The Rise and Fall of Horus
Early Triumphs
Horus, the favored son of the Emperor, proved himself to be a brilliant military strategist during the Great Crusade. His unwavering dedication to the Imperium and unshakeable confidence inspired loyalty among his comrades. As the Emperor departed to reunite with the rediscovered Primarchs, Horus was entrusted with temporary command of the Legiones Astartes, preparing him for his future role as Warmaster.
The Ullanor Crusade and the Rise to Warmaster
The Ullanor Crusade marked a turning point in Horus’s career. His resounding victory over the Ork empire earned him the Emperor’s recognition, and he was appointed Warmaster, the highest rank beneath the Emperor. This newfound authority, however, created tension among his fellow Primarchs. Some, like Angron and Perturabo, felt slighted by Horus’s promotion, while others, such as Roboute Guilliman and Ferrus Manus, accepted the decision out of duty.
The Seeds of Corruption
As Horus continued to lead the Imperium to victory, he began to encourage competition among his fellow Primarchs. This rivalry, though intended to foster strength and unity, ultimately contributed to the erosion of their relationships. Meanwhile, Lorgar, secretly corrupted by Chaos, manipulated events from behind the scenes, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The Betrayal
That moment arrived on the feral world of Davin, where Horus was gravely injured in battle. As he lay unconscious, the Chaos-corrupted natives and Lorgar’s agents worked to heal his wounds, all while subtly manipulating his perceptions. The once-loyal Horus was slowly swayed by the whispers of Chaos, his bitterness towards the Emperor growing with each passing moment.
The Corruption Takes Hold
Erebus, disguised as the deceased Hastur Sejanus, infiltrated Horus’s mind, revealing disturbing visions of the future. The Emperor, once a benevolent leader, was now portrayed as a power-hungry tyrant, intent on destroying the Primarchs and ruling as a god. Horus, his perception of reality distorted, began to see the Emperor as a hypocrite, using the very powers of the Warp he had forbidden others to wield.
The Fall of Horus
Despite Magnus the Red’s attempts to intervene, Horus succumbed to the corrupting influence of Chaos. His loyalty shattered, he agreed to align with the Ruinous Powers, determined to overthrow the Emperor and claim the throne for himself. The Warmaster’s betrayal would soon spread, drawing in other Primarchs and setting the stage for the devastating civil war known as the Horus Heresy.
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