Imperial fists
Imperial Fists
The Imperial Fists, under the leadership of Rogal Dorn, have become one of the central Loyalist forces in the defence of Velaraxis. As masters of siegecraft and defensive warfare, they were the natural choice to secure the planet's critical mining operations and fortify the strategic locations necessary for sustaining the Imperial war effort in the sector. The rare and highly prized Nexiumite mined from Velaraxis is essential for the production of advanced power armour and plasma weaponry, and the loss of this vital resource to the Traitors would have devastating consequences for the Loyalist cause.
Rogal Dorn has dispatched several veteran companies of the Imperial Fists to Velaraxis, tasking them with holding the line at all costs. These warriors, hardened from the campaigns of the Great Crusade, now find themselves on the defensive, turning the mining outposts, subterranean cities, and fortress complexes into impregnable bastions. Their stoic resolve and unyielding discipline make them the perfect counter to the brutal assaults of the Traitor Legions.
The Role of the Imperial Fists on Velaraxis
The Imperial Fists’ mission on Velaraxis is twofold. First, they must ensure that the planet’s vital Nexiumite mining operations remain under Loyalist control. This resource is critical not only for arming the Imperial forces defending Velaraxis but also for supplying key campaigns across the galaxy. Second, they are responsible for maintaining the planet as a strategic stronghold that can act as a bulwark against Traitor advances in Segmentum Obscurus.
Velaraxis presents a unique challenge for the Imperial Fists. The planet’s harsh environment, with its corrosive atmosphere and frequent acid storms, forces the Fists to adapt their traditional siege warfare tactics. Much of the fighting takes place underground, in the labyrinthine tunnels of the mining complexes, where the lines between defender and attacker blur. The confined spaces, lack of visibility, and constant danger of ambush from Traitor forces like the Night Lords and Alpha Legion make this campaign one of the most gruelling and difficult the Fists have faced.
However, Rogal Dorn’s warriors are nothing if not resilient. They excel at using the terrain to their advantage, reinforcing and expanding upon the Mechanicum-built defences already present on the planet. Their focus on fortification has transformed key mining colonies into virtually impregnable strongholds, from which they can launch counter-assaults against the Traitors while denying them access to the planet’s resources.
Imperial Fists Combat Doctrine on Velaraxis
The Imperial Fists are known for their patience, discipline, and mastery of defensive warfare, and on Velaraxis, these traits are put to the ultimate test. While they are more than capable of launching devastating assaults when necessary, their strength lies in their ability to hold vital positions for extended periods, even under overwhelming pressure.
Key Tactical Elements:
Fortress Construction and Siege Defense: The Imperial Fists excel at constructing and reinforcing defensive positions. On Velaraxis, they have turned every major mining colony and resource hub into heavily fortified bastions. They employ automated turrets, barricades, and reinforced bunkers to protect critical areas. Their expertise in siege defence makes it nearly impossible for Traitor forces to break through their defences without significant losses.
Tunnel Warfare: Much of the conflict on Velaraxis takes place within the planet’s vast underground tunnel networks, where the mining operations are located. The Imperial Fists have adapted to the unique challenges of tunnel warfare by utilising close-quarters tactics, heavily armoured infantry, and specialised breaching equipment. They clear tunnel systems methodically, setting traps, choke points, and ambushes to deny the enemy easy access.
Support from the Velaraxian Ironclad: The Imperial Fists have developed a strong alliance with the Velaraxian Ironclad, the Squat Imperial Militia force that calls the planet home. Together, they coordinate defensive strategies, utilising the Squats' intimate knowledge of the tunnels and their formidable war machines. The Fists’ disciplined infantry work alongside Squat armoured units, creating a nearly unbreakable line of defence.
Counter-Siege Tactics: While primarily defensive in nature, the Imperial Fists are also highly skilled at launching counter-sieges. When enemy forces attempt to breach their fortifications, the Fists are adept at striking back with precision, using Devastator Squads and Terminator-clad veterans to spearhead counter-assaults that drive the enemy back and regain lost ground.
Imperial Fists' Strategic Importance on Velaraxis
The Imperial Fists are the backbone of the Loyalist defence on Velaraxis, tasked with the near-impossible mission of holding a strategic resource world against overwhelming Traitor forces. Rogal Dorn himself has made it clear that the loss of Velaraxis could lead to catastrophic supply shortages for the Loyalists, which would weaken their position in other key sectors. The Imperial Fists, therefore, see their role on Velaraxis not just as another battle, but as a critical front in the overall war for the future of the Imperium.
The Imperial Fists’ ability to reinforce, fortify, and hold the line against relentless attacks makes them a vital asset in the campaign. While the Traitor forces seek to overwhelm the planet with terror, ambushes, and brute force, the Fists' stoic resolve ensures that the Loyalist cause on Velaraxis endures. Their strategic placement across the planet’s key locations—fortifying the mining complexes, defending the subterranean networks, and repelling assaults on the surface—ensures that Velaraxis remains a contested world, one that neither side can afford to lose.
As the campaign drags on, the Imperial Fists’ role will likely become even more critical, as the planet’s defenders rely on their steadfastness and unyielding strength to hold out until reinforcements can arrive or a decisive victory can be achieved. For the Fists, failure is not an option—they will hold Velaraxis, or they will die trying.