Roger Smith

Roger: As Space Marines and Tyranids battled for the faith and continued existence of the citizens of Lomas, the hallowed halls of Warhammer World reeled from the effects of the invasion. This special linked-battle event, organised by GW Brighton under the careful direction of manager Cairan O'Connor, was staged on Sunday 6 November and saw much city fight carnage. The day was split into three separate scenarios, from the onset of the invasion to the permanent establishment of the aliens on the planet. The task for the Imperial forces was simple: relieve the beleaguered civilians and then eliminate the Tyranid threat. Oh, if only it had been that easy! What follows is a report of the conflict.

The Battle for Lomas begins, with Warhammer World hosting this historic campaign.

GAME ONE – SURBURBAN SKIRMISH

Objectives: In the first game, skirmish forces of Tyranids were pitted against infinite Imperial troops whose sole objective was to herd up and rescue surviving inhabitants of Lomas and get them to safety. The more that were saved, the better the morale of the Imperial troops. The Tyranids, at this point, were intent on capturing – or killing – as many of these unfortunates as possible, from which to harvest vital gene material for incorporation in their future spawnings.

Outcome: The outcome was not particularly favourable for either side, although the presence of Traitor Guard units at such a key point of the invasion greatly aided the aliens and cost the loyal troops dearly. It was an ominous start to the day!

Over fifty civilian models were converted for the Battle of Lomas campaign. Here are a few examples of how you too can make civilians for your games and scenarios.

GAME TWO – SPAWNING GROUND

Objective: Those civilians unfortunate enough not to have evaded capture in game one were imprisoned in secure building scattered throughout the devastated cities. In the second scenario, again, on a mission of mercy, loyal troops led by large forces of Space Marines re-entered the ruins to seek out these isolated pockets of Humanity and release them before they could suffer their intended fate. This battle was vital and, with unlimited Tyranid forces at the enemy's disposal, desperate. The morale of the remaining troops wavered and only a favourable outcome would ensure ultimate victory.

Outcome: However, it was not to be. With one notable exception (the Emperor be praised!), the Imperial forces were beaten back and humiliated by the off-worlders. The situation was dire, and led to such desperation that acts of near insanity were committed in an attempt to spare the helpless victims from their ordeal. Indeed, Inquisitor Lord Ruiid van der Hoek ordered the Imperial fleet to send in an aerial strike force to bomb the buildings containing the prisoners and spare their souls!

It was all to no avail, however, as the remaining Guard forces were broken and many turned traitor, placing themselves into the service of the despised enemy believing all hope was lost.

Soldiers of the Lomas Planetary Defence Force disgorge from their Chimera transport
to take up firing positions on one of the city streets.

GAME THREE – TAKE THE FIGHT TO THEM

Objective: Only about a quarter of the Imperial Guard remained loyal, leaving the Adeptus Astartes in a difficult position with supply lines cut and inadequate support.

Outcome: Not surprisingly, in the final all-out attack at the end of the day, the Tyranid forces had little difficulty in gaining the upper hand and went on to victory.

Lomas is lost and, in a very short time, will be stripped entirely of all its resources by the orbiting fleet and left as an empty, dead husk, a sad reminder of another Imperial failure left to haunt the galaxy.

White Dwarf: So, there you have it, the final chapter of the campaign ended in horrendous defeat for the Imperium. But it raises lot of interesting questions like, what if the Space Marines had faired better in the earlier scenarios and rescued more citizens? Would the troops they gained have turned the tide and would Lomas have been saved? This is one of the great things about historical scenarios; you can re-fight them and see what would have happened. They're also a good starting point for running your own events. If you like the sound of the Battle for Lomas and want to run your own event in a similar vein then Warhammer World is the perfect venue.

Get in touch with our Events Team for more details on how to stage your own events here.

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