Editing First Battle of Kopt Dara (section)

==Background==
{{Main|Parthorum Xenocide}}

In planning the Parthorum Xenocide, [[Hektor Cincinnatus]] determined early on that the Osroene's voidfleets were of pivotal importance.  The Xenos relied on a strategy of containment and counter-attack, using planetary forces to slow down attackers until their fleets could arrive.  Rather than fight on the enemy's terms, Hektor intended to bring their fleets to battle and destroy them, allowing his [[Heralds of Hektor|First Legion]] free reign throughout Osroene space.  Due to the Xenos' overall material superiority, the Primarch planned to deal with their empire in sections.  Rogue Traders had identified the patrol area closest to Sol, a region of space about 50 light years in diameter, and it was within this "Southern Theater" that the First Legion would begin their operations.

Conscious of the need for intelligence, Hektor's first order dispersed the Rogue Traders under his command to monitor the systems of Southern Theater.  As was usual practice, a Space Marine officer held formal command of each vessel, but the vessel's original captain took the role of ship's master and guaranteed its smooth running.  The sight of Solar-built vessels raised little alarm among the Xenos, who had become accustomed to the presence of Rogue Traders during the preceding months.  But despite their innocent appearance, the Imperial vessels were hunting for concentrations of Osroene naval power.  Adela Exard's ''Black Joke'', now under the command of Ouragos Markos Priscus, found the Xenos' Southern Fleet docked in the Destoona System at 057/811.M30.  Priscus immediately ordered his Astropath to signal the First Legion's HQ that their quarry had been discovered.