The Primarchs of His Imperium would be crafted to shepherd Humanity into a new era of prosperity. Warlords and Generals all, though each Primarch of the Imperium would lead armies of purging flame during the Great Crusade as noble leaders many would twist the Imperium’s
Destiny for their own terrible designs. For with the corruption of nine of the Emperor’s once stalwart sons, the galaxy would hurtle into the deepest depths of treachery, bloodshed and violence to which no soul within would ever escape it’s fallout.
For today we shall Elucidate the sons of the Emperor who would betray every virtue of what it is to be Human and be forever tainted by Heresy: the Traitor Primarchs. The Primarchs of His Imperium were each crafted to exemplify the Emperor’s and by extension
Humanity’s greatest virtues and traits. Statesmen, Generals and Orators, these individuals would unite the disparate fragments of Humanity by using their unique god-like power. Yet many of the Primarchs would fall from grace, with few more unfortunate than that of one of the most promising of His children. The Primarch of the 3rd Legion: Fulgrim.
With the scattering of the Primarchs prior to the dawn of the Great Crusade, the gestation pod of the Primarch of the 3rd Legion would land on the mining world of Chemos. A bleak and pitiless world surrounded by a nebula of thick dust and soot, Chemos would be a harsh taskmaster of it’s people.
Settled during the Dark Age of Technology, the planet would be isolated by Warp Storms from the wider civilisations across the stars. Illuminated in perpetual twilight, Chemos’ citizenry would labour day and night without pause to create enough resources for their survival. Thick with harmful vapours, the fortress-factories of the world would
Demand ceaseless toil from it’s people should they all wish to prevent a global starvation. With trade almost impossible between neighbouring planets, the Chemosian would accept their dour fate of doomed rationing and endless hard labour. Yet with the arrival of the Primarch to the planet
A renewal of it’s fortunes would commence. Discovering the beautiful child, the policing force known as the Caretakes would beg Chemos’ leaders of Callax: The Executives to spare the child’s life. Orphans of Chemos were routinely culled to prevent further strain on the planet’s dwindling resources yet fortunately for
The young Primarch the Executives would allow a member of the Caretakes to raise the child. Naming the boy Fulgrim, after the Chemosian legend it would not be long before the young Primarch would be tasked to labour within the mines of his new homeworld.
Maturing quickly, Fulgrim would be sent to work within the labour mines of the planet. Quickly understanding the faltering and obsolete equipment of the factory, Fulgrim would modify and improve upon their designs. Dramatically increasing the machines yield,
It would not take long for the executives of the factory to take notice of the genius child diligently improving the lot of his people. For 15 years Fulgrim would tinker with the machinery and be promoted to the rank of an Executive of the fortress factory of Callax.
Observing the plight of the factory workers in a new light, Fulgrim would train and organise engineers to travel with him to each neighbouring factory. Under his guidance, the engineer would repair and improve the factories machinery. Salvaging long dormant machines from the Age of Strife the mining production of the planet would exponentially improve.
Allowing for free time to construct new machines to further improve efficiency to the factories, Fulgrim would overhaul the entire planet’s infrastructure and living standards. Creating surpluses and reducing pollution, Chemos’ trade routes would begin to burgeon and within a few years Fulgrim has ascended to become the ruler of the planet.
The only Primarch to rule his homeworld with peaceful means, Fulgrim would prove to be a compassionate, kind and dependable boon to the people of Chemos. Yet with the arrival of the Emperor of Mankind to the planet, Fulgrim would resign his mantle of rulership. Falling to his knees once in audience of the
Master of Mankind, Fulgrim would pledge himself and his homeworld in service to the Imperium. Swearing to serve the needs of His Imperium with all his heart, Fulgrim would accompany his father to Holy Terra. Learning of the slow decline of the 3rd Legion in his absence Fulgrim would address his remaining 200 Astartes.
So inspiring was his speech, the Emperor would give the title of ‘Emperor’s Children’ to the 3rd Legion and gift them the right to bear his own Imperial Aquila on their armour. Wearing the double-headed eagle with pride, the Emperor’s Children now under the command
Of Fulgrim would venture forth to prove their worth in the eyes of the Imperium… Burdened with the responsibility to prove themselves worthy of the Emperor’s favour, Fulgrim and his Legion would strive to become paragons of Humanity. Seeking perfection in not only battle but also culture, the Emperor’s Children
Would champion artistry and aesthetic splendour in their dealing as a Legion. Embodying the traits of beauty, poise and elegance Fulgrim would demand a high standard of regal bearing within his Legion. Strengthening their resolve and bolstering their dwindled numbers, the Emperor’s Children would serve as aristocratic negotiators and public embodiments of the Imperium’s will.
Mentored closely by the Primarch of the Luna Wolves: Horus Lupercal, the Emperor’s foremost seanior general would teach Fulgrim and his slowly rebuilding Legion on the arts of war. With his teachings complete and the 3rd Legion now at fighting strength, Fulgrim would anxiously embark to bring glory to his Emperor’s Children.
Forming an unlikely yet cherished friendship with the Primarch of the 10th Legion: Ferrus Manus during the Great Crusade, the Emperor’s most starkly contrasting brothers would work together on many campaigns to bring compliance to the galaxy. Both masters of craftsmanship, alchemy and scientific genius the Primarchs would further
Strengthen their bond with a contest of skill. Crafting weapons fit for a god of war, the Phoenician and his affectionately named ‘Gorgon’ would create weapons of legendary splendour. Ferrus Manus would craft the sword known as Fireblade, wreathed in flame alike to the Emperor; whilst Fulgrim would construct Forgebreaker, a Warhammer capable of sundering
Mountains in hands strong enough to wield it. Deferring each other as the winner of the contest, as a sign of respect the two Primarchs would gift one-another their mastercrafted weapons. Carrying them into battle, legends would be sung of the two like-minded Brothers
Charging into battle with their weapons aloft and Legions at their vanguard. Yet unfortunately such a bond would be tested and fractured with the Betrayal of the Imperium by the Primarch of the 16th Legion: Horus Lupercal… As the Warmaster of the Imperium began his slow
Descend into the thrall of Chaos, Fulgrim would begin his own corrupting pilgrimage. Leading the 28th Expeditionary Fleet during the conquest of the Laeran species, Fulgrim would begin to be enticed by the influence of the Ruinous Powers. Known to the Imperium as the planet: Twenty-Eight-Three, the Laer xenos would guard
The resource-rich planet from Imperial advances. Dispatching his Astartes, Fulgrim would descend upon the planet and begin the slow month-long extermination of the serpentine Laeran Xenos. Discovering a strange temple within the coral nexus of the ocean planet, Fulgrim would investigate the structure. Unknowingly stepping in to a temple devoted
To the Chaos entity known as Slaanesh, Fulgrim would find within the heart of the Temple a peculiar artefact. The Daemonblade known as the Blade of the Laer would call to Fulgrim. Whispering subtle treacheries into Fulgrim’s very soul, the Primarch of the Emperor’s Children would claim the blade as his own.
Relegating Fireblade, his most prized symbol of his most cherished Brother and favouring the Laer Blade in battle, the influence of the Greater Daemon within the sword would grow exponentially. Wrongly interpreting the intrusive thoughts of the Daemon as his own subconscious,
Fulgrim’s descent into madness would be assured. With Horus Lupercal’s corruption by the Ruinous Powers complete, the Warmaster of Chaos would call to his likewise damned brother to join his betrayal of the Imperium. Heeding the call of his brother and once-mentor, Fulgrim would begin
His ever worsening descent into madness with the Persecution of the Diasporex… The Iron Hands, led by their Primarch: Ferrus Manus would be tasked with achieving compliance with the Human elements of the Xenos-Human coalition known as the Diasporex. With the Diasporex declining the invitation to join the Imperium,
The Iron Tenth would begin the purge of their civilisation. Competent in naval warfare, the Diasporex would prove a difficult foe to destroy. Calling to his most stalwart allies, Ferrus would petition aid from Fulgrim and the 3rd Legion to add their blades to the fight. Together, the Iron Hands and Emperor’s
Children would crush the Diasporex but not without Fulgrim’s ego being damaged due to his own reckless actions. The malevolent influence of the Laer Blade would feed Fulgrim’s resentment of his Brother’s selfless and heroic actions to aid his forces.
With the Diasporex slain, Fulgrim would travel to the ancient Eldar Craftworld of Uthwe and be confronted by the Asurvani Farseer: Eldrad Uthwe. Warning Fulgrim of the Warmaster’s impending betrayal, Fulgrim would with the influence of the Laer Blade unleash his outrage at the Eldar’s
Accusations of his cherished Brother. With the aid of his Pheonix Guard, Fulgrim would slaughter Eldrad’s Eldar retinue and cause the Farseer to retreat. Ordering his fleet to virus-bomb several Aeldari worlds, Fulgrim’s rage would not be sated. Seeking answers from Horus in-person, Fulgrim would despite his objection to Eldrad’s
Assertions succumb to the charisma and charm of the Warmaster and join in his plot for rebellion. His respect for his second closest brother enough to turn his back on the Emperor. Promised true perfection should he submit to the powers of Chaos, Fulgrim would meet once more with his most adored brother:
Ferrus Manus in an attempt to sway the Iron Tenth to join the Traitor cause… Upon the world of Callinedes IV, the Iron Hands wrestled control of the planet from the Ork menace. Meeting with Ferrus Manus, Fulgrim would naively declare his allegiance to the plot to destroy the Imperium.
Enraged, the stalwart hero of Humanity: Ferrus Manus would attack Fulgrim. His duty to the Imperium and loyalty to the Emperor as unshakeable as Iron, Ferrus would destroy his once bond of kinship: Fireblade from Fulgrim’s grasp with his own hands. With the sword’s destruction, Ferrus would be incapacitated with Fulgrim taking his own craft:
Forgebreaker in his hands. Unable to slay his Brother, Fulgrim would settle for slaughtering the Gorgon’s Morlock Honour Guard. The Emperor’s Children would submit to the thrall of the being known as Slaanesh and with their mutated bodies and souls reinforce the Warmaster’s staging ground of the Istvaan system.
With Horus’ betrayal laid bare for all to see, the Emperor would dispatch his remaining loyal sons to bring the Traitors to justice. Spoiling for revenge, Ferrus Manus would lead the charge to Istvaan 5. Alongside the Salamanders and Raven Guard Legions, the Loyalists would face the Traitors in battle.
Against the World Eaters, Death Guard, Sons of Horus and their now most hated foe: the Emperor’s Children, the Iron Hands would seek to destroy the Phoenician and his ilk. Yet as the second wave of reinforcements to the battle arrived, the Legions sent to purge the Traitors to the throne would instead join them.
The Iron Warriors, Night Lords, Word Bearers and Alpha Legion would turn on the Loyalists and outnumber their forces with overwhelming firepower. Ferrus Manus betrayed once more would face his once beloved Brother: Fulgrim in battle. Armed with the reforged Fireblade Ferrus Manus would make a desperate final act
To avenge his Honour Guard, lost friendship and the memory of his once virtuous brother. Upon the Urgall Depression, Fulgrim and Ferrus would clash yet armed with the Daemonically imbued Daemonblade, Fulgrim would cleave Ferrus’ head from his body with a slice of the Laer Blade.
As if awakening from a deep slumber, Fulgrim would look upon his slain Brother and grieve at his heinous actions. Stricken with grief, Fulgrim would submit to the whispers of the Laer Blade which promised to absolve him from his sorrows. Freed from it’s prison, the Greater Daemon would possess Fulgrim’s
Body and imprison the Phoenician’s soul… Now replaced by the Daemon of the Laer Blade, ‘Fulgrim’ would exponentially hasten the corruption of the Emperor’s Children. Revealing itself to the Warmaster, Horus and the Daemon would reach an understanding that it
Shall remain in control of the Phoenician’s body should it continue to aid the Traitor war effort. Gifting the severed head of the first Primarch to fall during the Heresy: Ferrus Manus, the Daemonically possessed Fulgrim would join the remaining 7 Primarchs of the Traitor cause at the conclave aboard Horus’ Flagship: The Vengeful Spirit.
Lorgar Aurelian: Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion would observe the presence within Fulgrim and attempt to exorcise it from the Phoenician’s body. Failing to dominate the being, Lorgar would weaken the being’s hold on it’s prey yet withdraw from the conclave unsuccessful in his attempt to free his Brother.
Upon the Emperor’s Children Flagship: Pride of the Emperor, the senior members of the 3rd Legion would continue efforts to exorcise their Primarch. Under the supervision of the Chief Apothecary: Fabius Bile, Captains Lucius, Julias Kaesoron and Marius Vairosean would begin their ministrations. Freeing their gene-father from the Daemon’s clutches,
Fulgrim would reveal himself to be biding his time and understanding the creature from within. Spurred to take the Daemon unawares, Fulgrim would dominate the entity and resume control of his body. Now armed with an intimate understanding of the foul inner-working of the daemonology, Fulgrim would petition aid from the 4th Legion Primarch:
Perturabo to accompany him on a journey to explore his newfound understanding. A journey to the Crone World of Hydra Cordatus… Alongside the Iron Warriors, the Emperor’s Children would venture into the heart of the Eye of Terror. Promising the Lord of Iron a wondrous power of immense value within the Ocularis Terribus,
Fulgrim would not divulge the true intention behind their voyage. Despite enduring an ambush perpetrated by the Shattered Legion Astartes of the vessel: Sisypheum, the Primarchs would continue their traversal to the Crone World. Upon the world of Iydris Fulgrim would discover tomb of the so-called ‘Angel Exterminatus’
Within the Sepulchre of Isha’s Doom. The distilled essence of the countless perished souls rent from the birth of She Who Thirsts, the orb of jade light would shine ablaze alike to a miniature sun. Draining strength from his Brother: Perturabo, Fulgrim would harvest the power of the hollow world and the
Lord of Iron to achieve his Apotheosis. Reborn as a Daemon Prince of Slaanesh, Fulgrim’s skin would mutate into a four-armed, serpentine creature. Departing from the planet with his Emperor’s Children, Fulgrim’s ascension would be bought at the cost of the ever-dwindling loyalty of his Brothers.
Further influencing his Legion to become ever more debased and mutated, Fulgrim would wage war for the remainder of the Horus Heresy as a distracted, stimuli-obsessed monster. For even during the final battle of the war: The Siege of Terra,
Fulgrim and his Legion would busy themselves not with direction, discipline or focus; but with the torture and mutilation of the civilian populace. The Traitor War effort would fail, in part due to the 3rd Legion’s wanton indulgencies and force Fulgrim and the Emperor’s
Children to retreat into the Eye of Terror. Abusing and depleting their captured slaves, the Emperor’s Children would seek new prey to enact their perversions…. Fulgrim would lead his fragmented and wayward sons to ever more heretical pursuits of indulgences. The Traitors would turn one-another, as all duplicitous betrayers unbound from
Honour and discipline are want to do. With the Legion Wars incurring a heavy toll on ever Traitor Legion the Emperor’s Children would not be spared such losses. Devolving into small warbands, Fulgrim’s lack of leadership or grand objective would divide his once proud Legion. For whilst the 3rd Legion may be divided
And without direction, the Daemon Primarch’s influence still brings ruination to the galaxy. Confronted by the Primarch of the Ultramarines: Roboute Guilliman during the Scouring of the Traitors following their failed coup, Fulgrim would prove to be a dangerous foe. During 121.M31, the 13th Legion would seek retribution from the Emperor’s
Children at the Battle of Thessala. Duelling the Ultrmarines Primarch in single-combat, Fulgrim would prove to be a deadly opponent and with his Chaos-infused form slice the throat of Roboute Guilliman with a poison infused blade. Damning Guilliman to a 10,000 year stasis-fuelled slumber within Macragge’s Temple of Correction,
The Phoenician’s actions would deal the Imperium a fatal blow which would be felt for Millennia. Yet with the return of the Avenging Son during 999.M41, Roboute Guilliman’s resurgent wrath demands vengeance against the Phoenician. And despite his long seclusion within the Eye of Terror, rumour persist that
The chosen Daemon Primarch of Slaanesh once more untied his Legion for war. His never-ending quest for his debased pleasures once more unleashed upon the galaxy… Among the Primarchs of His Imperium, pride would be the downfall of many of their legacies.
Imbued with power alike to gods, each Primarch would be capable of conquering, sundering and building empires with their innate talents. Yet with such power it is easy to fall to the temptations of ego, bitterness and self-aggrandisement. For today, we shall Elucidate a Primarch cursed with great
Knowledge and an endless hunger to prove his intelligence, capabilities and superiority. The Lord of Iron of the 4th Legion: Perturabo. With the scattering of the Primarchs across the disparate stars of the Galaxy, the young Primarch of the 4th Legion would be spirited to the world of Olympia.
A civilised world abounding with culture, art and technologies the planet would despite it’s trapping be laced with political deception and duplicity. The young Primarch had been sighted wandering the outskirts of the settlements and outcast clusters of the planet. Gifted with inhuman strength and an artisan
Craftsmanship, the Primarch had offered his skills to the peoples of Olympia as a means of trade. Nomadic in his dealings, the Primarch would evade the notice of the courts of Olympia yet eventually be discovered by the servants of the Tyrant of Lochos.
Found climbing the walls of the City of Lochos, the guards would bring the boy before Lochos’ ruler: Dammekos. Referring to himself as Perturabo, the child had an innate understanding of his own being and the mechanisms of technology. Ordered by Dammekos to prove his martial and artisanal aptitude, Perturabo would
Best any warrior brought to fight him and solve any puzzle or intellectual quandary devised by Lochos’ most capable scholars. Intrigued with the boy’s unparalleled skills, Dammekos would offer Perturabo a bargain. Serve him as a member of his court as a loyal adopted son and he would be given protection,
Patronage and free access to Lochos’ scholarships and military training. Accepting the Tyrant’s offer, Perturabo would prove to be a diligent prodigy of many talents. Perturabo would consume information, lore and study with a ravenous hunger and swiftly become the foremost accomplished and intelligent being of Olympia.
Though accounts of some Imperial Scholars refer to the child’s demeanour as a devious and antisocial individual, the accomplishments of the lost sons of the Emperor are beyond question… Slow to trust anyone, Perturabo would deny the affections of his adoptive father. Plagued with ennui and the ever-disturbing leer of the
Maelstrom within view of the planet’s surface, Perturabo would be the only soul of Olympia capable of seeing the looming threat from Olympia’s surface. Unable to shrug the sensation of ceaseless judgement born the Maelstroms’ gaze, the scrutiny of the stars would further mould the young Primarch into a cold, brooding figure.
Naming the great tear in realspace as ‘The Eye of Terror’, the aloof Primarch would be unaware of the future portents of the malevolent forces deep within it’s mercurial heart. Mastering the arts of Siege Warfare influenced in part by his homeworld’s mountainous landscapes, the warring city-states of Olympia would give ample opportunity for Perturabo
To test his stratagems of war. Beset on all sides by treachery and vendettas, Lochos would be locked in an endless game of power and deception. Quickly rising through the ranks of Locho’s military, Perturabo would draft mercenaries and war artisans into his armies ranks. His victories unchallenged, it would not
Be long before Perturabo’s reputations would cause soldiers of fortune to flock to his banner. Inventing deadly contraptions of war and outfitting his armies with the finest weapons and armour, Perturabo’s innovations would be revolutionary to his people. Mastering astronomy, medicinal breakthroughs, automation, production and architecture;
It would not be long before Perturabo would become infamous in regard to his enemies… Dubbed ‘The Hammer of Olympia’ due to his forces overwhelming firepower and destructive strength, the Warlord of Lochos would soon dominate the planet.
Culling the duplicitous betrayer within the court of Lochos, the now ‘Lord of Iron’ would if not for his aloof nature be poised to rule Olympia. Hardened by the planet’s insidious and treacherous nature, Perturabo would grow to become a merciless, indomitable force; Perturabo’s Iron Will would encompass the Kaveathos heraldry of his banner.
A Steel Executioner’s Mask would prove to be an omen for any whom would choose to stand in defiance of it’s promise of bloodshed and punishment. Though capable of usurping his adoptive father, Perturabo would honour the Tyrant of Lochos’ bargain. With no cause to slay Dammekos,
The Tyrant of Lochos would seemingly come to rule Olympia as it’s unopposed ruler. Yet with the arrival of the Master of Mankind to the planet, such ambitions would be dashed. Meeting with Perturabo, the Emperor would observe his gene-son to be a capable and loyal subject of his homeworld. Acknowledging Perturabo’s disposition to reject
The mantle of rulership, the Emperor would be quick to install the Lord of Iron as a General of the Great Crusade. Brought to Holy Terra to sate his need for knowledge, Perturabo would study the history of Humanity. Alongside his Scholarly Brother; Magnus the Red, the Lord of Iron would spent months
Together reading of the past glories, secrets and hard-won mysteries of the Age of Strife. The philosophies of Humanity’s ancient history would be rich insight for the two Primarchs and together they would form a bond of respect for their shared love of learning and discovery.
Though difficult to trust, once the Lord of Iron’s friendship was achieved it would become unbreakable, or at least such would seem to be the case for the promising upstart Primarch. Yet with time, Perturabo’s heart would continue to harden with his involvement
In the Great Crusade to restore Humanity… Devoting himself to the burgeoning Imperium, Perturabo would be given command of his Legion, newly named in his image as: The Iron Warriors. Given rulership of Olympia and drafting recruits from it’s populace to bolster his Legion, Perturabo would in all but title depose the Tyrant of Lochos.
The seed of Anti-Imperial unrest would be planted, to which Dammekos would tend to it’s slow yet ceaseless momentum. Accompanying the Emperor to observe the standard to which wars must be waged, Perturabo would mould his Legion with an iron fist. Finding his Legion’s deeds to be lacking
In comparison to their brother-Legions Perturabo would enact a harsh reprisal. Ordering his Legion into squads of 10, each member of the Iron Warriors would draw lots. One member of each squad would draw a mark of death, their execution to be conducted by the remaining 9 members of their squad with their bare hands.
Despite the protestation of the Imperial Court and the Ultramarines Primarch: Roboute Gulliman, the Emperor would not reprimand Perturabo for his actions. Allowing for the Lord of Iron to dictate his Legion’s future by methods he deemed fit, the Emperor’s sanction of such drastic measures would be final.
Perurabo would demand total obedience from his men and give no mercy for failure. A living machine of war, the Iron Warriors would become a mirthless, brutal and yet efficient army. Bringing scores of worlds into compliance, their trials and punishments would be relentless. Experimenting methods to harness brutal efficiency from his Legion,
Perturabo would not allow for any weaknesses in his ranks. Gaining a reputation as a Legion capable of breaching any fortress no matter it’s scale or splendour, the Iron Warriors under the command of their reunited Primarch would prove to be among
The most deadly of the Legionnes Astartes. A reputation which would prove crucial to the ambitions of the soon-to-be corrupted Warmaster of the Imperium: Horus Lupercal… With the fall of the Primarch of the 16th Legion: Horus Lupercal to the thrall of Chaos, his opening gambit of the civil war for Humanity would require reinforcements.
Slaughtering the loyalist forces within the Legions of the Emperor’s Children, World Eaters, Death Guard and his own Legion: the Sons of Horus; The Warmaster would require allies in order to survive the reprisal of the Emperor. Observing the resentment in his Brother
Caused by the Master of Mankind’s continual mistreatment of the Lord of Iron and his men, the Warmaster would concoct an additional barb to sweeten his offer of betrayal. The Tyrant of Lochos: Dammekos had died and left a power-vacuum on the world of Olympia.
Political uprising and violence would erupt across the Lord of Iron’s homeworld and require his intervention to stem the tide of bloodshed. Yet with the Hammer of Olympia’s arrival to his home-system, the spectre of his namesake’s legacy would loom large. Already harried by their recent conflict with the Hrud Xenos,
The Iron Warriors would return to a world of spite and ungrateful resentment of their masters. Purging the cities of Olympia, Perturabo and the Iron Warriors would massacre 5 million souls in the attempt to restore order. Only once the skies darkened with the smoke wrought by the piles of charred bodies and
Burning cityscapes did the Lord of Iron achieve a moment of clarity. The Iron Warriors were not saviours, nor paragons of the Imperium’s virtue, but cold-hearted genocidal killers. Slaying his own step-sister: Calliphone, Perturabo would resign his fate to never be redeemed by the light of the Emperor.
Joining the Traitor’s to the Throne in their quest to destroy the Imperium, the Iron Warriors would make their first open display of intent known upon the world of Istvaan 5… Informed of the betrayal of the Warmaster, the Master of Mankind would dispatch 7
Legions to bring the Traitors to justice. Lead by the first wave of the Salamanders, Raven Guard and Iron Hands commanded by Primarch of the Iron Tenth: Ferrus Manus; the remaining four Legions would join the second assault wave to crush the Traitors. Yet unknown to the Loyalists, the reinforcements of the Night Lords,
Word Bearers, Alpha Legion and Iron Warriors had pledged their service to the Warmaster. Upon the scarred vistas of Istvaan 5, the Iron Warriors would bear their Bolters, armaments and siegecraft to bear. Forever known thereafter as ‘The Betrayers of Istvaan’, the Iron Warriors would gun-down their loyalist kin during
The now infamous Dropsite Massacre. Their deeds enabling the death of Primarchs: Ferrus Manus, Vulkan and retreat of Corvus Corax, the 3 Loyalist Legions would be shattered; their surviving fragments scattered to the corners of galaxy. Gifted the Warhammer: Forgebreaker by the Warmaster, the once personal weapon carried
Into battle by the Iron Hands Primarch: Ferrus Manus would be a worthy prize for the Hammer of Olympia’s involvement in the massacre. Yet such a crippling blow would not be enough for the Lord of Iron. Seeking to once more humble the
Loyalist of the Imperium, Perturabo would seek to destroy his most hated rivals: the Imperial Fists. Experts alike to the Iron Warriors in fortification and siege-craft, Perturabo would harbour a deep resentment for the favour the Emperor would show to the 7th Legion and their Primarch: Rogal Dorn. Cleansing the planet of Hydra Cordatus
Garrisoned by the Imperial Fists, Perturabo’s hunger for vengeance would not be satisfied. Tasked by the Warmaster to ambush the 7th Legion’s Retribution Fleet Perturabo would personally engage the Imperial Fists within the Phaal System. Crippling the Retribution Fleet but repelled by
The Fleet Commander Captain Alexis Polux, the Lord of Iron would deal a devastating blow to a third of the 7th Legion’s combined might. His thirst for battle temporarily quenched, Perturabo would be petitioned by the Emperor’s Children Primarch:
Fulgrim to accompany him to acquire an artefact of great power hidden deep within the Eye of Terror… Perturabo’s life had been influenced greatly by the malevolent glare of the Eye of Terror from the days he first walked upon Olympia. Despite his reservations at his Brother’s
Flagrant two-faced and insidious nature, the Lord of Iron would not deny the chance to discover the nature and secrets hidden within his primordial tormentor. Joining with the Emperor’s Children, the Primarch would venture to the Crone World of Iydris. Despite their disgust at the disorganised and gaudy rabble of the 3rd Legion,
The Iron Warriors would regardless join their gene-father in their venture into the Maelstrom. Harried by the Shattered Legion warband: The Orphans of War aboard their warship: the Sisypheum, the Iron Warriors would prove capable in staving off the Loyalist attacks. For the Emperor’s Children’s continued disregard for authority and discipline, Perturabo would
Humble Fulgrim and assume total command of both Legions during their months of voyage. Upon their arrival to the planet of Iydris, Perturabo would accompany Fulgrim to the heart of the long-dead planet. Once the seat of power of the Aeldari, the Primarchs now stood upon the epicentre of
The birth of the being known as She Who Thirsts: Slaanesh. The birth-scream of the foul being would rend the fabric of the galaxy, birthing the Eye of Terror and leaving a portion of it’s power within the Sepulchre of Isha’s Doom. Seizing the power for himself, Fulgrim would turn on the Lord
Of Iron and draw strength from his body. Defiant in the face of his own betrayal, Perturabo would strike Fulgrim with the weapon of his own devising: Forgebreaker. Destroying his mortal form, Perturabo’s strike from the now Chaos-tainted weapon in combination to the power Fulgrim has drawn allow for his Ascension.
Reborn as a Daemon Prince of Slaanesh, Fulgrim would transform, and with his newfound power withdraw himself and his Legion from the now crumbling planet. Enraged at his manipulation by the Phoenician, Perturabo would seek to vindicate his Legion for such a foolhardy blunder. Re-committing his legion’s might to the Traitor war effort,
It would not be long until the durability of the 4th Legion would be tested one final time… The Warmaster’s slow yet inexorable march to Holy Terra would be close to it’s fruition. The Iron Warriors efforts for the remainder of the
Years leading to the final assault of the Throneworld would remain a thankless task. Embittered once more at his mistreatment, Perturabo would demand satisfaction for his warrior’s peerless capabilities to be put to the test. The Lord of Iron would prove that he was the greatest strategist Humanity had ever seen and
Set his eyes on the bastion of the Imperial Palace as the canvas of his greatest victory. Joining the Traitor Legions en-mass, the Iron Warriors would be the backbone of the Siege of Terra. Their mastery of Siege-craft would be tested and after many gruelling months of toil, the 4th Legion would begin to
Break the defences of the Loyalist Legions. Despite the Lord of Iron’s best laid plans, his brother Primarchs and their Legions would prove unreliable in following his orders. Whilst he would derive immense pleasure in tearing down the bastions crafted by Primarch Rogal Dorn,
Perturabo would lose faith in the Traitor assault. Withdrawing his Legion from the conflict, Perturabo would not be present to witness the death of the Warmaster at the hands of The Emperor. Yet such matters were now no longer of
Import to the Hammer of Olympia, for he would set a final trap to end his rival: Rogal Dorn. Constructing an immense fortress upon the world of Sebastus IV known as ‘The Iron Cage’, Perturabo would ensnare the Praetorians of Terra into his trap.
The Imperial Fists lead by their Primarch: Rogal Dorn now incensed with the crippling of the Emperor and devastation of the Throneworld would charge into the clutches of the Lord of Iron. If it was the intend of Rogal Dorn to battle with honour, such an expectation would be misplaced.
Using every act of cunning, division and entrapment, the Lord of Iron would attempt to destroy the Imperial Fists peace-meal with overwhelming firepower. For three weeks, the ever-eroding 7th Legion would fight a desperate battle to achieve their vengeance against their hated foe. Yet with the intervention of the Ultramarines and their Primarch:
Roboute Guilliman, the annihilation of the Imperial Fists would be prevented. Denied his final great victory against the 7th Legion, Perturabo would withdraw from the battle with the salvaged gene-seed of 400 Imperial Fist Astartes. Offering his spoils of war to the Ruinous Powers within the Immaterium,
Perturabo would be elevated and transformed into a Daemon Prince of Chaos Undivided. Not seen for ten Millenia, the Lord of Iron would scheme upon the Daemon world of Medrengard within his labyrinthine citadel of Stone and Iron. His reluctance to delve into Imperial Space now wavering with rumour that
The Hammer of Olympia shall once again strike a catastrophic blow to Humanity. For though Iron can be broken, it’s sharp edges can still be used to cause untold harm. And with time and diligence, such fragments can be reforged into something far stronger than once imagined…
The sons of the Emperor would all shoulder a burden during the years of their infancy. Raised on feral, feudal and even death worlds, each Primarch would be moulded by the environment to which he would grow. Yet it cannot be denied that the lot of some Primarchs would be starkly worse than others.
For not all of the Emperor’s offspring would be fostered by kind or benevolent fathers. For today we shall Elucidate the creature born of crime, murder and spite. The Night Haunter of Nostramo: Konrad Curze… Of all the Primarchs of His Imperium,
The child of the 8th Legion would be raised on the most inhospitable and wretched worlds. The world of Nostramo would be coated in endless night, it’s lullabies of the screaming of the murdered the only solace for the inhabitants of the world.
Safe in the knowledge that another had died in their place that night, the Nostramons would live in an existence steeped in violence, depravity and lawlessness. The Primarch of the 8th Legion would descend upon the planet, his gestation pod cashing through it’s polluted hide of the planet’s largest city: Nostramo Quintus.
Burrowing through the urban architecture, the gestation pod dive into the planet’s crust and halt near the liquid molten core of Nostramo. Born into a world of darkness, the infant Primarch would claw his way to the surface through the scar carved through the adamantium and mineral rich earth.
Reaching the surface, the child would be confronted by a crazed inhabitant of the planet. Seeking to consume the child for his ripe, fresh meat the first act of the child would be to defend himself from the murderous intent of his first contact with the populace.
Slaying the would-be cannibal, the child would swiftly come to realise the twisted morality of his planet. Nostramo was a world drenched in despair, with no authority or power capable of culling the malevolent and desperate criminals of the planet. Poverty would be rife within the planet’s society, with it’s main productivity derived
From the world’s mining industry allowing the tormented populace to eke out a humble existence. The minority of the society would grow bloated with wealth and exploit the lawless under-hives and their overpopulated peoples. With no soul on the planet willing nor capable of adopting the young Primarch, the child would survive alone.
His wits and instincts allowing the Primarch to survive off the vermin and carrion of the planet within the darkness. Plagued by visions of a future he did not comprehend, the Primarch would begin to forge an identity befitting his dour and nihilistic existence. The Night Haunter…
The feral scavenger of Nostramo would begin to form a reputation among the hives of Nostramo. Sighting of an uncanny presence atop the roofs and slums of Nostramo Quintus would abound, with tales of a monster preying on the most dangerous of the populace.
The screams of the Night Haunters victims a balm to his anxieties and dreams of countless dead upon unknown worlds shaping the Primarch’s personality. Isolation and nightmares would be his only allies within the shadows of the abandoned derelicts to which the Night Haunter would rest.
Yet with time, the Primarch of the 8th would grow in both stature and infamy until the entire planet knew of his deeds. Disgusted at the criminality of his homeworld, the Night Haunter would hunt the delinquents and felons of the Hives.
Consuming the brain matter of his victims, the Night Haunter would digest the populaces language, memories and sins due to his Omophagea organ; the Primarch would experience first-hand the depravity and weakness of his people. Sickened at the deed of his homeworld’s people,
The Night Haunter would enact his own dark crusade to purge all crime from the planet. Merciless and savage in his dealings, the Night Haunter would purge the world of swathes of the populaces’ most revered and notorious criminals. The avenging spectre of the planet would be hushed by the civilians within the Hives it
Would not be long until the gangs of Nostramo would band together to hunt the creature down. Slaying any whom would attempt to end his crusade, the Night Haunter would leave a sole survivor of each failed battle. Severing their hands and gouging their eyes,
The survivors of his wroth would return to their masters bearing a simple message: I am Coming For You. Instilling terror within Nostramo, the Night Haunter would slowly erode and silence the corruption of the ruling elite. Leaving their hanged bodies atop the Hive’s highest windows often maimed
And flayed in horrific displays within a year of his reprisal crime would cease. Confronting the rulers of the planet, the Night Haunter would make a simple demand: Obey the law of the Night Haunter, or be judged. Cowed by fear, the Nostramons would relent and
Allow for the ascension of the so-called ‘Dark King’ to rule their world. The first Monarch of Nostramo would diligently work to re-structure his fiefdom. Consuming the planet’s historical archival knowledge with ravenous hunger and murdering the last remaining criminal elements within the hives it would not be long until the Night
Haunter would dominate the populace completely. Ruling with temperance unheard of by Nostramon standards, the civilians would share their wealth equally among themselves. For should they own too much they would fear reprisal from their Dark King. Within months the planet’s fortunes would abound, the fear instilled within
Them progressively allowing for years of prosperity and industrious toil. Broadcasting the screams of his final victims across every home of the world as a reminder that none would escape his justice, the Dark King had achieved his goal of total obedience.
For decades the Night Haunter would have no need to hunt prey for none would dare to defy the will of the Dark King. Yet with the arrival of the Emperor of Mankind to the planet, Nostramo’s future would be sealed by it’s own prophesies as the cause of it’s downfall.
Foreseeing his father’s eventual reunion, the Night Haunter would prepare. Upon the Emperor’s arrival, the inhabitants of Nostramo would be unable to look in the direction of the being of gleaming light. The so-called ‘Delegation of Light’ would see the populace weep at the arrival of the father of their ‘benevolent dictator’ and
Blind any whom looked directly upon his visage. Met by the Primarchs Rogal Dorn, Lorgar Aurelian, Ferrus Manus and Fulgrim, the Night Haunter would envision dark portents of each of their futures. Meeting the Emperor of Mankind, the Night Haunter would be overwhelmed by a vision so
Terrible he would sink to his knees attempt to claw his own eyes from their sockets. Ending his torment with a touch of his hand, the Emperor would utter: “Be at peace, Konrad Curze. I have arrived, and I intend to take you home.” Submitting to the Emperor of Mankind,
The Night Haunter would refuse to adopt his supposed name given by his father. Brought to Holy Terra to study the doctrines of the Legiones Astartes under the tutelage of the Phoenician: Fulgrim, Konrad Curze would with time be installed as the leader of his Legion.
Naming them ‘The Night Lords’, the 8th Legion would quickly become synonymous with brutal and decisive victories. A humourless yet efficient army, the Night Lords would employ torture, terror-tactics and merciless persecution of any dissenting opposition. Yet with the absence of the Night Haunter, his homeworld of Nostramo would descend once
More into rampant criminality with his absence. Claiming the Night Lords to be nothing more than murderers gifted with the strength of god-like beings, the rabble of Nostramo would rebel. Konrad Curze would regard his sons in a similar manner, seeing them as unworthy
Yet necessary tools to bring compliance to the lawlessness of the galaxy. Believing peace could only be achieved through methods of instilling terror within non-compliant worlds; the Night Haunter would slay his own Legionnaires should they delight in the acts of mutilation and slaughter for their own personal gratification.
Instilling within his Legion that such methods were merely tools to achieve peace, Curze would be disgusted at his son’s flagrant degeneracy. Brining worlds into compliance through many atrocities, though his Brother Primarchs would decry his methods; Curze would maintain that his actions though harsh would allow for the least amount of bloodletting.
Hypocritical of his own enjoyment of inflicting pain unto his victims, the Night Lords would only disguise their enjoyment of their craft from their gene-father. Their sinister nature left unaddressed by their Primarch due to the constant harassment of his visions of the future. The Nostramon recruits to the Night Lords would further exacerbate their
Legion’s downfall as each Legion would encompass their homeworld descent back into delinquency. The rot had been set within the 8th Legion, and with the preponderance of the Legion now born of Nostramo and it’s culture, the downfall of the Night Haunter would be inevitable…
Tormented by visions of betrayal and fratricide, the Night Haunter would delve further into the clutches of madness. Confiding in his mentor: Fulgrim, the Primarch of the 3rd Legion would relay the Night Haunter’s mad raving to the Primarch of the Imperial Fists: Rogal Dorn. Incensed at the slight made against his brethren
And the Emperor, Dorn would confront Konrad Curze. Found unconscious with deep gouges left in his torso, the Primarch of the 7th Legion would lay at the side of Konrad Curze. Weeping and wracked with guilt Curze would be imprisoned for his assault of his Brother.
As the Primarchs discussed the means of how to deal with their Brother, the Night Haunter would escape his bonds and slay the Imperial Fists Huscarls stationed to guard his chambers. Escaping with his Legion, the Night Haunter would travel to his homeworld to seek solace.
Yet upon arrival to his homeworld, Konrad Curze’s remaining sanity would break. During 984.M30, the Night Haunter would discover the fate of Nostramo. Once more corrupted by ceaseless crime, the vengeance of the Primarch of the 8th Legion would be unequivocally merciless. Firing laser-bombardments into the rend in the planet’s surface
Originally made by the Primarch’s gestation pod, Nostramo’s molten core would detonate. With Imperial pursuit crafts sent in the wake of Rogal Dorn’s injuries witnessing Nostramo’s destruction, the depravity of the Night Haunter would soon be relayed to the Emperor. Recalled to Holy Terra, Konrd Curze would answer for his crimes.
Explaining to the Emperor that his actions were justified, Curze would accuse the Imperium of hypocrisy in their own dealings of brining worlds into compliance and utilising Exterminatus to any whom would deny the Imperial Truth. His excuses would not satisfy the
Judgement of the Imperium and as a result the Night Lords would deny the 8th Legions supplies to their dominions and banish them from the forefront of the Great Crusade. Yet despite his punishment, Curze would seek vindication for his actions. And soon, an opportunity for revenge would present itself…
The Horus Heresy perpetrated by the Warmaster of the Imperium: Horus Lupercal would coincide with the prophesied visions of the Night Haunter. Believing his visions to be unchangeable, the Primarch of the 8th Legion would surrender all responsibility for his actions and side with the Traitor war effort. Choosing to enact his vengeance against the
Emperor, Konrad Curze would lead his men to the battle of Istvaan 5. Aiding the Traitorous Betrayal of the Loyalist forces of the Iron Hands, Salamanders and Raven Guard the Night Lords would revel in their slaughter of the Imperium’s noble sons. As the Night Lords butchered the loyalist Astartes, Lorgar Aurelian:
Primarch of the Word Bearers would battle the Ravenlord of the 19th Legion. Besting the Bearer of the Word in combat, The Urizen’s life would be spared by Konrad Curze who would duel his rival in darkness: Corvus Corax in Lorgar’s place.
Their claws struck and despite Corax’s speed the Night Haunter would grab his Brother by the wrist. Escaping Curze’s grasp with the use of his Jump-packs, the Primarch of the Raven Guard would not risk duelling the Dark King of Nostramo. With the death of the Gorgon and flight of the
Ravenlord, Curze would find a new subject for his depraved tortures and mutilations, the Primarch of the 18th Legion: Vulkan. Aboard his flagship: Nightfall, Curze would attempt to break the will of the Primarch of the Salamanders. Finding the Primarch of the 18th to bear the gift of a perpetual,
Vulkan’s body no matter how many it would perish would rebuild itself and bring new life. Seeing an opportunity to torment his noble brother forever-more the Night Haunter would delight in slaying his defenceless brother time and again. For months the Night Haunter would devise the means for the mutilation
And execution of his Brother. Sating his sadism with increasingly extravagant displays of torture until growing weary of his relentless returns. Tearing him limb-from limb, riddling his body with Bolter shells and even disintegrating his with the ship’s engine shafts no matter the cause of death Vulkan would be resurrected.
Unable to break the willpower of the Lord of Drakes, his attempts to break Vulkan with a variety of methods would always fail. Devising a final trial to end the Perpetual Primarch’s resolve, Curze would beseech the Primarch of the Iron Warriors: Perturabo to construct a labyrinth to finally destroy Vulkan’s resolve.
Teasing at the centre of the Labyrinth Vulkan’s personal Warhammer: Dawnbringer, Curze would not expect the Primarch of the Salamanders to reach his prize. Yet with tireless, unrelenting drive Vulkan would reclaim Dawnbringer. The Warhammer had been fitted with a secret teleporter within it’s construction and
After attempting to prevent Vulkan’s escape Curze would be struck by Dawnbrigner before Vulkan would activate it’s teleporter and escape to the Ultramar system. In the wake of the Night Haunter’s ever increasing distractions of the Taitor war effort, Warmaster
Horus Lupercal would dispatch the Night Lords at the forefront of their push to Holy Terra. Sending a message across the stars that any whom did not kneel would be gifted untold miseries, the Night Lords would enact the Warmaster’s remorseless will.
Harbinger of the Traitor’s bloodlust and cruelty, the Night Lords would for months be unopposed in their campaign of defilement. Yet within the Thramas Sector, the Night Lords would be halted by the 1st Legion: the Dark Angels. For three Terran-Standard Years, the 1st and 8th Legions would wage a bitter war.
Nobility and Discipline would face Opprobrium and Barbarity. Leading his men during the Thramas Crusade, Konrad Curze would delay the Dark Angels from interfering with the plots of the Warmaster. Under the command of their Primarch: Lion El’Jonson the 1st Legion would prove to be more than a match for the Night Lord’s
Underhanded tactics and cunning. Attempting to sway the Lion to join the Warmaster’s cause, Curze would parlay with Lord of the 1st. On the planet of Tsagualsa, the Primarchs would face each other. The Lion would reject the Night Haunter’s offer and attempt to slay Curze.
The Lion Sword would clash against Curze’s lightning claws: Mercy and Forgiveness. Two of the greatest Duellists of the Primarchs would descend into brawling as they disarmed and wounded one-another. Yet eventually Curze would gain the upper-hand. Denied the killing blow against the Lion, the Dark Angels Seneschal: Corswain would bury
His sword in the back of the Night Haunter. Both Legions would reinforce the Primarch’s positions and drag their wounded liege-lords from the skirmish. Yet when the Legions would clash again, the Dark Angels would prove to be the greater strategists. Ambushing the Night Lords fleet, the Primarchs would once again duel.
Slaying the Night Lords elite Atramentar and destroying the 8th Legion’s fleet, the Dark Angels would prove to be an indomitable foe. Yet the Night Haunter would not be so easily slain and escape the Lion within his own Flagship… For months Konrad Curze would skulk the dark corner of the
Dark Angels Flagship: Invincible Reason. Cut off from the wider Imperium with the birth of the Ruinstorm, the 1st Legion would relocate their might to the burgeoning Imperium Secundus of Ultramar. The home-system of the Ultramarines Primarch: Roboute Guilliman, Macragge would be the
Seat of power for the contingent new Imperium should the Emperor be slain by the Warmaster. Yet upon the 1st Legion’s arrival to Macragge, Curze would escape from the bowels of the Invincible Reason. Wreaking havoc among the populace of the Ultramarines Homeworld, the combined
Might of the Primarchs of the 1st, 13th and newly arrived 9th Legions would hunt the Night Haunter. Primarch Roboute Guilliman of the Ultramarines would elect the Primarch of the Blood Angels: Sanguinius as the Imperator Regis of their new contingent Empire. With Lion El’Jonson appointed as Lord Protector of the Imperium Secundus,
It would be his duty to enforce the campaign to apprehend the Night Haunter. Despite the Dark Angels attempts to thwart the rampage of Konrad Curze, the Night Haunter would come close to crippling the Loyalist research of the Sotha Devise ministered by the Imperial Fist Captain Alexis Polux. Confronted by Roboute Guilliman and the
Lion within the Fortress of Hera, Curze would detonate explosives concealed within the temple. Before dealing the killing blow, the loyalist Primarchs would be rescued by the ministrations of the loyalist Warmsith: Barabas Dantioch and Alexis Polux by once more utilising the Sotha Device.
Unaware of their survival, Curze would turn his attentions to add one final wound to the Ultramarines Primarch. Within the capitol of Macragge, the Night Haunter would attempt to slay Roboute Guilliman’s adoptive mother: Tarasha Euten. Hindered by the Space Wolves appointed to monitor the Ultramarines Primarch,
Curze would seemingly be unopposed in slaying the mother of the Lord of Ultramar. Yet against the odds, the reborn Primarch of the Salamanders: Vulkan would face Curze. Despite the intervention of the Perpetual: John Grammaticus and his banishment into the Warp,
The Night Haunter would not be denied so easily. Infiltrating the Throne Room of Macragge, the Night Haunter would confront his vision-attuned Brother: Sanguinius. Seeking answers for why the Great Angel still remained loyal despite the vision that he endured, Curze would never understand the loyalty he had shown to the Emperor.
Offering Sanguinius the chance to end his misery, the Great Angel would abstain from slaying his brother Curze would escape once more into the dark corners of Macragge. With the return of Lion El’Jonson and Roboute Guilliman, Curze would finally be brought to justice. Captured and brought before trial to judge
Him for his crimes, Curze would be judged by the Emperor of Imperium Secundus: Sanguinius. Admitting to his actions, Curze would not accept any guilt for his misdeeds. Turning the Lion and Guilliman against one-another due to the methods the Lord of
The 1st had used to root out the Night Haunter, the Lords of Imperium Secundus would fracture. Dissolving Imperium Secundus, Guilliman and Sanguinius would in private decide to execute the Night Haunter, yet with the intervention of Lion El’Jonson stay their hand.
Repeating Curze’s claim to observe his own death at the hands of an agent of the Emperor, the Lion would surmise that the Emperor still ruled Holy Terra. Hope burgeoned in the hearts of the Primarchs, and with Sanguinius’ own vision of his death at the hands of the Warmaster the
Loyalists with Curze in their custody would venture to breach the Ruinstorm… Chaining the Night Haunter within the bowels of the Invincible Reason, the Lion would endure the taunts of his degenerate brother. Upon the world of Davin, the Primarchs would drag Curze to the temple wherein the Warmaster had first been corrupted.
With the eruption of Daemons from a portal within the temple, Curze would once more be shackled within the Dark Angels Flagship as the Loyalists countered the Daemonic incursion. Finding a means to breach the storm, the Dark Angels and Ultramarines would buy time for Sanguinius and his Blood Angels to venture to Holy Terra.
Taking custody of the Night Hauter, Sanguinius would bring to him the Emperor’s Justice. Yet once aboard the Red Tear, Curze would be confined within a stasis coffin and jettisoned into space by the Great Angel. Sanguinius would tell the Night Haunter that alike to himself, he must follow his own envisioned path.
Adrift for many years, Curze would survive into the following Millenia. The Heresy would end, with the Emperor slaying the Warmaster and the traitors scattering across the stars. Discovered by the salvage ship: Sheldron, the stasis pod would unknowingly release the Night Haunter among their crew.
Assuming control of the vessel, Curze would journey for four years once more to Tsagualsa and reunite with his disparate genesons. Reuniting his Legion, Curze would enshrine the Night Lords base of operations upon the Carrion World. Accepting his prophesised fate, the Night Haunter would guide his Legion
On a path of self-sufficiency without his presence and await his killer. The Callidus Assassin: M’Shen would discover the Dark King upon his Carrion Throne. Unguarded and with no obstacles preventing the assassins’ path, the Godslayer would act. Slicing the Night Haunter’s head from his body, the torment of Konrd Curze had finally ended.
Yet whispers across the galaxy persist that the spectre of death shall one day return against all odds and records of his demise. For the shadow of the Night Haunter still stalks the galaxy with the Night Lords continued defilement of the Imperium in his name…
The Primarchs of His Imperium would shoulder many burdens with their service. Created to lead Humanity’s greatest armies to purge the galaxy of heresy and malevolent influence, each Primarch would wrestle control of their inner nature to best lead their Legions
As exemplars of the Emperor’s vision. Yet many of the sons of the Master of Mankind would be afflicted with inner turmoil and prove to be unsalvageable. For today we shall Elucidate one such Primarch who’se homeworld influence would forever damn him
To a life of pain, fury and bloodlust. The Lord of the Red Sands: Angron. With the scattering of the Primarchs across the stars, the Primarch of the 12th Legion would land upon the world of Nuceria within close proximity to the Ultima Segmentum. A ‘civilised’ world ruled by aristocratic tyrants, the technologically advanced
Civilisation would though self-sufficient bear a deeply troubling fascination with violence. The impoverished civilians under the ruling the elite of the planet hunger to vent their frustrations by observing the misery and suffering of others. Organising gladiatorial spectacles to distract the populace, the Oligarchic nobles would
Cybernetically enhance their chosen pawns to enact brutal rampages within the gladiator pits. The young Primarch would be discovered by a slaver of the pits, finding the injured boy surrounded by xenos corpses high in the Desh’elika Mountains. Scholars would theorise the assailants to be the
Aeldari, armed with the forewarning of the scourge that the young boy would bring to the galaxy. Their assassination failed, the corpses of the Xenos would aid in encouraging the slaver to sell his fondling for a high price to the rulers of Nuceria. Brought to the palace of Praxica with the city of Desh’ea,
The slaver would sell the young warrior to the House of Thal’kr. Thrust into battle barely of the age of a toddler, the child Primarch would alongside 100 slaves battle an acid spewing creature upon the gladiator pit ziggurat.
As acid filled the arena, the Primarch would by necessity kill any who took up space on the ever dwindling space of the platform. Surviving his first battle within the pit, the child would shed a tear for those he had slain to endure his barbaric trial.
His promise as a gladiator would see the child ascend to fight within the largest arena of the land and be given the name: Angronius Thal’kyr, Child of the Mountain. Recovering from his wounds, Angron would rapidly grow in size due to his enhanced genetics and within months become the foremost acclaimed gladiator of Nuceria…
The populace of Nuceria would come to cherish the champion of the Arena. Dubbing the Primarch as ‘The Lord of the Red Sands’ after his deeds on the blood-soaked earth of gladiator pits, Angron whilst physically strong would also display a profound sense of honour and mercy.
Sparing the lives of Gladiators whom had proven their merit in battle, Angron would slay hundreds of warriors yet never succumb to his base instincts. The ‘Unbeaten’ gladiator of Desh’ea would despite his circumstance enjoy the thrill of battle and adulation of his people. Yet in secret, Angron would plot to escape
His bonds of slavery and on many occasions attempt and fail to escape his captors. Mentored by the veteran gladiator of the pits: Oenomaus, the old warriors would act as a foster father to the young and impressionable Primarch. Side-by-side, Angron and Oenomaus would
Slay scores of opponents within the pit. An especially acclaimed victory gained against a pair of Ogryn Berserkers, implanted with a deadly contraption known as: The Butchers Nails. Their ample strength further amplified with the cortical implants, the opponents of the Lord of Red Sands would bound into the fray with feral rage and fury.
Yet such a victory would sour the efforts of the so-called ‘High Riders’ of the aristocrats of Nuceria, and soon-after Angron would be pitted against his mentor in combat. Facing one-another in a duel to the death, Angron would refuse to fight his father-figure.
The Primarchs insolence would see him restrained by the guards of the arena and as punishment the High Riders would implant the Butchers Nails within Angron’s skull. A relic from the Dark Age of Technology, historical records are unclear as to how
The Nucerians came to own such dangerous implants but what can be gleaned is that their actions would damn countless billions to death across the millennia. Imbued with increased adrenal function, strength, aggression and overwhelming blood-lust, Angron’s path to damnation would begin.
Blinding all sense of reason or morality within the Primarch’s mind, the Nails would dig deep until all that would end their inflicted suffering would be the release of blood and viscera. Rewarding violence with spasms of pleasure, Angron would become a living embodiment of rage.
The High Riders would test their new feral beast’s abilities by releasing Oenomaus to face him in combat. Tearing him limb-from-limb, Angron’s hunger for violence would not be sated in his frenzied, berserk state. Regaining clarity after the maiming of his foster father, Angron would quickly wallow in despair at his actions.
Howling alike to a feral beast, Angron’s wails of sorrow would not end for several days. Angron would swear that one day, he shall escape the shackles of the High Riders and achieve vengeance for his manipulation and his father’s death… For several years, Angron would train and organise the gladiators
Of the arena into a brotherhood of warriors. Dominating any challengers chosen to face them, the Desh’ean gladiators would respect their leader with utter devotion and aid in his plot to escape the arena. Upon the grandest spectacle of the death games the gladiators would make their escape.
Assembling the entirety of his men, Angron and his gladiators would enter the arena en-masse to rapturous applause. Turning on the Arena Guards, the gladiators would butcher their wardens and escape the arena among the panicked stampede of the civilian onlookers.
Armed with firearms, the remaining arena guards would put down a swathe of the gladiators armed with swords and scant armour. Yet despite the resistance, 2,000 Desh’ean Gladiators would escape to the mountains of Angron’s origin. For years the rulers would hunt down the gladiators and slowly erode their numbers.
Naming themselves ‘The Eaters of Cities’ the Desh’ean Gladiators under Angron’s command would halt any incursion to capture or slay their band of warriors. However attrition would slowly see to the dwindling of the Eaters of Cities until their numbers declined to 1,000 men and women.
Upon the mountain of Fedan Mhor Angron’s band of gladiators would make their final stand. At the Desj’elika Ridge the Eaters of Cities would be surrounded by seven armies of Nuceria. Angron and his warriors would be doomed to die in combat, for even a Primarch would be unable to best such an overwhelming force.
Yet Angron would not die this day, and with the intervention of the Emperor of Mankind the Primarch of the 12th Legion would be saved. Observing the Primarch’s struggles in secret, the Master of Mankind would watch his son’s rebellion from afar.
Descending to the battle with a cadre of his Custodians, the Emperor would offer his aid in the battle should his son assume the mantle of leadership of the 12th legion: The War Hounds. Refusing the Emperor’s offer, Angron would demand that he remain on Nuceria with his
Gladiator kin and not withdraw from the planet until his enslavers had been brought to justice. Reluctantly, the Emperor would teleport Angron to his flagship, shocked at the sheer refusal of his son to adopt the responsibility ordained by his word. Finding his son wanting in strategical acumen, the Master of Mankind would not
Let his irreplaceable son die to the rabble of a backwater planet. The Eaters of Cities would be massacred without the leadership of Angron to which the Lord of Red Sands would watch their annihilation helplessly from orbit. Lashing out at the Custodian Guard, Angron would slay one of the Emperor’s guardians
Until the Master of Mankind would use his psychic might to subdue the Primarch. Hoping in time that Angron would understand the realities of why the Emperor had abandoned his band of warriors, the Master of Mankind would seek to salvage the potential of his much beleaguered and scarred son.
Angron was a ghost of the Emperor’s former plans, yet a Primarch he would remain. For every Primarch would serve the Imperium in the campaigns of the Great Crusade… Embittered to his father’s dismissal of his plight, Angron would come to resent the Emperor for his disregard for his honour to die with his men.
Nurturing the deep wound in his psyche, the Lord of Red Sands would regardless assume command of his Legion: the War Hounds in an attempt to sate the ever-worsening cravings of the Butcher’s Nails. Murdering the Captains of his Legion and the 12th Legion Master: Ibram Ghreer in a fit of rage,
Angron’s hatred for his stranger-sons would be calmed with the intervention of the Legion’s 8th Captain: Kharn. Volunteering to sooth his Primarch’s torment, Kharn would be beaten to near-death by his Gene-father. Yet Kharn’s resolve to never accept defeat would resonate with his Primarch and for his efforts
A bond between Kharn and Angron would form. Convincing his Primarch that the Legion was worthy to honour the legacy of the gladiators of Desh’ea Kharn would offer a change in the 12’s title. No longer would they be the Emperor’s War hounds, from then-on they would become
The Eaters of World for the Lord of Red Sands. Now known throughout the Imperium as ‘The World Eaters’ Angron would lead his men to bring many compliant worlds into the fold of the Imperium. Incorporating the Nucerian gladiatorial cultural trapping into their Legion,
The World Eaters would become synonymous for their efficient yet bloody deeds… Experts in neurological surgery and cortical implant technologies would study the Primarch’s affliction of the Butcher’s Nails. Realising that the implants combined with the Primarch’s enhanced biological functions had integrated beyond and hope of removal, Angron’s
Brain had been re-mapped to incorporate it’s influence above all other stimuli of his body. Reducing his serotonin neurotransmitters and deadening all emotions besides aggression, Angron’s capabilities of reason would be continually lost as the influence of the Nails progressed. Removal of the Butcher’s Nails would definitely
Kill the Primarch, yet their continual presence would regardless slowly kill the Primarch. The 12th Legion’s burdens would be many, as not only was their Primarch slowly dying from his affliction, but his reputation as the only Primarch to fail in conquering his homeworld would worsen the World Eater’s already infamous reputation.
Morale was low within the 12th Legion yet their purpose as the serrated edge of the Great Crusade would at least give them purpose. Conflict was the only measure of the worth of the World Eaters for they would earn no glory or plaudits, only satisfaction in battle as warriors.
Seeking to emulate their Primarch and become closer to his solitary struggle, the Legionnaires of the World Eaters would volunteer themselves to undergo the procedure to be implanted with Bucther’s Nails of their won devising. Ordering his Apothecaries to construct the nails and begin implanting them within his Legion, Angron would seek to transform
His Legion into warriors befitting the heritage of Nuceria’s gladiators. Initially yielding a 100% failure rate, the nails would cause any implanted to die a painful death, yet Angron would not relent in his demands for the Nails to be refined and trialled.
Abandoning his Legion for their weakness to follow in the steps of the gladiators of Desh’ea, it would take two years for his Equerry: Kharn to reunite the Lord of Red Sands with his Legion. Shedding their weakness, Kharn would be the first to survive the Bucther’s Nails surgery, and by
His example the Legion would completely integrate the Nails into their bodies or die in the attempt… Observing the rapid devolution of the World Eater’s discipline in favour of frenzied rage, detractors of the 12th Legion would let their criticisms be known. Roboute Guilliman: Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion would be disgusted
During his joint-campaign alongside Angron during the Cleansing of Arigatta. Nicknamed ‘The Red Angel’, Angron’s reputation for committing atrocities would become of great concern for the Imperium. The World Eaters had in their frenzied state hurled themselves into the most
Unwinnable of odds and enacted a heavy toll of losses for their lack of self preservation. Ordering his men to bring world’s into compliance within 31 Nucerian Standard Hours, the Red Angel would execute one tenth of his men in order to root-out the weakness within the Legion.
Learning of the Butcher’s Nails implantation within the Legion, the Emperor of Mankind would dispatch the Primarch of the 6th Legion: Leman Russ to order Angron to end his heretical surgeries. Known by Imperial Records as ‘The Night of the Wolf’, The Emperor’s Executioner with his Legion
Of the Space Wolves would confront the World Eaters after the massacre of the planet of Genna. Refusing the orders of the Wolf King, Angron and battle Leman Russ. The Fenrisian chainsword Krakenmaw would clash against Angron’s Chainaxe: Widowmaker.
Each Legion would claim that the other fired the first shot that would begin the melee but all that bears remembering is that there would be no clear victor of the skirmish. Widowmaker would be destroyed at the hands of the Wolf King, yet Angron would assert his victory in
Combat against the restrained might of Leman Russ. Withdrawing from the battle, despite their censure and warning of the Imperium the World Eaters would continue their Butchers Nails implantation. Claiming the skulls of their foes from battle, the World Eaters would not relent in their
Ever-worsening onslaught of the galaxy. The Imperium would ignore the barbarity of the 12th Legion’s actions should they continue to enforce the will of the Emperor. Yet such oversight would prove to be devastating to the future of the Imperium with the dawn of the civil war for Humanity’s soul: The Horus Heresy…
Corrupted by the thrall of the Ruinous Power, Warmaster and Primarch of the 16th Legion: Horus Lupercal would begin his quest to end the reign of the Emperor. Before his duplicity would be known, the Master of Mankind would send the Warmaster to confront
Angron for his actions during the Great Crusade. Offering the Lord of Red Sands a chance at vengeance against his most-hated father, it would not take much of Horus’ lauded charisma to convince Angron to join the rebellion of the Traitor Primarchs. Culling the Loyalist elements within his Legion, Angron would once more seek to
Purge any sign of weakness from within his ranks. Among the first members of the pact of betrayal, the World Eaters would stand at the forefront of the opening stages of the war for Humanity. Joining the Second wave of Traitors during the Dropsite Massacre of Istvaan 5,
Angron would relish the chance to slay the loyalists to the throne. Proving to be instrumental in the vanguard of the traitor war effort, Angron’s rampage across the stars would seemingly be destined to succeed. As the Word Bearers and World Eaters joined
Forces to engage the Ultramarines within their home-system of Ultramar, their so-called ‘Shadow Crusade’ would slow the advance of the Imperium’s most numerically superior and lauded Legion. Yet with every battle fuelled by the sting of the Butcher’s Nails, Angron’s terminal affliction would worsen. Attempting to heal his Brother,
The Primarch of the Word Bearers: Lorgar Aurelian would beseech the Red Angel to return to his homeworld of Nuceria. Due to it’s close proximity within the Ultima Segmentum, the Urizen would hope to confront the High Riders of Nuceria
And with Angron by his side find a means of removing the Nails form his afflicted Brother. At last given an opportunity to bring his enslavers to justice, Angron and his World Eaters would venture to Nuceria… Upon the arrival of the 12th and 17th Legions to the planet of Nuceria, Angron would descend once
More to the Desh’elika Ridge of the mountains. Paying his respects to his fallen brothers-in-arms, Angron would collect the skulls of his former brethren and adorn them across his armour. Confronting the High Riders of Desh’ea, Angron would be enraged at their disrespect of the retelling of the deaths of his noble gladiators.
The populace believed Angron to have fled the battle and left his men to die in disgrace. Incensed by the lies of the High Riders, Angron would order his men to execute every living soul within the city and once finished, commit genocide across planet.
Yet the Lord of Red Sand’s plot to annihilate his people would be halted by the Ultramarines commanded by their Primarch: Roboute Guilliman. The Retribution Fleet of Ultramar would battle the combined might of the World Eaters and Word Bearers both in orbit and on the planet’s surface.
The Lord of Ultramar would battle Lorgar Aurelian in single-combat and after a bitter clash come close to ending the Urizen’s life. However, Angron would not allow Guilliman from ending the Bearer of the Word. Unleashing his fury against the Lord of Ultramar,
Angron would despite his might receive a glancing blow from Guilliman’s Power Fist. A skull of Angron’s long-dead gladiators would fall from his armour and Guilliman would unwittingly crush it beneath his mighty ceramite boot. Surrendering fully to his anguish, Angron would once more launch himself into the fray.
Feeling the malevolent power of the Warp in the wake of Angron’s boundless grief, Lorgar would draw upon the power emanating from beyond the veil of the mortal realm. Chanting heretical litanies and imbuing Angron with the fury of the Blood God,
Lorgar would enact the ascension of the Lord of Red Sands into a Daemon Prince of Khorne. His torment, rage and despair coalescing into the form of a daemonic being of unimaginable wroth, the Red Angel would achieve Apotheosis. Withdrawing from the battle, the Ultramarines and their Primarch would retreat in horror at the sight
Of the being birthed on the planet of Nuceria. Lorgar had saved his Brother from the clutches of death, yet in doing so damn countless future souls to suffer at the hands of the reborn Red Angel… Ordering Kharn to butcher the slaves within the hold of the World Eaters flagship: Conqueror,
The Daemon Prince of Khrone would demand a throne of skulls to be built in his honour. Rampaging throughout the galaxy in his now ascended form, Angron hunger for blood would not be sated by the lesser mortals and fiefdoms of the stars. Only the blood of Humanity’s most cherished bastion and it’s
Ruler would be fitting for such a horrific being. Brought to assemble with the Traitor Primarchs at the world of Ullanor by the Primarch of the Iron Warriors: Perturabo; the World Eaters would once more lead the charge to Holy Terra.
Creating a gigantic Warp Rift above the moon of Luna, Angron and his World Eaters would be the initial hammer-blow of the Traitor advance. Perched atop the Conqueror, Angron would observe the bloodletting of his Legion with grim satisfaction. Enslaved to the whims of the Blood God: Khorne, Angron would assault
The Imperial Palace during the Siege of Terra as a terrible, Angel of Vengeance. Slaying friend and foe alike, Angron’s massacre of any who stood in his path would be terrible and uncompromising in it’s savagery. Destroying the defences of the Lion’s Gate
Spaceport and Eternity Wall, even the bravest of souls would fall to the fell Black Blade and it’s malevolent wielder before it’s edge would crash through the Great Gate of the Imperial Palace. Yet despite the efforts of the World Eaters, the Traitors would need to hasten their assault…
Wary of the ever-closer arrival of the Dark Angels, Space Wolves and Ultramarines to Holy Terra, the Warmaster would confront the Emperor in single-combat. The Emperor would defeat Horus Lupercal, and destroy his very being from existence. The armies of Chaos would fragment and retreat from the Siege of Terra to which Angron though
The last to withdraw would be no exception. Seeking refuge within the Eye of Terror, the World Eaters would over the millennia abandon their Primarch and fragment into several warbands. His last great revenge against the Master of Mankind thwarted, Angron skulks the Immaterium and bides time for his seemingly random conquests of distant worlds.
Prosecuting wars in the name of his Patron God, Angron would be banished from the material realm during Dominion of Fire Campaign and First War for Armageddon. Yet with the return of the long-dormant Primarch of the Ultramarines: Roboute Guilliman,
Rumours stir that the Red Angel shall once again return to real-space during the Era Indomitas. Further transformed into a being of unrelenting fury who’s death grants only a momentary reprieve before his inevitable return, the Lord of Red Sands shall not cease his campaign of bloodshed and butchery.
For in the Grim Darkness of the far-future there is only war, and the Red Angel shall delight in every death made in the name of conflict across the stars… The Primarchs of His Imperium though demi-gods of Humanity would not be without flaws.
Brashness, Arrogance and Pride would mark the fall and disgrace of many of the Emperor’s sons. For even his most loyal champions they would lay bare their most exploitable weaknesses in personality and resolve. For today we shall Elucidate a Primarch enshrined in bitterness and morose isolation. The Primarch of the 14th Legion: Mortarion.
During the scattering of the Primarchs, the 14th child of the Emperor would be transported to the death-world of Barbarous. Wreathed in deadly toxins, the steam-fuelled contraptions of the planet would heavily influence the demeanour and temperament of the Primarch’s personality. The populace would be ruled by Inhuman Necromancers empowered by the influence
Of Chaos, whilst Barbarous’ human inhabitants would attempt to farm the land for a meagre existence within the small pockets of the world not sullied with poison. Constantly wary of the creatures spawned by the Necromantic Overlords of the planet, the Humans would toil in ignorance as the Primarch’s gestation pod would be discovered.
Among the ceaseless battlefields between the Overlords of Barbarous, one such Tyrant would discover a child among the corpses of the warzone. Perplexed at the child’s tolerance to the noxious air of the land, the Overlord would find the infant screaming among the dead.
The High Overlord: Necare would see an opportunity for his super-human foundling to become the heir to his legacy. Naming the child: Mortarion, or ‘Child of Death’ in Barbaran native dialect, the Primarch of the 14th would be housed within a small tower enveloped in the planet’s toxic fumes; the High Overlord of Barbarous would
Diligently build his own lair within the most toxic peak of the planet’s mountains. Mortarion’s super-human resistance to poisons and disease would be pushed to it’s limit as the maturing child’s lungs fought desperately to filter the miasma with every breath.
Gifted with a voracious hunger for knowledge, Mortarion would be tutored by his captor in all manner of battle doctrines and arcane arts. Yet as the child matured, his mind would come to question the lot of Barbarous’ human populace and the manner in which they would be treated.
Questions which would go un-answered should the young Primarch remain in captivity… Escaping his tower of isolation, Mortarion would fell any guards whom attempted to stand in his path. Venturing to the valleys of Barbarus, Mortarion’s tolerance for poisons would allow him to survive the noxious mists.
Finding the human populace to be of his own species, Mortarion would realise his kinship with the oppressed people of the poisonous world. Slow to trust the Primarch, the Barbarans would see the child of the mountains to be an unnatural interloper into their ranks. Such opinions would be short-lived with
The Primarch’s defence of the settlement from the attacks of horrific creature. Dispatched by a rival Overlord of the Necromancers, the settlers would stand little chance of defending themselves from the monster’s rampage. Yet with the intervention of Mortarion armed with a large harvesting scythe,
The monster would be slain. The Necromancer Overlord would smirk at the upstart defender of Barbarus as he retreated back into the poison mists, yet would be shocked as the Child of Death charged into the noxious fumes and cleaved him in two with his scythe.
Championed by the people of Barbarus, Mortarion would use his knowledge bequeathed from his foster-father to reinforce the settlements of the valleys. Creating strongholds and travelling from settlement-to-settlement, Mortarion would transform the disorganised and vulnerable citizens into a resistance militia. Recruiting the most durable and bold men of the settlements into a band of warriors,
Mortarion would train his lieutenants capable of leading small battalions. Incorporating artificers and blacksmiths to create weapons and armour for his men, Mortarion’s band would soon be equipped to venture into the poison wastes of the world and fight at his side. His so-called ‘Death Guard’ would battle against
The hordes of the Necromancers and with each victory hone their martial prowess and adapt their armour to endure ever-increasingly deadly environments. Besting the Overlords of the planet, only one trial would stand in their way before the world of Barbarous would be rid of the malevolent curse of it’s ruling tyrants.
Mortarion’s foster-father: Necare and his fortress within the most deadly peak of the mountains… Assembling his men to assault the fortress of the High Overlord, Mortarion would be conflicted in waging war against his father-figure. Under the advisement of his most trusted advisor: Calas Typhon, the Death Guard would call off their
Assault of the stronghold of the Necromancer. Their armour would not be capable of surviving the deadly peak of the planet until further advancements could be made. As such, Mortarion would withdraw his people to their village yet on arrival be informed of the arrival of a peculiar stranger to their settlement promising salvation.
Confronting the stranger as he sat in conference with the elders of the village, Mortarion would balk at the insinuation that he was incapable of liberating his people unaided. Offering Mortarion a challenge, the Stranger would give the ultimatum that
He would intervene if the Champion of Barbarus would be unable to defeat the High Overlord. Should the Stranger lend his might, Mortarion would swear fealty to him, yet should Mortarion free his peoples unaided the Stranger would leave the planet. Alone, Mortarion would venture to the stronghold of his foster-father
Despite the protestation of his Death Guard. Seeking to prove the Stranger wrong, the Child of Death would attempt to beach the thick smog of toxins surrounding the High Overlord’s fortress. Mortarion’s armour began to rust and fragment with every step closer to his prize,
Yet as Mortarion reached the gates of the Overlord’s Citadel he would collapse. Necare would stand outside the gates of his Citadel and mock the Child of Death for his weakness. Within Mortarion’s mind a whisper of a being of malicious intent would resound. The being known as Nurgle had delighted in
Mortarion’s circumstance and begin his slow influence within his mind. Necare would attempt to end the Primarch’s life, yet a moment before delivering the fatal blow, the Stranger of the village would intervene. Slaying the High Overlord a his sword wreathed in flame, the Stranger would save the life of the Child of Death.
Recovering from the ordeal, Mortarion would true to his word pledge his fealty to his revealed true-father: The Emperor. Granting Mortarion command of the 14th Legion: The Dusk Raiders it would not be long before the Primarch would incorporate his Barbaran warriors into the Legion’s ranks and rename them: The Death Guard.
Yet despite the Emperor’s salvation of his homeworld and the death of it’s tyrannical overlord, Mortarion’s pride would be irrevocably damaged. Denied vengeance against his life’s tormentor, Mortarion would bear a grudge against the Master of Mankind which would never heal. With time the slight submerged deep
Within his psyche would be nurtured and exploited by the Plague God Nurgle. For Mortarion’s descent into the thrall of Chaos had already begun… Rallying his new Legion and restructuring it’s ranks to reflect his homeworld’s cultural trappings Mortarion would be a striking figure to his Terran-born Astartes.
The manifestation of the ancient Terran figure of the Grim Reaper, the Lord of Death would utter a simple axiom to his Legion: “You are my unbroken blades. You are the Death Guard. By your hand shall justice be delivered… And doom shall stalk a thousand worlds.” Striking fear into the hearts of the Imperium’s
Foes, the 14th Legion would trudge a relentless path of destruction in the Emperor’s name. Drafting recruits exclusively from Barbarous, the Terran cultural heritage within the Legion would erode with time. Creating tension within the Legion, as the Great Crusade waged on the Terran Astartes of the 14th would dwindle.
The Death Guard would bring compliances to the Imperium with the fervour of liberation. Never pausing their crusade as each world fell to their Scythes, the Death Guard would resupply their might in-transit to their next objective. Never reinforcing or garrisoning the world’s
Brought into their compliance, the Death Guard would sow death and reap their harvest of souls. Fuelled by a desire to cleanse Humanity of Terror and Oppression, Mortarion’s campaigns would be waged without mercy or restraint. Often waging joint campaigns with his Brother
Primarch: Horus Lupercal, the Death Guard and the Lord of Death would gain a reputation as a reliable and efficient Legion. Weakening their foes with their sheer fortitude in battle, the Death Guard would drain their opposition of firepower until the 16th Legion: The Luna Wolves would deliver the hammer-blow to destroy their ranks.
A close bond would form between Horus and Mortarion, despite the Lord of Death’s visage of breathing apparatus and pallid skin resulting in the majority of his Primarch Brethren distancing themselves from his favour. Deemed a freakish figure among the sons of the Emperor with exception given to the Night Haunter of Nostramo,
Mortarion would be criticised by his brothers such as the Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion: Roboute Guilliman for cherishing his brotherhood of Horus above even the Emperor’s grace. For in time, such a criticism of the Lord of Death’s character would be proven to be true…
As the Great Crusade began to draw to a close, the use of Psykers within the Legionnes Astartes would begin to cause concern within the Imperium. The Librarious had proven time-and-again to be a tool of great power among the Legions, yet
Their reliance in drawing power from the unstable depths of the Warp would becalled into question. Convening the Council of Nikea, Primarchs and Astartes alike would debate on the use of Psykers within the Astartes ranks. Magnus the Red: Primarch of the Thousand Sons
Would champion their inclusion whilst Mortarion would seek to abolish their continual use. The Lord of Death’s childhood had been plagued by the influence of foul and shown Mortarion first-hand the depths of depravity that those who wielded psychic powers could stoop. Convincing the Emperor to disband the Librarious,
Mortarion would be satisfied with his father’s decision to outlaw sorcery within the Legion. Yet such a victory to his ideals and values would not be enough to absolve the Emperor of the Lord of Death’s resentment. The Warmaster of the Imperium: Horus Lupercal
Would begin his descend into the clutches of Chaos with the intervention of the Plague God. Wounded by an Anathame blade wounded by the corrupted Planetary Governor, the chosen pawn of Nurg’leth would injure the Primarch of the 16th Legion and allow
For his corruption by the forces of Chaos. Now poised to overthrow the galaxy with his rebellion to the Throne, the Warmaster would turn to his most trusted brother for allegiance. Mortarion had never been accepted by the Emperor nor his most lauded sons, save for Horus.
Horus would reveal to Mortarion that the Emperor had stolen power from the beings of the Warp and empowered himself through their means to become the most power Psyker of the galaxy. Mortarion’s intolerance of Psykers would cement his resolve to face the Emperor and
Alongside the Sons of Horus, the Death Guard would join in their betrayal… The Death Guard’s path to damnation had been set, for even among their ranks the seeds of corruption had been planted. 1st Captain Calas Typhon had concealed his surrender to the Ruinous Powers and with the
Influence of his rank sown the influence of the Plague God into the14th Legion. Upon the Istvaan System, the Traitor Legions would begin their campaign to conquer the Imperium. Purging the Loyalist remnants within their Legions, the Sons of Horus, World Eaters, Emperor’s Children and Death Guard would slaughter their brethren.
The lingering glories of the Dusk Raiders would be expunged from the ranks of the Death Guard and despite the escape of the Legion’s Battle Captain: Nathaniel Garro and a detachment of Loyalist Death Guard the 14ths submission to Chaos would begin. Deploying his men to aid in the betrayal of the
Loyalist counter-attack during the Istvaan Dropsite Massacre, Mortarion would not linger to indulge in the grudges perpetrated by his traitorous brothers. Without delay the Lord of Death would venture to attempt to bring another Legion into the fold of the Traitor war effort. Horus had been especially close to the
Primarch of the White Scars: Jaghatai Khan during the Great Crusade and as such the Lord of Death would use this bond to bring the Khan of Khans into the fold. Absent from the opening stages of the Horus Heresy, the 5th Legion had not pledged their blades to either side of the conflict.
Refusing to intervene by aiding the Space Wolves within the Alaxxes Nebula in the wake of their burning of Prospero, the White Scars would travel to the world of Prospero to find answers. Confronting the Warhawk within the ashen derelicts of Prospero, the Lord of Death
Would offer the Khan an invitation to join their rebellion against the Emperor. Observing Mortarion’s changes gifted by the Ruinous Powers, Jaghatai would surmise that the Lord of Death merely sought to expunge every trace of Psykers from the galaxy. Having drafted the outlines of the Librarious alongside his Brothers Magnus and Sanguinius,
The Khan though not gifted with psychic power would be sympathetic to those who were gifted such abilities. Despite the restraint suggested by the White Scars and the Emperor’s decision to outlaw the use of Psykers, the Traitors had surrendered to the beings of the Warp,
And for such flagrant hypocrisy the Warhawk would refuse to side with the Lord of Death. Warning Mortarion that the Warp shall claim him shall he continue on his path, Mortarion had chosen to betray Humanity for the promise strength and found his rewards wanting.
The Khagan would state that the Primarchs were not Empire builders, for only the Emperor would be capable of leading Humanity. Enraged at the Khan’s refusal to join the Traitor, Mortarion and his Death Shroud honour Guard would battle the White Scars and their Primarch.
The Keshig and Death Shroud would clash as the sons of the Emperor circled one-another. The Death Lord and Khagan would clash, their blows matching one-another in a battle between speed and constitution. Yet with the arrival of Death Guard fleet above Prospero Mortarion would retreat from the fray.
With the second Battle of Prospero ended and his attempt to recruit the 5th Legion failed, Mortarion would command his fleet to purge the planets of the Prosperine system. For the Lord of Death sought answers within the Crimson King’s Empire… Upon the Mandeville Point during 007.M31 Mortarion would descend
Upon the world and capture one of the world’s inhabitants. Possessed by a daemon of the Warp, the captive woman now shackled within the Death Guard flagship: Endurance would reveal it’s nature to Mortarion. Having never encountered such a being, Mortarion would be taunted
The possessed woman’s insinuation that his soul had been claimed by the Lord of Decay. His intolerance of the Warp further stoked, Jaghatai’s words had been proven true for Mortarion was now surrounded by the servants of fell gods.
Alone in his resolve to stave off the influence of Chaos among the Traitor ranks, Mortarion would seek the means to prevent his damnation. Yet the power of Nurgle would not be denied for Mortarion had not been chosen, he had been claimed. Believing himself to be incorruptible, the possessed woman would mock the
Primarch’s self delusion and hypocrisy. Transforming into a being of the Immaterium, the daemon would taunt the Lord of Death as he struggled and failed to crush the being his raw strength. Forced to unleash his innate yet repressed psychic abilities buried deep within, Mortarion would rend the daemon apart.
Mockingly saluting the Primarch with the phrase: “Hail, Master of the Plague”, as it’s soul receded back into the Immaterium it would leave the Lord of Death in his state of hypocrisy. Now empowered with the very sorceries he has always denied, Mortarion would acknowledge his
Self-loathing nature and attempt to master the Warp to prevent becoming it’s pawn… The Death Guard Legion would become fragmented with the 1st Captain’s continual fascination and pursuit of the powers of the Chaos Gods. Already tutored in the arts of sorcery by the
Word Bearers 1st Chaplain: Erebus, Typhon would not repress nor hide his own psychic abilities. Mortarion would order his Legion to aid in the assault of the Siege of Terra yet Calas Typhon now no-longer served the whims of his Primarch. Surrendering his soul, men and vessels to the clutches of Nurgle within the Immaterium,
The splintering of the Death Guard by it’s 1st Captain had begun. Murdering the Navigators of the fleet, Typhus would allow the fleet under Mortarion’s command to be soaked in the powers of Nurgle within the Immaterium. Unable to escape the Warp, the Astartes of the fleet would
Transform into bloated, puss-coated beings. Their rusted armour and rotten flesh ripe for the many contagions and virus to grow plump within their seeping wounds and rotten skin. Mortarion would not be spared such gifts of the Plague God, the Lord of Death would not
Be spared by the Emperor at the summit of the toxic miasma. Mortarion would endure untold suffering transform until the gifts of Nurgle would cease. Reborn as a Daemon Prince of the Plague Father, Mortarion would pledge his soul and the fate of his Legion as a bargain from the deliverance of pain…
Returning to real-space as horrific harbingers of disease and pestilence, the Death Guard would join the Traitor assault of the Siege of Terra. Descending as the first assault wave upon the Throneworld and slaughtering swathes of the defenders of the Imperium, Mortarion and his Death Guard would wreak havoc.
Conquering the Colossi Gate, the Death Guard would re-deploy to the Marmax Bastion and again face the Warhawk and his White Scars in battle. His outcast gene-son: Battle Captain Nathanial Garro would intervene and alongside his Knights Errant confront his gene-father.
Offering Garro the chance to re-join his Legion, the Hand of the Sigilite would reject the Corrupted Primarch’s offer and before perishing wound Mortarion with his broken blade: Libertas. Capturing the Lion’s Gate Spaceport from Imperial forces, Jaghatai Khan would engage Mortarion in the battle to reclaim the vital lynchpin of the Throneworld’s defence.
Once again duelling, Jaghatai would be no match against the now fully-empowered pawn of Chaos, yet the Khagan knew a weaknesses he could exploit. Scolding Mortarion’s weakness of giving himself to the entities of the Warp, the Khagan would strike a crippling blow to the Lord of Death’s ego.
Taking advantage of Mortarion’s frenzied state, Jaghatai would injure the Lord of Death before being impaled by Mortarion’s Scythe: Silence. Pulling himself close to Mortarion, Jaghatai would endure the pain of the blade as it dug deep into his flesh and decapitate Mortarion… Banished into the roiling tides of the Warp, Mortarion would materialise once
More into the mortal realm and claim dominion of a daemon world. Residing on the plague planet, the disgraced Lord of Death would not show his presence within the Imperium for many millennia. His Plague Marines of the 14th had failed during
The Siege and the Horus Heresy had been thwarted by the Emperor and the Loyalists to the Throne. Ruling his world as a tyrant alike to his foster-father, the hypocrisy of Mortarion would ascend new heights as he ruled the world by tyrannical overlord.
Ascending fully into the form of a Daemon Prince, Mortarion would rule his kingdom as the Death Guard splintered into warbands of varying loyalties. Yet with the dawn of the 41st Millennia, the Pale King would return to real-space. During 901.M41 Mortarion would slay the Supreme Grand Master of the Grey Knights:
Kornovin and be banished by his successor: Kaldor Draigo. Carving his predecessors name onto Mortarion’s heart, Mortarion would temporarily be banished once more to the Immaterium. However, the birth of the Cicatrix Maledictum across the stars would herald a new dawn for the Death Guard.
The Great Rift would demand opposition, and with the return of the Avenging Son: Roboute Guilliman, Mortarion would wage his great Plague War upon Ultramar. Seeking to corrupt Macragge and it’s subordinate planets and spread the Garden of Nurgle across the bones of their ravaged husks, The Pale King would be confronted
By the Ultramarines and their Primarch. Battling Guilliman upon the world of Iax in single combat, the culmination of the Plague Wars would see Mortarion slay the Primarch of the 13th. Resurrected by the Emperor, the Master of Mankind would banish Mortarion once
More and deal a wound upon the Plague God Nurgle. His garden burning and champion defeated, Nurgle would show be displeased at his chosen Primarch as he tends to his wounded pride and ambition. Yet one day, the Prince of Decay shall return, to wreak untold miseries upon the galaxy…
The Primarchs of His Imperium are among the strongest beings in the galaxy. Gifted power beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, the sons of the Emperor would lead their armies at the vanguard of battle. Yet each Primarch would strive to push the limits of their strength, whether in martial prowess, artifice or psychic potential.
For today we shall Elucidate a Primarch unequalled in his mastery of the Warp, blinded by the allure of fell knowledge. The Primarch of the 15th Legion: Magnus the Red. The young son of the Emperor would be unique among his brethren in many ways.
The only Primarch to remember the origin of his creation, the psychic power of the crimson child would be potent from the start. Within his gestation pod within the gene-labs of Terra, the child would utilise his innate psychic abilities to commune with the Master of Mankind.
Spirited to the colony world of Prospero during the Scattering of the Primarchs, the son of the Emperor would emerge into a world steeped in the mystical arts of sorcery. The populace had been shunned by Humanity for it’s manipulations of the Immaterial
Realm since the days of the Dark Age of Technology and in their isolation they would work tirelessly to understand the nuances of the Warp. Plagued by beings known as the Psychneuein, the power emanating from the Psykers of the planet would draw the foul warp-spawned insectoid
Creatures to prey on the minds of the weak. The sorcerers would band together to stave off the incursions of the creatures, and within their bastions study means to hone their psychic might. Alike to a comet, the Primarch’s gestation pod would plunge through Prospero’s orbit
And crash into the central plaza of the world’s capitol: Tizca. Among the sorcerers of the planet, a lone man would step forth to investigate the capsule. Amon, a senior member of Tizcan Commune would find a child within and raise the young boy as both father and tutor. The boy would quickly mature and
Demonstrate an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The kind mentor and powerful psyker of Prospero would teach the son of the Emperor every art in the arcane within his understanding. Within years, Amon’s mastery of the Aether would be surpassed by his adopted child as Magnus read
Ancient volumes, compendiums and scrap of text within the City of Light’s Librarium. No longer the most revered sorcerer of Prospero, Amon would with pride relinquish his mentorship of the boy and assume the mantle of student to his own son.
None had ever seen a being capable of the wonders Magnus could conjure and with time the Master of the Warp would rally the people of Prospero to eradicate the Psychneuein from their world… Entire cities of Prospero had been infested with the creatures of the warp and claimed untold souls from their harvest.
With Magnus’ ascension as the ruler of Prospero by dint of his power, the Crimson King would lead his unified band of sorcerers to cleanse their once noble bulwarks. Purging the beings from Prospero, Magnus would see to the reconstruction of the city of Tizca with
Knowledge gleaned from the reclaimed cities’ long dormant repositories of knowledge and history. The City of Light would transform into a paradise. Marble and glass Pyramids would jut into the heavens as the citizenry study arcanum within the tranquil parks and boulevards of Tizca. Enraptured with bliss and safety,
The Prosperans would flourish with the peace brought by their new Monarch. Yet the Crimson King would not be satisfied with the lot of his people. Seeking to further master and explore the power of the so-called ‘Great Ocean’, Magnus would see to the construction of a vast Great Library within the heart of
Tizca for the scholars of Prospero to further probe their understanding of the Immaterium. Despite his once mentor Amon warning the Crimson King against delving too deep into the nadir of the Great Ocean, Magnus would journey further and further into it’s tides.
Such acts of Psychic power would emanate through the galaxy and quickly draw the attention of the Master of Mankind to it’s origins. During 840.M30 the Emperor of Mankind would descend unto the precincts of Tizca. The two had conversed for years as the
Master of Mankind sought to reunite with his prodigal son and upon the Emperor’s reunion with his child, he would embrace him. Accompanying his father for solar decades, Magnus join the Emperor in his traversal and study of the Warp.
Yet the Master of Mankind would warn Magnus that even though they were among the most Psychically powerful beings in the galaxy, the machinations of the Warp were not to be over indulged. For dangers existed with the depths of the Great Ocean to which no man,
No matter his strength or wisdom, would be immune to it’s malevolent influence… Installed as the leader of the 15th Legion: The Thousand Sons, Magnus’ sons would follow in their Primarch’s image as the most gifted Psykers of the Legionnes Astartes.
Yet their gifts would not be without cost as the 15th Legion had been ravaged by a Warp-born mutation known as ‘The Flesh Change’. Mutation and organ rejection would be rampant within the Legion as a direct result of their Psychic affinity to which their numbers had dwindled to a Thousand Souls.
The Emperor had named them to honour those who had survived the decline of their numbers and remained resolute and stalwart in the face of their dire circumstance. Many within the Imperium would advocate for the euthanising of it’s remaining Astartes to prevent further unavoidable mutations,
Magnus would plead with the Emperor to allow the Crimson King to seek a cure for their ailment. Agreeing to his request, the Emperor would allow the Crimson King several decades to find the cure for his gene-sons. In secret, Magnus would naively consort with
The entities within the Great Ocean and be offered a balm for his men. Sacrificing his eye in the bargain for his Legion’s survival, Magnus would be manipulated by the schemer of the Warp: Tzeentch. Believing himself to have cleansed the
Flesh Change from his Legion, Magnus had bought only a temporary reprieve for his Thousand Sons. His arrogance damning his Legion to endure future hardships, the Crimson King and the Thousand Sons would join the Great Crusade 100 years after the Emperor’s arrival to Tizca.
For the Imperium still treated the army of sorcerous Astartes with suspicion, and the Thousand Sons of Magnus would need to vindicate themselves from their detractors… Regardless of their small numbers in comparison to their brother-legions, the 15th would quickly prove themselves to be more than capable in bringing worlds into compliance.
Displaying their mastery of the Warp in bouts of immense arcane might, the Thousand Sons would emulate a fragment of the Emperor’s own power during their campaigns. Lead by their striking Crimson Lord, the 15th Legion would be among the most noble warriors of the Imperium. Akin to scholars more than warriors,
The warriors of Prospero would delight in their mastery of the Immaterium. Enthralling the populations of worlds rather than expunge them with devastation and fire, such tactics would earn the ire of the Primarch of the 6th Legion: Leman Russ for their flagrantly dishonourable manipulations of the will of their foes.
Gathering knowledge from every corner of the galaxy, the Crimson King would pen a tome enriched with knowledge and arcanum of the Warp: The Book of Magnus. Fastened to Magnus’ armour in heavy golden chains, the book wrapped in the hide of a slain Psychneuein would be for the eyes of the Crimson King alone.
Breaching the Eldar Webway with his scavenged knowledge, Magnus would ever-further infringe upon the boundaries outlined by the Emperor. The Thousand Sons obsession with claiming knowledge from conquered world would sow distrust among the Primarchs and their Legions, for the 15th could not be trusted in indulging in knowledge in breach of the Imperial Truth.
Raising their concerns to the Master of Mankind, the Space Wolves, Death Guard, Imperial Fists and Raven Guard would demand reprisal for the Thousand Sons abuse of sorcery. Convening the Council of Nikea, the Emperor would decide the fate of the Librarious within
The Legions and be swayed by the council of both Primarchs and Astartes invested in it’s cause. Magnus would champion the use of Psykers within the Legion and despite a rousing speech before the assembled conclave, his opposition would be vicious. The Primarch of the Death Guard: Mortarion and representative of the Space Wolves: Ohthere
Wyrdmake would testify to the fraught dangers of the Warp and sway the Emperor’s decision. Outlawing the Librarious, the Master of Mankind would censure all use of Psykers among the Legionnes Astartes. A decision which would cement the Thousand Sons’ destiny of betrayal… Infuriated with the Emperor’s prohibition in the use of Psykers,
Magnus would seek a means to circumvent such a ruling. With the Ork menace routed during the decisive battle of Ullanor, the Emperor would install his most cherished son: Horus Lupercal to lead the Great Crusade in his absence.
Returning to Holy Terra, the Master of Mankind would in secret attempt to claim the Eldar Webway for the Imperium’s use in safe-traversal of the galaxy in the stead of Warp travel. Magnus would seek solace upon his homeworld of Prospero and seek a means to divine a future
In which his Legion would once again be free to harness their mastery of the Immaterium. Within his long meditations, Magnus would foresee a great ruination poised to sunder The Imperium. Horus Lupercal would turn against his father and plunge the galaxy into a
War which would damn Humanity to a future of endless war, suffering and ignorance. Unable to divine his own future, and revealing that the Warmaster had already begun his corruption in the service to the Ruinous Powers; the Crimson King would in an act of
Desperation bring ruin to the future of Humanity. With the aid of his Legion’s greatest sorcerers, Magnus would attempt to contact the Emperor within his psychically fortified palace. Projecting himself to Holy Terra, Magnus would be prevented from contacting his father by a barrier
Constructed to keep out Immaterial incursions. Accepting an offer of aid from an unknown entity within the Warp to aid in his breach of the barrier, Magnus would naively accept the power of the Changer of Ways in the venture to tear through the psychic barrier.
Bursting through to the Emperor’s Throne Room, Magnus’ actions would allow for the tide of malevolent warp beings to spill through the tear in the palace’s defences. Corrupting the Webway beyond all hope of salvation, the Crimson King had damned Humanity to forever suffer void-travel within the malevolent tides of the Warp…
Furious that his great work had been ruined, the Emperor would demand that Magnus face trial for his actions. Dispatching the 6th Legion: the Space Wolves under the command of their Primarch: Leman Russ, the Emperor would order the Vylka Fenrica to bring Magnus to Terra.
As Magnus’ spirit returned to his mortal shell, he would be visited by the Architect of Fate: Tzeentch. Taunting the Crimson King that he shall serve as his champion, Magnus had failed to warn the Emperor of Horus’ impending betrayal and doomed Humanity to forever be cursed by the machinations of the Warp.
As the Space Wolves neared ever-closer to Prospero, the Warmaster would intercept their transmission and under the guise of loyalty to the Emperor give new orders to Rout. Ordered to destroy the Thousand Sons with his detachment of Sisters of Silence and Legio Custodes, The Wolf King would have no reason to doubt the fealty
To his trusted Brother and accept his command. The Space Wolves would descend upon Prospero and burn it’s once beautiful vistas to ash. Magnus now understood that he had been manipulated by powers of the Warp which he had time-and-again been warned to abstain.
Deciding the sacrifice himself and his sons to deny the Ruinous Powers their prize, Magnus would no longer be a pawn of Chaos. Allowing his homeworld to be razed to the ground, Magnus would hide the 6th Legion’s fleet from his men to hasten the demise of his people.
Death rained upon Tizca as the Rout and their allies cut a swathe through the streets of the once-proud City of Light. Unable to accept responsibility for his actions, Magnus would not be capable of holding true to his own resolve and aid in his home-world’s defence.
Confronting his brother: Leman Russ, Magnus would battle the Wolf King in single-combat. Protected with runic armour and the combined Null-power of the Sisters of Silence, Leman Russ would face the crimson king in a duel of steel alone. Shattering Russ’ armour with a might punch of his fist. Magnus would further
Puncture one of the wolf King’s hearts. Yet such a strike had been a ruse, for Leman would blind Magnus and after lifting the Crimson King across his knee break Primarch’s spine… The Crimson King had fallen, his men had been slaughtered under his
Protection and now his homeworld burned. Losing all hope of salvation or redemption Magnus would surrender to the Ruinous Powers. Offering his fealty to the Changer of Ways, Magnus would pledge his soul to the being known as Tzeentch. By the will of the Lord of Change, the City of Light would be teleported
To within the Eye of Terror. Upon a Daemon-world of the Architect of Fate’s choosing, Magnus would accept his bargain as a servant of the Ruinous Powers. Transforming into a Daemon Prince of his patron, Magnus had relinquished his mortal form which would shatter into fragments to ascend into a corporeal being.
As the Shards of Magnus were cast across the galaxy, each piece of the Crimson King’s power would as mental projections to those whom sought his council. His primary form would remain on the Daemon Planet of Sorcerers within the Immaterium, yet would
Deteriorate with the absent shards of his being. The Thousand Sons 1st Captain: Azhek Ahriman would venture forth to retrieve the shards of Magnus. Obtaining all but one of the missing fragments, Ahriman would restore much of his gene-father’s power with the four reclaimed shards of his being.
Bereft of the final shard characterised by his humanity and good-nature, Magnus would return to real-space with his Thousand Sons to aid in the Traitor War Effort. Seeking out the final shard of his being on Holy Terra, the Crimson King would ally with the Warmaster by necessity alone… Joining the Traitors at the muser-point
Of Ullanor, Magnus and his remaining Thousand Sons would journey to Holy Terra. Absent from the battlefield, Magnus would orchestrate strategies aboard Horus’s Flagship: The Vengeful Spirit, for the Traitors to breach the psychic barriers surrounding the Imperial Palace. Yet with the fall of the Lion’s Gate Spaceport,
Magnus would take to the field. Weakening the Emperor’s psychic might and aiding his Brother Mortarion to better harness his repressed Psychic might, the Crimson King would bolster the Traitors assault before the great culmination of the war. As Mortarion and his Death Guard resumed their assault of the Imperial defenders,
Magnus and his Thousands Sons would infiltrate the Imperial Dungeons. Entering the Imperial Palace, Magnus would be confronted by Malcadore the Sigilite and be informed that the final Shard of Mangus was now beyond his reach. Imbued within the reborn Last Son of Prospero: Revuel Arvida, Magnus would never be whole again.
Seemingly slaying the Sigilite, Magnus’ fury would not be satisfied. Entering the chamber of the Golden Throne, the Emperor would sit immobile and vulnerable. Aiming a psychic projectile to kill the Emperor, Magnus’ strike would be repelled by the Primarch of the 18th Legion: Vulkan. Denied his vengeance,
Magnus and his Thousand Sons would battle the Salamanders and their gene-father. However, during the fray the Emperor would show Magnus a vision of a possible future… Magnus sat upon the Golden Throne, blissfully drifting into the tides of the Warp and it’s mysteries alongside his father. Powering the Imperial Webway, this vision of
Magnus would guard the Imperium would be the foundation for it’s dominion of the stars and long-reigning peace achieved by the Emperor. The Loyal Primarchs now presided over Humanity in it’s hard-won age of prosperity, peace and unending grandeur.
Offering Magnus a chance to re-join the fold of the Loyalists, the Emperor would claim that such a perfect future could still be achieved. Magnus had only to turn from the clutches of Chaos and accept that his Thousand Sons could never be freed from the curse of the Flesh Change.
Refusing his father’s offer, Magnus would continue his attempt to end the Emperor’s life. Pummelled into submission by the Lord of Drakes, Magnus would once again surrender the last shred of his soul to transcend fully into a being of the Immaterium. Banished by the Anti-Daemonic wards of the chamber, the Crimson King
Would transform into a winged Daemonic entity. Once more-clashing with Vulkan within the Imperial Webway, Magnus would attempt to sway the loyal son of the Emperor yet fail in his manipulations. Slaying the Perpetual Primarch several times during their duel, Vulkan would not relent and
Be given new life with each mortal blow. Besting Magnus with sheer brute force and indomitable attrition, Vulkan would before disintegrating from final a desperate blast of psychic energy crush Magnus’ skull with his Warhammer: Urdrakule… With the Emperor’s victory against the Traitors to the Throne, the pawns of Chaos would retreat from Holy Terra.
Fleeing to the Planet of the Sorcerors, the surviving Thousand Sons would for their defeat once more be afflicted with the curse of the Flesh Change. 1st Captain Ahzek Ahriman would attempt to conjure a fell incantation to revoke the curse of his Legion yet further damn the Thousand Sons by transforming the psychically-lacking
Members of the 15th into mindless automatons. Those whom proved worthy would be empowered and assume command of the so-called ‘Rubric Marines’ and further fracture the 15th Legion. Magnus, now reformed from his banishment into the Warp would grieve for the loss of more of his
Beloved sons by the careless meddling of sorcery. Seeking to punish his wayward sons, Magnus would confront Ahriman upon the Planet of Sorcerers and demand blood for his callous actions. Yet Tzeentch would intervene and spare the life of the Sorcerer Lord.
Banishing his 1st Captain and ordering him to fulfil a quest to understand the Warp to it’s fullest extent, Ahriman’s actions had torn asunder the Legion into conflicting warbands. But despite the Thousand Sons’ continual burdens, the Crimson King would rally
Those who would remain loyal to his cause and seek penance for the loss of his homeworld… Emerging from the Immaterium during the 32nd Millennium, Magnus would orchestrate the devastation of worlds throughout Imperial Space. Hunted by the Great Wolf of the 6th Legion:
Harek Ironhelm, the Thousand Sons would evade the Space Wolves persecution and assault their homeworld of Fenris. Despising the sons of Russ for their Chapter’s past actions, Magnus would seek to raze Fenris in the manner of his own homeworld. Sieging the Space Wolves fortress known by outsiders as ‘The Fang’,
The 6th Legion would endure the assault of the Thousand Sons for 40 days. Awoken from his long slumber, the ancient Venerable Dreadnought: Bjorn the Fell-Handed would lead his Chapter on their survive of the invasion of the Crimson King whilst the scout
Marines of the Chapter would be dispatched to bring word of the assault to Harek Ironhelm. With the return of the Great Wolf, the Thousand Sons would be repelled. Wounding the Primarch of the 15th, Harek would manage a valiant defiance against the Primarch
Yet die during their brutal engagement. Yet the Aett would stand and with the reinforcement of Harek’s men the Thousand Sons would be driven from Fenris. Satisfied with destroying the gene-stores of the Rout, Magnus would continue his plots to destroy the legacy of Leman Russ. Returning to real-space during the
41st millennium, Magnus would attempt to retrieve the holy relic of the Chapter: the Spear of Russ. The Dionysian Spear would enable Magnus to revive his fallen sons, yet with the intervention of Ragnar Blackmane such heretical rituals would be thwarted. Obsessed with the destruction of his most hated nemesis,
Magnus would return once again during 999.M41 and would enact the Siege of Fenris. Once more banished by the Great Wolf: Logan Grimnar, Magnus’ relentless conquest of the Fenrisians would bear a heavy toll on the Space Wolves. Yet despite his greatest efforts, the sons of Leman Russ endure and stand ever-vigilant to
Stand against the Crimson King’s campaigns. However with Magnus’ emboldening by humbling the wolves of Fenris, he would soon find another foe to bring to heel. The Primarch of the Ultramarines: Roboute Guilliman had returned to the faltering Imperium and begun his task of avenging the lost glory of the Imperium. Upon the Avenging Son’s
Terran crusade to return to the Throneworld, Magnus would ambush his brother’s fleet. Trapping Guilliman within the Maelstrom, the Primarch of the Ultramarines would regardless manage to escape the clutches of the Thousand Sons and would confront his once-brother upon the moon of Luna. Duelling the Lord of Ultramar,
Magnus would overwhelm the Primarch of the 13th and seem poised to end the resurgence of the Emperor’s solitary beacon of hope. Though Guilliman would not die this day, and with the aid of the Sisters of Silence the Avenging Son would impale the Crimson King with
The Emperor’s diving blade and banish Magnus once more into the Immaterium. Though Magnus remains a tireless thorn in the Imperium’s side. Relentless in his quest to one day crush the Imperium and seek retribution… The Primarchs of His Imperium would exemplify the pinnacle of Human creation.
Demi-gods among mortal men, these titanic figures of the Imperium would lay the path for peace, paved with the bones of the enemies of the Emperor. Yet while each Primarch would be legendary in their own right, one would be chosen as the first among equals and despite his favour damn Humanity’s future.
The Primarch of the 16th Legion: Horus Lupercal. Much of the origins of the being known as ‘The Lupercal’ would be shrouded in mystery. Yet what is known, is that the Primarch of the 16th Legion would be spirited to the planet of C’thonia during the Scattering of the Primarchs by the Ruinous Powers.
A mining world within close proximity to Holy Terra, the harsh environment of the young Primarch’s homeworld would be rich in precious minerals. Ruled by Tech-Barbarian criminal gangs, the Primarch of the 16th would quickly adapt to the now post-industrial Hive Cities and barren mines. Developing a rough C’thonian accent from the
Inhabitants who influenced his youth, the Primarch would thrive among the violent gang wars of the planet until his ascension as a unifier of the disparate syndicates of the planet. Recorded by Imperial records as the first Primarch be found by the Master of Mankind,
It would not take long for the Emperor to reunite with his protégé. Swiftly taken under the wing of the Emperor, the Primarch known as Horus Lupercal would be mentored in the methods of waging war and be privy to the Master of Mankind’s plans to reunify Humanity.
As the Emperor formed alliances with the Mechanicum of Mars and began his conquest of the stars, Horus would learn from his father’s conquests and prove a capable leader in his own right. Installed as the commander of the 16th Legion: The Luna Wolves, Horus would stand by his father’s side for 30 Terran-standard years
During the beginning of the conquest known by history as the Great Crusade… Drafting recruits from the rabble of C’Thonia, Horus would mould his Legion into the sharp claws of the Imperium’s war machine. Their namesake proclaimed by the Master Mankind, the Luna Wolves would strike fear
Into the hearts of the Imperium’s foes. With compliances gained as the momentum of the Great Crusade continued after 30 years of campaigning reports of another Primarch’s discovery would soon reach the notice of the Emperor. Granting Horus full command of the Principia Imperialis,
Horus’ first great test would be to continue the Great Crusade in the Emperor’s absence. Proving his capabilities, Horus would continue to earn the favour of The Emperor as each of his lost brothers would be brought into the fold of the Imperium.
Yet with each of his brothers appointed to lead their legions in the wake of the Lupercal, Horus would resolve to remain as the Emperor’s most favoured son. For two hundred years the Luna Wolves would continue to bring worlds into compliance.
Gaining the respect of each of his Brothers, the deeds of their legions would not surpass the grandeur and glories of the vaunted 16th. Given opportunities to fight alongside his brothers in joint campaigns, Horus would combine the strengths of his Brother’s legion in order to synergise and compliment their specialities in warfare.
A charismatic leader, Horus’ legendary charisma would embolden the deeds of every subject of the Imperium and further increase Humanity’s dominion across the galaxy. Engaging newly conquered worlds in diplomacy enshrined in the cultural traditions of each unique world, Horus would treat with the new subjects of the Imperium in the manner
Befitting a venerable orator and stateman. Gifted an innate mastery of psychology, Horus would bring worlds in compliance utilising minimal blood-shed by exploiting the hopes and fears of non-compliant civilisations. Empowering the most virtuous traits among his Brother-Primarchs and the subjects of His Imperium, Horus would facilitate
The utmost efficiency in deployment of the Legionnes Astartes and Imperial Army forces. Spurring the Legions to ever-greater proficiency and strength, Horus would sow the seeds of rivalry between rival Legions in order to hone their potential. Deeds which would prove fatal in stoking hatred among the Legions in the years to come.
Yet despite the ever-nearing culmination of the Great Crusade and unity thriving among the Legionnes Astartes, a singular overwhelming threat loomed… The Greenskin menace had spread like a plague among the stars. The largest Empire of the Ork Xenos ever recorded had cut a swathe through the Imperium’s
Strongholds lead by their Overlord: Urrlak Urg. Rallying the Legionnes Astartes, The Emperor would push back the Greenskin tide with Horus at his side as each Primarch brought their might to bear against the Xenos menace. Driving the Orks back to the Ullanor System,
The Emperor would end the threat of the Xenos before their numbers could once again burgeon. Deploying 100,000 Astartes and 8 million Imperial Army soldiers upon the world of Ullanor Prime, The Lupercal would lead the final battle of the Ullanor Crusade.
Leading his Luna Wolves and Army regiments under his command to distract the Ork’s upon the greater-battlefield, Horus would assault the great Tower of the Ork capitol. With his Justaerin Elite 1st Company at his side, Horus would face the Ork Overlord upon the peak of
The tower; and after besting the creature in single-combat cast it’s body from the tower. As it’s great carcass cashed and split upon the soil of Ullanor the Orks would panic and be slaughtered by the Luna Wolves. The Lupercal has proven to be the catalyst
For the culmination of the Ullanor Crusade and bested it’s champion. For his great victory, The Emperor would honour Horus for his deeds. Given the title of Warmaster by the Emperor, the new Commander-in-chief of the great Crusade would be gifted the Power Mace: Worldbreaker as his new badge of office.
The 16th Legion would be renamed as ‘The Sons of Horus’ for their valour and bear their new insignia with pride. Horus had proven his worth as the first among equals and as Warmaster of the Imperium lead the remainder of the Great Crusade with the
Authority of the Master of Mankind. Departing from the Great Crusade, the Emperor of Mankind would attend to his Imperial Webway Project in secret as his chosen Warmaster continued his quest to persecute the war to unify Humanity.
Yet with the absence of the Master of Mankind, Horus would burden his new mantle of favour and begin his downfall from the Emperor’s grace… Uneasy with his ascension above the esteem of his Brothers, Horus would not be blind to the discontent and jealousy of his Brothers.
Though demi-gods among men, the Primarchs were not beyond petty rivalries to which Horus would attempt to quell the dissent brewing within the Legionnes Astartes. Placating his more volatile Brothers, Horus would continue his father’s campaign under the scrutiny of the many generals of the war effort.
Yet despite his accolades and favour, resentment would spark in the heart of the Warmaster. The Emperor had fled the great crusade to conduct an endeavour of the utmost secrecy as the Warmaster’s victories would be attributed to his fathers glory.
The newly founded Council of Terra would rule on the Imperium with no council from the Primarchs. Bitterness and resentment would take root within the mind of the Warmaster, to which the malevolent powers of Chaos would exploit. The 1st Chaplain of the Word Bearers:
Erebus would install himself as a confidant to the Warmaster and whisper conflict into his advisements to Horus. Subtle in his twisting of the Lupercal’s morality, Erebus would enact the plots of his patron gods with guile and linguistic subterfuge. Manipulating the loyalties of the fraternity of the Mournival within the 16th Legion,
Erebus would tend to their resentment of the Emperor’s treatment of the Warmaster. Upon the moon of the planet Davin such treacheries would unfold. The once compliant world, Davin had fallen to the clutches of the Plague God through the corruption of Horus’ once close ally: Planetary Governor Eugen Temba.
Armed with the xenos artefact: the Kinebrach Anathame, the plot of Erebus would culminate in the duel between Temba and the Warmaster. Horus would be wounded by the Chaos-empowered form of Eugen Temba, the corrupted blade of the Anathame would poison the Warmaster with an otherworldly infection.
As Horus slew the thrall of Nurgle, he would collapse and fall into a coma. Brought to the 16th Legion’s apothecaries by the Mournival, the ministration of the Sons of Horus’ medical technologies would prove insufficient in restoring their Primarch. The Warmaster worsened with each passing moment as the virulent curse
Within him drained his remaining vitality. In an act of desperation the Mournival would enact the council of 1st Chaplain Erebus and bring their Primarch’s body to the Temple of the Serpent Lodge upon Davin’s moon. Warrior Lodges had already been installed within the Legionnes Astartes by the Word Bearers in order to further corrupt
The Astartes of the Legions to which the Sons of Horus were no exception. Entrusting Horus’ body to the Davinite Priests, the Warmaster’s soul would be delivered before the Gods of Chaos and become corrupted by the rituals and sorceries of the Chaos Cultists.
Horus’ soul would be submerged within the Immaterium and bear witness to nightmarish visions of Humanity’s future. The Emperor of the grim-dark future would be worshipped as a God, the Warmaster would be ignorant of his own meddling in this portent of Humanity’s fate.
Portraying themselves as victims with no stake in the matters of the Material World, the beings of the Warp would entice Horus by fuelling his long-harboured bitterness. The spectre of Magnus the Red: Primarch of the Thousand Sons would attempt to sway Horus from the path of damnation. Explaining that the future he foresaw could
Be avoided, Magnus would beseech the Warmaster from listening to the whispers of Chaos. Yet Horus’ jealousy would not be abated and with a pact pledged in the name of the Dark Gods the Warmaster would accept the bargain offered by the Ruinous Powers:
Slay the Emperor and the galaxy shall be yours… Reborn as the Champion of Chaos Undivided, Horus Lupercal would renounce the Emperor and begin his descent into madness. Forming alliances with the Primarchs embittered to the Emperor, Horus would use his charisma to nurture the resentments sown deep within his Brother’s hearts.
Bringing the World Eaters, Death Guard and Emperor’s Children into the fold, Horus would begin his great plot to overthrow the Imperium. Dispatching orders to the Ultramarines, Dark Angels and Blood Angels to the far-corners of the galaxy on crusades to delay their involvement, the White Scars and Imperial
Fists would prove too distant to influence the start of the Great War for Humanity. Purging the loyalists within the ranks of his Legion and those of his allies, the blood of the noble warriors of the Emperor would salt the earth of Istvaan 3. Despite his efforts to conceal his betrayal from the Emperor,
Fragments of the Loyalists within the Traitor Legions would escape the Warmaster’s grasp. Knowing reprisal would be swift, Horus would enact commands to contain and convert the Emperor’s Legions. Magnus the Red would in his attempt to warn the Emperor of the Warmaster’s impending Betrayal
Ruin the Master of Mankind’s Imperial Webway project and bring censure to his own Legion. Dispatching the Emperor’s Children to attempt to bring the Iron Hands into the fold and manipulating the Primarchs Konrad Curze, Perturabo and Alpharius to join the Traitor War effort,
The Warmaster’s mastery of planning and conquest would prove invaluable to his cause. With the aid of the Word Bearers and persecution of the Thousand Sons at the hands of the Wolves of Fenris, the Warmaster’s gambit would unfold. The resolute Loyalist Legions of the Iron Hands,
Salamanders and Raven Guard would hurl themselves into the fray and for their fervour be crushed. Ferrus Manus: Primarch of the Iron Tenth would be slain, Vulkan had been captured and Corvus Corax has fled. Yet many battles lay ahead for the Warmaster in his inexorable campaign to defeat the Emperor…
Convening the Conclave of the Primarchs aboard his Flagship: the Vengeful Spirit, Horus would address his brothers. With the exception of the Alpha Legion Primarch: Alpharius, the Traitor Primarchs would begin to deliberate their strategy to destroy the Imperium. Many of their number had already submitted to the thrall of Chaos and in doing so
Pledged their allegiance to the Ruinous Powers. Fulgrim: Primarch of the Emperor’s Children had become possessed with a daemonic entity whilst Magnus the Red had surrendered to the Changer of Ways in the wake of the Burning of Prospero. Lorgar Aurelian had unwittingly been their
Patron from his worship of the Old Faith of his homeworld and within the ranks of Mortarion’s Death Guard and Angron’s World Eaters the presence of Chaos had begun to fester. An assortment of renegades, pawns of Chaos and psychotic mad-men would stand against the
Glory of His Imperium with Horus installed as the favoured General of the Dark Gods. The Warmaster would task his Legions with campaigns to persecute across the stars. The Imperial Fists Retribution fleet would be crippled by the Iron Warriors,
The Death Guard would attempt to bring the White Scars into the ranks of the rebellion and the Word Bearers would trap the 1st, 9th and 13th Legions within a Warp-devised cage. The Tech Priests of Mars would wage a civil war whilst the Legio Titanica, Knight Houses and
Imperial Army regiments would pledge to join or resist the call-to-arms of the Warmaster. 3 loyalists Legions had already been broken beyond all hope of restoring their former might, but the war for Humanity would be fought and lost at the Throneworld of Holy Terra.
Yet the Emperor would not stand idle as His Imperium burned and with the aid of Malcadore the Sigilite attempt to end the Horus Heresy before it could gain further momentum… The Loyalists to the Throne now stood at the knife’s edge of the war.
Severely outmanoeuvred with the annihilation of the Iron Hands, Salamanders and Raven Guard the Loyalists would be put on a defensive footing. The Imperial Fists would fortify the Throneworld as the Shattered Legions fought a desperate guerrilla-warfare campaign against the Traitors. The Ultramarines, Dark Angels, White Scars and Blood Angels were cut-off from the wider-Imperium
And the Space Wolves had incurred heavy losses from their persecution of the Thousand Sons. Malcadore the Siglite would begin his Shadow War against the Traitors whilst the Master of Mankind tended to the daemonic incursions spawned from Magnus’ destruction of the Imperial Webway Project. The Imperium now faced it’s greatest trial,
For it would take the toil of every loyal soul to deny the Traitors their prize. Though one weakness could be exploited within the rebellion. Should the Warmaster perish the Traitor war effort would collapse, for only Horus could unify such a disparate band of duplicitous degenerates. Dispatching the Assassin Clades, Malcadore would orchestrate countless
Missions to slay the Arch-Traitor. Yet with every failed assassination, Horus would be further emboldened in his cause to slay the Emperor. Contacting the Blackshields of the Fangs of the Emperor and founding the Knights Errant, comprised of the estranged and betrayed sons of the Legionnes Astartes; Malcadore would not relent
In his attempts to kill the Warmaster. Recruiting former Luna Wolves of the 16h Legion into his clandestine order, individuals such as Sevarion, Iacton Qruze and Garvel Loken would seek to exploit the weaknesses known of their estranged Legion… Alongside the Primarch of the 6th Legion: Leman Russ, Malcadore would order the Wolf King to
Attempt one final strike against the Warmaster. A kill-team of the Knights Errant would board the Vengeful Spirit and with the Luna Wolves knowledge of the 16th Legion lay a path within the ship for the Space Wolves to assault the Warmaster’s Throne-room.
During the Battle of Molech, the kill-team and their commander, the outcast Son of Horus: Garviel Loken would infiltrate the Vengeful Spirit. Captured and brought to the Lupercal Court Loken would face his gene-father and be given an offer to re-join the Warmaster’s Legion.
Defying his once noble father the surviving Knights Errant would escape from their captors. For the Knight Errant Bror Tyrfingr had lain futhark runes for his gene-kin and enabled a path for the future assault of the 6th Legion. The Wolves would strike during the battle of
Trisolian and with the aid of Bror, the Rout would seek to slay the Warmaster. Boarding the Vengeful spirit, Russ would lead his men to the heart of the flagship and strike against Horus. Wielding the Dionysian Spear, the Wolf King would manage to pierce the Warmaster’s armour and wound Horus.
Forged by the Emperor’s own hand, the so-called ‘Spear of Russ’ would contain a portion of the Emperor’s power and reveal the truth to any whom would be cut from it’s edge. Horus would be cleansed of the corruption of Chaos and for a moment return to his true self.
No longer a thrall of the Ruinous Powers, Horus would despite such revelation choose to remain opposed to the Imperium. Rejecting Leman’s offer to return to Holy Terra, Horus would attempt to slay the Wolf King. Yet the valour of the Rout would hold true as hundreds of Astartes swarmed the Warmaster
And dragged Leman’s body from the battle. The 6th Legion would sacrifice their lives to save their Primarch but at the cost of the vast majority of their remaining strength. Horus had been vulnerable and were it not for the hesitation of the Wolf King
Would have died at the hands of Russ. Yet the wound inflicted by the Dionysian Spear would send the Warmaster into a coma to which he may never recover… The Ruinous Powers would fight and clamour for the soul of their champion.
Deep within the immaterium, Horus’ very soul would fight an endless battle to remain in control of his being yet his Legion would not stand idle. The Warmaster’s Equerry: Maloghurst the Twisted would attempt a ritual to reunite his gene-father’s soul with his body.
Defended by Kalus Ekaddon, the Twisted Son of Horus would leave his mortal body and delve into the Immaterium. Finding his father’s fractured soul, Maloghurst would beseech his liege to return to the material realm. Concluding the ritual, Maloghurst would impale the wound Horus had sustained from
The Spear of Russ with his own Athame Dagger. Sacrificing his own soul for his father, Maloghurst would succeed in freeing Horus’ soul and once more install him as Warmaster of the Horus Heresy. Resuming control of the Legions, Horus would rally the Traitor Primarchs for their final assault of the Throne World.
Enacting the Battle of Terra, the Traitor Legions would descend upon the Sol system. Reaping untold millions of souls as the defence fleets of Luna were sundered by the Traitor’s guns, the Traitors would begin their infamous Siege of Holy Terra.
Days of bombardments would harken the countless Drop Pods which rained from the sky as heretics, butchers, zealots and warmongers descended upon the Imperial Palace. Titans unleashed their fury upon the walls of the Imperium’s dauntless bastions as billions of soldiers hurled their worthless bodies into the munitions of the Emperor’s devoted subjects.
Horus would watch as his merciless harrying of the Palace bought ground for his men, inch by bloody inch. For the Traitors would not be invulnerable from the reinforcements of the Dark Angels, Space Wolves and Ultramarines should their Siege tarry too long…
The Emperor’s forces were giving ground as each minute passed yet the Traitor’s had taken many losses and could not hope to survive should they be trapped between the Palace defenders and the impending retribution of the 1st, 6th and 13th Legions.
The Siege of Terra had stalled and with the withdrawal of the Iron Warriors, banishment of Angron and Mortarion and the dis-organised Emperor’s Children indulging in their own debased atrocities the Warmaster would not be able to breach the Imperial Palace before the impending assault of the Ultramarines. Challenging the Emperor to face him in
Single-combat, Horus would lower the shields of the Vengeful Spirit and the Loyalist Primarchs Rogal Dorn, Sanguinius and the Emperor would teleport upon the Warmaster’s flagship and battle to decide the fate of Humanity. Sanguinius: Primarch of the Blood Angels would confront his once-cherished brother and would behold the fell-glory of the Warmaster of Chaos.
Bloated with power, should Horus slay the Emperor he would ascend as the 5th god of the Ruinous Powers alike to the birth of the creature born from the downfall of the Aeldari. Knowing his fate to be destined to die at the hands of Horus,
The Great Angel would regardless launch himself into a battle to the death against his brother. Damaging the Warmaster’s armour, Sanguinius would be unable to wound the champion of Chaos and in the attempt to slay him fall to the Talon of Horus.
Finding his fallen noble son at the feet of the Warmaster, the Master of Mankind would face the Dark King. Proclaiming that he would spare the Emperor should he kneel before him, Horus would bask in his delusion. Yet the Master of Mankind would declare that Horus was nothing more than a slave to darkness,
Of which there would be no hope of redemption. Bolts of psychic energy would spill from the Warmaster and he charged into a duel with the Emperor. Within the Throne Room of the Vengeful Spirit the two Gods of Humanity would clash for the fate of the Imperium’s destiny.
Restraining his immense strength, the Emperor would be unable to bring his full-might against his once most beloved son and for his hesitation be wounded by the Warmaster. Disarming the Emperor, Horus would gauge his father’s eye, tear his right arm from it’s socket
And break the Emperor’s spine over his knee. Gloating at his victory, Horus’ dominion would be achieved, yet it would be the action of a mortal man whom would deny the Warmaster. Standing between the Emperor and the Warmaster, the stoic soul would stare into the eyes of the
Warmaster and refuse to be cowed. Ripped apart for his insolence by the psychic might of Horus, such an act of defiance would galvanise the Emperor’s resolve. Summoning his remaining strength without restraint, the Emperor would unleash his full psychic might and rend the Warmaster from existence.
Realising his folly for a singular moment before his death, Horus would shed a single tear before his soul was eradicated… The Traitors would retreat from Terra and be forever shamed for their hubris in attempting to usurp the Master of Mankind. With exception to the 17th Legion, the Traitors would disband and fragment into
Warbands bearing no allegiance to a champion in the place of their slain Warmaster. The 1st Captain of the Sons of Horus: Ezekyle Abaddon would abandon his father’s legacy and seek answers for his purpose within the tattered carcass of what remained of the galaxy.
Horus Lupercal’s lifeless body would be taken to the world of Maeleum and enshrined upon the Daemon world. Yet the ever-duplicitous Emperor’s Children would during the dawn of the 31st Millennium enact the Slave Wars as the scraps of the Traitors
Fought over the dominion of their tattered ranks. Fabius Bile: Chief Apothecary of the 3rd Legion would steal the body of the Lupercal and conduct experiments in order to clone the Primarch to once again lead the Traitors in their quest to destroy the Imperium.
Yet as the Spider conducted his research, Ezekyle Abaddon would return to the 16th Legion and proclaim himself to be the inheritor to his father’s failure. Installing himself as the new Warmaster of Chaos, the Despoiler would reforge his men into the accursed Black Legion and lead them to assault the Emperor’s Children fortress.
Overpowering Fabius and released his cloned experiment from it’s confinement, Abaddon would look upon the reborn visage of his father. Armed with the Talon of Horus, Abaddon would destroy his father’s seal of office: Worldbreaker and plunge the blades of his talon within the chest of the clone of Horus.
Firing a volley of bolter rounds from the Talon’s storm-bolter within Horus’ chest cavity, the reborn Lupercal would be eviscerated by the blast. The time of Horus Lupercal was over, for a new warrior would assume the mantle of Warmaster and continue the 16th Legion’s quest for vengeance…
The Primarchs of His Imperium would instil Loyalty and fealty within the hearts of mankind. Paragons of Humanity capable of sundering Empires and uplifting civilisations, the charisma, charm and deeds of the sons of the Emperor would never be exceeded by mortal men. Yet their exceptional power would not only hasten His Imperium’s rise but
Also it’s catastrophic downfall. For today we shall Elucidate the architect of the Horus Heresy and devastation of the Imperium of Man. The Primarch of the 17th Legion: Lorgar Aurelian. With the scattering of the Primarchs across the stars, the young child of the 17th Legion would be cast to the planet of Colchis.
A world rife with superstition and religious ideology, the subjects of the planet would bask in the rays of the heat of the sun and worship fell gods steeped in feudal tradition. Once a technologically sophisticated world, Colchis had stooped to the zealous fervour
Of the Ruinous Powers taught by it’s people as ‘The Old Faith’. Disease, war and tyrants would rise and fall in the ebb and flow of the planet’s historical record and its people would learn to accept their lot in life.
Yet with the arrival of the child of the Emperor, the planet’s transformation would begin. Discovered by the peoples known as ‘The Declined’, their chieftain Fan Morgal would name the Primarch: Lorgar, the ‘Rain Caller’. Quickly maturing, within the span of seventeen days Lorgar had grown to the
Size of a young child and would meet the first of his mentor’s to set him on the path of damnation. Kor Phaeron, an exiled priest of the planet’s ruling religious sect: The Covenant would pass through the encampment of The Declined. Seeing the favour of his patron gods within the
Young boy, Kor Phaeron would convince the Primarch to become his disciple. Murdering Fan Morgal and The Declined peoples, Kor Phaeron would hide the origins of his now adopted charge and begin to convert the young Primarch to his beliefs. Physically and mentally abusive in his methods of tutoring, Kor Phaeron would
Mould the boy into a convert of the Old Faith with a peerless understanding of it’s fell-teachings. Incorporating his own belief that there was a being known as ‘The One’, Lorgar would transform his understanding of the Old Faith from a polytheistic doctrine into a monotheistic religion.
Dismissing the Primarch’s notion of The One, Kor Phaeron would continue to abuse his foster-son for his belief and sow deep within Lorgar’s psyche a perverse dependency to his guardian… With time Lorgar would grow in stature and be beyond the physical torments of his father.
Pathologically loyal to Kor Phaeron, Lorgar’s prowess as an orator would garner the Rain Caller many followers. Known as ‘The Godsworn’, Lorgar’s ever expanding band of zealots would soon challenge the dominance of the Covenant. Naming their leader ‘The Bearer of the Word’, Lorgar’s Godsworn would liberate the downtrodden
Slaves of the planet across it’s settlements and march for the capitol city of Vharadesh. Lorgar’s army would descend upon the City of Grey Flowers and after conducting a sermon at the gates of Vharadesh the low-cast priests within would open the gates to the city.
Presenting the corpses of the ruling Ecclesiarchs of the Covenant before Lorgar, the Bearer of the Word would not stand idle as he commanded his Godsworn to conquer each neighbouring city. Converting swathes of Colchis to his cause, Lorgar would preach his faith to his disciples.
For years the Godsworn would battle the heretics to their faith and with time Lorgar would ascend to become the ruler of Colchis. Proclaiming his foster-father Kor Phaeron as the new High Priest of the Covenant, Lorgar would look to the stars for his envisioned The One’s arrival.
Seeing visions of a being clad in bronze armour accompanied by a towering cyclops, Lorgar would see to the proclamation of his portents of the future. Members of The Covenant would decry such teachings and as a schism grew within it’s ranks it’s leaders would attempt to arrest Lorgar for his heretical views.
Yet upon attempting to seize the Rain Caller, Lorgar’s disciples would tear his assailants limb-from-limb in a deranged frenzy to protect their prophet. A Holy War would erupt upon Colchis and bathe Colchis in bloods for six years. Storming the Cathedral of Illumination and killing the dissident monks within,
Lorgar and his Godsworn would enact their Great Purge across the planet and follow their new Arch Priest in their devotion to The One. Knowing his true name to be ‘The Emperor’, Lorgar would await the salvation of his people by his prophesised God safe in the knowledge
That his arrival would be imminent… The Emperor would descend upon Colchis during 857.M30 a solar year after Lorgar’s conquest of his world. Accompanied by his son: Magnus the Red, the Master of Mankind would meet with the Bearer of the Word. Falling to his knees, Lorgar would praise the being before him as his
People in unison kneeled before their Messiah. The True God of Mankind had descended from the heavens and on this momentous day the people of Colchis would be enraptured by his visage. Accepting his long-lost son with open arms, the Emperor would install Lorgar as the leader of
His 16th Legion: The Imperial Heralds and task the Rain Caller with joining the Great Crusade. Accepting his offer with vigour Lorgar would venture into the stars proclaiming the divinity and salvation offered by his father. Admonishing Lorgar’s treatment of his stature as
A God, the Emperor would nonetheless allow the newly re-named ‘Word Bearers’ and their Primarch to wage their campaigns across the galaxy. Reorganising the 17th Legion into a force of relentless scions of the Emperor’s divinity, Lorgar would allow for his guardian Kor
Phaeron to undergo surgeries to ascend to the stature befitting his most trusted counsel. Putting non-compliant worlds to the sword should they reject the Emperor’s emancipation, the Word Bearers would be merciless in their application of violence to any whom would object to the Master of Mankind’s divinity. Punishing blasphemy, heresy and idolatry of
Pagan superstition the 17th Legion would cleanse the galaxy with purging flame. The Word Bearers campaigns would stall by virtue of their ritualistic sermons and spectacles of worship. And for their willing ignorance of the demands of the Great Crusade and their Emperor, the Word Bearers would be punished…
Unquestionable in their loyalty, the Word Bearers would nonetheless prove to embody every one of the greatest flaws at odds with the Imperial Truth of the Imperium. Unable to allow their zealous ways to continue, the Master of Mankind would summon the Ultramarines Legion and their Primarch: Roboute Guilliman to censure the 17th.
Upon the world of Khur the entire might of the 13th Legion alongside the Legio Custodes would descend upon the planet’s city of Monarchia. The Emperor and his most trusted advisor: Malcadore the Sigilite would confront the Urizen. A symbol of the Word Bearer’s religious devotion,
Monarchia epitomised every flaw that the Imperial Truth espoused to prevent. Worshiping the Emperor as a God, the so-called ‘Perfect City’ teeming with cathedrals and places of worship was an afront to every ideal the Imperium stood for. Ordering the Ultramarines to raze the city to the ground, though reluctant with his
Orders Primarch Roboute Guilliman would comply. Lorgar and his Legion would be forced to kneel as they helplessly watched their perfect city burn at the hands of the Emperor’s enforcers. Humiliated by the 13th Legion, the Word Bearers would shamed by the Legion encapsulating the
Imperial Truth’s teachings to the letter. Lorgar had failed his people, his Legion, the Imperium and most of all his father. Boundless grief would be sown deep within Lorgar’s very soul as he watched his cathedrals of stained glass and marble fall to the gunfire of the Ultramarines. Lorgar’s devotion to his father would be
Ripped from his heart and in the wound which took it’s place a festering resentment would bloom. For the Golden One would never forget this slight upon his Legion and would slowly begin to plot revenge for the destruction of the paradise he had crafted…
Withdrawing from the public eye of the Great Crusade the Word Bearers would stew in their disgrace. Their devotion to the Emperor as a living benevolent God had been proven false and shaken their purpose to the core. Unable to accept responsibility for his own failings Lorgar Aurelian
Would venture into the galaxy to find answers befitting his ego. The Ruinous Powers would call to the Urizen for their influence had always been rooted within the Primarch’s upbringing from his adoption into the Old Faith. Offering atonement for his doubts in the Emperor the forces of Chaos would speak
Through the honeyed words of Kor Phaeron and the 1st Chaplain of the Word Bearers: Erebus. Resolving to seek out the beings whom had called to him, Lorgar would pilgrimage alongside his 1301st Expeditionary Fleet to the Cadia system. Watched closely by 5 members of the Legio Custodes
Appointed by the Emperor, Lorgar would descend upon the world of Cadia and meet with the barbaric human tribes upon it’s surface. Met by the purple-eyed inhabitants of the planet, Lorgar would speak with the leader of the cultists: a female priestess known as Ingethel. Conducting a ritual by sacrificing the Custodian Zendatha, Ingethel
Would transform into a being of Chaos and whisper lies into the ears of the Urizen. Stating that the Aeldari race had birthed the being known as Slaanesh into existence and through ignorance and fear abandoned their new patron’s majesty. Grieving for their rejection of it’s divinity, She Who Thirsts
Would punish the Eldar for their transgression. This deception would fuel Lorgar’s naivety as Ingethel imparted a warning that should Humanity wish to survive extinction they must not follow in the Eldar’s footsteps and submit themselves to the worship of Chaos and it’s pantheon of Gods.
The Word Bearers dispatched to the Eye of Terror within orbit of Cadia would return to their Primarch, transformed by the Ruinous Powers and bearing word of their own revelations. Believing the lies of Ingethel, Lorgar would order his warships to bombard Cadia in order to
Conceal the knowledge of the Primordial Truth. He alone would be the herald of the Gods of Chaos and through their influence, the Urizen would achieve vengeance against the Emperor… Unsatisfied with his knowledge of the primordial beings of the Immaterium Lorgar
Would venture into the heart of the Eye of Terror. Piloting a stormbird into the heart of the storm, Lorgar would be accompanied by Ingethel as his daemonic guide. Upon the remnants of the Eldar Craftworld: Zu’lasa, the Rain Caller would observe the carcass
Left in the wake of the birth of Slaanesh and be confronted by an Avatar of the Eldar: Khaine. The ruined being of former divinity stood before the Urizen and with his Crozius Mace: Illuminarum, Lorgar would bludgeon the Avatar to it’s painful end.
Demanding further insight from Ingethel, Lorgar would be transported through space and time to the Eternity Gate of the Emperor’s Imperial Palace. Granted a vision of the Siege of Terra, the Urizen would watch as thousands of phantasmagoria of the Legionnes Astartes bled and died around him.
Rogal Dorn: Primarch of the Imperial Fists lead his men against a horde of barbaric Space Marines clad in arterial red. They were his sons, their slate-grey supplanted with shades of freshly spilled blood. They had cast aside their old beliefs and re-invigorated with new purpose sought to bring the Imperium to heel.
Watching his Astartes transform into Daemonically possessed warriors, Lorgar would marvel at their terrible might. At their vanguard, his most blessed son: Argel Tal would charge against the Great Angel Sanguinius and perish as they clashed. This glorious promise of the future would impress upon the Primarch as his
Mind began to process what he had seen. Yet another vision would be gifted to Lorgar of the homeworld of the Crimson King. Prospero burned at the hands of the Rout to which Lorgar would be horrified that such a destiny would befall the Thousand Sons.
Lorgar would enact the war of vengeance against the Emperor, though he would never be it’s leader, he would be it’s witness. The Emperor would pay for the treatment of his deeds and the Word Bearers would lead the charge to rend the still-beating heart from the Imperium.
Each Primarch in his place would rule the Imperium or corrupt it to their own cause but not Lorgar. Lorgar would destroy it completely and forge a new future from the ashes… Returning to the material realm, Lorgar would begin his slow treachery the against the Imperium.
Sowing the seeds of betrayal within the hearts of his Primarch Brethren, the catalyst of the civil war of humanity: Horus Lupercal would be the lynch-pin to sunder the Imperium. Ordering his 1st Chaplain: Erebus to stand at the side of the Warmaster,
The plot to corrupt the Champion of the Emperor would with time be achieved. 40 years after his venture into the Eye of Terra Lorgar would join Horus in his betrayal of the Master of Mankind. Aiding in the purge of the Loyalists
Elements within the Traitor Legions upon the world of Istvaan 3, the Word Bearers would relish the chance to sate their blades in the blood of the Emperor’s subjects. Achieving further reprisal against the Loyalist counter-attack of the Emperor on the world of
Istvaan 5, Lorgar would assemble commanders from the Iron Warriors, Night Lords and Alpha Legion in their alliance to join the Warmaster’s rebellion. Employing his skill as an orator, Lorgar would further embolden the resentments harboured within the Lord of Iron, Night Haunter and the Hydra.
Taking to the field during the Dropsite Massacre, The Urizen would lead his men in their holy war against the Emperor’s staunch defenders. Turning on their allies, the second wave of the Legion’s assault would surround the Loyalists and massacre their amassed strength. Engaging the Salamanders and Raven Guard, the Word Bearers would unleash their
Armoured vehicles against the exposed ranks of the 18th and 19th Legions. Seeking to staunch the wound inflicted to his forces, the Ravenlord: Corvus Corax would charge into the skirmish and confront Lorgar. Carving a path through the Word Bearers, Corax would duel the Urizen and prove to
Be more than a match for the Primarch known for his lack of martial prowess. Impaled through the stomach by Corax’s talons, Lorgar through desperation to survive would break his bother’s nose with a strike of his skull until the blades within him would be retraced.
Fated to die, the Urizen would with the intervention of the Night Haunter be spared, though for the remainder of his life bear the wounds to his face clawed by the Ravenlord… Healing from his grievous wounds, Lorgar would join the Warmaster aboard the Sons of Horus
Flagship: The Vengeful Spirit as the deliberations of the conclave of the Primarchs began. Nine Primarchs had been mustered to wage war against the Imperium yet already signs of change within them had begun. Fulgrim: Primarch of the Emperor’s Children had become possessed by a Daemon, whilst Magnus the
Red now bore power gifted by the Changer of Ways. Disgusted at his Brother Fulgrim’s total submission to the Ruinous Powers, Lorgar’s notion of symbiotic co-operation with the forces of Chaos would be challenged by the presence of this husk of the Phoenician.
Storming from the chamber, Lorgar would return to his own flagship: The Fidelitas Lex. Conversing with the Crimson King: Magnus the Red, Lorgar would reveal his knowledge of the fall of the Aeldari and the birth of the Prince of Pleasure. Cautioned by his brother not to indulge too deeply with his manipulations of the
Powers of the Warp, Magnus would warn his brother that such dealings would invite malicious interlopers from the Immaterium. Ignoring the Crimson Lord’s council, Lorgar would meet with the Warmaster to discuss their next objective in their crusade against the Imperium. The Ultramarines would prove to be the gravest threat posed to their
Rebellion and for it succeed, the Lords of Ultramar must be kept from interfering. The Treachery of the Word Bearers had been contained within Istvaan yet it would not take long for the 17th to show their intent. Traveling to the Calth system under the guise
Of reconciliation, the Word Bearers would meet with the Ultramarines… Fuelled with the memory of their once proud city of Monarchia, The Word Bearers would parlay with the Ultramarines until their time to strike would be ordered. Lead by Kor Phaeron, the warships of the 17th would bombard the docked Ultramarine vessels
And in a surprise attack slaughter the unaware and vulnerable Astartes. Annihilating clusters of the fleet of Ultramar, the Word Bearers revenge would be achieved. As droves of daemon would be summoned into the system by rituals and sacrifices, Kor Phaeron’s men would jettison Roboute Guilliman into the vacuum of space yet be unable
To slay the stalwart son of the Emperor. As the 13th legion retaliated, the Word Bearers would poison the sun of Calth and summon a gigantic Warp Storm to entrap the Ultramar System. The Ruinstorm would spread it’s wicked tendrils across the stars alike to a great wound.
Yet Lorgar’s hunger for vengeance would not be sated. Simultaneously Lorgar’s forces and the World Eaters Legion would rampage across the Ultramar system as they harried the populace to mark their Shadow Crusade. Further draining the Ultramarines of resources and able-bodied souls, the barbarism of the Shadow
Crusade would stall with the worsening state of the Primarch of the 12th Legion: Angron. The 500 worlds had been bled, yet upon the Lord of Red Sand’s homeworld the Urizen would search for a means to cure his brother of his affliction: the Butcher’s Nails.
Finding no balm for his dying brother upon Nuceria the 12th and 17th Legion would butcher the High Riders and rabble of the planet. Yet with their haste to cure Angron, the Ultramarines had regrouped and tracked the Shadow Crusade’s leaders to the world of Nuceria.
The Retribution Fleet of the Ultramarines would destroy Lorgar’s flagship: The Fidelitas Lex and lead by their Primarch descend upon Nuceria. Facing his most hated Brother in combat, Lorgar would attempt to slay Roboute Guilliman yet prove no match against the Lord of Ultramar. Before the killing blow could be dealt,
Angron would launch himself into the fray and battle Guilliman. Their clash would enrage the Primarch of the Word Eaters as a mis-step of Guilliman would crush the skull of one Angron’s long-dead comrades-in-arms as it fell from a bandolier of his armour.
Drawing upon Angron’s rabid grief, the Urizen would feel the presence of the Gods of Chaos and enact a ritual to transform his Brother into the avatar for the Blood God: Khorne. The ascension of the Red Angel would force the Ultramarines to retreat,
And with the 13th once more withdrawn from the conflict Lorgar would turn his attentions to the final battle to decide the fate of Humanity… Lorgar had proven to be a worthy conduit for the will of the Ruinous Powers. A true disciple of the Gods of Chaos,
Lorgar would resent Horus for his failure to fully submit to their will. Foreseeing that only through total surrender to their patron gods would victory against the Emperor be achieved, Lorgar would plot to overthrow Horus to become the Warmaster.
Confiding his plans to his Dark Apostle: Zardu Layak and the Primarch of the 3rd Legion: Fulgrim; Lorgar would meet with Horus Lupercal aboard the Vengeful Spirit. The Warmaster had fallen during the battle of Beta Garmon by a wound of the Dionysian Spear.
Leman Russ: Primarch of the Space Wolves had delivered the blow and come close to slaying the Champion of Chaos. In orbit of Ullanor as the Traitor’s mustered their remaining forces to assault Holy Terra, the Urizen would attempt his Coupe. Though with forewarning from the Crimson Apostle,
Horus would attack Lorgar and prevent his betrayal from being achieved. Beaten to within an inch of his life, the Urizen would be banished from the Warmaster’s sight and ordered to not interfere with the remainder of the Horus Heresy. Retreating from the amassed fleet of the Warmaster, Lorgar would be slain should he
Ever return to the presence of the Lupercal. Decrying the war to be lost beyond all hope of salvation, the Bearer of the Word’s ravings would with time be proven true. The Warmaster would fail in his rebellion to overthrow the Imperium and in the wake
Of his civil war damn Humanity to wage an endless struggle of survival. Lorgar would in the millennia following ascend to the form of a Daemon Prince of Chaos Undivided and seek penance for his failure to conquer Humanity in the name of his patrons.
His faith had been rewarded yet his pledge to the Dark Gods still remained unfulfilled. Isolating himself within the Templum Inficio upon the Daemon World of Sicarus, the Urizen to this day has not been interrupted in his meditations. However, rumours stir that the Archpriest of the
Primordial Truth has been harried by the Ravenlord of the 19th Legion and after a bitter duel followed by years of isolation; the Urizen embarks upon the material realm once more. Leading his legion to bring his wretched sermons and litanies to world’s unfortunate enough to
Stand in his path, and convert any willing to surrender their souls to his foul benefactors… The Primarchs of his Imperium are beyond the comprehension of mortal men. Gifted great power and mastery of Humanity’s most venerated traits, the sons of the Emperor would
Mould the galaxy’s future with their actions. Yet there exists a Primarch who’s very nature is shrouded in mystery, who’s deeds have spun a web of deceit so impenetrable that even his gene-sons fail to understand it’s purpose. The twin serpent of the Hydra: Alpharius Omegon…
The origins of the Primarch of the 20th Legion would be shrouded in mystery. Yet despite such an enigmatic shred of information records have survived the long millennia. Accounts vary, with some speculating that the Lord of Serpents would be discovered by the 16th Legion: the Luna Wolves during the Great Crusade.
Engaging with the 16th Legion’s fleet with his own armada of vessels, though inferior in their firepower they would outmanoeuvre their opposition and employ many devious tricks. Enraging the Primarch of the Luna Wolves: Horus Lupercal, the future Warmaster of His Imperium
Would personally give chase to the Hydra’s fleet. Annihilating the fleet with their superior warships, the Luna Wolves would be oblivious to the infiltration of an assassin aboard their flagship: The Vengeful Spirit whom would slay the Primarch’s elite Justaerin Honour Guard. Recognising the assailant to be his Brother, Horus would accept the
Last Primarch into the fold of the Imperium. This is a lie, for another account states the Primarch of the 20th would be found on a desolate world at the edge of the Mandraoran Stars. Surviving against the elements of the barren planet and commandeering a visiting ship crewed
By a band of miscreant xenos and half-human mercenaries; and venture forth to find the Emperor. Another account derives from the tome: The Transit of the Human Soul Through Strife, also known as ‘The Codex Hydra’. The ancient writing would state that the Primarch would descent upon the world of Bar’Savor.
It’s skies overcast with the shadows of gigantic worm-like xenos, ‘The Slaugth’, the horrific creatures would attempt to sate their hunger with the flesh of the Primarchs. Capturing the Primarch, the strange xenos would keep the Primarch as a curiosity as they beheld his innate strength and ability to resist their manipulations.
Converting Alpharius into a living weapon, the Slaugth would enslave the young Primarch’s mind and set him loose upon the stars. Saved by the Emperor, Alpharius’ mistreatment would fuel the Master of Mankind’s vengeance to crush the Xenos and for 10 Terran-Standard Years the Emperor would salvage his son’s fractured mind.
This is also a lie, for an account of the Primarch of the 20th remains for those whom delve into the depths of the Hydra’s origins… Penned by Alpharius’ own hands, the ‘true’ record of his origins would be decried as further deception of the Primarch’s origins.
As the Primarchs of His Imperium would be scattered across the galaxy by the manipulations of the Ruinous Powers, the Twin Primarchs of the 20th Legion would be separated. Alpharius would never leave Holy Terra and in contradiction of Imperial Records would
Be the first of the Emperor’s sons to be reunited with the Master of Mankind. Within the shadow of the Imperial Palace upon the Zharinam Plateau, a group of scavengers would set upon the young Primarch. The Emperor would find His son and slay the scavengers to prevent knowledge of
His existence from spreading across Terra. Mentored by the Master of Mankind and his most trusted advisor: Malcadore the Sigilite, the young Primarch would learn the value of secrecy, necessity and the elevation of the vision of The Imperium above personal glory.
No mortal soul of the Imperium would know of Alpharius’ existence and it would not be long before the Primarch of the 20th would test his innate talents and abilities. Disguising himself as a member of the 1st Legion, Alpharius would observe the Palace Coup to remove the Custodian Captain-General: Constantin Valdor from power.
The conspirators of the Grand Provost Marshal of the Adeptus Arbites: Uwoma Kandawire, Thunder Warrior Primarch Ushotan and Scientist Amar Astarte would demand reprisal for the Custodian’s massacre of the Emperor’s Thunder Legion without the consent of the High Lords of Terra.
With the failure of the coup, Alpharius would seek flaws within the defences of the Imperial Palace and exploit it’s weaknesses. Attempting to assassinate the Master OF MANKIND in order to test the Custodian’s abilities, Alpharius would come close to assailing
The Emperor and slay a member of the Legion Custodes during his infiltration of the Palace. The Primarch’s ingenuity and resolve to identify flaws within the Palace would be the first of the Legio’s vaunted Blood Games to which the Emperor’s Praetorians would to this day continue.
Meanwhile, Alpharius’ twin: Omegon would land upon a nameless world bereft of life. Among the empty ruins of the planet, the distant Primarch would discover an ancient relic: the Pale Spear and study the remnants of the planet’s former civilisation. Escaping aboard a vessel piloted by Human Pirates, Omegon would venture into the expanse
Of the stars and hear tales of the Emperor, His Angels and the Primarchs of the Imperium… In secret, Alpharius would conceal his identity as several sons of the Emperor would be brought into the fold. Disguised as an Asartes during the Emperor’s reunion with Primarchs Lion El’Jonson and Lorgar
Aurelian, Alpharius would in secret lead his Ghost Legion in their covert dealings across the stars. For years the 20th Legion known as ‘Alpha’, would hide in plain sight and leave no evidence of their existence as they enacted compliances across the stars.
Yet with the instalment of each Primarch with their Legion, the 20th would reveal themselves to their brethren. During the Rangdan Xenocides, the Alpha Legion would present themselves to the 1st Legion: The Dark Angels. Under the guise of a non-descript Astartes, Alpharius would meet with the Primarch of the 1st: Lion El’Jonson.
Offering aid to the 1st Legion in their war against the Slaugth, Alpharius would deny his identity as a Primarch to the lion and succeed in his deception. For the Alpha Legion though alike to the 1st in their championing of secrecy had not offered aid out of trite notions such as honour or co-operation.
They sought a being upon the world of Bar’Savor: Omegon. Slaying the Slaught in their path, the Alpha Legionnaries led by Alpharius would reunite with Omegon. Instantly recognising one-another, the soul of the Legion would become whole for the first time since it’s inception.
The time had come for Alpharius to reveal his being to the Imperium, yet conceal the existence of his twin from not only the Imperium and it’s Primarchs, but also the Emperor. Alpharius would proffer that the twins shall interchange their names to sow further confusion
Within the Imperium should their identities be discovered and with such obfuscation the Primarchs of the 20th would become ever-more mysterious within even their own ranks… The Alpha Legion would be known to the Imperium yet the Emperor would seem hasty to implement the so-called ‘Last Primarch’ and his Legion into the Great Crusade.
Already veterans of a hundred shadow wars, the Ghost Legion would increase their proficiency in waging war with two Primarchs leading their ranks. Despite their secrecy the Emperor would not be blind to the existence of Omegon and allow the twin Primarchs to wage war in his name unhindered.
Alpharius would lead the 20th with Omegon as his most trusted advisor. The Primarchs cunning and intelligence would be without peer even among their Primarch brethren the 20th would follow in their example and be renowned for their discipled unity among their ranks. Co-ordinating intricate and deadly warfare
Characterised by sabotage, assassination and disruption the Alpha Legion would not allow any our their brother Legions to peer too closely into their arts of war and dealings. Arrogance and superiority complexes would begin to fester within the Legion, for the 20th had always looked down upon it’s more barbaric and unsophisticated brethren.
The Legionnes Astartes would bear a great distrust against the Alpha Legion and their Primarchs, for even the Primarchs of His Imperium would forever be wary of their ploys and misdirection. Despite being the last Legion to openly reveal itself to the Imperium with many of it’s glories
And deeds retracted from Imperial Records, the now visible Legion would quickly prove it’s efficacy. Among the most efficient Legions to bring worlds into compliance, it is debatable among Imperial Scholars if the 20th can be proclaimed among the most lauded Legions of the Imperium during
The years of Unification and the Great Crusade. All that can be known for certain is that their methods combined with a willingness to sacrifice anything for victory would deem the Alpha Legion to be a singularly devastating force. Their pedigree would foster infamy among
The ranks of the Astartes as rivalries would form against the Ghost Legion. With even the sons of the Emperor harbouring grudges and acrimony against Alpharius. With the Primarchs of the Ultramarines: Roboute Guilliman and Death Guard: Mortarion bearing the most spite against Alpharius for his seemingly dishonourable
Tactics, the Lord of Serpents would make no attempt to co-operate with his detractors. Yet not all would balk at Alpharius’ methods of waging war, with the chief among his praise: Warmaster Horus Lupercal valuing his elaborate strategies and battle doctrines. An endorsement which would prove fatal during the era of the Horus Heresy…
The Lupercal would be the only Primarch to which Alpharius could be considered familiar, and with the fall of the Warmaster to the clutches of Chaos the Alpha Legion would be called to join his rebellion. Influencing Horus’ gambit to ambush the Loyalist counter-attack of Istvaan 5, the Lord of Serpent’s
Deceptive nature would be the foundation for the first devastation of the Emperor’s enforcers. The Alpha Legion would pledge their allegiance to the Traitors to the Throne, though their decision to side with the Warmaster is debated by many chroniclers of the history of the Imperium.
Records suggest that Alpharius Omegon would be visited by an agent of the Xenos organisation: The Cabal in an attempt to steer Humanity’s future to salvation. Met by the Human perpetual: John Grammaticus during the compliance of Nurth, the Cabal would impart the Hydra with portents of the future.
Their visions would show Humanity’s path split into two possible futures. Should the Alpha Legion remain loyal the Traitor’s to the Throne would be defeated, yet the Emperor would be interred upon a Golden Throne as a living-dead avatar of Humanity’s slow decline into extinction. Destined to wage a gruelling war of survival
Against the malevolent forces of the galaxy, the Imperium would slowly rot from within until it’s inevitable defeat and extinction by the forces of Chaos. However should the 20th side with the Traitors, Horus would usurp the Emperor. Releasing his folly, the Warmaster would cast off the shackles of Chaos and begin his utter
Devastation of the forces of the Ruinous Powers. The Imperium would sacrifice itself to persecute the destruction of Chaos and after 100 years of slaughter, Humanity would in it’s death-knell extinguish the malevolent forces of Chaos. Forewarned with the future portents of Humanity, Alpharius would decide the means of Humanity’s fated extinction.
Humanity shall sacrifice itself to allow for the survival of sentient life across the galaxy, or wage a gruelling war of attrition for 10,000 years before their painful annihilation. Resolving to join the Traitor Rebellion to ensure the destruction of Chaos from within,
Alpharius’ decision to enact the future proclaimed by the Cabal would nonetheless be made in vain… The futures outlined by the Cabal would with time be proven false, yet the Alpha Legion would march for war. Persecuting campaigns simultaneously, Alpharius Omegon would begin their first act of betrayal during the Massacre of Istvaan 5.
Aiding the Traitor Legions in culling the Iron Hands, Salamanders and Raven Guard during their assault of the Warmaster’s forces, the Alpha Legion would battle their once-allies. The Primarchs of the 10th and 18th Legion would fall, yet the Ravenlord of the 19th: Corvus Corax would flee from the battle.
Attempting to ensure a swift victory for the Warmaster, Alpharius would operative Astartes within his Legion to infiltrate the fleeing Raven Guard. Carving the faces from the dead Raven Guard slain upon Istvaan 5, the Alpha Legionnaires would graft
The skin to their faces and consume their brains of the fallen to glean memories of their service. Boarding the fleeing vessels of the Massacre, the Alpha Legion would bide their time during the Raven Guard’s transit to Holy Terra. The 19th with the guidance of the Emperor
Would discover the genetic materials of the Primarchs within the long-dormant gene-labs of Terra and would attempt to hasten the replenishment of their numbers. Omegon would command the infiltrators to steal a sample of the materials and inject a virus into the remaining genome available to the Raven Guard.
Horrifically mutating the Raven Guard’s subsequent implanted subjects, the tainted stock of the Primarch genomes would prevent the 19th’s resurgence. Omegon would retrieve the Raven Guard’s experiment data from their laboratories and spark a rebellion between the guilds of Kiavhar in order to cover his exfiltration.
Handing over the data as well as a viable and tainted sample of the Primarch’s genome to his twin, the treachery of the Alpha Legion would continue. Delivering the sabotaged data to the Warmaster, the 20th would keep a copy of the successful research for themselves to further bolster their legion.
For the 20th would look to their own survival above both their allies and opponents… Cutting ties with the Cabal, the Alpha Legion would continue to sow misinformation and confusion for the remainder of the Horus Heresy. Forming a blockade within the Chondax System, the 20th would be tasked to confront the White
Scars Legion and hinder their involvement in the civil war. Sabotaging astropathic communication upon the facility of Tenebrae 9-50, the Alpha Legion under the command of Omegon would stall the 5th Legion’s assessment of the conflict. Yet strangely, with the facility’s destruction communication between
The Primarch Jaghatai Khan and Rogal Dorn would be enabled leading to many questioning the efficacy of the Alpha Legion’s orders. As the 5th Legion attempted to breach the Alpha Legion blockade, the Hydra would not deign to respond to their hails. Attempting to prevent their passage without the use of firepower,
The Alpha Legion would despite their best efforts be forced to engage the White Scars. The 5th Legion would form into an arrow-head formation and destroy a large proportion of the 20th legion’s escort vessels before passing through the blockade and traversing the warp.
Their orders to contain and recruit the White Scars had utterly failed, with some questioning the loyalties of the Hydra for their uncharacteristically flawed strategies. Alphrarius Omegon was no fool and had somehow managed to bolster the Loyalist war effort. Mortarion: Primarch of the Death Guard would raise his suspicion of the Alpha Legion’s
Allegiance to the Loyalists yet be unsuccessful in convincing the Warmaster of their deceit. As a means to test their loyalty, the Warmaster would command the Hydra to travel to the Alaxxes Nebula to destroy the 6th Legion: The Space Wolves.
Already battle-wearied by the Burning of Prospero, the Rout had been deceived in their manipulation to destroy the Thousand Sons Legion and suffered many casualties for their transgression. Alpharius Omegon had long been opposed to the 6th Legion’s Primarch: Leman Russ for his overt disdain for the Hydra’s reliance on underhanded tactics.
Relishing the opportunity to humble the Vylka Fenrica, Alpharius Omegon would ambush the Space Wolves fleet. As the Ghost Legion brought the Rout to heel, Leman Russ would send a distress signal petitioning for aid from the White Scars. Still unsatisfied with his assessment of the conflict and unsure of the Rout’s loyalties,
Jaghatai Khan would abstain from lending his might to the 6th Legion. The Space Wolves would desperately fight tooth and nail to survive against the Serpent and despite the resolve of the Wolf King waning, the Rout would endure.
With the arrival of the Dark Angels Legion the Hydra would flee the battle and seek a new warzone to influence the tide of the heresy… As the Traitors assembled upon the world of Ullanor, the agents of the Hydra would facilitate the will of the Lord of Serpents.
Holy Terra braced itself for the final siege of the Imperial Palace as fleets stationed throughout the Sol system prepared for the first wave of the assault. Rogal Dorn: Primarch of the Imperial Fists would fortify the Sol System into a deadly kill-zone.
Alpharius would see a challenge befitting his ego and orchestrate his great scheme to not only defeat the 7th Legion, but humiliate them. Alpha Legion operatives would enact their micro-managed tasks and objectives in order to breed disarray within the ranks of the Praetorians of Terra. Long dormant sleeper-cells would activate
Across the Sol System and with time gaps within Dorn’s carefully crafted bastion would form. Capturing several moons in orbit of Pluto, Alpharius would challenge the Primarch of the Imperial Fists to conclude their game of wits. Personally leading his men against Dorn,
Alpharius would charge into battle armed with the Pale Spear and duel his erstwhile Brother. Alpharius would best Dorn in combat and deliver a final strike to end the life of the Primarch of the 7th Legion. However, Dorn would anticipate the blow
And after pivoting to allow the spear to impale his shoulder, Rogal Dorn would pin Alpharius in place and sever his brother’s arms with his chainsword: Storm’s Teeth. Taking the Pale Spear from Alpharius, Dorn would plunge the weapon into Alpharius’ chest. And with a final chop of Storm’s Teeth crush Alpharius’ skull.
With the death of their Primarch, the Alpha Legion would retreat from the battle. Omegon would feel the bond with his Brother die and realise that his twin had been slain. Dispatched to delay the White Scars and Space Wolves from aiding Terra’s defence, the
Hydra would for the remainder of the Horus Heresy conduct stalling tactics and lesser engagements. Assuming his brother’s name once more, Omegon would alone meet with the Warmaster prior to the final assault of the Siege of Terra. Handing the Warmaster layouts of the now weakened defences of the Sol System, the Lord of Serpents
Would relinquish his fealty to the Traitors. Holding a dagger within his palm, Omegon would shatter it within his fist and cast the shattered fragments of it’s edge at the Warmaster’s feet. Departing from Horus’ sight, despite the protestation of the 1st Captain of the
Sons of Horus: Ezekyle Abaddon, the Lupercal would permit his brother to leave unscathed. The Alpha Legion would depart from the Traitor fleet and Omegon would grieve for his fallen twin. With the demise of the Warmaster at the hands of the Emperor,
The Alpha Legion would retreat to the far eastern region of the galaxy. Insular in their dealings and seeking no co-operation from their former allies, the Alpha Legion under the command of their sole Primarch would engage covert wars of survival. During the Scouring of the Traitors, the Ultramarines Primarch: Roboute Guilliman
Would confront the Alpha Legion on the remote world of Eskrador and within their headquarters face an Astartes regarding himself as Alpharius. Seeking a chance to prove his superiority against the Lord of Ultramar, the so-called ‘Alpharius’ would duel the Primarch of the 13th Legion.
Yet for his hubris, Alpharius would be slain though whether his identity would in truth be Omegon or simply another imposter of the 20th Legion remains unknown. A solar week following, Guilliman’s forces would be ambushed by the Alpha Legion in a manner seemingly impossible for a Legion bereft of their Primarch’s guidance.
The Ultramarines would be forced to retreat from the planet after suffering catastrophic losses, and in the wake of their defeat question the fate of the Lord of Serpents. For the Alpha Legion still roam the galaxy as fractured warbands of varying loyalties.
Autonomous bands inhabiting asteroid fields, barren planets and space hulks, the Hydra remains an unknowable force poised to interfere with the best laid plans of Loyalists and Traitors alike. The Imperium claim that the Lord of Serpents is dead, but this is a lie.
The head of the hydra remains unsevered despite the loss of its twin. And so long as the bisected Primarch remains, his schemes and plots shall endure to wreak havoc across the stars… This has been a tale of the Great Imperium of Man. Read by the Remembrancer.
The Daemon Primarchs of Ruinous Powers would stand as among the most terrible beings to existence within both the Immaterial and Material realms. Relentless harbingers of death, decay and malevolence; the greatest atrocities made against Humanity are often heralded and orchestrated by these fell Princes of Chaos. Reports suggest that some of the arch traitors
Of the Emperor return once more to reign terror and havoc across the stars as the Imperium cries out for salvation and deliverance from their millennia-long suffering. For with each Traitor Primarch returned to real-space, there exist few champions of the
Imperium who can stand against such towering foes. The only solace to the innocent a simple prayer to defend their hearts and minds from the enticements of Chaos: the Emperor Protects…
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