Gothic War - Revision history

imported>Administrator: 27 revisions imported

2023-06-21T14:28:28Z

27 revisions imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:28, 21 June 2023
(No difference)

imported>Administrator: 1 revision imported

2023-06-19T01:57:21Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:57, 19 June 2023
(No difference)

2A02:1810:4E2C:A900:6131:1E26:C449:F533 at 13:53, 2 June 2023

2023-06-02T13:53:17Z

1d4chan>BigEisBackBois at 18:16, 14 September 2021

2021-09-14T18:16:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 14 September 2021
Line 7:		Line 7:
	\|defender= The Imperium of Man, Eldar		\|defender= The Imperium of Man, Eldar
	\|commander1= [[Abaddon\|Abaddon The Despoiler]], numerous other Chaos Lords and traitor admirals that Abaddon managed to strong-arm into his fleet.		\|commander1= [[Abaddon\|Abaddon The Despoiler]], numerous other Chaos Lords and traitor admirals that Abaddon managed to strong-arm into his fleet.
	\|commander2= Admiral [[Cornelius von Ravensburg]], Inquisitor [[Thadus Valconet Horst]], Prince [[Eldrathain Voidstinger]]		\|commander2= Lord Admiral [[Cornelius von Ravensburg]], Admiral Spire, Inquisitor [[Thadus Valconet Horst]], Prince [[Eldrathain Voidstinger]]
	\|date= 143-151.M41		\|date= 143-151.M41
	\|scale= Sector-wide		\|scale= Sector-wide

184.70.16.82 at 21:59, 25 August 2021

2021-08-25T21:59:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 25 August 2021
Line 69:		Line 69:

	The Gothic War lasted almost twenty years, and its legacy could still be felt more than nine hundred years later, when [[Gathering Storm\|Abaddon's attention once more fell upon the holdings of the Emperor]]...		The Gothic War lasted almost twenty years, and its legacy could still be felt more than nine hundred years later, when [[Gathering Storm\|Abaddon's attention once more fell upon the holdings of the Emperor]]...

			==In Other Media==

			The Gothic War is the setpiece for the first '''Battlefleet Gothic: Armada''' game, which greatly expands on the events of the 12th Black Crusade. Players take on the role of Admiral Spire, a trusted and vouchsafed (by the Inquisition, no less) officer under Von Ravensburg's command who essentially becomes his primary frontline leader (while Von Ravensburg himself takes a more strategic role).

			Through the course of the game, one can either follow the canon beats of the Gothic War, or mix things up a bit by ''changing things entirely'' through one's choices in missions. Recover ''both'' the Hand of Darkness and Eye of Night, and turn them over to the Inquisition for research and safekeeping? Go ahead. Say SCREW YOU to the Eldar, and win the Battle of Gethesemane ''anyway'' without any alliance? Doable.

			The war was also the subject of two (rather old) novels, '''Shadow Point''' and '''Execution Hour'''. These follow the exploits of one Captain '''Leoten Semper''' and his cruiser '''Lord Solar Macharius''' during the conflict.

	{{40k-Timeline}}		{{40k-Timeline}}

104.220.162.108: /* The Imperium Strikes Back */

2021-05-16T00:53:37Z

The Imperium Strikes Back

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:53, 16 May 2021
Line 57:		Line 57:
	===The Imperium Strikes Back===		===The Imperium Strikes Back===

	Though the Chaos fleet outnumbered the ships of Battlefleet Gothic by sheer numbers, they were ''also'' spread out in smaller task forces across the sector. Seeing this as a weakness that could be exploited, Admiral Ravensburg decided to isolate each of these smaller fleets, and hit each with the full might of all his available ships.		Though the Chaos fleet outnumbered the ships of Battlefleet Gothic by sheer numbers, they were ''also'' spread out in smaller task forces across the sector. Seeing this as a weakness that could be exploited, Admiral Ravensburg decided to isolate each of these smaller fleets and hit each with the full might of all his available ships.

	This plan was soon put to the test when a traitor flotilla was spotted on the way to the '''Gethsemane System'''. With [[Rape\|seventeen ships of the line and twenty escorts]], Battlefleet Gothic tore through the Chaos fleet. The Chaos commander soon ordered his forces to retreat, only to be hit from behind by an [[Eldar]] fleet that came seemingly from [[Webway\|nowhere]]. Pincered by these two forces, the Chaos ships were annihilated, giving the Imperium its first major victory of the war.		This plan was soon put to the test when a traitor flotilla was spotted on the way to the '''Gethsemane System'''. With [[Rape\|seventeen ships of the line and twenty escorts]], Battlefleet Gothic tore through the Chaos fleet. The Chaos commander soon ordered his forces to retreat, only to be hit from behind by an [[Eldar]] fleet that came seemingly from [[Webway\|nowhere]]. Pincered by these two forces, the Chaos ships were annihilated, giving the Imperium its first major victory of the war.
			The Imperium had even more good fortune as the warp storms that were isolating the Gothic Sector abated, allowing reinforcements from neighboring sectors to arrive. With victory suddenly put into doubt, Abaddon led his fleet to the Tarantis System. Once more he combined the might of the Blackstone Fortresses, but this time their wrath was directed at Tarantis' sun. The sun went supernova, and billions died as its heat washed over the worlds there.

	~~Things~~ were ~~finally looking up for~~ the ~~Imperium too~~, as the ~~warp storms that were isolating~~ the ~~Gothic Sector abated, which now allowed reinforcements from neighboring sectors~~ to ~~arrive~~. ~~With victory suddenly put into doubt~~, ~~Abaddon led~~ his ~~fleet to the Tarantis System~~. ~~Once more he combined~~ the ~~might of~~ the Blackstone Fortresses, ~~but this time their wrath was directed~~ at Tarantis' ~~sun~~. ~~The sun went supernova~~, and ~~billions died as its heat washed over the worlds there~~.		The Imperial Navy and its Eldar allies were convinced that another attack was to follow. Thanks to the efforts of Eldar scouts, they deduced that Abaddon was going to make a grab for the Blackstone fortress in anchorage above '''Schindlegeist''' and so decided to set up a trap for the Despoiler there thanks to access to the Eldar Webway. [[Just As Planned\|Abaddon fell for it hook, line, and sinker]], and for the first time in the war found his forces outnumbered and outmaneuvered. For three days the Imperials and Eldar hammered Abaddon's fleet, and in seeming desperation the Despoiler deployed his Blackstone Fortresses against Schindlegeist's star, seeking to repeat what had occured at Tarantis. In an act of supreme sacrifice, [[Awesome\|Captain '''Abridal''' led his battleship to where the energy of the three fortresses converged]]. Though his ship was destroyed, the flow of energy was disrupted and it would take time for them to fire again.

	The Imperial Navy and its Eldar allies were convinced that another attack was to follow. Thanks to the efforts of Eldar scouts, they deduced that Abaddon was going to make a grab for the Blackstone fortress in anchorage above '''Schindlegeist''', and so decided to set up a trap for the Despoiler there, thanks to access to the Eldar Webway.		Abaddon had enough. With two Fortresses in tow, the Despoiler beat a retreat back to the Eye of Terror. One Blackstone Fortress was left behind but as marines from the [[Angels of Redemption]] soon found it was empty. This Fortress eventually self-destructed along with all the other Blackstone Fortresses in the sector; the cause of this remains a mystery to this day.

	[[Just As Planned\|Abaddon fell for it hook, line, and sinker]], and for the first time in the war found his forces outnumbered and outmaneuvered. For three days the Imperials and Eldar hammered Abaddon's fleet, and in seemingly desperation the Despoiler deployed his Blackstone Fortresses against Schindlegeist's star, seeking to repeat what had occured at Tarantis. In an act of supreme sacrifice, [[Awesome\|Captain '''Abridal''' led his battleship to where the energy of the three fortresses converged]]. Though his ship was destroyed, the flow of energy was disrupted, which meant it would take time for them to fire again.

	Abaddon had enough. With two Fortresses in tow, the Despoiler beat a retreat back to the Eye of Terror. One Blackstone Fortress was left behind, but as marines from the [[Angels of Redemption]] soon found it was empty. This Fortress eventually self-destructed, along with all the other Blackstone Fortresses in the sector~~, leaving~~ the cause of this a mystery to this day.

	Even with the Despoiler gone, peace didn't return to the sector immediately. The Imperial Navy and Eldar hounded the Chaos forces trying to escape back into the Eye of Terror. This took two whole years, but with the Chaos threat finally ended, the Imperium could once more focus its attention on freeing the worlds lost to opportunistic raiders and pirates.		Even with the Despoiler gone, peace didn't return to the sector immediately. The Imperial Navy and Eldar hounded the Chaos forces trying to escape back into the Eye of Terror. This took two whole years, but with the Chaos threat finally ended, the Imperium could once more focus its attention on freeing the worlds lost to opportunistic raiders and pirates.

104.220.162.108: /* Under the Despoiler's Boot Heel */

2021-05-16T00:49:48Z

Under the Despoiler's Boot Heel

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:49, 16 May 2021
Line 46:		Line 46:
	As if things weren't already bad enough, the overall commander of the Imperial Navy of the sector, '''Lord Admiral von Ravensburg''', had to deal with an increase of [[Eldar]] corsairs raids taking advantage of the chaos on top of Ork and regular human pirates. Forced on the defensive, the Imperial losses continued to rise without any relief in sight.		As if things weren't already bad enough, the overall commander of the Imperial Navy of the sector, '''Lord Admiral von Ravensburg''', had to deal with an increase of [[Eldar]] corsairs raids taking advantage of the chaos on top of Ork and regular human pirates. Forced on the defensive, the Imperial losses continued to rise without any relief in sight.

	===Under the Despoiler's ~~Boot Heel~~===		===Under the Despoiler's Bootheel===

	As the [[Planet Killer]] had proved itself to be a legitimate threat, it's no surprise that sub-sector after sub-sector surrendered rather than face its wrath.		As the [[Planet Killer]] had proved itself to be a legitimate threat, it's no surprise that sub-sector after sub-sector surrendered rather than face its wrath. Abaddon captured his second Blackstone Fortress at '''Lukaris'''; as he deployed these to capture the one defending '''Fularis II''', he revealed what two Fortresses linking their energies could do. Fularis was scoured clean of life by the blast of the linked Fortresses and soon the Despoiler had a third Fortress to his name.

	~~Abaddon captured his second Blackstone Fortress at~~ '''~~Lukaris~~''', ~~and as he deployed these to capture~~ the ~~one defending~~ '''~~Fularis II~~'''~~, he revealed what two Fortresses linking their energies could do~~. ~~Fularis was scoured clean~~ of ~~life by~~ the ~~blast of~~ the ~~linked Fortresses~~, ~~and soon~~ the ~~Despoiler now had a third Fortress to his name~~.		Everywhere in the sector the Imperial forces struggled to stem the Chaos tide. '''Sub-Sector Lysades''' fell to Chaos control, while at the '''Cyclops Cluster''' Ork pirates raided Chaos shipping allowing the Imperial navy some respite. At Barbarus Costa, '''Fleet Admiral Mourndark''' finally broke the back of the Eldar and Human pirate threat in its attack on the Pirates' Haven. With the pirates dealt with, the Imperial Navy could focus its entire attention on the Chaos invasion again.

	Everywhere in the sector the Imperial forces struggled to stem the Chaos tide. '''Sub-Sector Lysades''' fell to Chaos control, while at the '''Cyclops Cluster''' Ork pirates raided Chaos shipping, allowing the Imperial navy some respite. At Barbarus Costa, '''Fleet Admiral Mourndark''' finally broke the back of the Eldar and Human pirate threat in its attack on the Pirates' Haven. With the pirates dealt with, the Imperial Navy could focus its entire attention on the Chaos invasion again.		At the [[Hive World]] of '''Corilia''' fifty [[Chaos Terminator]]s under [[Chaos Lord]] '''Vastakel Khyre''' teleported directly into the capital spire and slaughtered their way through the [[Planetary Defense Force]] before leaving as soon as they came. In their wake, the Imperial Governor and his closest advisors were found missing. What happened to them remains one of the conflict's biggest mysteries.

	At the [[Hive World]] of '''Corilia''' fifty [[Chaos Terminator]]s under [[Chaos Lord]] '''Vastakel Khyre''' teleported directly into the capital spire~~. There they~~ slaughtered their way through the [[Planetary Defense Force]], before leaving as soon as they came. In their wake, the Imperial Governor and his closest advisors were found missing. What happened to them remains one of the conflict's biggest mysteries.

	==Raise the Flag of Defiance==		==Raise the Flag of Defiance==

104.220.162.108: /* The Despoiler Strikes */

2021-05-16T00:48:17Z

The Despoiler Strikes

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:48, 16 May 2021
Line 36:		Line 36:
	===The Despoiler Strikes===		===The Despoiler Strikes===

	It was at this point that Abaddon made his opening move, ~~and launches~~ multiple and simultaneous strikes on naval bases across the sector, in many cases catching Imperial warships unprepared while they were still at dock. Chaos didn't totally have its way however; at '''Orar''' Imperial forces struck back, and drove off the invaders, while [[Ork]] pirates hounded [[Chaos]] fleets once these drifted close to the greenskins' hidden asteroid bases.		It was at this point that Abaddon made his opening move, launching multiple and simultaneous strikes on naval bases across the sector, in many cases catching Imperial warships unprepared while they were still at dock. Chaos didn't totally have its way however; at '''Orar''' Imperial forces struck back and drove off the invaders while [[Ork]] pirates hounded [[Chaos]] fleets once these drifted close to the greenskins' hidden asteroid bases.

	The holdings of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] were also attacked, particularly the [[Forge World]]s where the powerful [[Blackstone Fortress]]es were at anchor. It soon became apparent that these were the Despoiler's primary target, after a fleet of twenty warships overran the defenses of Rebo system just to get at the fortress there.		The holdings of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] were also attacked, particularly the [[Forge World]]s where the powerful [[Blackstone Fortress]]es were at anchor. It soon became apparent that these were the Despoiler's primary target after a fleet of twenty warships overran the defenses of Rebo system just to get at the fortress there.

	The ~~worse~~ was yet to come~~. At~~ the Cardinal World of '''Savaven''', Abaddon revealed his trump card: a warship simply called the '''[[Planet Killer]]'''. The name was soon proven to be well-merited, as its powerful guns soon blew the planet to pieces, taking with it the lives of 14 billion Imperial citizens.		The worst was yet to come: at the Cardinal World of '''Savaven''', Abaddon revealed his trump card - a warship simply called the '''[[Planet Killer]]'''. The name was soon proven to be well-merited, as its powerful guns soon blew the planet to pieces, taking with it the lives of 14 billion Imperial citizens.

	Inquisitor Horst, still continuing his investigation in the area, soon realized that this powerful warship was powered by two artifacts, stolen in the Gothic Sector years prior: the '''Hand of Darkness''' and the '''Eye of Night'''.		Inquisitor Horst, still continuing his investigation in the area, soon realized that this powerful warship was powered by two artifacts stolen in the Gothic Sector years prior: the '''Hand of Darkness''' and the '''Eye of Night'''. These two artifacts would bedevil the Imperium for years to come, well into the [[Age of the Dark Imperium]], where they were finally recovered by the [[Ynnari]] and [[Inquisition]] respectively.

	~~(These two artifacts would bedevil the Imperium for years to come, well into the [[Age of the Dark Imperium]], where they were finally recovered by the [[Ynnari]] and [[Inquisition]] respectively)~~		As if things weren't already bad enough, the overall commander of the Imperial Navy of the sector, '''Lord Admiral von Ravensburg''', had to deal with an increase of [[Eldar]] corsairs raids taking advantage of the chaos on top of Ork and regular human pirates. Forced on the defensive, the Imperial losses continued to rise without any relief in sight.

	As if things ~~were~~ already bad enough ~~as it was~~, ~~but~~ the overall commander of the Imperial Navy of the sector '''Lord Admiral von Ravensburg''', ~~also~~ had to deal with an increase of [[Eldar]] corsairs raids taking advantage of the chaos~~, nevermind~~ Ork and regular human pirates. Forced on the defensive, the Imperial losses continued to rise, without any relief in sight.

	===Under the Despoiler's Boot Heel===		===Under the Despoiler's Boot Heel===

104.220.162.108: /* The Doom of Arx */

2021-05-16T00:45:55Z

The Doom of Arx

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:45, 16 May 2021
Line 26:		Line 26:
	===The Doom of Arx===		===The Doom of Arx===

	Barely a hundred years into the 41st Millennium, the [[Imperial Navy]] frigate '''Ascendance''' received a garbled astropathic request for aid from '''Arx'''~~, as~~ the world was apparently under attack by unknown forces. When Imperial forces finally arrived ~~on the world~~ four months later, they found the [[Imperial Guard]] garrison there wiped out, and the bodies of its soldiers horribly mutilated.		Barely a hundred years into the 41st Millennium, the [[Imperial Navy]] frigate '''Ascendance''' received a garbled astropathic request for aid from '''Arx'''; the world was apparently under attack by unknown forces. When Imperial forces finally arrived four months later, they found the [[Imperial Guard]] garrison there wiped out and the bodies of its soldiers horribly mutilated.

	In response, the [[Inquisition]] sent [[Inquisitor]] '''Thadus Valconet Horst''' to the planet, to see if he could find evidence of who perpetrated the massacre. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot left to find, as the attackers cleaned up their tracks unusually thoroughly.		In response, the [[Inquisition]] sent [[Inquisitor]] '''Thadus Valconet Horst''' to the planet to see if he could find evidence of who perpetrated the massacre. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot left to find, as the attackers cleaned up their tracks unusually thoroughly.

	Barely a year after the slaughter at Arx, naval patrols in the neighboring Athena Sector made worrying discoveries, of Imperial warships and merchant vessels drifting through the void, their crew all dead of disease and contagion. Rumors soon spread that these were caused by an ancient [[Nurgle]]-aligned warship called the '''Plagueclaw''', and with the increase in sightings of [[Chaos]] warships, Horst was worried that a new [[Black Crusade]] was in the making. The worlds around the [[Cadia\|Cadian Gate]] were put on high alert, and across Segmentum Obscurus Imperial fleets were roused to readiness.		Barely a year after the slaughter at Arx, naval patrols in the neighboring Athena Sector made worrying discoveries of Imperial warships and merchant vessels drifting through the void, their crew all dead of disease and contagion. Rumors soon spread that these were caused by an ancient [[Nurgle]]-aligned warship called the '''Plagueclaw''', and with the increase in sightings of [[Chaos]] warships, Horst was worried that a new [[Black Crusade]] was in the making. The worlds around the [[Cadia\|Cadian Gate]] were put on high alert and across Segmentum Obscurus Imperial fleets were roused to readiness.

	Three years after the attack on Arx, a massive [[Warp Storm]] engulfed the Gothic Sector. Isolated from the greater Imperium and cut off from any sort of reinforcement, the brave men and women of the Gothic Sector were on their own.		Three years after the attack on Arx, a massive [[Warp Storm]] engulfed the Gothic Sector. Isolated from the greater Imperium and cut off from any sort of reinforcement, the brave men and women of the Gothic Sector were on their own.

104.220.162.108 at 00:44, 16 May 2021

2021-05-16T00:44:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 16 May 2021
Line 21:		Line 21:
	The '''Gothic War''', otherwise known as the 12th [[Black Crusade]], was a conflict that engulfed the Gothic Sector at the start of the 41st Millennium, as the forces of [[Abaddon the Despoiler]] took advantage of a massive warp storm that effectively isolated the sector from the rest of the Imperium.		The '''Gothic War''', otherwise known as the 12th [[Black Crusade]], was a conflict that engulfed the Gothic Sector at the start of the 41st Millennium, as the forces of [[Abaddon the Despoiler]] took advantage of a massive warp storm that effectively isolated the sector from the rest of the Imperium.

	The war was the focus of the eponymous [[Battlefleet Gothic]] [[specialist game]], as well the first [[Battlefleet_Gothic_Armada\|Battlefleet Gothic: Armada]] video game.		The war was the focus of the eponymous [[Battlefleet Gothic]] [[specialist game]] as well the first [[Battlefleet_Gothic_Armada\|Battlefleet Gothic: Armada]] video game.

	==Prelude to War==		==Prelude to War==

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:53, 2 June 2023
Line 16:		Line 16:
	\|casualties2= ''Planets'' worth of casualties for the Imperium. Unknown for the Eldar, although likely not that much.		\|casualties2= ''Planets'' worth of casualties for the Imperium. Unknown for the Eldar, although likely not that much.
	\|status= Imperial Victory		\|status= Imperial Victory
	\|outcome= *Abaddon and his forces were driven back after his gambit to kill-off most of the Imperial fleets was foiled by Captain Abridal's sacrifice and only got away with two of the Blackstone Fortresses. The Gothic Sector remained in Imperial hands at a high cost and the Eldar-Imperial alliance became of a sign of things to come.		\|outcome= *Abaddon and his forces were driven back after his gambit to kill-off most of the Imperial fleets was foiled by Captain Abridal's sacrifice and only got away with two of the Blackstone Fortresses. The Gothic Sector remained in Imperial hands at a high cost and the Eldar-Imperial alliance became of a sign of things to come.
	}}		}}

Line 26:		Line 26:
	===The Doom of Arx===		===The Doom of Arx===

	Barely a hundred years into the 41st Millennium, the [[Imperial Navy]] frigate '''Ascendance''' received a garbled astropathic request for aid from '''Arx'''; the world was apparently under attack by unknown forces. When Imperial forces finally arrived four months later, they found the [[Imperial Guard]] garrison there wiped out and the bodies of its soldiers horribly mutilated.		Barely a hundred years into the 41st Millennium, the [[Imperial Navy]] frigate '''Ascendance''' received a garbled astropathic request for aid from '''Arx'''; the world was apparently under attack by unknown forces. When Imperial forces finally arrived four months later, they found the [[Imperial Guard]] garrison there wiped out and the bodies of its soldiers horribly mutilated.

	In response, the [[Inquisition]] sent [[Inquisitor]] '''Thadus Valconet Horst''' to the planet to see if he could find evidence of who perpetrated the massacre. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot left to find, as the attackers cleaned up their tracks unusually thoroughly.		In response, the [[Inquisition]] sent [[Inquisitor]] '''Thadus Valconet Horst''' to the planet to see if he could find evidence of who perpetrated the massacre. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot left to find, as the attackers cleaned up their tracks unusually thoroughly.

	Barely a year after the slaughter at Arx, naval patrols in the neighboring Athena Sector made worrying discoveries of Imperial warships and merchant vessels drifting through the void, their crew all dead of disease and contagion. Rumors soon spread that these were caused by an ancient [[Nurgle]]-aligned warship called the '''Plagueclaw''', and with the increase in sightings of [[Chaos]] warships, Horst was worried that a new [[Black Crusade]] was in the making. The worlds around the [[Cadia\|Cadian Gate]] were put on high alert and across Segmentum Obscurus Imperial fleets were roused to readiness.		Barely a year after the slaughter at Arx, naval patrols in the neighboring Athena Sector made worrying discoveries of Imperial warships and merchant vessels drifting through the void, their crew all dead of disease and contagion. Rumors soon spread that these were caused by an ancient [[Nurgle]]-aligned warship called the '''Plagueclaw''', and with the increase in sightings of [[Chaos]] warships, Horst was worried that a new [[Black Crusade]] was in the making. The worlds around the [[Cadia\|Cadian Gate]] were put on high alert and across Segmentum Obscurus Imperial fleets were roused to readiness.

	Three years after the attack on Arx, a massive [[Warp Storm]] engulfed the Gothic Sector. Isolated from the greater Imperium and cut off from any sort of reinforcement, the brave men and women of the Gothic Sector were on their own.		Three years after the attack on Arx, a massive [[Warp Storm]] engulfed the Gothic Sector. Isolated from the greater Imperium and cut off from any sort of reinforcement, the brave men and women of the Gothic Sector were on their own.
Line 38:		Line 38:
	It was at this point that Abaddon made his opening move, launching multiple and simultaneous strikes on naval bases across the sector, in many cases catching Imperial warships unprepared while they were still at dock. Chaos didn't totally have its way however; at '''Orar''' Imperial forces struck back and drove off the invaders while [[Ork]] pirates hounded [[Chaos]] fleets once these drifted close to the greenskins' hidden asteroid bases.		It was at this point that Abaddon made his opening move, launching multiple and simultaneous strikes on naval bases across the sector, in many cases catching Imperial warships unprepared while they were still at dock. Chaos didn't totally have its way however; at '''Orar''' Imperial forces struck back and drove off the invaders while [[Ork]] pirates hounded [[Chaos]] fleets once these drifted close to the greenskins' hidden asteroid bases.

	The holdings of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] were also attacked, particularly the [[Forge World]]s where the powerful [[Blackstone Fortress]]es were at anchor. It soon became apparent that these were the Despoiler's primary target after a fleet of twenty warships overran the defenses of Rebo system just to get at the fortress there.		The holdings of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] were also attacked, particularly the [[Forge World]]s where the powerful [[Blackstone Fortress]]es were at anchor. It soon became apparent that these were the Despoiler's primary target after a fleet of twenty warships overran the defenses of Rebo system just to get at the fortress there.

	The worst was yet to come: at the Cardinal World of '''Savaven''', Abaddon revealed his trump card - a warship simply called the '''[[Planet Killer]]'''. The name was soon proven to be well-merited, as its powerful guns soon blew the planet to pieces, taking with it the lives of 14 billion Imperial citizens.		The worst was yet to come: at the Cardinal World of '''Savaven''', Abaddon revealed his trump card - a warship simply called the '''[[Planet Killer]]'''. The name was soon proven to be well-merited, as its powerful guns soon blew the planet to pieces, taking with it the lives of 14 billion Imperial citizens.

	Inquisitor Horst, still continuing his investigation in the area, soon realized that this powerful warship was powered by two artifacts stolen in the Gothic Sector years prior: the '''Hand of Darkness''' and the '''Eye of Night'''. These two artifacts would bedevil the Imperium for years to come, well into the [[Age of the Dark Imperium]], where they were finally recovered by the [[Ynnari]] and [[Inquisition]] respectively.		Inquisitor Horst, still continuing his investigation in the area, soon realized that this powerful warship was powered by two artifacts stolen in the Gothic Sector years prior: the '''Hand of Darkness''' and the '''Eye of Night'''. These two artifacts would bedevil the Imperium for years to come, well into the [[Age of the Dark Imperium]], where they were finally recovered by the [[Ynnari]] and [[Inquisition]] respectively.

	As if things weren't already bad enough, the overall commander of the Imperial Navy of the sector, '''Lord Admiral von Ravensburg''', had to deal with an increase of [[Eldar]] corsairs raids taking advantage of the chaos on top of Ork and regular human pirates. Forced on the defensive, the Imperial losses continued to rise without any relief in sight.		As if things weren't already bad enough, the overall commander of the Imperial Navy of the sector, '''Lord Admiral von Ravensburg''', had to deal with an increase of [[Eldar]] corsairs raids taking advantage of the chaos on top of Ork and regular human pirates. Forced on the defensive, the Imperial losses continued to rise without any relief in sight.

	===Under the Despoiler's Bootheel===		===Under the Despoiler's Bootheel===

	As the [[Planet Killer]] had proved itself to be a legitimate threat, it's no surprise that sub-sector after sub-sector surrendered rather than face its wrath. Abaddon captured his second Blackstone Fortress at '''Lukaris'''; as he deployed these to capture the one defending '''Fularis II''', he revealed what two Fortresses linking their energies could do. Fularis was scoured clean of life by the blast of the linked Fortresses and soon the Despoiler had a third Fortress to his name.		As the [[Planet Killer]] had proved itself to be a legitimate threat, it's no surprise that sub-sector after sub-sector surrendered rather than face its wrath. Abaddon captured his second Blackstone Fortress at '''Lukaris'''; as he deployed these to capture the one defending '''Fularis II''', he revealed what two Fortresses linking their energies could do. Fularis was scoured clean of life by the blast of the linked Fortresses and soon the Despoiler had a third Fortress to his name.

	Everywhere in the sector the Imperial forces struggled to stem the Chaos tide. '''Sub-Sector Lysades''' fell to Chaos control, while at the '''Cyclops Cluster''' Ork pirates raided Chaos shipping allowing the Imperial navy some respite. At Barbarus Costa, '''Fleet Admiral Mourndark''' finally broke the back of the Eldar and Human pirate threat in its attack on the Pirates' Haven. With the pirates dealt with, the Imperial Navy could focus its entire attention on the Chaos invasion again.		Everywhere in the sector the Imperial forces struggled to stem the Chaos tide. '''Sub-Sector Lysades''' fell to Chaos control, while at the '''Cyclops Cluster''' Ork pirates raided Chaos shipping allowing the Imperial navy some respite. At Barbarus Costa, '''Fleet Admiral Mourndark''' finally broke the back of the Eldar and Human pirate threat in its attack on the Pirates' Haven. With the pirates dealt with, the Imperial Navy could focus its entire attention on the Chaos invasion again.

	At the [[Hive World]] of '''Corilia''' fifty [[Chaos Terminator]]s under [[Chaos Lord]] '''Vastakel Khyre''' teleported directly into the capital spire and slaughtered their way through the [[Planetary Defense Force]] before leaving as soon as they came. In their wake, the Imperial Governor and his closest advisors were found missing. What happened to them remains one of the conflict's biggest mysteries.		At the [[Hive World]] of '''Corilia''' fifty [[Chaos Terminator]]s under [[Chaos Lord]] '''Vastakel Khyre''' teleported directly into the capital spire and slaughtered their way through the [[Planetary Defense Force]] before leaving as soon as they came. In their wake, the Imperial Governor and his closest advisors were found missing. What happened to them remains one of the conflict's biggest mysteries.

	==Raise the Flag of Defiance==		==Raise the Flag of Defiance==
	===The Imperium Strikes Back===		===The Imperium Strikes Back===

	Though the Chaos fleet outnumbered the ships of Battlefleet Gothic by sheer numbers, they were ''also'' spread out in smaller task forces across the sector. Seeing this as a weakness that could be exploited, Admiral Ravensburg decided to isolate each of these smaller fleets and hit each with the full might of all his available ships.		Though the Chaos fleet outnumbered the ships of Battlefleet Gothic by sheer numbers, they were ''also'' spread out in smaller task forces across the sector. Seeing this as a weakness that could be exploited, Admiral Ravensburg decided to isolate each of these smaller fleets and hit each with the full might of all his available ships.

	This plan was soon put to the test when a traitor flotilla was spotted on the way to the '''Gethsemane System'''. With [[Rape\|seventeen ships of the line and twenty escorts]], Battlefleet Gothic tore through the Chaos fleet. The Chaos commander soon ordered his forces to retreat, only to be hit from behind by an [[Eldar]] fleet that came seemingly from [[Webway\|nowhere]]. Pincered by these two forces, the Chaos ships were annihilated, giving the Imperium its first major victory of the war.		This plan was soon put to the test when a traitor flotilla was spotted on the way to the '''Gethsemane System'''. With [[Rape\|seventeen ships of the line and twenty escorts]], Battlefleet Gothic tore through the Chaos fleet. The Chaos commander soon ordered his forces to retreat, only to be hit from behind by an [[Eldar]] fleet that came seemingly from [[Webway\|nowhere]]. Pincered by these two forces, the Chaos ships were annihilated, giving the Imperium its first major victory of the war. The Imperium had even more good fortune as the warp storms that were isolating the Gothic Sector abated, allowing reinforcements from neighboring sectors to arrive. With victory suddenly put into doubt, Abaddon led his fleet to the Tarantis System. Once more he combined the might of the Blackstone Fortresses, but this time their wrath was directed at Tarantis' sun. The sun went supernova, and billions died as its heat washed over the worlds there.
	The Imperium had even more good fortune as the warp storms that were isolating the Gothic Sector abated, allowing reinforcements from neighboring sectors to arrive. With victory suddenly put into doubt, Abaddon led his fleet to the Tarantis System. Once more he combined the might of the Blackstone Fortresses, but this time their wrath was directed at Tarantis' sun. The sun went supernova, and billions died as its heat washed over the worlds there.

	The Imperial Navy and its Eldar allies were convinced that another attack was to follow. Thanks to the efforts of Eldar scouts, they deduced that Abaddon was going to make a grab for the Blackstone fortress in anchorage above '''Schindlegeist''' and so decided to set up a trap for the Despoiler there thanks to access to the Eldar Webway. [[Just As Planned\|Abaddon fell for it hook, line, and sinker]], and for the first time in the war found his forces outnumbered and outmaneuvered. For three days the Imperials and Eldar hammered Abaddon's fleet, and in seeming desperation the Despoiler deployed his Blackstone Fortresses against Schindlegeist's star, seeking to repeat what had occured at Tarantis. In an act of supreme sacrifice, [[Awesome\|Captain '''Abridal''' led his battleship to where the energy of the three fortresses converged]]. Though his ship was destroyed, the flow of energy was disrupted and it would take time for them to fire again.		The Imperial Navy and its Eldar allies were convinced that another attack was to follow. Thanks to the efforts of Eldar scouts, they deduced that Abaddon was going to make a grab for the Blackstone fortress in anchorage above '''Schindlegeist''' and so decided to set up a trap for the Despoiler there thanks to access to the Eldar Webway. [[Just As Planned\|Abaddon fell for it hook, line, and sinker]], and for the first time in the war found his forces outnumbered and outmaneuvered. For three days the Imperials and Eldar hammered Abaddon's fleet, and in seeming desperation the Despoiler deployed his Blackstone Fortresses against Schindlegeist's star, seeking to repeat what had occured at Tarantis. In an act of supreme sacrifice, [[Awesome\|Captain '''Abridal''' led his battleship to where the energy of the three fortresses converged]]. Though his ship was destroyed, the flow of energy was disrupted and it would take time for them to fire again.

	Abaddon had enough. With two Fortresses in tow, the Despoiler beat a retreat back to the Eye of Terror. One Blackstone Fortress was left behind but as marines from the [[Angels of Redemption]] soon found it was empty. This Fortress eventually self-destructed along with all the other Blackstone Fortresses in the sector; the cause of this remains a mystery to this day.		Abaddon had enough. With two Fortresses in tow, the Despoiler beat a retreat back to the Eye of Terror. One Blackstone Fortress was left behind but as marines from the [[Angels of Redemption]] soon found it was empty. This Fortress eventually self-destructed along with all the other Blackstone Fortresses in the sector; the cause of this remains a mystery to this day.

	Even with the Despoiler gone, peace didn't return to the sector immediately. The Imperial Navy and Eldar hounded the Chaos forces trying to escape back into the Eye of Terror. This took two whole years, but with the Chaos threat finally ended, the Imperium could once more focus its attention on freeing the worlds lost to opportunistic raiders and pirates.		Even with the Despoiler gone, peace didn't return to the sector immediately. The Imperial Navy and Eldar hounded the Chaos forces trying to escape back into the Eye of Terror. This took two whole years, but with the Chaos threat finally ended, the Imperium could once more focus its attention on freeing the worlds lost to opportunistic raiders and pirates.

	The Gothic War lasted almost twenty years, and its legacy could still be felt more than nine hundred years later, when [[Gathering Storm\|Abaddon's attention once more fell upon the holdings of the Emperor]]...		The Gothic War lasted almost twenty years, and its legacy could still be felt more than nine hundred years later, when [[Gathering Storm\|Abaddon's attention once more fell upon the holdings of the Emperor]]...
Line 72:		Line 71:
	==In Other Media==		==In Other Media==

	The Gothic War is the setpiece for the first '''Battlefleet Gothic: Armada''' game, which greatly expands on the events of the 12th Black Crusade. Players take on the role of Admiral Spire, a trusted and vouchsafed (by the Inquisition, no less) officer under Von Ravensburg's command who essentially becomes his primary frontline leader (while Von Ravensburg himself takes a more strategic role).		The Gothic War is the setpiece for the first '''Battlefleet Gothic: Armada''' game, which greatly expands on the events of the 12th Black Crusade. Players take on the role of Admiral Spire, a trusted and vouchsafed (by the Inquisition, no less) officer under Von Ravensburg's command who essentially becomes his primary frontline leader (while Von Ravensburg himself takes a more strategic role).

	Through the course of the game, one can either follow the canon beats of the Gothic War, or mix things up a bit by ''changing things entirely'' through one's choices in missions. Recover ''both'' the Hand of Darkness and Eye of Night, and turn them over to the Inquisition for research and safekeeping? Go ahead. Say SCREW YOU to the Eldar, and win the Battle of Gethesemane ''anyway'' without any alliance? Doable.		Through the course of the game, one can either follow the canon beats of the Gothic War, or mix things up a bit by ''changing things entirely'' through one's choices in missions. Recover ''both'' the Hand of Darkness and Eye of Night, and turn them over to the Inquisition for research and safekeeping? Go ahead. Say SCREW YOU to the Eldar, and win the Battle of Gethesemane ''anyway'' without any alliance? Doable.

	The war was also the subject of two (rather old) novels, '''Shadow Point''' and '''Execution Hour'''. These follow the exploits of one Captain '''Leoten Semper''' and his cruiser '''Lord Solar Macharius''' during the conflict.		The war was also the subject of two (rather old) novels, '''Shadow Point''' and '''Execution Hour'''. These follow the exploits of one Captain '''Leoten Semper''' and his cruiser '''Lord Solar Macharius''' during the conflict.

	{{40k-Timeline}}		{{40k-Timeline}}