|
No army is big enough to conquer the galaxy. But faith alone can overturn the universe.
Ecclesiarch Deacis IX
Holy War
At times it is necessary for the Imperium to move with the full might it can muster. Often such times are driven not by necessity or desperation but by the demands of faith and honor to drive back foes of the Imperium and reclaim what is lost to the enemies of humanity. It is times like this the Imperium is roused as one to a singular purpose: to march forth on Crusade, in righteous war in the Emperor's Name to punish the Traitor, the Mutant, and the Heretic. Any citizens who wish to participate are often invited and encouraged to do so to follow the Crusade into battle.
The Imperium on the March
What is different about a Crusade compared to standard operating procedure for the Imperium is that the Imperium temporarily changes approach. Normally Imperial forces work to hold territories claimed by the Imperium and work to defend nearby protectorates. During a Crusade the Imperium shakes loose of these mighty foundations and, as a whole, takes to the Progress of the Crusade. No personnel are left behind, often local groups are informed of this to ensure it is no surprise what is happening. This state of mobility as a whole remains until the Crusade is completed, at which point the Imperium returns to its territories and settles back in.
A Crusade's Progress
Preparations and Setting Out
When a Crusade is declared by Imperial Command, the Imperium is given a launch date and all time prior to this is spent making preparations for the Crusade, ensuring the locals in Imperial territory are aware of what is coming and not to expect the Imperium to be around during the Crusade.
Engaging the Unrighteous
When a Crusade reaches a particular suburb, Imperial forces first establish a base of operations, then move against the enemies there, be it criminal groups, enemies in times of war, or mutant hordes. While operating the Imperium also does all it can to clear out local revive points of civilians and repair damaged buildings to bring the suburb to a state that can support an army on the march and assist the locals in combatting the enemies of Humanity.
Pinnacle
If a Crusade is targeting a specific holy place this is where the fighting reaches its peak. In the case of Crusades targeting enemies in times of war it is less clear when this point is reached, but in normal situations it is often known.
Tracking the Progress
Each Crusade has a map posted during the Crusade to allow for Imperials, allies, and possible pilgrims to follow the Crusade route and assist if they choose to. The Imperium does not deny any who feel moved to join the holy cause and invite any who are interested to join us on the Crusade. Simply show up in the target suburb, kill the enemy, revive the fallen, and repair and reclaim lost buildings.
Current Crusades
None.
Past Crusades
Dunell Hills Crusade, with the objective of reclaiming Central Malton from the enemy.
Successful Crusades
Northeastern Crusade, with the objective of securing the whole of the Northeast from the mutant menace.
Liberation Crusade, launched September 10th, 2008 for the purpose of relieving the Dulston Alliance against the hordes menacing the survivors there. Ended on November 2nd, 2008 after extensive fighting both in Dulston and on the approaches to it. Victory was achieved and with Dulston liberated and well on the road to recovery and the Crusading forces needed more back home, the Crusade ended triumphantly.
|
