This golden age however was to come to an end. The Ork Brain Boys for an unknown reason ceased communications, which worried the engineers for there were many unfinished projects which they had together been working on. Almost immediately thereafter, a huge Ork battle-fleet under the command of Grunhag the Flayer descended upon the Homeworlds, catching many Strongholds by surprise. Many systems were quickly taken in the initial assault, however they rose to the challenge with the tenacity of a people defending their homes. Weapons of war hastily converted from mining and transport devices took to the field, and new weapons research was fast-tracked to aid them against the Orks. Technologies that they had helped develop, such as MagnaKannons and BubbleChukkas were met by mining equipment converted for battle with devastating effects. Although fewer in number than their foes they made their numbers count, and Graviton guns crushed Ork vehicles from within as particle weapons mowed down the Orks around them.

As the casualties on both sides mounted insanely an appeal to the Eldar was sent for aid, but as they themselves had done in the past the Eldar remained neutral, preferring to let the conflict settle itself. Cursing the Eldar for all eternity, they continued what was slowly becoming a losing battle. Just as spirits flagged and they contemplated defeat, there rose a great leader among the people. Daeson Warigul was his name, and he gave great oratories to the people, admonishing them for even considering giving up their homes and inspiring them to work doubly hard and fight even harder. They began to push the Orks back, and losing momentum, Grunhag looked to settle the conflict as quickly as he could. He led the bulk of what remained of his fleet on a direct attack on the stronghold of Silverstone, Daeson's home planet, in an attempt to draw out his heart of the opposition and crush it in one fell swoop.

To some extent his plan worked, and as the people scrambled to defend themselves against the onslaught Daeson met Grunhag on the field of battle. Grunhag's huge power claw was met and foiled by a sturdy war axe, wielded double handed by Daeson. Stroke by relentless stroke Daeson forced Grunhag back, and for the first time since the beginning of the invasion Grunhag knew fear. A huge overhead swing took off the arm wielding the power claw, but as Daeson followed up with the killing blow, he was felled by a treacherous dagger to the back of the neck.

A great cry arose from the Ork's foes, and Daesons retainers lead the final push against the Orks. With the leader of the Waaagh gone the Orks lost the heart to fight, and the remainder of their forces Telly-Ported back to the Hulks in orbit. Daesons retainers recovered his body, and ignoring Grunhag's body and the little Gretchin weeping beside it they returned in sorrow to their stronghold whilst the Hulks of the Orks above and others like them slowly withdrew from the Homeworlds.

Though they mourned their lost hero, they rejoiced for the fact that he had won them peace, and although they had developed a culture all their own over the millennia it was Daeson who had finally given them a sense of who they were. In honour of Daeson and his mighty deeds they called themselves the Daewar. The Daewar swore an oath of never-ending vengeance against the Orks and their treachery, and bore also an enmity against the Eldar for their failure to help them during this time of need. Many people had perished, and a fair number of Strongholds would forever remain empty and lifeless, but the Daewar began the slow process of re-building. Forever changed by the wars, they became irascible; less diplomatic and often short tempered, but held honour, comradeship and straightforwardness as the virtues by which they should live.

It is also worth noting that after the final battle it was decreed that in battle each lord should be accompanied by a Shield Bearer to prevent such a blow from an unexpected quarter, and a Standard Bearer in remembrance of the little Gretchin who had felled Daeson.

All original concepts © Krinos. Last modified 13-07-01. Disclaimer: This website is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by Games Workshop Limited. Warhammer, Ork, Eldar and Squat are trademarks of Games Workshop Limited,and are used without permission. No challenge to their status is intended.