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The Horus Heresy, also known as the Age of Darkness, was the first and most devastating civil war in Imperial history. Occurring in early 30K and lasting several years, it divided and nearly destroyed the fledgling Imperium. It marked the end of the Great Crusade and the encasing of the Emperor of Mankind into the Golden Throne. Here in part three of our four part series we continue our look at the many battles that broke out after Horus’ fall to Chaos .
Following the triumph at Isstvan V, Horus’ rebellion rapidly spread throughout the vast Imperium, akin to a wildfire consuming all in its path. The traitor forces initiated their own perverse “Dark Compliances” on once-loyal worlds, presenting them with a grim ultimatum: submission or annihilation, a cruel mockery of the earlier Great Crusade. Nowhere was this twisted transformation more apparent than in the expansive northern regions of the Imperium, which Horus had carved out for his “Dark Empire.”
As chaos unfurled across the galaxy, numerous ad-hoc armies and brotherhoods came into existence. The term “Shattered Legions” encompassed a wide array of Astartes formations, with notable examples being the Raven Guard, Salamanders, and Iron Hands, who regrouped after the tragic Drop Site Massacre, united by a common desire for vengeance against the Traitors.
As both loyalist and traitor armies found themselves isolated behind enemy lines or deprived of support for extended durations, they were compelled to act independently. The harsh realities of the war often drove some to the brink, leading them to pursue their personal desires. Certain individuals resurrected long-held grievances against their former brethren, while others sought petty vengeance for perceived affronts to their honour. There were those who became ensnared by the malevolent forces they had unleashed, forsaking reason and honour to assume the ominous mantle of “Reaver.” From individual warriors to entire Legion contingents, many were consumed by this madness, collectively referred to as “Blackshields.” These warriors were often shattered both in mind and spirit, driven to their new designation by sheer desperation.
Some Blackshield formations consisted of a hodgepodge of loyalists and traitors, disregarding the broader galactic turmoil to pursue their own agendas. In this tumultuous time, the galaxy witnessed a multitude of factions, each with its unique motivations and beliefs, adding further complexity to the unfolding tragedy.
Wars For Paramar (006-011.M31)
Following the triumph of the Drop Site Massacre, Horus issued a decisive directive for his forces to capture the strategically vital world of Paramar V. Nestled on the northern fringes of Segmentum Solar, this world had historically served as a crucial staging point for Expeditionary Fleets during the Great Crusade. Its conquest marked the initial step in the Warmaster’s relentless campaign aimed at Terra.
Horus’ formidable forces, comprising elements of the Alpha Legion, Legio Fureans, and Dark Mechanicum, launched a full-scale invasion of the planet. In the early stages of this brutal conflict, the traitors managed to secure a significant portion of the world, particularly with their capture of Landing Zone Secundus. However, resolute defenders among the loyalists, consisting of the steadfast 77th Grand Company of the Iron Warriors, Legio Gryphonicus, and Mechanicum forces, put up a fierce resistance at the primary spaceport. They incurred substantial losses, especially in their clashes with Legio Fureans.
The tenacious defence mounted by the loyalists persisted until the moment the Alpha Legion launched a second assault. This pivotal attack turned the tide of the battle, leading to the eventual conquest of the last bastion held by the loyalists. With this victory, Paramar V fell firmly into the grasp of Horus, solidifying its role as a critical stepping stone in his relentless advance towards Terra.
Manachean War (006-008.M31)
In the midst of the Manachean War, Horus personally assumed command of his forces, leading them in the conquest of the Coronid Deeps.
The Siege of Cthonia (006-014.M31)
Faced with Horus’ betrayal, Rogal Dorn ordered an Imperial Fists fleet to commence a relentless siege of the nearby world of Cthonia, which served as the homeworld of the Sons of Horus. This brutal siege endured until the concluding stages of the Heresy.
Battle of Phall (007.M31)
Upon receiving the disheartening reports of the traitorous triumph at Isstvan V, Rogal Dorn mobilised a formidable Imperial Fists “retribution fleet” with the intent of reining in the rebels. However, as they made their way to their destination, they encountered a substantial Iron Warriors fleet in the Phall System, thrusting them into a fierce confrontation.
Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula (007.M31)
As the Space Wolves grapple with the aftermath of the fighting on Prospero, they find themselves ambushed by the Alpha Legion within the treacherous Alaxxes Nebula. Although they suffer heavy losses, the Space Wolves manage to hold off the traitors until reinforcements from the Dark Angels arrive.
First Siege of Hydra Cordatus (~007.M31)
In the First Siege of Hydra Cordatus, Perturabo, leading the Iron Warriors, clashes with the Imperial Fists in a relentless confrontation.
Furious Abyss and Battle of Calth (007.M31)
While events unfold on Prospero, Horus’ rebellion gains further momentum with Magnus the Red and his Thousand Sons, now serving Tzeentch, joining the cause. With nine Legions and significant support from the Adeptus Mechanicus, Horus rapidly advances towards Terra following his acquisition of the Emperor’s powers during the Battle of Molech.
Meanwhile, in Ultramar, the Word Bearers, under Lorgar, launch a devastating surprise attack against the Ultramarines, involving the colossal Battleship Furious Abyss. Although the Ultramarines sustain heavy losses at Calth, the Furious Abyss is ultimately destroyed, allowing the Legion to endure. Roboute Guilliman is now faced with the Shadow Crusade launched by the Word Bearers and World Eaters.
Thramas Crusade (007-010.M31)
To obstruct the Lion, Horus dispatches the Night Lords to sow chaos throughout the Imperium as part of the Thramas Crusade.
Shadow Crusade and Crusade of Iron (007-009.M31)
While the Ultramarines were still recovering from their battle with the Word Bearers at the Battle of Calth, they confronted the combined forces of Lorgar and Angron in the Shadow Crusade as the traitors rampaged through Ultramar. Simultaneously, Loyalist Titan Legions mount a retaliatory counter-attack in what becomes known as the Crusade of Iron.
The Khan’s Decision (007.M31)
To occupy the bulk of the remaining loyalist forces, Horus assigns the Alpha Legion the task of hindering the Space Wolves and blocking communications with the White Scars. For this purpose, the Alpha Legion deploys a mysterious pylon located on the Tenebrae 9-50 Installation in the Octiss System to manipulate the Warp and disrupt V Legion communications. However, the plan falters when Omegon dispatches a small team, led by Sheed Ranko, to neutralise the device. This action enables the White Scars to re-establish contact with the rest of the Imperium and learn of the Heresy.
Upon learning of these developments, the Khan initially refuses to align with either side, choosing instead to investigate the truth for himself on Prospero. Following his discovery of the destruction, the Khan remains conflicted. This leads to an attempted coup by Horus sympathisers within his own Legion, as well as an effort by Mortarion to actively recruit him. Ultimately, the Khan rejects the Traitors’ offer and aligns with the loyalist cause. The White Scars subsequently wage guerrilla warfare behind Horus’ lines for several years, incurring heavy casualties.
Capture of the Perfect Fortress (008.M31)
An impregnable fortress, created by Primarchs Perturabo and Fulgrim, comes under a futile assault by an Imperial Army cohort. The attackers are relentlessly pursued and slaughtered by the Emperor’s Children. Subsequently, the Raven Guard under Corax occupies the abandoned fortress and turns its formidable defences against their former brethren.
Mezoan Campaign (008.M31)
The Mezoan Campaign witnesses clashes between the Mechanicum and a hybrid force comprising the Alpha Legion and Iron Warriors over control of the vital Forge World of Mezoa.
The Siege of Baal (008-013.M31)
Baal, the homeworld of the Blood Angels, serves as a refuge for many loyalists fleeing Horus’ forces. Seeing this sanctuary as a threat, it comes under attack by a combined force of Sons of Horus, Emperor’s Children, and Dark Mechanicum. After years of siege, the traitor assault is repelled, resulting in heavy losses on both sides.
The Battle of Vanaheim (008-009.M31)
Perturabo’s Iron Warriors launch a daring void assault against the orbital hives of Vanaheim, capturing them from the Mechanicum. Subsequent loyalist counter-attacks end in failure.
The Path of Heaven
Following the discovery of the Dark Glass and the ensuing Battle of Catallus, the White Scars manage to return to Terra to defend the capital world with their forces.
The Breaking of Anvillus (009.M31)
The vital Forge World of Anvillus descends into a devastating civil war that leads to the destruction of both sides.
Battle of Molech (009.M31)
Following the Battle of Dwell and a failed assassination attempt on Horus by Shadrak Meduson, the traitor Warmaster regains memories sealed by the Emperor regarding the world of Molech. Horus speculates that great power resides on Molech and seeks to claim it in order to surpass his father. In the ensuing battle, Horus gains access to a Warp gate and acquires radical new psychic abilities.
The Formation of Imperium Secundus (009-011.M31)
Despite the traitor defeat on Calth, Erebus succeeds in creating the Ruinstorm, which disrupts the Astronomican and hampers navigation and communication. The Blood Angels and Dark Angels, under their respective Primarchs, set out for Terra but find themselves unable to navigate the Ruinstorm. Instead, they lock onto the Pharos beacon, ending up in the Realm of Ultramar. As a result, Roboute Guilliman fears the Imperium is lost and establishes a second empire, Imperium Secundus, with Sanguinius as its Imperator Regis and Lion El’Jonson as its Lord Protector. Imperium Secundus faces early challenges, including the Battle of Sotha and Konrad Curze’s unleashing on Macragge.
The Siege of Inwit (009-013.M31)
Dozens of Traitor fleets besiege the Inwit Cluster, seeking to capture the homeworld of the Imperial Fists. The protracted siege continues until Horus reallocates his forces for the impending assault on Terra.
The Battle of Tallarn (010-012.M31)
Perturabo initiates an invasion of the world of Tallarn, setting the stage for one of the largest armoured conflicts in galactic history.
Nocturne and the Journey of Vulkan (~010.M31)
Following the apparent demise of a deranged Vulkan on Macragge, the Primarch is returned to Nocturne by his sons. After repelling a Death Guard invasion, Vulkan appears to be resurrected and embarks on a pilgrimage to Terra through the Webway.
The Cataclysm of Iron (012-015.M31)
A series of intense conflicts erupts across the Belt of Iron, a concentrated string of Forge Worlds, involving battles between the Loyalist and Dark Mechanicums. Not even the intervention of the Dark Angels can swiftly conclude the war, which persists beyond the Heresy itself.
Conclusion
The civil war rages on, with many fierce battles being waged. Join us for the fourth and final part of our look into the events of the Horus Heresy. For more in-depth stories about the events of the Horus Heresy look for the Games Workshop Black Library books on our website.