Elite Imperial forces that could react promptly to Leviathan’s onslaught wasted no time in doing so. Strike forces of the Adeptus Astartes had the capacity to launch counterattacks against the advancing Tyranids rather than wait to be trapped in purely defensive wars of survival. They were organised into small rapid-response fleets that were named Solblades and often numbered no more than two or three warships apiece. These were to be swords drawn in Humanity’s defence, placed in the hands of heroes and wielded against the monstrous tendrils of Hive Fleet Leviathan.

Artist: Paul Dainton