It's been three months since the Crusade begin. The Crusade have already conquer 27 worlds within the Marches in the name of Emperor.
The Crusade have gone really well with how small the Crusade force are. But, the more force are joining in as the Crusade when deeper, more south into the Dark Marches.
There's multiple Chapters have arrived to help in the Crusade and gain glory for their own and Chapters. Crimson Fists, Mortifactors, Howling Griffons, and Raven Guard have all arrived.
The Crimson Fists and Mortifactors joined primarily due to their past cooperation with the Dark Knights. Having fought alongside them before and operating within Segmentum Tempestus, it made strategic and political sense to support Atharion's efforts.
The Raven Guard, on the other hand, joined for reasons rooted in duty and vengeance. Rumors from the Scouring suggested that an Alpha Legion warband had embedded itself somewhere within the Marches. Not taking any chances for them to operate so near to their homeworld and yearn for revenge for what happen at Drop Site Massacre, Raven Guard have join not for conquest or glory, but for vengeance.
The Howling Griffons were a simpler matter compared to the others. Their reason for joining was born of brotherhood, forged by shared blood. Descended from the Ultramarines gene-line, they saw it as their duty to support their brother from same gene-line in this time of need. To them, honor demanded that they stand beside their fellow sons of Guilliman.
Other than the Astarte Chapters, there's multiple regiments have also arrived. All come from the worlds that have sign treaty with Dark Knights to provide recruit, see this chances to gain favor with the Chapter. While not trained like the Imperial Guard regiments, it's still better than nothing.
Nine, on the other hand, unwilling to display his identity and the existence of Anvilus Nine, have disguise himself as an Archmagos from Ryza. All the vessels, troops and personal that he bring have all change their color and heraldry to match Ryza.
Other than Nine, there also other forge worlds that join in. Wishing to gain a trade deal and with any luck, discover new STC that may reside within the Dark Marches.
Mainly the forge worlds within the Segmentum Tempestus have arrived. Zhao-Arkkad, Gryphonne IV, Graia, and Arachnus all arrived, some simply hope to gain trade deals, while others wish to gain friendship from the Astarte.
Each forge worlds bring different numbers of Skitarii and void elements with them. Though not willing to hear Atharion order, most still accept request when Atharion ask nicely, especially the forge worlds that have lost much from the Heresy and wish to return to their prime.
As Atharion's true objective lay deep within the Dark Marches, the Crusade advanced in a determined, straight-line push through the region, conquering or pacifying any system that stood in the path. The goal was not just to secure territory, but to carve a stable corridor that would allow for reliable supply lines, reinforcements, and communications back to the Imperium proper.
And now, the Crusade have finally arrived on one of the systems that have assigned into Atharion realm.
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300.M36
AW-02 - AW-02 System
Dark Marches - Segmentum Tempestus
The world is a lush, vibrant green, a pretty rare sight. Early scan upon the world show that it's a world that human can settle without problem.
Although the planet was not yet under Atharion's direct control, it fell within the territory marked for future integration into his realm. Upon arrival, he informed the Administratum personnel accompanying the Crusade and instructed them to begin drafting colonization and development plans, not only for this world but also for the forty nearby systems expected to fall under Imperial control.
While Atharion desired to personally oversee the fate of each world within his realm, whether they were under shared control with the Administratum or directly governed by him, he understood his current limitations. Without the necessary resources or infrastructure to manage large-scale planetary development, he chose to rely on the Administratum's experience for the time being.
However, Atharion made it clear that once he had the resources and time, he would personally review and, if necessary, alter any aspect of the plans that did not meet his vision or expectations.
As the Administratum busied themselves with the new task of planning colonies and development, Atharion called for a war council. The goal was to create a clear war plan for the rest of the Crusade.
Inside the largest chamber of the Raptorus Rex, leaders and officers from many different factions gathered. Some were already talking to each other, sharing news or ideas, while others sat in silence, waiting for the meeting to begin.
The room was filled with the colors and symbols of many different groups. There were Space Marines in their proud armor, Tech-Priests from the Mechanicus, officers from human regiments, and even some representatives from the Ecclesiarchy.
The chamber doors slid open with a soft hiss, and Atharion stepped in.
All conversation ceased. The room fell into silence as everyone turned to him. Some gave a respectful nod, others offered a subtle salute, or placed a hand over their chest in recognition of his leadership.
Atharion returned their gestures with a calm nod of his own as he strode toward the head of the chamber.
As he took his seat upon the central command throne, the room dimmed.
From the middle of the chamber, a soft hum rose, and a massive hololith flared to life. Light projected into the air, forming a detailed image of the Dark Marches. Colored markers showed Crusade forces, fleet positions, supply lines, and objectives.
A mortal advisor from the Administratum stepped forward, his robes neatly pressed, the aquila pin on his chest gleaming under the hololithic light. He held a datapad close to his chest as he cleared his throat, his voice carrying with careful precision.
"My Lords," He began, bowing his head slightly to Atharion and the gathered officers, "the Crusade currently maintains control over thirteen primary systems and twelve secondary staging grounds within the Dark Marches. All have been prepare to serve as early colonies and supply hubs for the Crusade."
He then show the resources that are able to harvest from some of the worlds. Some able to provide promethium and rare materials, many have early analysis that suggest they able to become hive worlds in the coming centuries.
The hololith flickered as the advisor tapped his datapad once more. The swirling image of the Dark Marches shifted, fading into rows of symbols, banners, and unit icons—each one representing a force under the Crusade's banner. Above them, a simple line read:
"Crusade Strength – Verified and Active"
One by one, the advisor spoke, each word echoed softly across the quiet chamber.
"Astartes forces number approximately 5,900 Space Marines," he began. "Nine Chapters currently contribute to the campaign."
The hololith highlighted the sigils of each Chapter as he spoke,
Dark Knights – Full Chapter
Crimson Fists – Two full companies
Mortifactors – Two full companies
Raven Guard – One company, currently serving as vanguard scouts
Howling Griffons – Four companies under Chapter Master Tiberius
Fire Hawks – Full Chapter commitment
Angels of Wrath – Full Chapter commitment
Obsidian Sentinels – Status: Full strength
High Sentinels – Status: Full strength
A few heads turned when the Obsidian and High Sentinels were mentioned, but no one spoke. There are no information about the Chapters that they can found within the official database, the only thing they are sure is that both Chapters are a confirm loyalist Chapters that approved by the Inquisition.
"In total, approximately fifty companies ," The advisor confirmed. "With additional support from the Mechanicus."
He gestured, and the image shifted again.
"Five full Skitarii War Cohorts, each commanded by different forge worlds, supported by two Cybernetica Cohorts, one from Archmagos Nine, and the other from Zhao-Arkkad. Current Mechanicus strength is estimated at 48,000 Skitarii infantry, with 1,300 active combat-pattern robots."
The room remained quiet, some nodding in approval, others calculating numbers in their minds.
"Frateris Militia have also arrived in great number. Six waves have joined since the Crusade began. Current count stands at over 42 million faithful, armed and zealous, ready to serve for the Crusade."
He paused to let the number sink in. A force that large was both a blessing and a burden.
Finally, the display adjusted again, showing banners of Astra Militarum regiments, all marked by their homeworlds.
"Regiments from the loyalist worlds in Segmentum Tempestus now number seventy-one, with more expected to follow as the Crusade expands."
The hololith flickered once more. Slowly, the image shifted to display the vast armada that had gathered under the Crusade banner. Dozens of ship icons appeared, each representing a vessel drifting through the void of the Dark Marches.
The advisor looked down at his datapad again, then raised his voice to address the room.
"My Lords, the fleet strength of the Crusade is as follows," He said.
"Fifteen Battle Barges, thirty-nine Strike Cruisers, and eighty-three escort vessels have been assigned to the Adeptus Astartes."
The hololith highlighted each ship type in different colors as the advisor began listing their distribution:
Dark Knights: 5 Battle Barges, 8 Strike Cruisers, 15 Escorts
Fire Hawks: 4 Battle Barges, 8 Strike Cruisers, 12 Escorts
Angels of Wrath: 1 Battle Barges, 4 Strike Cruisers, 12 Escorts
Howling Griffons: 1 Battle Barges, 3 Strike Cruisers, 10 Escorts
Crimson Fists: 1 Battle Barge, 2 Strike Cruisers, 7 Escorts
Mortifactors: 1 Battle Barge, 2 Strike Cruisers, 7 Escorts
Raven Guard: 1 Strike Cruiser, 6 Escorts
Obsidian Sentinels: 1 Battle Barge, 6 Strike Cruiser, 7 Escorts
High Sentinels: 1 Battle Barge, 5 Strike Cruiser, 7 Escorts
While each Forge World brought their own warships to the Crusade, none of them were willing to reveal their fleet composition. Atharion, knowing well that the Archmagi would never obey a direct order without heavy negotiation or tribute, did not waste time trying to demand their cooperation on this matter.
The advisor continued, tapping the datapad as the hololith changed again. Now, the focus shifted to the civilian and auxiliary vessels used to ferry the massive Frateris Militia force to meet the Crusade.
"Thousands of commercial vessels have been requisitioned or volunteered for Crusade duty," He announced. "They are supported by only two Lunar-class cruisers and twelve escort frigates, all of which were secured by Lord Thor through special requests to Battlefleet Obscurus."
Though the true naval presence from the Imperial Navy was small, these ships had become vital assets. They were used not only to transport the vast numbers of pilgrims and militia, but also to ferry supplies, settlers, and materials to the newly conquered systems, ensuring both the Crusade's frontline and its growing colonies remained supported.
Finishing his report, the advisor return to his previous position.
Atharion stand from his seat, gathering the other attention with his movement.
"After reviewing the reports, I have decided to sperate the Crusade to four forces." He said as the hololith flicker again. "Chapter Mastar Tiberius will lead his Chapter with Obsidian Sentinels and High Sentinels, supported by two hundred thousand Militia and twenty-five regiments."
Atharion turned toward Tiberius. "Your objective is to conquer the eastern region," He continued, pointing toward the sector now highlighted in yellow. "Initial scout reports show heavy xenos presence and fractured human colonies. Secure the key systems, eliminate all resistance, and prepare the area for colonization."
He paused for a moment, giving Tiberius a nod. Then he turned his gaze to Grand Master Garron of Fire Hawks.
"Grand Master Garron will lead his Chapter and Crimson Fists, with three hundred and thirty thousand Frateris Militia and thirty-four regiments."
The hololith shifted again, highlighting the western region in red.
"Your task is to secure the western region," he continued. "Orks and pirate groups are active there. Clear out the enemies, destroy their bases, secure the worlds and make sure our supply lines are safe."
Atharion then turn towards Grand Master Tristan of the Angels of Wrath, who's currently sitting in a corner with his Masters around him.
"Grand Master Tristan, I will entruste the northern region to you and your Chapter." Atharion said as he point towards the northern region, which is glowing green. "I will assign fifty hundred thousand Militia and forty-three regiments to assist you."
"Other than this," He then point at the two pictures of roses, a crimson and another snow white. "Sister Mina and Sister Arabella are both currently overseeing construction and local security across the colonies. You can request their help if needed."
Atharion than pointed at the largest region that highlight in silver, the last region that haven't assigned to anyone.
"I will personally lead my Chapter, Dark Knights with Mortifactors and Raven Guard to secure the region." The display flicker as it display multiple worlds that highlight in red with different information on each of it, it also display the information of the Atharion force will be.
"I will take six hundred and four hundred thousand Militia and sixty regiments with me to accomplish the mission."
Finishing this, he then turned towards the Archmagos, telling them their future mission.
Because of the deals Atharion have made with the Archmagos, either for their forge worlds or for themselves, the Archmagos had already agreed to the terms of cooperation, though each for their own reasons. Some sought ancient archeotech, others desired dominion over new mining worlds or control over local STC fragments that rumors spoke of. A few simply wished to test their latest creations in the fires of real war.
"Archmagos," He said, nodding towards the Archmagos. "Your Cohorts will assist the forces assign to you. You can reassigned your Cohorts to further your endeavors, but I hope that you can put the Crusade first before your personal interest."
The Archmagos responded with a series of mechanical nods, a chorus of clicks, whirs, and binaric murmurs filling the air briefly. None objected, at least, not openly. Deals had been made, and the Mechanicus would honor them... for now.
Atharion gave a slight nod in return, acknowledging their silent agreement.
The deal Atharion make with the Archmagos that representing their respective Forge Worlds are not only restricted to warfare. They were also tasked with aiding the construction and development of the 400 worlds that the Crusade would claim.
Each region assigned to them would require strict adherence to the construction plans made by the Administratum personnel and Atharion himself.
This is a great deal for certain Forge Worlds. Their forge can finally heated up and new raw materials can move into their forge worlds. This also serve as a Greta opportunity for them to expand their influence into this new region.
While most of them are task to help in building the worlds, one of them have a more special deals.
Graia, nicknamed the "Crown of Miracles", is the most prosperous Forge World of the Belt of Iron and much of its production is geared towards Titan engines. It's also the 'Graian Crown', an immense battle fortress, composed of a geometrically perfect ring of space stations that normally crest the Forge World Graia.
Because of this fact, Atharion have also task Graia to help him build multiple space station across key worlds. Each space station can serve as defensive bastions, while also serve as port for the fleet in the future.
In addition, Atharion ordered the construction of twelve massive battle fortresses on twelve different worlds. These fortresses, though pale imitations of the Graian Crown, would be powerful defensive networks, a series of linked space stations capable of defending their worlds, housing fleet repair docks, and acting as hubs for local governance. Two of these fortresses were designed to be capable of building battleships, ensuring the naval power of Dark Knights and the region can be ensure.