40K Campaign - The Battle for Rozak - Prelude

Rozak System, Eastern Fringe, M41.972

General Geographic Notes: Rozak System includes 4 planets, but due to extreme climate conditions only Rozak Prime is inhabited. The Planet is almost entirely covered by water, hiding significant quantities of oil in its depths. Although it would seem absurd to use ships in the 40th millenia, it was the most cost-effective way of transporting oil from the mid-ocean wells to Rozak Port's refineries. Also, Rozak mines to the south, produce the much wanted metals, vital to the planetary economy. The Hive City itself, flanked by impenetrable jungle and highland plateaus, is fortified against land and air threats. The population was fed by the fertile plains near the single river, although during the last months those lands were giving way to an arid wasteland, growing at a strange rate.


During the 4th Sphere of the Tau expansion, the Rozak Planetary system was included to the Tau's ambitious expansionism. The close proximity to the Tau Dominion, the vast distance from Holy Terra and the negotiation skills of the Water Caste's diplomats, all resulted in a swift and bloodless secession to the Greater Good.
The population, disgruntled by high Imperial taxation, greeted their new allies fervently. But fearing the immediate Imperial retribution, the planetary High Governor pleaded the Tau for military assistance. Indeed, part of the Tau fleet remained in orbit and landed mobile formations on key points of the surface.

Commander of the Fire Caste Cadre was the Shas'O Lanc'el'Ot, a skilled leader that quickly assessed the situation and concluded that:
Rozak Prime (Capital Hive City), Port and "Defiance" Starport were the key objectives.
Riverland bridge, Strongpoint Alpha and Red Point were local strongpoints that should be manned and held.
Also, due to the flak batteries' dispersion and coverage, three possible landing zones were available (LZ I,II,III).

Strategic Map- Orbital and Land Operations - Prelude

The Imperium's wrath fell upon them earlier than expected. A Cadian expedition, having just quelled a rebelion in a nearby world was ordered to intervene, with one armored and one airlanding formation at 100% readiness. Along them, a Company of the Salamanders Chapter, eager to bring retribution to the hated xenos and their unforgivable human collaborators.

The pieces were set and the conflict was about to begin, but the 40k universe was dark and full of terrors. None had noticed some weird dots in the outer space, a dark omen that would render the humanoids' disputes rather insignificant, in the great scheme of things..