A Time of Turmoil: The Age of Strife
The galaxy was forever changed by the devastating events of the Age of Strife, a period of unrelenting chaos and destruction that ravaged human civilization. This dark era, also known as Old Night, lasted for thousands of years and was marked by unimaginable suffering and upheaval.
The Downfall of the Age of Technology
The Age of Strife was preceded by the Age of Technology, a time of great prosperity and advancement. However, this golden age came to an abrupt end with the revolt of the Men of Iron, a catastrophic event that heralded the beginning of the Age of Strife. The sudden appearance of psykers, massive Warp storms, and wars with robotic armies all contributed to the downfall of human civilization.
The Rise of Psykers and the Warp
Psykers, individuals with powerful psychic abilities, first appeared during the Age of Technology. Initially accepted and allowed to develop their powers, they soon became a threat to humanity as their uncontrolled abilities attracted malevolent entities from the Warp. Worlds that had tolerated psykers were consumed by daemonic possession and inter-human war, while those that had suppressed them managed to survive.
Humanity in Ruin
As the Age of Strife deepened, human civilization teetered on the brink of collapse. Widespread insanity, daemonic possession, and war ravaged the galaxy, isolating countless worlds and leaving them vulnerable to alien attacks. The emergence of Warp storms made travel and communication all but impossible, condemning many planets to a slow and agonizing death.
The Evolution of Humanity
Over time, isolated pockets of humanity began to adapt to their new environments, giving rise to new species such as the Abhuman races: the Ratlings, Ogryns, and Squats. These hardy survivors managed to eke out a meager existence in a galaxy torn apart by conflict and destruction.
Pockets of Civilization
Despite the overwhelming chaos, some isolated star systems managed to maintain a semblance of civilization. These self-sufficient enclaves, often formed around a strong leader or technological hub, became beacons of hope in a desolate galaxy.
The Solar System in Ruin
The Solar System, once the cradle of human civilization, was now a battleground. Terra, the homeworld of humanity, was a ravaged and barren husk, fought over by warlords and techno-barbarian hordes. Mars, once a thriving hub of technological advancement, had become a stronghold of the Cult Mechanicus, who watched and waited for the perfect moment to strike.
The Dawn of a New Era
The Age of Strife finally came to an end with the birth of Slaanesh, the Chaos God, and the subsequent calming of the Warp storms. As the galaxy slowly began to rebuild, the Emperor of Mankind emerged to lead his Space Marine Legions in the Great Crusade, forging a new Imperium from the ashes of the old.
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