The Emperor’s Children: A Legacy of Perfection and Betrayal
In the early days of the Unification Wars, the Emperor’s Children, also known as the III Legion, were one of the twenty original Space Marine Legions created by the Emperor of Mankind. Their recruits came from Europa, with noble houses like House Loculus of Komarg selecting their finest youth to fight in the Legion. This aristocratic background would shape the Legion’s culture and identity.
The Emperor’s Children quickly gained a reputation for perfectionism and efficiency, frequently exceeding the Emperor’s expectations. They were often given diplomatic and emissary-protection missions, earning them the nickname “Heralds of the Emperor.” Their armor was emblazoned with the imperial purple, signifying their mission, and they were granted the right to bear the Emperor’s personal standard, the Palatine Aquilla.
However, disaster struck when a substantial portion of the Legion’s gene-seed reserve was lost during its transit to Luna. The stolen stock was later found to be corrupted by a Selenite plot, causing organ degeneration that spread widely throughout the Legion. Rapid deployment of reserves and purging of the infected helped to reverse the decline, but the Legion never fully recovered from this incident.
Following his rediscovery on Chemos, Fulgrim was placed at the head of his Legion. With a mere 200 Marines, Fulgrim addressed his troops, stating that they would spread the wisdom of the Emperor throughout the galaxy. The Emperor named the IIIrd Legion the “Emperor’s Children,” and they were placed under the command of Horus of the Luna Wolves.
As the Emperor’s Children grew in strength, they finally mustered the power to undertake a crusade alone. Fulgrim proudly led his warriors into the unknown at the head of the 28th Expedition Fleet, bringing the rule of the Emperor to many worlds. Their martial prowess reached its zenith during the Cleansing of Laeran, where they met an alien foe that echoed their ideals.
However, the Emperor’s Children’s wish to achieve perfection would eventually lead to their downfall. Their close relationship with Horus and their own pride would ultimately contribute to their betrayal of the Emperor during the Horus Heresy. The once-loyal Legion would become Chaos Space Marines, worshiping the Chaos god Slaanesh and embracing a culture of hedonistic excess.
The Emperor’s Children fought in numerous notable engagements, including the Cleansing of Laeran and the battle against the Diasporex alongside the Iron Hands. Their legacy is one of both honor and shame, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked pride and ambition. Despite their eventual betrayal, the Emperor’s Children remain a fascinating and complex chapter in the history of the Space Marines.
Notable Members and Formations
- Fulgrim, the Primarch of the Emperor’s Children
- Eidolon, Lord Commander of the Emperor’s Children
- Lucius the Eternal, Champion of Chaos
- Fabius Bile, Apothecary and Lieutenant Commander
- Wings of the Phoenician
- Kakophoni (Noise Marines)
- Terata (Enhanced Warriors)
- Sonic Dreadnought
- Palatine Blades
- Phoenix Guard
- Sun Killers
The Emperor’s Children’s story is one of tragic fallibility, a testament to the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Their legacy serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of humility and loyalty in the face of overwhelming power.
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