.Orkvehiclecrewsstruggledtorestartcrudeengineschokedwithashanddust.Smallergreenskinsscatteredinalldirections,heedlessoftheangrybellowsoftheirbullyingoverseers.Seeingtheirconfusion,CastellanSteinfeltfreshhopesurgethroughhim.Facedwiththedestructionofhisentireforce,hehadalloweddespairtodrivehimtomomentarymadnessnowhistraininganddisciplinesnappedbackintoplace.Filledwithanewpurpose,theCadiancommanderbegantobarkasteadystreamoforders.Hisforcesswiftlyconsolidatedtheirpositionandbegantopourastormoffireintotheirfoes.Orkcorpseswereflungintotheairasbattlecannonshellsstruckhome,whilevolleysoflasgunfirefellamongthegreenskinslikeahissingrain.ThoseKnightswhosesuitsstillfunctionedaddedtheirownwrathtothebombardmentrapid-firebattlecannonsandthermalcannonsroared,blowingbloodyholesintheheavingpress.

SonsofFenris!Nowisthehourofblood!Nowisthetimetofight!Bytheendofthisday,everywarrioramongyouwillhaveanewversetoaddtoyoursagas!InthenameofRussandtheAllfather,killthemall!

-RagnarBlackmane

Momentslater,theClawsofRussstruck.Howlingferociouswarcries,RagnarBlackmanes

BloodClawschargedintotheirfoeswitharesoundingcrash.AraggedcurtainofOrkshotspunchedseveralofthehot-bloodedyoungwarriorsfromtheirfeet,butthisonlyaddedtotheSpaceWolvesmaddenedrage.Swordsandaxesswungincrimsonarcs,hewinglimbsandheadsfromhaplessOrkswitheverypass.Blackmanewasawhirlwindofdestructionamidhiscumbersomefoes,weavinganddodgingastheOrkshackedfranticallyathimtonoavail.GrabbingonehugeOrkaroundthethroat,Blackmanestoveinitsskullwithasinglethunderousheadbutt.Stillclutchingitstwitchingcorpse,hebulledforward,usingtheOrksbodytosoakupafusilladeofcrudebulletsbeforehurlingittoonesideandcarvinghisbladethroughthenecksoftwoBoyzatonce.Aroundhimhisbrethrenfoughtwithsimilarferocity,inspiredbyBlackmanesexampletoevergreateractsofheroismandviolence.BloodsprayedinjettingarcsandthegroundwassooncarpetedwithmangledgreenbodiesastheBloodClawschargebrokethegreenskinline.TrappedaboardhispowerlessKnight,LordNeruDegalliowatchedthebutcheryunfoldwithaweandadmiration.Thescaleofthecarnagewasbreathtaking,thespreadingpanicamongthegreenskinssatisfyingbeyondwords.HehadseentheObsidianGlaivesinbattlebefore,yettheirprecise,measuredwayofwarborelittleresemblancetotheanimalferocitybeingunleashedbelow.AsthefightingsweptbetweenthelegsoftheWhiteWarden,DegalliostruggledtoawakenthespiritofhisdamagedKnight,desperatetojointhefightoncemore.Orksliveforfighting,butinthefaceofsuchpunishmentMogrokshordebegantoloseground.Moregreenskinswerehurlingthemselvesintothemeleewitheachpassingmoment,buttheBloodClawswerecuttingthemdownasfastastheycame,andthepunishingbarragefromtheLongFangswasexactingaheavytoll.AstheCadianforcessteadilydisengagedtheywereabletobringevermorefirepowertobear,Orksfallingbeforetheirfurylikewheatbeforescythes.ArtillerycrewmenwhohadsoughtshelterinthedeepbunkersofSacredMountainnowreturnedtothefight,pneumo-liftsdeliveringthembacktothesurfacereadytomantheirgunsoncemore.AstheBasilisksandWyvernsbegantorainheavyshellsandviciousshrapneldownonthecarnagebelow,theOrksdiedevenfaster.AfiercegrinspreadacrossCastellanSteinsfaceashewatchedthefoebegintocrumble.TheImperiummightwinthiswaryet,hethought.

THEGREATCOMPANIESTheSpaceWolvesarenotoriousfortheirdeviationsfromtheCodexAstartes,one

exampleofwhichisthestructureoftheChapter.TheSpaceWolvesareorganisedintotwelveGreatCompanies.ThesebrotherhoodshavemoreincommonwithatribeofwarriorsthanaconventionalcompanyofSpaceMarines.Eachisledbyoneofthe

twelveheroicWolfLords,andeachGreatCompanycanvaryenormouslyinsizeandcomposition.

TheforcethatcametotheaidofthedefendersofAlaricPrimecomprisedelementsfromtheGreatCompaniesofRagnarBlackmane,KromDragongazeandthecurrentGreatWolfhimself,LoganGrimnar.Thesemightyheroesledtheirwarriorsinperson,determinedtopurgeAlaricPrimeandtheentireSanctusReachSystemofthegreenskin

taintonceandforall.

STRIKEFORCESTORMCLAW

AsingleSpaceMarineistheequalofdozensoflesserfoes.TherearethosefromtheSonsofRusswhowouldclaimthatasingleSpaceWolfisworthevenmore.ThethrongthatLoganGrimnarledtoAlaricPrime,designatedStrikeForceStormclaw,comprisedovertwohundredofthesevauntedwarriors,thecreamofwhomfoughtattheOldWolfsside.

KROMDRAGONGAZESWARBANDOriginallytaskedwithleadingthesecondwaveofSpaceWolvesdowntothesurfaceofAlaricPrime,KromDragongazeinsteadchosetoseekhisownglory.PeelingofffromtheinvasionforcesinhisThunderhawk,thearrogantWolfLordwentonthehuntfornoneotherthanWarlordGrukkFace-rippahimself.Itwasaquestthatwouldendinignominiousfailure,KromandhishandpickedwarriorsbarelyescapingtheBlisteredIslewiththeirlives.Forthisreason,theFierce-eyeandhisretinuewouldfightharderthaneverduringthebattleforAlaricPrime.Fromthehot-headedyounglingsofKromsBloodClaws,throughhissteady,dependableGreyHuntersanduptohisfierceveteranWolfGuard,allwouldstrivetorecoverthelosthonouroftheirGreatCompany.YetnonewouldfightashardasKromhimself:thebittertasteofshamelaythickonhistongue,andwouldbewashedawayonlybythehoneyedmeadofvictorywell-won.Itcouldbenootherway,forKromstoweringegocouldnotsustainanyfurtherdamage.

LOGANGRIMNARSWOLFGUARDAmightyheroofathousandbattlefieldsandmore,theruleroftheSpaceWolvesremainsaspotentawarriorasheeverwas.RidingtowarinhischariotStormrider,theOldWolffallsuponhisfoeslikeathunderbolt.HehacksdownhisfoeswiththeferaljoyofatruesonofRuss,fightingwithavigourthatbelieshisgreatage.YetGrimnarisfarmorethanamerewarrior,forwithcenturiesofexperiencecomesboundlesswisdom.TheOldWolfisacunningtactician,wieldingthemightofhisunrulyChapterwithaskillfewcouldmatch.AlongsideLoganGrimnarfighthisdedicatedWolfGuard.FormedintosquadsofTerminator-armouredveterans,eachofthesebattle-scarredFenrisiansisaheroinhisownright.Together,theycompriseaforceofsuchpotentlethalitythatfewenemiescanevenslowtheiradvance,muchlessfightthemonequalterms.Combined,thesagasofGrimnarsWolfGuardtellataleofunbridledglorythatwouldtakemanyyearsinthetelling.

THEHONOUREDANCIENTSDeepwithintheFangsleeptheDreadnoughtsoftheSpaceWolves,eachsarcophagusthrongingwithgloriousmemoriesanddreams.Onlyindireneedarethesevalorousancientsawoken,andonlyatthebehestoftheGreatWolfhimself.ThemajorityofDreadnoughtpilotsaremanycenturiesold,yetthoseheroesinterredintheVenerableDreadnoughtsoftheSpaceWolvescancounttheirageinmillennia.LoganGrimnarwilloftenkeeptheseancientscloseathandduringbattle,fornotonlyaretheirskillsincombatexceptional,buttheirwisdomandinsightcanchangethecourseofwholewars.

THESTORMSPEARTheSpaceWolvespossessanextensivearmouryofbattletankswithwhichtosupporttheiroperations.StrikeForceStormclawboastedasizeablecomplementofthesearmouredbehemoths,fromdependableRhinostomassive,rumblingLandRaiders.ThesevehicleswerecollectivelyknownamongstthestrikeforceastheStormspear,andtheStormspearplayedapivotalroleinseveralofthefast-moving,hard-hittingengagementsthattheSpaceWolvesfoughtonAlaricPrime.Livinguptoitsnickname,thismightyspearheadoftankswashurledintotheveryheartofoneOrkhordeafteranother,deployingthewarriorsofFenrisamongsttheirenemiesandscouringthefoesoftheImperiumfromthefaceofAlaricPrime.

RAGNARSBLOODCLAWSThoughrepletewithhisGreyHunters,WolfGuardandLongFangs,RagnarBlackmanescompanyhaseverbeenfamousfortheexploitsofitsBloodClaws.Despitetheunprecedentedspeedofhisclimbthroughtheranks,Ragnarhimselfisstillcomparativelyyoungandhot-headed,engenderingasenseofkinshipwiththeBloodClawsunderhiscommand.ItisforthisreasonmorethananyotherthathisGreatCompanyalwaysthrongswithpacksofwildeyedBloodClawslookingtoearnglorybeneaththeYoungWolfsbanner.ThecomplementofwarriorsthatRagnarBlackmanebroughttoStrikeForceStormclawwasreflectiveofthistrend.GrimnarsprodigyensuredthathispersonalWolfGuardstrodetowarathisside,backedbyacoreofexperiencedGreyHuntersandLongFangs.YetthebulkofhisforcecomprisedBloodClaws,SwiftclawBikersandSkyclaws,allbayingforbloodandreadytowritegloriousnewversesfortheirwarriorsagas.

BACKFROMTHEBRINK

ThegreenskinsarereelingfromtheSpaceWolveslightningoffensive,yetstilltheypressforwardinabellowingmass.Now,asthebattlehangsinthebalance,theverygatesofSacredMountaincomeunderxenosattackoncemore.CastellanSteinhadassignedtwosuper-heavytankstoguardthegateofFortressAlarictheBanebladeIronEttinanditssistertank,aShadowswordnamedSteelCyclops.Thoughthecrewsofbothvehicleshadfoughtwithhonouranddistinction,IronEttinhadbeencarvedopenduringtheheightofthebattlebyabandofheavilyarmouredOrkswithroaringbuzzsawsforfists.ThecommanderofSteelCyclops,JensPaultzer,hadfearedhistankwouldbenext.Hehadthusorderedhisdrivertoroaroutontothedrawbridgebeforethegate,puttingsomedistancebetweenhistankandthefoe.Thenthemeteorstruck,andeverythingturnedtowhitelightandthunder.

Hey,Olaf.SeethatShadowsworddownthere?Yes,thatone!HowmanyotherShadowswordscanyousee,rocks-for-brains?ThreebarrelsofGoldenfrostStoutsaysmeandSkardcanhaulthatuglyson-of-a-trollbackontothebridgebeforeittakesadipintheWorldWolfsdrinkingtrough!

-GunnarRedhammer,WolfGuardtoLoganGrimnar

Paultzerregainedconsciousnesswithalurch.Hegaspedinabreath,onlytoretchonalungfulofthick,oilysmoke.Coughingandwheezing,thecommanderscrambledupwardthroughsparkingwiresandbuckledmetal.Herecoiledasthedeadweightofhisgunnerscorpsefellagainsthim,thenheavedthebodyasideandtriggeredthehatchreleaseabovethemarksmansthrone.Freshairfloodedtheinteriorofthestalledtank.Paultzerdrankitinlikegoodamasec,pullinghimselfupandgrubbingbloodandoilfromhiseyesashetriedtotakestock.Ashisheadcleared,itbecameobviousthatthehonourableCyclops,veteranofscoresofengagements,wasdead.However,Paultzerseyeswidenedwithhorrorashetookinhisownpredicament.Whenthemeteorhit,greatsectionsofSacredMountainhadbrokenfreeandtumbleddowntowreakhavoconattackeranddefenderalike.Onesuchboulder,easilythesizeofabulklander,hadnarrowlymissedSteelCyclops,buthadtakenagreatbiteoutofthesideofthedrawbridge.NowtheCyclopssatpowerless,slewedlengthwaysacrossthebridge.Itsfrontaxleswerehangingoutovertheprecipitousdroptotheboilingwatersbelow.EvenasPaultzertriedtoquellhissuddenvertigo,hecouldhearthebridgessuperstructureemitting

torturedgroans,itscablessingingwithtensionastheystrainedtosupportseveralhundredtonsoftank.Hewatchednervouslyasfreshcracksspreadacrosstherockcretewithalarmingspeed.ThecometsblasthadthrownthearmouredOrksaroundliketoys.Manyhadplummetedoffthebridgetotheirdeaths.Therestwerestrewnaboutnearthefortressgates,theirproneformsdustedwithathincoatingofash.Now,though,theresilientgreenskinswerestirringoncemore.Onebyone,theyhauledeachothertotheirfeet,servoswhininginprotestandbatteredjointssparking.TheOrkscaughtsightofSteelCyclopsand,amidmuchbellowingandrevvingofsaws,advancedontheirstrickenprey.Atthesametime,moregreenskinsweresweepingontothefarendofthedrawbridge,followedbyclankingwalkersbelchingblacksmoke.Someofthebruteswereshovedofftheprecariousremainsofthebridgebytheirjostlingfellows.However,manymorescrambledevercloser,determinedtofinishoffPaultzerstankbeforebreachingthegatestothefortressitself.Trapped,withnopowerandnoescape,JensPaultzerdrewhissidearmandpreparedtodie.

Thesuddenbellowofenginesfilledtheair,followedswiftlybyblossomingexplosions.TheCyclopsrockedalarminglyasatriooflong-snoutedFenrisiangunshipssweptoverhead,theirweaponschatteringahailofdeathintotheOrksthatpackedthebridge.Howlingbeamsofice-whiteenergystabbeddown,punchingthroughthearmouroflumberinggreenskinwalkers.Returnfirerattledineffectuallyfromtheaircraftshulls,whilecruderocketscorkscrewedaroundthem.AfreshdowndraftthrewupastormofwindblownashtoobscurePaultzersviewmomentarily.Runninglightscutthroughthemurk,andsuddenlyanotherpairofbulkyblue-greycraftwerethere,merefeetabovehishead.Assaultrampswhinedopenandpacksofmassivelyarmouredwarriorsleaptontothebridge,eachonecausingaslighttremorastheylanded.AttheirheadwasafigurewhosenamewaslegendthroughouttheImperium.Paultzerhadseenhislikenessonstatues,holo-shrines,evenpropagandaflyers.Now,standingamidhisTerminator-armouredWolfGuard,formingashieldbetweenPaultzerstankandthesaw-fistedOrkswhosoughttodestroyit,LoganGrimnarhimselfjoinedthefight.ThearmouredOrksdidntevenpause.Theybrokeintoacharge,buzzsawssnarlingastheylurchedtowardtheGreatWolfandhisbodyguards.Grimnarheftedhismassiveaxeandrantomeetthem.Thegreatbladesweptlow,scythingthelegsfromundertheleadgreenskin.Evenasthemonstrouscreaturetumbledforward,eyesbulgingwithshock,GrimnarsidesteppedandreversedtheswingofhisbladetopowerthroughthetorsoofanotherOrk.Ropygutsspilledoutontothebridgeasthebrutesimplyfellinhalf,andthenGrimnars

Terminatorsweretherealongsidehim.PaultzercriedoutashewatchedoneFenrisiantakeapairofbladesawstotheface,hisunhelmetedheaderuptinginablizzardofbloodandbone.YeteverywhereelsetheWolfGuardandOrkswerecrashingtogether,thunderhammersandwolfclawstearingcrudearmourplatesapartevenaswhiningOrksawschewedintoadamantiumorskiddedoffstormshields.Thefightingwasshockinglybrutal,buttheFenrisianswereswiftlygainingtheupperhand.

ItwasasiftheEmperorsangelscametorescuemeinperson.MeandVardinandMoss.NotthatIknewtheydlivedthroughthecrashbythatpoint.Itellyou,LoganGrimnarsveryownwarriorssavedmethatday,meandtheCyclops.AmorenobleandselflessbandofheroesIhaveneverseenbefore,norwillIagain!

-JensPaultzer,Cmdr.SteelCyclops

PaultzersheartshotintohismouthashefeltSteelCyclopsgiveasudden,ominouslurch.ForamomenthethoughthewasabouttoplungetohisdeathdespitetheSpaceWolvesintervention,andjusthadtimetocursehisfortunes,beforeherealisedthathisShadowswordwasslidingsideways,awayfromthedrop.Craninghisneck,thecommandersjawdroppedopenashecaughtsightofascrumoffiguresinTerminatorarmour,theirmightyshoulderssetagainstSteelCyclopsflank.Stepbytorturousstep,theWolfGuardslowlyheavedthecrippledShadowswordontosaferground.WithPaultzerstankheavedaside,theTerminatorsformedanunbreakablelineacrossthenarrowestpartofthebridge.Unmindfulofthedanger,theybracedtheirlegsandletflyintotheapproachinggreenskinhorde.Streamsofassaultcannonfireandcyclonemissilesscythedthroughthetight-pressedgreenskins,evenastheSpaceWolvesattackcraftscreamedbackoverhead,strafingtheOrksmercilessly.Facedwiththishurricaneoffirepower,thegreenskinsonthebridgefellbackindisarraywhile,nearthegates,Grimnarfinishedoffthelastofhisarmouredfoeswithabrutaloverheadblow.TheGreatWolfturnedandfavouredPaultzerwithafang-toothedgrin.Shakingwithrelief,thetankcommanderrespondedwithaheartfeltsalute.HethensaggedbackintothehatchofSteelCyclopstobeginthegrimsearchthroughhistankforothersurvivors.Thebridgewassecure,andPaultzerwassuretheSpaceWolveswouldmakethegreenskinspayforeverysinglelifethattheyhadtaken.

TORFINDAGGERFISTAlong-servingmemberofLoganGrimnarsWolfGuard,TorfinDaggerfistssagaisablood-soakedtale.Asamortal,Daggerfistsufferedfromberserkragesthatwould

cloudhismindwheneverbattlewasjoined.Inthisstateheprovedallbutunstoppable,shruggingoffwoundsthatwouldfellanicebearwhileinflictingsuchruinuponthebodiesofhisfoesthatitwasnotlongbeforehewaschosentojointheranksofthe

fabledSkyWarriors.ManyoftheWolfPriestsfearedthatDaggerfistwouldsuccumbtothecurseoftheWulfenwhenimplantedwiththeCanisHelix.Hewastoprovethemwrong.WhilemasteringthebeastunleashedwithinhimduringhistrialofMorkai,Torfinalsolearnedtoharnesshisowninnatefury.Hisragewasnowboundtohiswill,rather

thanhetoit.ThisachievementmadeTorfinDaggerfistalethalwarrior,abletowakehisinnerbeast

atamomentsnoticeorcalmitassoonassuchkillingfurywasnolongerneeded.DuringthebattleforthebridgeofFortressAlaric,Daggerfistchargedinalongsidehisliege-lord,carvingapathofredruinthroughtheOrkswithhisblood-drenchedwolfclaws.SoheroicwashisconductthatGrimnargaveDaggerfistthehonourofbearing

hispersonalbannerfortheremainderofthecampaign.

THECHAINREFORGED

Asfollow-upwavesofSpaceWolfinfantryandarmourmakeplanetfall,theOrkforcesareswiftlydrivenback.Combiningtheirstrengths,theImperialforcesbeginasteamrolleroffensivetoreclaimtheirworld.AroundSacredMountain,Mogrokshordeswerefallingbackindisarray.SavagedinthejawsoftheSpaceWolfassault,poundedrelentlesslybythefirepoweroftheCadiansandKnights,theOrkscouldtakenomore.Riversoffranticgreenskinsflowedawayfromthemountaininalldirections,dustcloudsrisingintheirwake.Bikesandbuggiesrattledoffatbreakneckpace,weavingthroughheavingmassesofOrkswhofoughtandclawedateachotherintheirhastetoescape.Lumberingwalkersploughedthroughtheretreat,leavingtrailsofcrushedgreencorpsesbehindthem.ClosebehindcamethewarriorsoftheImperium,facesgrimastheypouredfireintotheretreatingmasses.TheImperialvoxnetworkbuzzedwithactivityasstrategieswerecoordinatedandcommandstructuresre-ordered.ThemomentLoganGrimnarhadtakentothefield,hehadadoptedoverallcontrolofthetheatre.CastellanSteinwastednotimeinannouncinghimselftotheGreatWolfandrequestingorders,adding,Letsgivethegreenskinscumagoodsharpkickintheteeth,sir,andearningabarrel-chestedlaughfromGrimnarinresponse.ThisswiftandwillingintegrationwasnotentirelymirroredbythesurvivingKnightsofAlaricPrime.Sacristansalvageteamswerealreadyplyingthebattlefieldinfat-tyredmaintenancecrawlers,butfornow,NeruDegallioremainedlockedsilentwithinthepowerless,loomingshellofhisKnight.Withouthisauthority,thesurvivingwarriorsofhousesVelemestrin,BrahmicaandKamatawereengagedinafiercedebateastowhoshouldhavethehonourofrespondingtotheGreatWolfsrepeatedandincreasinglyimpatientvox-hails.ItthusdrewacollectivegaspofoutragewhentheScorchedKnight,DyrosKamatatiringofhisoldercomradesstiltedbickeringrespondedtoGrimnarwithanopenofferofallegianceonbehalfofalltheAlaricanknightlyhouses.ItwasRagnarBlackmanewhorespondedtothismessage,cuttingthroughtheotherKnightsshockedoutburstsandprotestswithademandthatDyroscomefightalongsidehiminperson.Afterall,theFreebladewasclearlyawarriorafterhisownheart.

OVERWHELMINGFORCEMattersofprotocolresolved,theImperialforcesnowformedintoseveralfast-movingspearheadsandpushedoutfromSacredMountain.TheOrksleadershipstructureseemedtohaveentirelycollapsed,afactthatgaveSteinsomepause.However,herecalledanoldCadianproverb,whichholdsthatthegoodsoldierdisdainsnottheEmperorsgifts,andsotheImperialspearheadsdroveoutthroughthereelingOrkswithmurderousefficiency.Tothesouth,GerantiusledathrusttowardsBoilingRiver.AccompaniedbyadetachmentofDegallioKnightsandseveralsquadsofSpaceWolves,theForgottenKnightherdedtheOrksbeforehimlikevermin.Thoughhespokenotaword,hisintentwasclearandhisactionsdeadly.BolterschatteredandthermalcannonsroaredastheImperialattackdrovesouth,supportedbysquadronsofStormfangsandLandSpeeders.SoonatrailofblazingOrkwrecksandsprawlingcorpsesledfromSacredMountaintotheveryshoresofIsleDegallioitself.Other,broaderbattlefrontspushedoutnorthandwest,linkingupwithscatteredpocketsofImperialresistanceastheywent.Fortificationswerepurgedwithfireandreclaimedbyforce.CadianbattletanksexecutedarmouredchargesalongsidespeedingpacksofSwiftclawBikerstodrivethegreenskinsfrommunitionsdumpsandbesiegedtrenchlines.TherewasrestrainedcelebrationamongstCadiancommandwhenwordspreadthatTempestorPrimeSalemWhitlockhadbeenfoundinjuredbutaliveinthewreckofhiscrumpledValkyrie.Meanwhile,totheeast,theWolfLordRagnarBlackmaneandtheScorchedKnightwerepressingforwardwithallspeed,leadingacombinedImperialforceinabloodyadvancetowardtheVelemestrinBridge.CoordinatingthecampaignfromthevaultedstrategiumofSacredMountain,GrimnarandSteinwatchedtheirforcesadvanceonallfronts.Tothecastellan,itseemedthatforthefirsttimeindays,victorywasonceagainwithintheImperiumsgrasp.

THEFIERCE-EYESRETURNThreedaysafterMogrokshordewasbrokenatthefootofSacredMountain,KromDragongazeandhiswarbandreappearedamidtheImperiallines.LedbyBeoric

WinterfangandhisWolfGuardpack-mates,thebatteredbandofFenrisiansmarchedoutofthewildernessbearingtheirwoundedandtheirdead.WolfLordKromwasamongsttheformer,leaninguponBeroicsarmouredshoulderashelimpedalong.Still,ashisfollowerstrudgeduptheboardingrampoftheStormwolfthatcametocollectthem,theFierce-eyesvolcanicglaredaredanytoquestionhisfailureon

BlisteredIsle.ByGrimnarsorder,KromandhisfollowerswereferriedbacktoSacredMountaintorecoverandrearm.TheOldWolfrefusedDragongazeshails,goadingKromtofurywiththemessagethathewastoobusyleadingheroestospendtimecoddlingfools.Still,thoughoutwardlyDragongazeremainedviolentlyunrepentant,henonethelessfollowedhismastersorderstotheletter.KromandhiswarriorsreturnedtoSacredMountain,claimingastringofbare-walledchambersfortheirownandsubmittingto

theministrationsofWolfPriestsandIronPriestsalike.YettheFierce-eyevowedthathismenwouldreturntothewarassoonastheywereable,withorwithouttheOld

Wolfsblessing.

THEIMPERIALADVANCE1.Cadian1652ndregimentbreaksxenoslinesaroundHallengarth,confirmedkillsonthreegargantuanclassxenoformcreatures

2.SwiftclawBikerpackref.Giantslayersbringdownxenoswareffigy

duringreliefofOutpost377-Delta3.StrongxenosresistancealongtheSanctorumLine,SpaceWolfadvancestalled.Massivecasualtiesinflictedonxenos0:22aftercontactbyManticore(IndignantSpite).SpaceWolfadvanceresumes0:25aftercontact

4.XenosartilleryoverrunbySireMartausBrahmicaandelementsofCadian1657thinfantry/SpaceWolvesStormfangGunships

5.RagnarBlackmaneleadsbreakthroughofxenosfortificationsinvalleyref.VelemestrinGateFreebladeappellationScorchedKnightconfirmedkillonsuper-heavyclassxenoformwalker

BADRUKKSLURE

ThearrivaloftheSpaceWolvesonAlaricPrimehaspulledtheplanetsdefendersbackfromthebrinkofdefeat.YetGrimnarswarriorshavereasonsoftheirownforcomingtotheSanctusReachthewolvesofFenrisareonthehunt.

THEWEIRDBOXMogroktheManglerfirstmadecommoncausewithKaptinBadrukkmanymonthsbeforetheRedWaaagh!descendeduponAlaricPrime.ThetwonefariousgreenskinsheldasecretmeetingaboardMogroksrustship,duringwhichbargainswerestruck,fungusbrewwasquaffed,andplansweredrawnup.TheKaptinquicklyrecognisedthegeniusinherentinMogroksdeviousschemes,whileforhisparttheambitiousBigMek

sawinBadrukkanallyforwhomnodirtydeedwastoolow,norrisktoogreatifsufficientlootwasupforgrabs.WhenKaptinBadrukkreturnedtohiskroozer,hetookwithhimaloanedcadreofMogroksfinestMeks,aswellasanancienttechnological

artefactthatMogrokhadscavengedfromtheruinsofadeadalienworld.Thisglowingdevice,christenedDaWeirdboxbythegreenskins,couldreadandextrapolateincomingWarpsignatures,evenforcingtargetstodropoutofthe

Empyrean.OncenailedfirmlytotheKaptinsthroneitwouldallowhimtospringdeadlyambusheswithincredibleprecision.Inreturnforthiskinglygift,allMogrok

demandedwasacoupleoflittlefavours...

WhenStrikeForceStormclawenteredtheSanctusReachtheycameinsearchofthecunninganddeadlyKaptinBadrukk.Onlyoncetheyhadtranslatedin-systemdidtheFenrisiansdetecttheastropathicdistresscallfromAlaricPrimeandrushtolendtheiraid.Yeteventhentheyhopedtofindtheirquarryonthewartornworldbelow,forthewolvesofFenrisdonotwillinglygiveupthehunt.Monthsearlier,BadrukksreignofterrorhadbegunwithanattackuponPortMourning,adeepspacestationtothegalacticnorthofSanctusReach.Here,abadlydamagedSpaceWolffrigatewasundergoingrepairs.Badrukkstruckwiththesuddenfuryofanavalanche,hisragtagFreebooterfleetobliteratingeverythingintheirpath.AllthatreachedtheFangwasasingleastropathicmessage,garbledanddesperateittoldofaprodigiousOrkpiratefleet,andofbellowsofWaaagh!Badrukkfromeveryvoxonthestation.ThiswastobebutthefirstofastringofattacksagainstSpaceWolfholdingsandforcescentredaroundtheSanctusReach.Trainingfacilitiesweredestroyed,loneSpaceWolfcraftambushed,andFenrisianprotectorateworldsreducedtoblazingcharnelhouses.AlwaysthenameBadrukkwaslinkedtotheseatrocities,gabbledinfranticcriesforhelpordaubedinlowgothiconthesmoking

wreckagetheOrksleftintheirwake.YetitwastheattackupontheMagnirsRevengethatfinallyprovokedthewrathofLoganGrimnar.TheStrikeCruiserMagnirsRevengeanditsaccompanyingescortswereenroutetorelievethesiegeofBrazenHalowhenitsNavigatorcomplainedofwildfluctuationsinthecurrentsoftheEmpyrean.WolfGuardBattleLeaderKaiBlackpelt,respondingashethoughtwise,orderedanimmediatetranslationtorealspace.However,astheSpaceWolfcrafttoretheirwaythroughthemeniscusbetweentheWarpandthereal,proximityaugurshowledandwarningruneslitup.WaitinginambushwasabristlingringofOrkwarcraft,theentiretyofBadrukksfleetpoisedtostrike.EvenasBlackpeltroaredorderstohisbridgecrew,hundredsofminorimpactswereregisteringallacrossthehullofMagnirsRevenge.Voidshieldsbegantoflickerintolife,butitwasalreadytoolate.OnebyonetheMek-builtgrabbaminesnowpepperingtheRevengeshullhummedintolife,projectingavasttraktorfieldoutintospacearoundtheStrikeCruiser.ThetraktorfieldalocalisedgravitationalanomalyofmassivepowersnatchedthetightlygroupedescortshipsthathadfollowedMagnirsRevengeoutoftheWarpandhauledtheminatsuicidalspeeds.OnebyonetheStrikeCruisersescortstumbledintoherflanks,impactinglikemeteorites.Hullarmoursundered,flamesblossomedforth,andatmosphereventedinawhistlinggaleastheSpaceWolfshipsweremashedhelplesslyintoasinglecrippledmassofmetal.Hundredsdiedamidthecatastrophicfuryofthecollisions,butworsewastofollow.Astheshort-livedgrabbaminesburnedthemselvesout,KaptinBadrukkorderedaboardingassaultwitheverythinghisfleethad.Ramshipsandkillkroozersjostledwithhurtlingrokksandslab-jawedassaultboatsastheOrkshipspounced,spillingthousandsuponthousandsofFreebooterzandFlashGitzthroughrentsintheRevengesmangledhull.

Despitethehavoctheyhadwrought,theOrksweremetbyfierceresistancefromthesurvivingSpaceWolves.Helmetslockedandmag-clampsengaged,theFenrisianschargedfuriouslydowncorridorsfilledwiththeshriekofescapingair.Lightsflickered,fatsparksrainedfromrupturedpanels,andgravityfluctuatedmadlyasbellowingOrksfoughthowlingSpaceWolvesacrossskewedandbuckledchambers.IntheobserviumseveralsquadsofGreyHuntersmadetheirstandamidablizzardoftumblingcrystalshardsfromthegallerysshattereddome.Blood,glassandbodiesswirledinzerogravityasthebattleraged.Intheenginarium,BadrukksMeksledahordeofLootasandBurnaBoyzonarampagethatsawthedefendersslainandtheenginespulledapartinamatterofhours.

AdozenminorbattlesragedthroughthemangledcorridorsandchambersofMagnirsRevengeandwhatremainedofhersistercraft,theSpaceWolvesstagingdesperateambushesandmadchargesintotheteethofthefoe.YetitwasintheStrikeCruiserscavernousembarkationchamberthatthebattlewouldbedecided,asKaimetBadrukkinopenbattle.Blackpeltshand-pickedelitefaceddownhundredsofhowlingOrks,graviticdistortionallowingthecombatantstobrawlfuriouslyonthedeck,onthewallsandevenontheceilingoftheembarkationchamber.TheSpaceWolvesgunsroared,theirbladessang,yettheenemysnumbersweresimplytoogreatandtheycouldswampthewolvesfromeverydirectionatonce.SurroundedbyamassofhisfinestFlashGitz,Badrukkhimselfstruckthefinalblow.TheGitzsnazzgunsroaredlikethunder,fillingthechamberwiththeirnoiseandlightasshells,rocketsandblastspunchedoneSpaceWolfafteranotheroffhisfeet.EvenasBlackpeltledalastchargeBadrukksightedcarefullydownthebarrelofdaRippaattheroaringWolfGuardandsqueezedthetrigger.ItwasoveraTerranstandardmonthbeforeafranticforceofSpaceWolfshipsbrokeWarpandrushedtotheaidofMagnirsRevenge.Theyfoundtheshipstillmashedtogetherwithherescortsandfloatingallbutdeadinthevoidofspace.AroundtheRevengewasasprawlingfieldofwreckageandvoid-burnedSpaceWolfcorpses.Yetaugursstillreadonelifesign,flickeringdimlyontheStrikeCruisersbridge.ItwasherethattheFenrisiansfoundaninsultthattheycouldnotletstand.Pinnedtohiscommandthronewithcruderivets,shavedandtortured,BattleLeaderKaiBlackpeltstillclungtolife,hisbodyaruinofcrustedbloodandflayedmuscle.Hewouldlive,itseemed,butbystrengthofwillalone.AbovetheWolfGuardscrippledform,astatic-ladenhololithplayedandreplayed,overandover.ItshowedthelaughingformofKaptinBadrukk,slammingonebejeweledfistagainsthisbarrelchestandthenbeckoningtauntingly.Themessagewasclear:Comeandgetit.

FENRISIANCAUTIONLoganGrimnarisaveteranofhundredsofyearsofwar.YetheisstillasonofFenris,andoncerousedhistemperisaterriblethingindeed.GrimnarwasnotsogreatafoolastobelievethatKaptinBadrukksbrazenchallengecouldbeanythingotherthanthebaitforacrudetrap.Sobeit,reasonedGrimnar,hewouldplayalongwiththispirates

puppetshow.However,LoganhadassembledsopowerfulastrikeforceofSpaceWolvesthatwhenthejawsofthetrapclosed,theywoulddosouponanironfist.LoganGrimnarintendedtoreachdownthethroatofthisOrkishsnareandtearitsgutsout,muchashehopedtodotoBadrukkhimself.TheOrkslastregretwouldbe

makingGrimnarangry.

THEBAITISTAKEN

TheOrksareinfullretreat,unabletoslowtheImperialoffensivegrindingitswayacrossSacredIsle.YetMogroktheManglerisnothingifnotsneaky,andthingsmaynotbeasstraightforwardastheyseemtoAlaricPrimesdefenders.Allthingsconsidered,Mogrokwasfeelingmightilypleasedwithhimself.Reclininginasmoke-belchingthronemadeoutofalootedhumietank,hepickedhisnosewitharustyscrewandcongratulatedhimselfonbeingadecidedlysneakygit.When,severaldaysearlier,MogrokhadlookedskywardfromthemidstofhishordeandseentheDropPodcontrailsstreakingthesky,hehadntpanicked.Farfromit.Instead,abig,nastygrinhadtwistedhisalreadymonstrousfeatures,asherealisedthewolfboyzwerehereatlast.Admittedly,itmighthavebeenniceiftheydleftoffuntilhedfinishedwiththefirstlotofhumieshewasclobbering,butheddroppedawholerokonthatlot,sohowmuchfightcouldtheyhaveleftinthem?Seeingthathisrealquarryhadtakenthebait,Mogrokhadtriggeredhissoopa-tellyportaandremovedhimself,agoodhandfulofhismostloyalMeks,andaswatheofnearbygreenskinsfromharmsway.Nowhesatinhisthroneroomattheheartofhisrustship,listeningtoonereportofdisasterandmayhemafteranotherwhilefeelinglikethecleverestOrkontheplanet.Yettherewasonlysolonghecouldbaskinhisowngeniusbeforemattersgotoutofhand,anditdidsoundliketheboyzweretakingabitofakicking.Yes,decidedMogrokwithaheavysigh,itwasprobablytimetostoptakingabreatherandgetbackinthefight.MogroksthroneroomwaspackedwithNobz,Mekzandassortedhangers-on,allhavingagoodoldflapabouthowbadlythewarwasgoing.Sittingforwardsuddenly,Mogrokclangedhispiston-klawagainstthearmofhisthronetogethisladzattention.Whenthisdidntwork,hesingledoutthemostvocalofthenearbyNobzandshothimpoint-blankthroughtheface,sprayingthelucklessgreenskinsbrainsacrossagaggleofgrots.Astheechoesoftheshotreverberatedaroundthethroneroom,ahushfellandalleyesturnedtoMogrok.Henoddedfirmly.

EvenaGrotknowsthatthekingofdawolfboyzisthebiggestandbaddestSpaceMarinethereeverwas.Hesbiggerthanadeffdread,withaheadlikeagnashersquigbut...hairier.Hesgotsixarmsandtheyreallmadeofgunsandchoppasandstuff,andifyoushoothimhedontcarebecausehestootough.Hisvoiceissoloudhecanshoutattheskyandmakeitfalldown,andifhegivesyouawallopthenbitsofyouflyeverywherelikewhenGrogrukatethatstikkbombforadare.EvenGorkandMorkthinkhesprettyhard,andifMogrokdoesntgethimthenIreckononeofthemllhaveagonext.

-Nozbrog,OrkBoy,onLoganGrimnar

Withhisaudiencesattentionfirmlysecured,Mogrokshoutedforcalm.AffectingatonethathehopedwasreassuringoratleastsuitablyintimidatingMogrokexplainedthateverythingwasgoingtoplan.Atthisannouncementtherewasaraggedcheerthatdwindledslowlyintohead-scratchingandacoupleofconfusedbrawls.ItwasDagogghisskinstillscorchedandpeelingaftertheattemptbythehumiekommandostoblowhimtobitswhofirstbuiltupthenervetoaskthequestion.Er...boss?Iknowitsprobablydeadsneakyandallbut...um...howdoesgettingwallopedbydahumiescountasgointoplan?MogrokturnedtoDagoggwithaleersouglyitcouldhavecurdledfungus-brew,andlaunchedintohisexplanation.ItwasobvioustoanyonewithhalfabrainthatGrukkwaseventuallygoingtobiteoffmorethanhecouldchew.Worse,hewaslikelytodragtheWaaagh!downwithhim.Mogrok,encouragedbymorehesitantnoddingthanpuzzledstares,forgedgamelyahead.HedarrangedforGrukksunfortunateaccident;sabotagingthekustomforcefieldontheWarlordsBattlewagonhadbeeneasyenough,andGrukkhaddonetherestwithoutMogrokneedingtoliftafinger.InthewakeofGrukksdemise,whohadbroughttheWaaagh!backtogether?Mogrok.Whohadarrangedallthebestfights?Mogrok.WhoruledtheWaaagh!now?Mogrok.

Hefacedaseaofblankstares.Therewassomesquabblingatthebackthatsoundedlikeitwasaboutwhohadtheshiniestshoota.Mogroktoyedwithhisowngunstrigger,thenresolvedtokeepgoing.WhyhadtheWaaagh!attackedthisworldatall,heaskedhisslack-jawedaudience.Notjustbecauseitwasthere,butbecausehe,Mogrok,hadtoldGrukkthattheyshould.Andwhy,Mogrokaskedhisladz,wouldhehavegoneandpickedthisplanetinparticular?OneNob,feelingparticularlybrave,scratchedhisbacksideandspokeup.Cozitwas...big?Boss?Anothergunshot,andthegrotsatthebacksquealedastheyweresprayedinporridgeybrainsforthesecondtimeinasmanyminutes.

Withawhineofservosandgears,Mogroklurchedtohisfeet,hisvoicerisingtoafuriousbellow.Theyhadattackedthisworldbecausehewassmart.Theyhadattackeditbecausehe,MogroktheMangler,hadaplansocunningthatMorkhimselfwouldbeimpressed.WhiletheWaaagh!hadbeengettingstuckinallacrossAlaricPrime,MogrokssecretallyhadbeenleadingtheKingoftheWolfBoyzrighttothem.ItwasntasurprisethattheWolfBoyzhadshownup,itwasallpartofMogroksgrandplan.AndnowthattheSpaceMarineswerehere,Mogrokwasgoingtocrushthem!OncetheWolfKingsheadwasstuckonMogroksbosspole,alltheBoyzwouldknowwhowasboss,andthiswouldbethegreatestWaaagh!ofalltime.ThisannouncementcausedMogroksunderlingstobreakintowildcheers.Thatsmorelikeit,thoughtMogrok.TimetogoandstompsomeWolfBoyzgoodandproper.Withinthehour,BigReddMogrokschiefWarpheadandhisWeirdboydiscipleswererockingandgibberingastheysentthink-speakstotheircounterpartsacrossAlaricPrime.SpeedFreekmessengersroaredoutinalldirectionsfromMogroksrust-ship,bearingwordoftheplanbyDeffkoptaandWarbuggy.Asthenewsspread,thegreenskinsbegantogainasemblanceoforder.Thebosswaspromisingreinforcementsrealsoon,andanevenbetterfightthanbefore,nottomentionenoughloottoturnanyMekboyshead.Althoughitdidntstoptherout,itatleastturnedsomeofthebiggerwarbandsatbayandbeganthefightinganew.Meanwhile,engineschuggedandroaredasfresh-builtMorkanautsandBattlewagonslumberedfromtheMeksworkshopsbythedozen.ThegreatbridgesleadingtoSacredIsleshudderedbeneaththestampedingbootsofmillionsofgreenskinsasonMogroksordersOrksabandonedtheislesoftheminorhousesandmadeforthebigfight.Meanwhile,fromKrakenFallstoWardenIsle,OrkstoodistanttogetinontheactioninsteadhurledthemselvesattheImperialdefenderswithfreshvigour,determinedtohavetheirownbigscrapanddrawoffImperialreinforcementsintheprocess.ThejawsofMogrokscumbersometrapwereabouttocloseonLoganGrimnar.Yesindeed,thoughtMogrokashescrambledaboardhisbrandnewBattlewagon,everythingwasgoingaccordingtoplan.

DAWOLFBOYZEveryOrkknowsthatifyouwantareallygoodscrap,yougopickafightwithaSpaceMarine.Yet,muchasaconnoisseuroffinewinescanappreciatethebestvintageinhiscellar,sothesmarterOrksknowthatsomeofthesuper-humiesarefarmorefunto

fightthanothers.Afterall,gettingblowntobitshundredsofyardsfromthefrontlinesbyasquadofUltramarinesjustlacksacertainsomething.

AsfarasMogrokwasconcerned,thebestfightingwastobehadagainsttheSpaceWolves.Thiswasforthesimpleyetcompellingreasonthat,ofalltheAdeptusAstartes,SpaceWolvesarethemostlikeOrks.Afterall,dawolfboyzlovenothingmorethana

goodscrap.Theyloveagoodchoppa,enjoyadrinkorthree,andhaveahealthyappreciationforwearingteethandbitsofdeadthings(theyremagicjustaskthe

Weirdboyz).Thatsuchbehaviourmightserveahigherpurposeorbeinterwovenwith

acertainferalnobilitywasneitherherenortheretoMogrokdawolfboyzweretheSpaceMarineshewantedtofight,andnooneelsewoulddo!

THEJAWSOFTHEBEAST

Reinforcedbythousandsuponthousandsofboyz,theOrksonSacredIslehavereturnedtothefight.Now,withthepromiseofthebiggestandbestpunch-upyettogoadthemon,theycounter-attackinmassiveforce.EverywherethebattleragesasAlaricPrimeburnsinthefurnaceofawarthatMogrokmeanstotaketothestars.TheshiftinthewarforAlaricPrimewasbreathtakinglysudden.MogrokhadwaitedjustlongenoughfortheImperialforcestospreadthemselvesout,allowingthemtothinkhisarmieswerebrokenandleaderlessbeforehittingthemhardfromeverydirection.ThewordwasoutthatMogrokwasgoingtogoclobberthekingofdawolfboyz,andnoOrkwasgoingtomissafightlikethat!AroundMogrokstitanicrust-ship,theaircrackledwithpowerandthestenchofozoneashisMeksfiredupseveralhugetellyportaplatforms.Hootingandroaringwithexcitement,greatmassesofOrkswereherdedintoplacebytheirscowlingNobzbeforevanishinginblindinggreenflashesoflight.Gorkanauts,Morkanauts,andevenStompasnowlumberedintoplace,vanishingintheirturnalongsidewholesquadronsofsmoke-belchingtanksandcountlessMekGunz.EachtellyportaenfoldeditspassengersinabubbleofglowingforcebeforehurlingthemthroughtheWarptoappear(moreorless)rightontheOrkfrontlines.Suchahit-and-missdeploymentcausedinevitablecasualties.Yetforeverymobteleportedintosolidstone,orBattlewagondroppedfromseveralhundredfeetup,anotherwholetribeofwarriorswasdeliveredamidorevenbehindtheImperialarmies,todevastatingeffect.

BytheAllfather,theyrelikeanavalanche!Thiswillmakeamagnificentsaga!Gunnar,moreofthosefilthytrollwroughttanks,getthemeltaonthem!Pack,thisisIngvar,Ihopeyourbladesarethirsty.Andnogettingyourselveskilled,ortheOldWolfwillneverletyouheartheendofit!

-PackLeaderIngvarStonebrow,DefenceofFortress47

ABSOLUTEMAYHEMAllacrosstheplanet,theresurgentOrksbatteredtheImperiallineslikeahurricane.OntheLancepointPlainsamassivebrigadeoflootedarmourteleportedintoexistenceandsurgedtowardthehotlycontestedFortress47.WithTankbossBaddfragmissingpresumedblown-to-bitsMogrokhadpurloinedmostoftheoldBloodAxesprizedtankcollectionandmade

someimprovements.Thelurchingswarmofarmournowboastedaterrifyingplethoraofoutsizedartillery,andcutlooseuponthefortressImperialdefenderstospectaculareffect.Cracklingblastsoflightningdancedalongcrenellatedbattlements,fryingCadiansoldierstoacrispwitheveryshot.Enormousshellspackedwithhigh-explosivesstruckhomeagainstrockcreteandplasteel,blastinggreatcratersinthedefencesandbringingwallstumblingdowninavalanchesofgirders,stoneandcorpses.TheImperialdefendersretaliated,directingadesperaterainofshotsintotheOrktanksfromemplacedlascannonsandchuggingheavybolters.YetbehindtheWagonscameasurgingtideofOrkBoyz,theverygreenskinswhohadbeenejectedfromthefortressdefencesjusthoursearlier.NowtheypouredbackintoFortress47underthecoveringfireoftherecentlyteleportedtanks,scramblingthroughbreachesandhackingapartthedefenderswithin.ThoughahandfulofSpaceWolvesmadeabraveattempttosallyforth,theytooweredrivenbackasthebattleforthefortressintensified.Meanwhile,thedefencesallalongMordredsRidgefoundthemselvesundersudden,massiveattack.TheridgewasbeingusedasamarshallingpointforCadianandknightlyforces,butwasplungedintobattleasamidstormsofgreenlightningDroggsGoffhordeappearedallaroundthehumanpositions.Foramoment,theImperialforcesbelievedthemselvesreinforcedastheblockysilhouetteofaThunderhawkGunshiphoveintoviewfromthesouth.Yetcheersturnedtoscreamsasthecraftstitchedtheridgewithadevastatingrainofmissilesandbombs.NowthecrudelypatchedrentsintheThunderhawkshullwereclearlyvisible,aswerethedaubedGoffglyphsthatcovereditshull.AstheThunderhawkpassedlowovertheonrushingOrkhorde,itsassaultrampyawnedwideandastringofmassive,blackarmouredgreenskinshurledthemselvesoutintomidair.TheywereledbyahowlingmonsterwhosesilhouetteevenatthisdistancewashorriblyfamiliartotheCadiansoldiery.AsthenewarrivalscrasheddownontopoftheOrksWarboss,briefyetspectacularviolenceexploded,andforamomenttheImperialdefenderscouldhopethattheOrksmightteareachotherapart.Yetmomentslater,asthesmokeandmistedbloodcleared,thefoewerepouringforwardoncemore,nowledbyanightmarefiguretheCadianshadthoughtnevertoseeagain.Lasgunsspatandthermalcannonsroared,butnothingcoulddrownouttheebullientgreenskinchantofGrukk,Grukk,GrukkthatrolledoverMordredsRidgelikeablast-wave.SecondslatertheOrksfollowedit,surroundingthebunkersinscreaminghordes,lobbingstikkbombsintoammobunkersandswarmingaroundthefeetofoverwhelmedKnights.Intheirmidst,GrukkFace-rippaandhisSkull-Nobzploughedintothefoe,redeyeslitwithsavagejoyastheWaaagh!surgedaroundthemonceagain.

OnBrahmicaBridge,thedamagedonebyduelsbetweentheSteelHostandtheOrkswasundone.CoveredbytheclamorousfireofDeathskullLootaz,gangsofMeksswarmedoverthedamagedbridge.Theyweldedchunksofrust-shipintoplaceuntilitwaspassableoncemore.Soon,tenthousandbellowingOrkswereoverthebridgeandintotheImperialrearlines.Elsewhere,SiresVaynandDromethDegalliomoveduptosupporttheAstartesforcestaskedwithsecuringtheTeutoniaSpaceport.AstheypassedbetweentheAdministratumofficesandthetoweringPrecinctPrimus,theKnightsfoundthegroundsuddenlyeruptingattheirfeet.Clustersoftankbustabombz,buriedinthewreckageoftheroadway,crippledthetwoKnightsfromthewaistdown,leavingthemstrandedandimmobile.Evenbeforetheechoesoftheexplosionsdiedaway,thebuildingstoeithersideoftheKnightslitup,OrkKommandosemergingfromhidingtopourfireintotheirstrickenprey.YetevenastheKnightsstruggledfranticallytobringtheirgunstobearagainsttheirtormentors,afreshhowlwentupandahostofSpaceWolveschargedtotheirrescue.Gunsrattledandaxe-bladesclashedastheFenrisiansbeganabloodybattle,roombyroomandfloorbyfloor,tocleansetheOrksfromthebuildingstheyhadinfested.Inorbit,thesmallImperialfleethadproblemsoftheirown.HavingluredthewolvestoAlaricPrime,Badrukkspiratearmadahadconcealedthemselvesamidanearbyasteroidfieldandlaininwait.Nowtheymovedtoengagetheirhugelyoutnumberedfoes.Barbarouswarshipsfiredtheirenginesandsurgedtotheattack,emergingfromtheasteroidbeltwithgunsblazing.Everywherethebattlehadreachedanewintensity.ThefateofAlaricPrimerestedonaknifeedge.

VeteranSergeantWillasRafelookedoninhorrorastheOrksboiledacrossMordredsRidge.HedrecognisedtheOrkWarlordthemomenthedseenthathuge,rip-sawklawchurnitswayintotheotherOrkleadersface.Grukkwasback,andtherestoftheOrks

hadtakenhisleadwithbarelyathought.HedwatchedasGrukkploughedintothefight,turningmentomangledmeatwitheverybrutalswing.HalfahundredliveshadendedattheWarbosshandswithin

minutesofthefightbeginning.AnythingthatstoodinthepathofGrukkandhisNobzdiedhorribly.ThemonstrousOrkhadevenfelledaKnight,leapingontoitsfootandramminghispowerklawcleanthroughitsanklejointinaspumeofflameandsparks.

Now,asthemassivewalkercrasheddowninflamingruin,RafeandhisVeteransrealisedthatGrukkwasheadingrightfortheirBastion.Rafebellowedathismento

getshooting,sightingonthenearestNobandfiringfull-autoasitchargedtowardhim.IfWillasRafewasgoingtodie,hedtakeafewofthesefilthyxenoswithhimbeforehe

went!

MOGROKSMIGHTYMANGLERZ

ThoughmanyofTankbossBadfraggsprizedtankswerereducedtoflamingscrapmetalupontheplainsbeforeSacredMountain,manymoresurvived.ThesewereappropriatedandkustomisedbyMogrokandhisMeks.ThebestofthebunchwereformedupintotheBlitzBrigadeknownasMogroksMightyManglerz,andsetlooseoncemoreuponthedefendersofAlaricPrime.

DALUNGBURSTAThislumberinggunbeastisthepersonalpropertyoftheself-styledKommandaKrashdakka,anOrkwhoseobsessionwithbiggunsvergesonthemaniacal.DaLungburstaisstuddedwithenoughheavygunstoreduceanentiresquadronofvehiclestoscrap,gunsthatareconstantlytinkeredwithbyKrashdakkasMekboymate,Wrenchklaw.Inbattle,KommandaKrashdakkatendstolettherestoftheBlitzBrigaderaceahead,bidinghistimeandlettinghisladzlineupthetastiesttargetsintheirsights.WhenDaLungburstaopensfireitdoessowithagreatbigcrashingroar,hurlingawhistlingvolleyofshells,rocketsandshotintothemidstofthefoeandblowingitslucklesstargetstotiny,spinningbits.

Dakka:Attack,noisyweapon,shoot,fight

Blitz:Invasion,devastate

Waaagh!:Warband,tribe,watchout!

Grim:Ruthless,prowess,face,dangerous

DAKILLGRINDABargingitswaytothefrontofthepack,theBloodAxeBattlewagonknownasDaKillgrindaleadsMogroksMightyManglerzintoeverybattle.Withitshugespikedrollerandslab-sidedarmour,DaKillgrindaismorethancapableofsmashingdownbarricadesandmashingenemyinfantryintoredpaste.InfactitsdriveranespeciallyvindictivegreenskinbythenameofKrunchagoesoutofhiswaytochasedownenemyfootsoldiers,bellowingwithuproariouslaughtereverytimeanothershriekingvictimdisappearsbeneathhistanksmassivebulk.ItisatestamenttoKrunchaseagernesstoseebattlethatDaKillgrindahasbeensetonfire,reducedtoawreckandriddledwithholesmoretimesthananyothertankintheBlitzBrigade.Yetsomehow,Krunchaalwaysstaggersfromthewreckagealive,andtheMeksnevertakelongtogetDaKillgrindaupandrunningagain(theyretooscaredofitsdrivertodragtheirheels!).

DASKULLSMASHAAgarishmountainofarmourandguns,DaSkullsmashaistheprizedpossessionofBadMoonNobMugrotManyteef.GivenafreshcoatofpaintbyMugrotslong-sufferinggrotriggersbeforeeveryfight(andoftenhalfwaythroughifdabossisnthappywiththestateofhisride),DaSkullsmashaisnormallysobrightlycolouredthatitcanbeseenfrommilesaway.This,ofcourse,isjusthowMugrotlikesit.Arrogantandboorish,DaSkullsmashasbossisnotoriouslypickyaboutwhoheletsrideaboardhisprizedBattlewagon.EvenintheheatofbattlehehasbeenknowntorefusearidetoallbutBoyzofhisownclan,andeventhenoftenimposesaNobzandFlashGitzonlyrule.Afterall,onlythebestdeservetoridetobattleaboardatanksobrightthatevenGorkandMorkcantfailtospotit,andMugrotismorethanhappytoturnDaSkullsmashasgunsonanyonewhosaysotherwise.

THESKYHUNT

Forallhisfaults,Mogrokisnofool.ThoughhisforcesaredrivingtheImperialbattlelinebackstepbybloodystep,heknowsthosewolfboyzaretoughnutstocrack.Determinedtosoftenhisenemiesup,Mogrokcallsintheflyboyz.

SKYBOSSWINGNUTZSkybossWingnutzhasareputationforflyinglikeacross-eyedsquigwithastikkbombupitsbackside.ThatthisnutterhaswalkedawayfrommorecrashesthanhecancountisseenbyothersasablessingfromMork.Thisbeliefissofirmlyheldthathisflyboyz

carrybitsofhiscrashedDakkajetsasluckycharms.Indeed,onmorethanoneoccasionWingnutzhasfoundhimselfsabotagedorevenshotdownbyoneofhisownladzwhohaslosttheirluckybuzz-cogorsprocket-nutandneedstoacquireanew

one!

Onad-hocrunwaysandcapturedairfieldsallacrossAlaricPrime,grotgroundcrewsdashedmadlybackandforth.Theydraggeddribblingfuel-hosesorstrainedundertheweightofrustycartsloadedwithteeteringheapsofordnance.Orkflyboyzswaggeredtowardtheircraft,snappinggogglesdownoverbeadyredeyesandboastingloudlyabouthowmanyhumiestheyweregoingtokill.Thethroatyroarofram-jetsrosetoathunderouscrescendoassquadronuponsquadronofOrkattackcraftpropelledthemselvesskyward.DakkajetsintheirhundredswallowedgracelesslyintotheairalongsidewingsofBurna-andBlitza-Bommers.Thelurchingattackcraftrolled,bankedandtried(half-heartedly)nottocollidewithoneanotherastheysetacourseforFortressAlaric.TheOrkairarmadawascoming,andbeneaththemadvancedthegreatestsinglehordeyettodescenduponAlaricPrimesdefenders.Fromorbit,itseemedasthoughagreatgreenwavewassurgingacrosstheplains,theislandsemptyingastheinvadersmassedfortheirfinalblow.Hundredsofthousandsofgreenskinssweptinfromthesouthandtheeast,makingforthemainSpaceWolfbattlefront.Mogrokhimselfcamewiththem,ridingintheirmidstatoptheroofofahulkingBattlewagon.Thismonstrousmetalbeastwasstuddedwithbatteriesofcracklingenergyweapons,andsupportedMogroksimmensebosspoleinawebofwinchesandcables.Asbefittedhisstatus,SkybossWingnutzledtheairarmadafromtheveryfront.HewasthereforethefirsttoseetheImperialaircraftastheyscrambledtointercepthiswingedhorde.SwoopingdownfromtheupperatmospherecamesquadronsofStormfangGunships,spatfromthelaunchbaysofembattledStrikeCruisers.MorespecksclimbedupwardfromthedirectionofSacredMountain,quicklyresolvingthemselvesintomoreStormfangs,aswellasseveralwingsofImperialNavyVendettas.Evenasthegroundforcesbegantoengage

below,Wingnutzcurledbackhislipswithahungrysnarlandslammedhisthumbsdownonhistriggers.

Thetwowavesofaircraftcollidedlikefuriousstormfronts,streamsoffiresawingthroughtheskyamidflamingcontrailsandspinningmetal.TheOrksnumericaladvantagewasvast,yettheStormfangGunshipsdrovehardintotheirmidst,givingthegreenskinpilotsnochancetoreact.TheOrksblazedawaywithfuriousglee,butthethickfrontalarmouroftheFenrisiangunshipsshruggedofftheirshotslikedrivensnow.Returnfirestreakedout,searingbeamsofhelwinterlightclippingoffwingsandrupturingfueltankswithbrutalefficiency.TheOrksdensenumbersworkedagainstthem,everyjinkanddodgesendingDakkajetsandBurna-Bommerscareeringintooneanother.AstheVendettasaddedtheirlascannonstothefight,crudeaircraftexplodedindroves.Bullet-riddledOrkandImperialcraftplungedfromtheskyinblazingtanglesastheairwarintensified.

Ontheground,theOrksfaredbetter.VastwingsofBurna-BommersandBlitza-BommersscreameddowntopoundtheImperialbattlelinewithexplosiveordnance.Cadiansdiedscreamingbehindtheirdefencelinesastheywereconsumedinhungrycauldronsofflame.Hydrashammeredreturnfireintotheskies,theirattackpatternssupportedbythestreakingflakkmissilesofLongFangs,andtheblazingwrathofQuadGunemplacementsandFirestormRedoubts.Evenso,thegreenskinaircraftcontinuedtotaketheirtoll.Meanwhile,RagnarBlackmanesgroundforceswerebarelyholdingtheOrksatbay.Arrayedalongalowridgestuddedwithcrater-pockedfortifications,CadiansandSpaceWolvesstoodsidebysideastheypouredfireintotheseaofgreenskinssurgingtowardthem.Knightsloomedabove,addingtheirownmighttothedesperatebombardment.TheOrkschargedforwardintheirthousandswiththeirgunsblazingandramshackletanksroaring.Atthebarricades,BlackmanefoughtwithtrueFenrisianferocity,everyblowandshotfellingmorefoes.AsanotherOrkfellawaybloody,Ragnarglancedup,ahowlingscreamsignifyingOrkdivebombersclosingin.Theairfilledwithanominouswhine,therewasablindingflash,andeverythingwentwhite.

Ragnarhauledhimselftohisfeet,earsringing.TheWolfLordspatbloodandlookeduptoseeatightformationofOrkBommersclimbinghardthroughthemaelstrom

above.Blackmanetracedtheirpathbacktotheirtarget,hiseyeswideningwithhorrorashisgazesettledontheScorchedKnight.SireDyrosleftarmwasasparkingruin,

littlemorethanamangledstump.ButitwasthetoweringKnightschestandheadthathadtakentheworstofit.AstheyoungWolfLordtookintherupturedhorroroffire-blackenedwreckagethathadoncebeentheScorchedKnight,agreat,triumphantshout

rosefromtheOrkhorde.Nothingcouldhavelivedthroughthatblast.Withthisrealisationcameasurgingfury,onethatBlackmanewasonlytoogladtoembrace.

BOZROGZBIGKILLAZMostOrksconsiderflyboyztobeabitbarmy,andnonemoresothanthebegoggledloonswhopilotBlitza-Bommers.Nosedivingtowardtheenemyatbreakneckspeed

withahalftonofhighexplosiveslashedtoyourwingsmightsoundallwellandgood,butastheSnakebiteNobzareespeciallyfondofsaying,Itsallfunngamestil

someonegetsblownterbits.

However,thepilotsoftheBlitza-BommersquadronknownasBozrogzBigkillazhavemadedive-bombingintoanartform.Legendaryforbeingflashyshowoffswithnosenseoffairplay,theBigkillazwillcirclehighabovethebattlefield,activelyavoidinggettingintofightswithotheraircraftorgroundtargetswhiletheysingleoutasuitablevictim.Thispreywillinvariablybethebiggest,baddestthingonthebattlefield,but

onceitliesintheBigkillazsightsitsdaysareusuallynumbered.Screamingdownfromonhigh,Bozrogandhisboyzflyalmostnose-to-tailinasuicidallytightformationwellbeyondtheskillsofmostOrkflyboyz.Followingtheirbosslead,thewholesquadronwilldropalloftheirboombombsatonce.Theirvictimispummelledwithatightlygroupedtrioofexplosionsthatcollapsesshieldsandstavesineventhethickest

armour,detonatingammoandfuelreserveswithmonstrousforce.Evenastheflamesbillowskywardbehindthem,theBigkillazarealreadyupandaway,huntingfortheir

nextlucklesstarget.

BLOODEDCLAWS

RagnarBlackmaneisfamedforhisrages,inthegripofwhichheentersaheedlesskillingfrenzy.Hisferalwrathhasbeenawokenbythelossofhisally,andisabouttobeunleashedupontheOrkhordewithdevastatingconsequences.

***Ragnar,holdyourposition,itssuicidetoattacknow!***Ragnar?***WolfLordBlackmane,inthenameofRussandtheAllfather,asyourliegelordIcommandyoutoholdyourposition!ByRuss,hesgoingtocharge...***

-LoganGrimnar,FortressAlaricStrategiumVox-log

AsthefurioushowlofRagnarBlackmanerangacrossthevox,itwasechoedupanddowntheline.Thesoundrose,mournfulandcoldasthewindsofFenris.AsBlackmanevaultedthedefenceline,hisWolfGuardandtheBloodClawsofEinarspackwerecloseonhisheels.Incredibly,thedensepressofgreenskinswaspushedbackwardsastheSpaceWolveshithome.WiththeOrksreeling,Ragnarandhiswarriorsbegantocutapathintothethrong.Blackmanesfurywasincandescent,hismovementstoofastfortheeyetofollow.TheWolfLordsfrostbladeseveredheads,loppedlimbsandhackedweaponsinhalfamidablizzardofbloodandsunderedmetal.Aroundhim,hisfollowersfoughttokeepup,theirfacesalightwiththefiercejoyofbattle.MoreyoungSpaceWolveswerejoiningtheattackasitgainedmomentum.Skyclawsplungedinfromaboveontrailsofflame,boltpistolsblazingasbootscrunchedintoupturnedOrkfaces.SwiftclawBikersleaptthebarricade,wheelschurningthinairforlongmomentsbeforetheycrasheddownamidtheOrks,andbegantocarveapathtowardstheirWolfLord.TheCadianspouredsupportingfirearoundtheSpaceWolvesflanks,doingwhattheycouldtoassist.YettheOrksstillnumberedintheirhundredsofthousands,andonelookatthegrimfacesoftheGreyHunterswhohadheldtheirgroundtoldtheImperialGuardsmeneverythingtheyneededtoknow.TheairboiledwithduellingaircraftabovewhileaseaofbayingOrkssurgedforward,closingranksinthewakeofRagnarsassault.AllthiswaslostonBlackmane,foraredmisthadsettledacrosshisvision.NothinglessthanthebloodofeveryOrkonAlaricPrimewouldquenchhiswhite-hotfury,andasRagnarhackedhiswayforwardthegreenskinsfellapartbeforehim.VaultingontothewreckofaburningOrktank,BlackmanesightedthegreatswayingbanneroftheOrkWarlord.Itroseabovethehorde,flankedbylumberingwalkersandagreatmobofgreenskinswithweird,glowingweapons.RagnarwouldnthavecarediftheOrkgodsthemselveshadmarchedathis

enemysside.Hetookarunningleapintotheenemyranksandbegantocarveafreshpathtowardhisfoe.

TheOrksunleashedeverythingtheyhadatthisdeadlylordandhisblood-coveredwarriors,yetmiredastheywereamidthegreentidetheSpaceWolvesmadedifficulttargets.Coruscatingballsofplasmablastedglowingcratersinthehordeandthrummingwavesofforcecrushedswathesofgreenbodiestopaste,butstillRagnarswolveskeptcoming.TheSwiftclawBikersofOrnolfsGiantslayersstreakedwidearoundthefighttoflankthenearestOrkwalker.Hissingbeamsofmeltafirereachedout,burrowingthroughthewarenginesarmourtotouchoffitsboilerinagreatcloudoffireandsearingsteam.Evenasthewalkerblewskyhigh,RagnarswepthisbladethroughthelastoftheOrksthatblockedhispathandsuddenlythexenosWarlordwasbeforehim.Themassivegreenskingaveanincongruouslyresignedshrug,apedclumsilybyitsmassivearmour,andlumberedintoacharge.TheOrkspiston-klawsweptdowntowardRagnarsheadlikethemeteorthathadfallenuponSacredMountain,yettheWolfLordwoveaside,smashingthehiltofhisbladeintotheOrksface.Teethflewashisopponentstaggeredsideways,onlytogiveventtoabellowofrageandswingagain,servosandgearswhiningfuriously.Ragnarcaughtthefirstblowonhisblade,staggeringunderitsforce,thenbatteredthefollow-upswingasideandallowedtheOrksweapontoburyitselfdeepintheground.Beforethesurprisedgreenskincouldreact,Ragnarswepthisbladearoundandloppedoffhisfoesmassivelyarmouredarmattheelbow.ThickbloodjettedforthastheOrkstaggeredbackastep,beforelungingforwardwithafuriousroartobiteoutRagnarsthroat.Withanotherlightning-fastsidestep,theyoungWolfLordbroughthisbladearoundandhackedtheOrksheadfromitsshoulders.Ragnarthrewbackhisheadandloosedanotherferalhowlthatwasechoedbythewarriorsaroundhim.TheOrkWarlordwasdead,butBlackmanesvictorymightyetproveshort-lived.Thoughsomefledatthefalloftheirmaster,hundredsoffuriousOrksstillpressedinfromallsides,drivingtheFenrisiansbackintoanevertighteningring.TheSpaceWolvesfoughtwithundimmedfury,yetagainstsuchoddsandsofarfromsupporttheystoodlittlechanceofsurvival.

FENRISThedeathworldfromwhichtheSpaceWolveshailisbeyondtheimaginingsofmostcitizensoftheImperium.Possessedofatowering,feralbeauty,Fenrisisnonethelessaworldsolethalthatnonebutthestrongestcansurvivethere.Thehumantribeswho

liveonFenrissurfacemustfightaconstantwarwithpacksofdeadlybeasts,withoneanother,andwiththeplanetitself,simplytosurvive.ItisfromthishardystockthattheSpaceWolvesrecruit,andfromthemthattheyinherittheirjovialdisrespectfor

death.

THEDEEDSOFRAGNARBLACKMANE

941.M41THECHOOSINGDuringanespeciallybloodyFenrisiansummer,theThunderfisttribeareambushedbytheGrimskulltribeinthewakeofavictoryfeast.Flyingintoaberserkrage,theyoungRagnarThunderfistsomethingofaprodigalchildamongsthistribebutchersagreatswatheoftheattackingwarriors.Thoughheeventuallysuccumbstohiswounds,RagnarseffortsdrawtheattentionoftheWolfPriests.Ragnarsbarelylivingbodyisunceremoniouslydraggedfrombeneathamoundofthedead,andheistakentojointheSkyWarriors.

942.M41MORKAISDUEDuringhisTrialofMorkai,theyoungRagnarfindshimselfthepreyofagreatFenrisianBlackmanedWolf.Ratherthansuccumb,Ragnarsuccessfullybattlesandslaysthebeast,haulingitscarcassbacktotheFanginvictory.Withthisheroicdeed,RagnarBlackmaneisborn.

949.M41BLACKMANESFURYWhileenroutetotheAngelsfallwarzone,theStrikeCruiserStormdrakeisboardedbyDarkEldarpirates.RagnarspackofBloodClawsareamongstthewarriorswhochargethroughtheshipscorridorstorepeltheboarders.AfterRagnarsWolfGuardPackLeaderisfelledwithavirulentneurotoxin,Blackmaneseesredandleadsamaddenedchargeintotheenemyguns.Thoughseveralofhispackmatesareslainamidastormofcrystallinesplinters,thexenosareoverrunbeforetheycansabotagetheStormdrakesprimarygeneratorum.

952.M41THEPRICEOFVICTORYRagnarBlackmanespackareamongthosechosentolaunchapunitiveassaultontheworldofHenloth.Here,rebelfactionshavestagedanuprisinginthenameoftheRuinousPowers.ThesituationswiftlyescalatesastheinfluenceofTzeentchianDaemonsisrevealed.AstheSpaceWolvesstruggletopreventafull-scaledaemonicincursionRagnarBlackmaneisforcedtostrikeofftheheadofRunePriestBulvaiRunemakke,whoseerraticdecisionshaveledtoonedisasterafteranother.RagnarsinstinctsarebornoutasaglamourfadestorevealaThousandSonsSorcererlyingslainbyBlackmaneshand.YetmanyclaimthatRagnarsbehaviourwasdangerouslyimpulsive,forhehadnoproofbeyondhisownconvictionsthatthevenerableSpaceWolfpsykerhadbeensomehowcompromisedbythefoe.SomeamongsttheChaptertaketocallingtheimpetuousBloodClawRagnarPackslayer,andhisreputationisleftbadlytarnished.

970.M41DESTINYRECLAIMEDTheBladestarClusterisoverrunbytheOrkhordesofaBloodAxeWarbosscallinghimself

BorzagKhan.Freshfromabloody,system-widewaragainstelementsoftheWhiteScarsChapter,thiscunninggreenskinhaslearnedmuchabouthitandrunwarfare.Hisfastmoving,hard-hittingwarbandswreakhavocthroughtheClusteruntilthearrivalofBerekThunderfistsGreatCompany.Inaseriesofbloodyskirmishes,theFenrisianscurtailtheOrkadvanceandeventuallycornerBorzagKhanhimselfontheAntillianPlateaux.Here,amidthebloodandthunderofbattle,thefrenziedBlackmanesingle-handedlyhacksapartBorzagsbodyguardsbeforeslayingtheBloodAxeWarbossinacrunchinglyviolentduel.Theirleaderslain,theremainingOrksareeasypreyfortheSpaceWolves,thewardrawingtoaclosejustdayslater.Ragnarislaudedforhisheroicpartinthevictory,thestainonhishonourerasedwithanunprecedentedpromotionstraightfromBloodClawtotheranksofLordBereksWolfGuard.

983.M41THUNDERFISTSBANEDuringfiercefightingagainstKhornateTraitorSpaceMarinesontheForgeworldofBhakhar,Ragnarisconsumedbybattlerageandplungesintothefray.HeisthusfarfromLordBerekssidewhentheWolfLordisslainbytheKhornateChampion,GhoroxBloodfist.BlaminghimselfforBereksdeath,Blackmanevowstofindvengeanceordeath.

983.M41ANOATHFULFILLEDRagnarBlackmanefinallyrunsGhoroxBloodfisttogroundontheshrineworldofPerfidium.Theirensuingduelislongandviolent.ItendswithRagnarhurlingBloodfistsbrokenbodyfromtheTemplumIncarnadustosmashacraterinthepearlescentcobblesthreethousandfeetbelow.Havingavengedhisslainlord,BlackmaneiselectedasthenewmasterofThunderfistsGreatCompany.Thisannouncementamazesall,theyoungWolfLordincluded.

984.M41-998.M41YEARSOFBLOOD

WiththeImperiumbesetonallsides,RagnarBlackmaneproveshimselfacapableWolfLordinnumerousbloodywars.BlackmanesGreatCompanyspecialiseincrushingorbitalassaults,andthoughRagnarseldersexpressconcernattheyoungLordsferocioustemper,theycannotfaulttheresults.YetmattersaretocometoaheadonthebloodyfieldsofAlaricPrime,wherehiswrathmayyetprovetobehisdownfall.

THEFURYOFWOLVES

RagnarBlackmaneandhissurvivingwarriorsarealoneamidaseaoffoes.Cutoffandsurrounded,losinggroundbythemoment,theycannotholdoutforlong.However,theSpaceWolveswillnotabandontheirown,nomattertheodds.

CAGEDBEASTSAswordofthebattlefilteredbacktoKrom,theWolfLordragedathisimpotence.Yet

heandhismenwerenotyetreadyforbattle.NoneamongstthemhadescapedBlisteredIslewithoutseriousinjuryKromhimselfwasstillwaitingimpatientlyforhisfracturedskulltoreknitandtheirwargearwasscarcelyinbettercondition.Ashepacedandcursed,theFierce-eyefinallyhadtoadmittohimselfthathisactionshadbeenworsethanrash.HeborenoloveforthewhelpBlackmane,butifRagnarsdeathwasplaceduponhisshouldersbesidethelossoftheVengefulHowl,Dragongazemight

neverlivetheshamedown.

ThestrategiumofSacredMountainrangwithathunderouscrashasLoganGrimnarsfistsmashedthroughtheholomaptable.RobedSacristansandCadiansfrozeinfearastheGreatWolfstalkedaroundthesparkingtabletoloomaboveCastellanStein.TotheCadianscredit,evendwarfedbytheloomingGreatWolf,Steinheldhisground.Repeatyourself,CastellanStein.Grimnarsvoicewasadangerousgrowl,echoedbytherumblesofthetwoenormouswolvesthatlurkedinhisshadow.Steinswallowedaudibly,andspokeupintothesuddenhush.MylordGrimnar,withallrespect,yourwarriorsarelost.Theyabandonedtheirpostsatgreatcostinlivestomyownmenandchargedintotheverymidstofthehorde.ACadiandoesnotshirkfromduty,butattemptingarescuenowwouldsimplywasteevenmoreofourstrength.WecannotsaveRagnarBlackmane,lordGrimnar.Itisimpossible.GrimnarcontinuedtoglareatSteinforalongmoment,theCadiancommanderquiveringwithfearbeforehim.ThentheOldWolfscowledandturnedaway.Aye,perhapsitisimpossibleStein.Forlittlemenlikeyou.Withthat,Grimnarstrodefromthestrategiumwithhismonstrouswolvesathisheels.Thoughhewasseethingwithfrustration,LoganwouldnotabandonRagnarandhisfollowerstotheirfate.AshesweptalongthecorridorsofFortressAlaric,Grimnarspokeasteadystreamofordersintohisvox-bead.AnicyshiverranuptheOldWolfsspineasthereportscameback.StormcallerhadforseenthatGrimnarshouldholdhisfinestbackfromthefightlestsuchadisasterbefallthe

YoungWolf.YettohurlsomanyofhisownWolfGuardintothisboilingcauldronofwarsmackedofdesperation.Manywouldnotreturnfromabattleagainstsuchodds,buthecouldnotsimplyleavehishot-headedprotgtodie.Withaheavyheart,Grimnarsnarledtheorder.

Minuteslater,plungingthroughtheboilingmadnessoftheairwar,cameapairofStormwolves.Thecraftarrowedstraighttowardtheshrinkingsplinterofgrey-bluearmourlodgedintheheartoftheOrkhorde.Astheynearedtheirtarget,humminggreenbeamsofforcereachedupfromamongstthegreenskinsbelowanddraggedthetwoassaultcraftgroundward.BothslammeddownamidtheOrkthrong,trailingablizzardofflamingwreckageandpulpedgreenfleshastheyslewedtoastophundredsofyardsfromRagnarsembattledwarriors.Orksconvergeduponthedownedcraft.SuddenlythehulloftheforemostStormwolfbuckledasifstruckfromwithin.Rivetspoppedasanotherresoundingclangechoedfrominsidethecraft,thensuddenlyitsassaultrampflewfree.Propelledbyathunderousblowfromapowerfist,thehugeslabofadamantiumcartwheeledbloodilyintoamobofOrksandtheWolfGuardstormedoutafterit.Fangsbared,theveteranwarriorsraisedtheirgunsandopenedfire,directingadensecurtainofpoint-blankfireintothegreenskinmass.TheOrks,previouslyfocussedonRagnarsdesperateforces,nowfoundthemselvesattackedontwofronts.TotheirforethesurvivingBloodClawsstruckwithrenewedfury,pistolsroaringandbladeslashingout.Thegreenskinsgaveamightyroar,thisbeingthesortoffightOrkslivefor,butnowtheyweredyingfasterwitheverypassingmomentastherampofthesecondStormwolfslammeddownandmoreWolfGuardcrashedheadlongintotheboilingmassoffoes.Thebrawlwasbrutalintheextreme,theWolfGuardfightingwiththecoldfuryofFenrisagainstaseeminglynumberlesstide.First,oneTerminatorwashackedbloodilyapart,thenanother,thenmore.YetastheOrksdiedintheirhundreds,thenumbersbetweentheWolfGuardandRagnarbegantothin.SuddenlythetwoSpaceWolfforceswerefightingasone,asurvivinghandfulofWolfGuardTerminatorscarvingthroughthefinalrankofOrkstofindRagnarswarriorswaitingbeyond.SteamingheapsofOrkcorpsescarpetedthegroundforyardsineverydirection,thefoebackingwarilyawayandsummoningyetgreaterstrengthbeforetryingagain.TheheroismoftheWolfGuardhadearnedtheBloodClawsachanceatsurvival,butnomorethanthat.Ragnarsmenwerefarfromrescuedyet.

NjalStormcallerkneltuponabloodymatoffreshlyskinnedpelts,hisbreathmistingtheice-coldairofthecavern.Strippedtohisblackcarapace,Njalsmassiveformwasfestoonedwithruniccharmsthatcrawledwithflickeringwyrdlight.Scatteredaroundhimlayhandfulsofrunestonesandshardsofbloodstainedice,steamingwithafaintectoplasmicvapourthatNjaldrewinwitheachslowbreath.Heclosedhiseyesand

lookeddeepintotheheartofthestorm,plunginghisconsciousnessthroughtheskinofrealitylikeablade.Inhismindseye,agreatslickofsquirming,boilingentrailsspilled

fromthebellyoftheWarpandspreadslowlyoutbeforehim.Siftingthroughthemetaphysicaloffalinwhichhenowswam,Njalbegantoreadthesigns.

Ghostlywavesoffireandicecrawledinslowmotionacrossthewallsofthecave.Thescatteredrunestonesroseslowlyintotheair,orbitingtheFenrisianpsykerlikeworldsaroundastar.Stormcallerssoulroamedfarfromhisbody,yethislipsstillmoved,

wordsofprophecywhisperingbetweenthem.Hoveringathisshoulderalupineservo-skullsetquilltoparchmentandscribedNjalsfuture-tellingwordforword.

Theyoungkingandtheold...bothshallcometoperil...ontheworldofburningseas...hatebegetshate,bloodbegetsblood...thewolfshallplungeintothejawsofthebeast...yettheechoesofthePrimarchshallgatherasone...theyshallhowltoaskyoffireandblood...andstrikelikethewrathofthestormunbound...thoughamillionbladesberaisedasone...andmurderwashacrosstheworld...Russshallprotecthisfavoured

sons...Njalseyesflickedopen,glowingwithblue-whitelight.

Theweaponsofwrathaloneshallsunderthebeastunchained!hefinishedinagasp,thenfellforwardontohishandsandkneesasthelightinhiseyeswentout.As

Stormcallerretchedbloodandbileontothematofskins,runestonesclatteredtotheicyflooraroundhim.Eachstonewasshorncleanlyinhalf,andglowedasthoughplucked

fromtheheartofafire.Slowly,Stormcallerrosetohisfeet,superhumansensesreorientinghimtothematerialplane.Ashepluckedthescrollofprophecyfromtheservo-skullsgraspthestrange

servitorgaveaburblinggrumbleofmachinecode.Njalabsentlywaveditaway,browfurrowingashereadthewordshehadspoken.EchoesofthePrimarch?FromtheChaptersmightyrelicstoitseveryfiercewarrior,eachfacetoftheSpaceWolves

existencecouldbesaidtoechoRussown.YetsurelythetruestechoesofthePrimarchwerethosebravewarriorswhomadeupGrimnarsWolfGuard,fortheyweremightyheroesall.GrimnarandBlackmaneweretodepartforSanctusReachwithintheday.

Beforetheyleft,Stormcallerwouldensurethathiswarningwasheard.

AshisseveredheadbouncedintothemudandrolledunderhisBattlewagon,Mogrokgrittedhisteeth.Well,hethoughtashecametorestfacedowninthemud,thiswas

justzoggintypical.Heddoneallthework,hadallthebestplans.Andwhatdidheget?Somewolfboynutterwithagreatbigswordrunsupandknockshisblockoff.ThedaftgitwasgoingtogetburiedinBoyzforhistroubles,butthatdidntreallyhelpMogrokverymuch.Suddenlyhewasrollingover,graspingfingersjammedintohisnose,earsandmouth.Mogrokhadafleetingimpressionofbeadyredeyesandaleering,snaggle-

toothedgrinbeforehewasshovedunceremoniouslyintoasmellysack.

THEGREATWOLFSTRIKES

TheleaderlessOrkhordeisbeginningtowaver.RagnarandhissurvivingwarriorshavebeengrantedatemporaryreprievebytheWolfGuard,butremainingreatperil.OntheplainsofSacredIsle,intheskiesabove,eveninorbit,OrkandImperialforcesarelockedinabitterbattle.NowitfallstotheGreatWolftostrikethekillingblow.TheOrkswerewavering.True,theiraircraftstillblackenedtheskiesandtheirwarriorsturnedtheplainsofSacredIsletoachurningseaofgreenbodies.Yettheirleaderwasslain,andreportsfloodedinfromImperialforcessuggestingthatwordmustbespreadingthroughthegreenskinranks.Hereandthere,infightingwasbreakingoutastheOrksturnedononeanotherbeforetheeyesoftheCadiandefenders.Anarchicmassesofxenossurgedacrosstheplains,fallingeasypreytotheImperiumsguns.TherewerestillhundredsofthousandsofOrksinthefield,however,andmorewerestillfloodinginfromtheoutlyingisles,drawnbythepromiseofbattle.Servo-skullpict-augursshowedBlackmaneandhissmallbandstillholdingoutbehindarampartofOrkcorpses,thefewsurvivingWolfGuardbolsteringtheirranks.ThegreenskinsweremassingtoattacktheyoungWolfLordspositiononceagain,andinsuchnumbersthatitseemedunlikelyanySpaceWolveswouldsurvive.Nowwasthetimeforadecisiveblow,beforetheOrkscouldregaintheircohesionormomentum.FortunatelyfortheImperium,LoganGrimnarwasreadyingjustsuchastrike.

THESTORMSPEARWithathunderousrumble,thegreatgatesofFortressAlaricswungwide.FromwithincameagunningroarofenginesandaferocioushowlasthearmouredmightoftheSpaceWolvessurgedforth.HurtlingacrossthefreshlyrepaireddrawbridgeofSacredMountain,acolumnofblue-greyAdeptusAstartesbattletanksmadeforthefrontlines.LandRaidersjostledwithspeedingRhinosandsquadronsofsnarlingPredatorsastheyateupthemilestothefront.Vindicatorssnortedsmokeastheyracedtokeepup.Atthetipofthespear,mountedastridehischariotStormriderwiththeAxeMorkaibrandishedoverhead,LoganGrimnarbaredhisfangsinawildgrin.AroundhimrodepacksofWolfGuardmountedastridelopingThunderwolves,theirvoicesraisedinchillinghowlstomatchthoseoftheirwarriorking.GrimnarsarmouredthrusthittheOrkslikeamightyspear.Weaponsroaredinprofusion,heavyboltersandautocannonsstitchingthegreenskinlineswithshotswhilelascannonsspatandOrktanksexplodedingoutsofoilyflame.TheOrkslaiddownastormoffirepowerinresponse,crudeordnancestrikingsheetsofsparksasithammereddentsinarmouredhulls.HereandthereashotpunchedthroughSpaceWolftanksshudderedtoahaltgoutingflame,orflippedintotheairasbombsquigsdetonatedbeneaththemwithlethalforce.YetGrimnarwasunstoppable,hisaxehackingthroughgreenfleshwitheveryswing.TheThunderwolfridersaroundhimhittheOrklineslikeabatteringram,theweightandmomentumoftheirchargecarryingthemdeepintothehorde.Suddenlytheskyfilledwith

screamsandtheworldburstintoflameasAstraMilitarumartilleryfirefellinagreatswatheamidtheOrks.Grimnarwatchedaloomingscrapmetalwalkercomeapartunderthebombardment,flamingchunksofwreckagespinningawaytosmashmoreOrkstoapulp.HegrinnedandconcededthatperhapsSteinwasntcompletelyuselessafterall.Thefoeweredoingtheirbesttofightback,massingbehindcapturedbarricadesandpouringfireintotheSpaceWolfoffensivewithdesperateferocity.ButSteinwasrollinghisbarrageoutwardnow,cuttingapathofdestructionthroughtheOrkhorde.Witharinginghowloffury,LoganGrimnarplungedintothecorridorofflamesopenedbySteinsguns.

AnarmyofgreenskinswaspoisedtooverrunRagnarBlackmaneandhissurvivingwarriors.YetnowtheyweresentreelingbyGrimnarscharge.TheGreatWolfburstthroughtheflamesoftheCadianbombardment,speedingtanksandstridingKnightsemerginguponhisheels.Theirgunsloosedatorrentoffireintothegreenskins,blastingmassiveholesintheirlines.Orkfieldgunswereoverturned,crushedbeneaththegrindingtracksofSpaceWolftanksevenastheirgrotcrewsscatteredscreaming.AstheSpaceWolfassaultbitdeep,anylastvestigesofacoherentOrkbattle-linecollapsed.Bereftofcover,theOrkswereeasyprey.Rhinosslewedtoahalt,packsofGreyHuntersdisembarkinganddrivingtheOrksbackwithcrashingvolleysofboltgunfire.Jetsofflamewashedacrossthetightlypackedgreenskins,turningthemintoroaring,flailingtorches.LascannonfiretorethroughOrktanksasthoughtheyweremadefromrottenwood.Asthegreenskinstriedtomassforacounter-charge,Grimnarslammedintotheirmidst.OrksvanishedunderhischariotwithmeatythudsorweredecapitatedbytheAxeMorkai.Blackmanessurvivingwarriorswerecheeringnow,chargingoutfrombehindtheirmacabreramparttohackandhew.Chasedbyshotandshell,thelastOrksbrokeandfled,flowingawayfromBlackmanespositionliketheoutgoingtide.Victorysecured,GrimnarbroughtStormridertoahaltandleaptdown,hisfacesetinastonyscowl.BothofhisWolfLordshaddisgracedthemselvessincethiswarbegan,andtheOldWolfmeanttoseethefirstofthemdealtwithrightnow.

THEIMPERIUMASCENDANTInthestrategiumofSacredMountain,thenewsofRagnarsrescuemetwithasomewhatmutedresponse.ApairofTech-Priestshadsuccessfullyrestoredthefunctionsofthefracturedholotable,yetthecracksinmoraleremained.Officersexchangedhuntedlooks,

shootingnervousglancesatthemaindoorsinfearofthehugearmouredfigurethatmightfillthematanymoment.CastellanSteinstoodstiff-backedbeforethetablesflickeringdisplay,watchingtheswarmsoficonsflowingacrossitwithafiercescowl.Despitehisbestefforts,theCadiancommanderstemperhadflaredseveraltimesatsubordinatesforcedtoreportbadnewsorrequestclarificationofanorder.Thoughhewasloathetoadmitit,SteinhadbeenbadlyrattledbyhisruninwiththeGreatWolfforamomenthehadevenfearedforhislife.Now,withtherescueoftheherohehadwrittenoffasdead,theCadiancommanderfearedthatanyperceivederrorofjudgementonhispartwouldbecompoundedintheSpaceWolveseyes.NevermindthathundredsofhisowngoodCadianGuardsmenhadpaidthepriceforRagnarsvaingloriousoffensiveandsubsequentreprieveSteinknewbetterthanmostthatthelivesofhismenwereanexpendablecommodity,butCadianbloodwasacoinhepreferredtospendwithhisownhandandonhisownterms.Still,ashewatchedthebattlecontinuetoplayoutupontheplainstotheeast,thecastellanhadtoadmitthattheOrkswerecollapsing.ItwasnowconfirmedthatRagnarBlackmanesmaddenedchargehadslaintheOrkswarlordifhisoffensivehadbeentheswingthattooktheheadoffthebeast,Grimnarsmassivefollow-upstrikehadbeenthespear-thrusttothegutsthatfinisheditoff.Asbefore,whenSteinsmenhadfelledthepreviouswarlordofthisWaaagh!,theOrkswerereelingandpanickedbythelossoftheirleader.Thistime,however,thexenoswouldnotbegivenachancetoregroup.Turningfromthemap,Steinbegantobarkorders,determinedtoprovetotheselordsofFenristhatthemenofCadiadidnotshirkfromdoingtheEmperorswork.CastellanSteinsordersflowedoutfromthestrategium,cracklingfromvox-hornsorrepeatedbychatteringservo-skullsupanddowntheCadianlines.Bannerswerewaved,priestsbellowedexhortationsandCommissarsstrodeforwardtoleadbyexample.Asone,theCadianforcesbegantoadvance,bayonetsfixedandlasgunsblazing.SilasOvikandhissurvivingcrewsgunnedtheenginesoftheirLemanRussbattletanksandbegantogrindforward,poundingfireintothedisintegratingOrkmassesastheydidso.ApairofDeathstrikemissileswerelaunchedfromtheslopesofSacredMountain,passingovertheplainswitharoarliketheangerofthegods.Orkaircraftdesperatelydivedandrolledtoavoidtheenormouswarheadsastheyplungedtowardthebattlefield,andasthemissilesstruckhomeitwasasiftwinsunswereborninthemidstofMogrokshorde.Searingflamesroaredoutwardinalldirections,fusingthemudoftheplainstoblackglassandblastingOrks,walkersandtanksaliketocloudsofash.BesetbyFreebooterships,tumblinginitslastdeaththroeshighabovethebattlefield,theSpaceWolfStrikeCruiserKrakenemptieditslaunch-decks.Evenastheirmother-craftstreakedtheupperatmospherewithflamingdebris,anotherwaveofDropPodsandStormfangGunshipsplungedintothebattle.TheDropPodsdisgorgedhowlingpacksofvengefulFenrisiansandroaringDreadnoughtsintothefight,whiletheStormfangsdivedintotheongoingairwar,theirhelfrostlancesstreakingtheskywithsearinglightastheycutOrkjetsinhalf.Withfreshenemiesjoiningthefightandtheirgroundforcescollapsingbelow,theremainingOrkpilotsswiftlylostheart.Onemomenttheskywasaroilingmaelstromofdogfightsandsawingfire,thenextthegreenskinairarmadadisintegratedlikeashoalofpanickedfish.Ramshacklefightercraftstreakedinalldirections,manycollidingwithorfiringupononeanotherastheywent.Blossomingexplosionsfilledtheskyastheremaining

Imperialairforcesgavechase,andblazingscrapmetalfellinarainupontheplainsbelow.EverywheretheOrkswerefallingapartandtheImperialforcesadvancingtriumphant.KnotsofOrksstillfoughtbackwithdesperateferocity,butthetidehadwellandtrulyturned.OnthegreenskinssouthernflankGerantiusledaspearheadofKnightsandSpaceWolvesintothemillingfoe,personallyramminghisverdigrisedreaperchainswordthroughtheheadofatoweringOrkwalkerandtopplingthemightywarengine.AroundthefeetoftheForgottenKnight,GreyHuntersandLongFangslaiddownadevastatingstormoffirethatdrovebackandscatteredoneOrkmobafteranother.

Allsquadronsengage,steadyadvanceandfireforeffect.Thunderheadsyouhavethelead.Gentlemen,letswipethesegreensavagesoffthemaponceandforall.

-CommanderSilasOvik,Cadian1652ndArmour

AlongMordredsRidge,alasthandfulofCadiansandSpaceWolveswerestillholdingoutinbatteredfortifications.VastmobsofOrksbellowedandbrawledoutside,whileGrukktoreatthearmouredwallsofatoweringbastion,bellowingwithinsensaterage.Theremainingdefenderswerepreparingtoselltheirlivesdearly,whensuddenlyexplosionsblossomedamidtheOrkmasses,andtheCadiansandFenrisianswerehurledtothefloor.Astheyrosetostareoncemorefromarmouredview-slits,theamazeddefenderssawblazingcratersstrewnwithdeadOrks,thesurvivorsfallingbackindisarray.Bullgrynsweremarchingupontotheridge,lockingshieldsbetweenthesmokingbarricadeswhileplatoonsofinfantryfollowedintheirwake.Mortarteamsdeployedintheleeoftheabhumanline,lobbingshellsintotheretreatinggreenskinhordeevenasthegroundshooktothetreadofHouseDegallioKnights.WarlordGrukkchargedmadlyt