Another battle in the crusade! This time, a battle defending against attempts by the Leagues of Votann (read: space dwarves) to take down batteries used to power key defense weaponry. The Vilniaus 39th has its work cut out for them against this foe they have never engaged before…
Here’s Commander Spade’s After Action Report…
To: Imperial High Command
Subject: After Action Report - Engagement Against the Leagues of Votann
From: Commander Spade, 39th Vilniaus Astra Militarum
Esteemed members of the Imperial High Command,
I write to you with a report on the Vilniaus 39th's latest engagement against a detachment of looters and criminals known as the Leagues of Votann. Our mission was to defend key batteries used to power defence lasers on the planet, scattered amongst old bunkers.
Our forces arrived tired due to the speed of our deployment to the area. We intercepted enemy communications, which indicated that they had travelled far in one of their 'Hekaton Land Fortresses' to try and capture the objectives before we arrived.
We initiated the engagement, with infantry advancing on the left, the centre, and the right to take and hold the objectives. Both our tanks advanced down the centre, where Captain Tread’s tank identified the enemy Land Fortress between two buildings. Bellowing orders, both our tanks opened fire with all weapons, doing significant damage from the Battle Cannon and Punisher Cannon.
Our brave troops advance on all fronts, with the Leman Russes opening up on the Hekaton Land Fortress.
The Land Fortress retreated out of sight, and we could hear its passengers disembarking. These passengers turned out to be their Hearthkyn, led by a Karl. They engaged our infantry in the centre, causing moderate casualties, but our brave infantry held on. A loud boom from a handheld railgun struck the turret of a Leman Russ, yet the tank commander remained fully operational.
Enemy infantry dismount to engage our forces in the centre.
The 117th Mordian Iron Guard on the right flank urgently reported the Land Fortress charging them. Despite bravely standing their ground, they were unable to destroy the oncoming vehicle. Sgt Stern's Mordian squad deserves a commendation for their courage.
The combat continued in the centre, with our Leman Russes effectively engaging the enemy Hearthkyn warriors with cannon fire and heavy bolters. A medic using strange and heretical technologies was seen aiding the enemy.
The Punisher bravely advances to bring it’s anti-infantry firepower to bear.
With the battle seemingly going our way, we were alarmed to hear of the Land Fortress running over the remains of Sgt Stern's Mordian Iron Guard. Turning a corner, it engaged our infantry and tanks in the centre. Simultaneously, heavily armoured Kin teleported behind our forces on the left flank. After a barrage of grenade launchers, we lost contact with our infantry.
Determined to sell our lives dearly, both tanks charged towards the remaining enemy infantry. The Punisher was counter charged, resulting in a catastrophic explosion, engulfing Hearthkyn warriors, a squad of Cadian Shock, and their Karl. When the fireball abated, all that stood was a heavily wounded Karl, who was promptly eliminated by a blast from the battle cannon. However, a salvo of volkite shots from the Kin destroyed Captain Tread's Leman Russ.
The Punisher Leman Russ, pictured mere moments before it detonated, destroying the Hearthkyn Warriors, the remains of a Cadian Shock squad, and leaving a seriously wounded Karl.
With the enemy commander and his main infantry dead, my command squad bravely fought a rear guard while I made my escape. Enemy reports that I have been red-misted by a railgun are, fortunately, mistaken.
Our troops fought bravely, and they shall be avenged! The Vilniaus 39th remains steadfast in its commitment to the Imperium.
For the Emperor!
Commander Spade, Vilniaus 39th, Astra Militarum
Technically a loss (I got tabled), but extremely fun. I look forward to the next battle, probably against Ad Mech!
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