Warhammer 40k Archives

The Imperial Ruling Body: Understanding the Council of High Lords

At the heart of the Imperium lies the Senatorum Imperialis, a governing body composed of tens of thousands of Imperial dignitaries, nobles, and officials. However, the true power rests with the “High Twelve,” a group of twelve leaders who interpret and enact the will of the Emperor.

The Task of the High Lords

The High Lords are responsible for ruling the Imperium in the Emperor’s name. Their position is one of immense power, rivaled only by that of the Imperial Regent, Roboute Guilliman. Despite Guilliman’s return, the High Lords retain their position and continue to play a crucial role in shaping the Imperium’s future.

Determining the High Lords

The process of selecting the High Lords is steeped in millennia of political intrigue. While some organizations are considered sacrosanct, others must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries to secure a position on the Council. The following nine offices are almost always represented as High Lords:

• Master of the Administratum
• Inquisitorial Representative
• Ecclesiarch of the Adeptus Ministorum
• Fabricator-General of the Adeptus Mechanicus
• Grand Provost Marshal of the Adeptus Arbites
• Paternoval Envoy of the Navigators
• Master of the Astronomican
• Grand Master of the Officio Assassinorum
• Master of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica

The Remaining Three Positions

The final three positions on the Council are often filled by powerful leaders from the following organizations:

• Lord Commander of Segmentum Solar
• Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard
• Cardinal of the Holy Synod of Terra
• Abbess of the Adepta Sororitas
• Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes
• Chancellor of the Estate Imperium
• Speaker for the Chartist Captains
• Lord High Admiral of the Imperial Navy

The Lord Commander of the Imperium

The position of Lord Commander of the Imperium, first held by Roboute Guilliman, has been revived following his rebirth. Guilliman now serves as both Lord Commander and Imperial Regent, solidifying his position as one of the most powerful individuals in the Imperium.

The Chancellor of the Imperial Council

The Chancellor of the Imperial Council oversees the institution of the Senatorum itself. While not among the High Twelve, this position holds significant influence and power.

Lesser Lords

There are also lesser lords who, while not part of the High Twelve, are still full members of the Senatorum Imperialis. These include:

• Commandant of the Schola Progenium
• Lord Constable of the Synopticon
• Mistress Plenary of the Catacombs
• Consul Pre-Eminus of the Navis Nobilite
• Chirurgeon-General of the Order Hospitaller
• High Lord of the Imperial Chancellery

The Adeptus Astartes

Despite their vital importance to the Imperium, the Adeptus Astartes are not represented among the High Lords. This may have been intentional, as Roboute Guilliman believed that the Space Marines should protect humanity, not rule it. However, there have been brief periods where the Astartes have held positions of power, such as during the War of the Beast and The Beheading.