Norsca was a world of ice and snow, much like Fenris or Kislev.
When the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet first discovered this world, its human population had regressed into techno-barbarians. They fought and slaughtered one another using the fragmented technological relics left behind by their ancestors.
The desolation of the planet and the ferocity of its inhabitants reminded the Rogue Traders who found it of the "Nordic" nations from the pre-Unification era of Terra. Thus, they bestowed a similar name upon the world and its people: Norsca.
The Norscans were indeed savage and formidable. Pale-skinned, often with red or blonde hair, they lived in a world so barren that tribes constantly warred over meager resources. Consequently, nearly every Norscan was an elite warrior.
Furthermore, the Norscans worshipped bloodthirsty deities. After every victory, the tribes would butcher their captives upon altars, using their lifeblood to praise their gods.
When the Imperium arrived, this primitive and bloody creed clashed violently with the Imperial Truth promoted by the Emperor.
The Imperial Governor appointed to rule Norsca dispatched his Imperial Militia to destroy the Norscans' most sacred altars. He also sent Iterators—those responsible for spreading the Imperial Truth—to "civilize" the barbarians.
The result was catastrophic. The Imperial government's reckless desecration of their holy sites enraged the tribes. For the first time in their history, the Norscan tribes united to launch an all-out assault against the "Sky-Strangers," intent on purging them from their world.
The unfortunate Iterators were flayed alive by the very barbarians they sought to educate, their remains offered as sacrifices to the Norscan gods.
The Governor, having ignited a fire he could not douse, hastily organized his militia to hold the line while frantically broadcasting a distress signal.
Fortunately, the signal was intercepted by an Imperial Expeditionary Fleet. The War Council issued an immediate decree: the nearest Imperial forces were to proceed to Norsca at once to suppress the barbarian uprising and stabilize the reclaimed world.
The force that received this mandate was the Fourth Legion, newly reunited with their genetic father—Perturabo Rurik Kislevsky and his scions.
The Fourth Legion Flagship Battle Barge Iron Heart
"So, this is Norsca. This is our suppression mission."
Perturabo nodded as he studied the holographic projection of Norsca. Suvorov and Forrix, the senior officers of the Fourth Legion, stood behind their genetic father.
When Perturabo's orders were first issued, the previously demoralized Legionaries were invigorated by his demands. The entire Fourth Legion had rallied their spirits, determined to prepare for this first campaign under their father's direct command.
Astartes always yearned to perform well in the eyes of their Primarch. Moreover, they hoped a strong showing might change Perturabo's low opinion of them.
Now, the 8th Expeditionary Fleet under Perturabo's command had reached the space near Norsca. War was imminent.
"Give me more intelligence, Suvorov, Forrix," Perturabo said, his eyes fixed on the data-laden hologram.
"My Lord, our opponents are the planet's techno-barbarians. They are exceptionally fierce and combative. It is said they are augmented humans from the Dark Age of Technology. Even without extensive modification, they are reportedly as tall as an Astartes."
"Based on the intelligence, the rebellion was triggered by the Governor's attempt to spread the Imperial Truth by destroying local shrines, which provoked the entire planet's tribal population," Forrix reported quickly. He was now intensely concerned with his image in his father's eyes.
"Hmph. Useless. To allow such a matter to trigger a planetary revolt that requires Astartes intervention..."
"A fool like that should be stripped of his title and thrown into the mines of a Gulag along with his bureaucrats. Let them compensate the Imperium for the losses caused by their stupidity through hard labor," Perturabo commented sharply.
"Now, report the status of the theater. How much has the Imperium lost here due to this idiot's incompetence?"
"My Lord, according to the latest transmissions, the Governor and his militia are holding out in a fortified spaceport. These barbarians lack systematic siege capabilities and cannot yet breach the defenses."
"However, if reinforcements are delayed, their current stockpiles will not last long. They are the final Imperial presence on Norsca. Other colonies have been systematically slaughtered by the enraged Norscans; the colonists there were sacrificed to their gods," Suvorov reported, providing a concise summary of the battlefield.
"Hmph. In that case, I need not worry about collateral damage to Imperial citizens. We can simply annihilate these rebellious Norscans in their entirety," Perturabo said with confident arrogance.
"My Lord, the drop pods are prepared. On your command, we can launch a massive orbital drop to break the siege of the spaceport and establish our first forward operating base," Forrix added. It was less a report and more a request for battle. He was desperate to prove his courage.
"Very well. Then go and do it! And then, it is time for the Kislev Streltsi to fight their first battle on a foreign world!"
Perturabo nodded in satisfaction and issued his final decree.
"By your command, My Lord!"