The Evolution of the High Lords of Terra
In the early days of the Imperium, the Emperor’s armies were followed by bureaucrats who built the foundations of his new empire. These bureaucrats, known as the Magisters Temporal, were the precursors to the High Lords of Terra.
The Unification Wars and the Great Crusade
During the Unification Wars, the Magisters Temporal were reorganized into the Lords Civilian, with the four greatest Lords becoming the High Lords Civilian. These four High Lords were:
- Master of the Administratum
- Chancellor of the Estate Imperium
- Grand Provost Marshal
- Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Armies
As the Imperium expanded, the Council of Terra was formed, comprising key individuals who advised the Emperor. However, military matters were outside the jurisdiction of this council, instead being vested in Warmaster Horus.
The Horus Heresy and its Aftermath
Following the Horus Heresy, the High Lords of Terra succeeded the Council of Terra as the main executive body of the Imperium. The High Lords underwent significant changes, with some members being removed, arrested, or killed. The Imperial Fist Koorland rose to become Lord Commander of the Imperium and removed the Ecclesiarchy from the High Twelve.
Notable High Lords
Throughout history, several notable individuals have held the position of High Lord. Some examples include:
- Roboute Guilliman, First Lord Commander of the Imperium
- Decius XXIII, Ecclesiarch as of 945.M41
- Veneris II, First Ecclesiarch to sit in the Senatorum
- Umberto II, Ecclesiarch around the time of the 11th Black Crusade
- Sarius Gorki, Paternoval Envoy in M41
The Modern Era
In the closing days of the 41st Millennium, the reborn Primarch Roboute Guilliman returned to Terra and again declared himself Lord Commander of the Imperium. He pledged to reform the Imperium and deal with the High Lords. Five of the High Lords were removed and replaced by Guilliman, marking a new era for the Imperium.
The Future of the High Lords
As the Imperium faces new threats, the role of the High Lords will be crucial in determining its future. With Guilliman at the helm, the High Lords will need to adapt to changing circumstances and work together to ensure the survival of the Imperium.
Timeline of Key Events
- M30: Unification Wars
- 798.M30-014.M31: The Great Crusade and Horus Heresy
- M32: The rise of the Imperial Creed and the Cult of the Saviour Emperor
- 544.M32: The War of the Beast
- 546.M32: The aftermath of the War of the Beast
- M36: Goge Vandire’s coup d’état
- M37: The creation of the Sons of Medusa
- 0266999.M41: The Orphean Decree
- 989.M41: The Inquisitorial Representative Iulia Lestia
Leave a Reply