Archon Nadzybar was the overlord of the Archenemy forces within the Sabbat Worlds Sector during the Sabbat Worlds Crusade.
History
Nadzybar was a powerful sect-leader whom came to preeminence over a number of powerful 'Magisters', or lieutenant warlords, and commanded a large, unified coalition of tribes and clans, known as the Archenemy, that were subservient to the Ruinous Powers. Though little is known of this vile creature's origins or background, nor is rise to power over the other ruling lords within the sector. From what little intelligence that could be gathered on the Archon, Nadzybar has been in command of the Archenemy forces in the Sabbat Worlds since at least 634, and it is possible his rule and influence predates even that. There is even speculation that Nadzybar may even have been the charismatic Chaos warlord to first rally the Forces of Chaos within the sector into retaking the Sabbat Worlds during the first centuries of M41. If this is true, than it would suggest Nadzybar has an unnaturally extended lifespan.
The Archon effectively orchestrated a massive resistance scattered over many worlds, quickly dispelling for Warmaster Slaydo and his Crusade forces the notion that the Archenemy forces were merely a disorganised rabble of Chaos cultist, showing the Imperials that they were far more discipline and capable than initially imagined. Nadzybar was able to effectively his forces by delegating authority to a number of powerful 'Magisters', or lieutenant warlords, who commanded their own regions and worlds in the Archon's name. These Magisters were charismatic and deadly, drawing their own private cults or tribal forces to command at their leisure. As the Crusade progressed it was soon revealed that each Magister commanded utter allegiance from their cult troopers, and expressed in individual, vile ways their own depravity. This confederation of Chaos worshippers were driven by principles of blasphemous cult zealotry.
This cult leader would prove to be a thorn in Slaydo's side for the next decade. The bitter and protracted warfare against the Imperials would prove to a significant impediment weathered by the Crusade. Just as the Warmaster was beginning to believe that his overall plan would succeed in winning him enough ground to strike at the traitors heart, at Balhaut, the Archon would once again launch a counter strike, impeding the progress of the Crusade. This game of wits would culminate, in 760, known as the the Fabian Ruse. Nadzybar hoped to draw the Imperial forces towards the world of Fabia, where he would annihilate the Crusade in one fell swoop. But the Archon underestimated the Warmaster, who was also a master of subterfuge. Slaydo recognised the Archon's attempts to draw his forces towards Fabia, and so, ordered a series of false fleet dispositions and troop movements in order to suggest that he had fallen for Nadzybar's ruse and taken the bait.
Gathering his forces for an assault on Fabia, the Archon manoeuvred his forces into a gross mistake. In 765, the Archenemy forces were brought to Balhaut to be rearmed and resupply. They were caught totally by surprise as the Imperial Crusade assaulted the planet. There, the Archon would meet his fate on the heavily contested planet. The Warmaster personally led the first attack wave against the Palace of the Oligarchy, where he hoped to come face-to-face with the Nadzybar. On the tenth day of the campaign on Balhaut, at the eighteenth hour, Slaydo's command force encountered the Archon and his elite bodyguard on the Western Palisade. The Warmaster and the vile Archon soon joined in furiously intense single combat.
The fight between the two forces lasted for only between 6 and 11 minutes. During the hand-to-hand fighting, Slaydo took two mortal wounds that he somehow pushed through the pain, before delivering a lethal blow to Nadzybar, who fell back dead. The Archon's cult followers stormed the Pallisade to retrieve their fallen leader and carry him away to safety. Imperial Guard units valiantly defended their fallen Warmaster, putting many cultists to their deaths. The Warmaster was himself later found, close to death, lying on the marble floor of the West Atrium. He was far beyond any medical help and later died from the grievous wounds inflicted upon him by the vile Archon. The Warmaster's own bodyguard stormed the Pallisade and slaughtered any Archenemy forces they came across. Archon Nadzybar's corpse was later discovered amongst a heap of massacred bodies near a fallen pallenquin. Slaydo's men had indiscriminately cut down the fleeing cultists, and only afterwards established the identity of their burden.
Sources
- Sabbat Worlds Crusade (Background Book) by Dan Abnett