Title: Of Battleflies, Rot Flies, and Horrors: A Deep Dive into Warhammer 40,000’s Nurgle and Tzeentch Lesser Daemons
In the grim darkness of the far future, horrors lurk in every corner, some more grotesque and revolting than others. This post will delve into the vile and loathsome servants of Nurgle, the Lord of Decay, and the capricious lesser daemons of Tzeentch, the Changer of Ways. Strap in, fellow lore enthusiasts, as we fly with Battleflies and Rot flies and dance with the Horrors of the 41st Millennium.
Battleflies and Rot Flies: The Winged Steeds of Decay
Battleflies, monstrous, demonic beasts resembling giant corpse flies, are twisted creations of Nurgle, the Chaos God of pestilence and disease. These favored beasts of Nurgle share some uncanny resemblances with their counterparts, the equally repugnant Rot flies. Both were first encountered by the loyalist Space Marine Legions during the tumultuous dark days of the Horus Heresy in the early years of the 31st Millennium.
Rot flies, once beasts of Nurgle, have been grotesquely reshaped by the Lord of Decay into repulsive demonic insect steeds. Their hideousness is so profound that it scars the mind. High-ranking lesser daemons of Nurgle, known as Plaguebearers, often mount these abominations. Together, they form aerial cavalry squadrons, appropriately named Plague Drones.
Plague Drones: The Rotting Riders of Nurgle
Plague Drones, alternatively known as the Rotting Riders, Harvesters of Sorrows, or Pus Crows, are esteemed Plaguebearers. These overseers of the Lord of Decay’s realm command attention and respect amidst the demonic legions of Nurgle. They ride into real space upon their Rot Fly steeds, colossal demonic insects so vile that their appearance alone can scar the mortal mind.
Interestingly, the bond between a Rot Fly and its Plaguebearer rider benefits both entities. The rider gains the ability to cover ground more rapidly, allowing it to count Nurgle’s many putrid blessings more thoroughly. On the other hand, the Rot Fly gains an eternal companion, easing the pain of its previous rejection, allowing its victim’s wounds to fester more.
Herald of Nurgle: The Elite Plaguebearers
Within the realm of Chaos, serving amongst the foot soldiery of the God of Decay is an honor. However, some Plaguebearers are destined for greater things. Those exceptional in power, ability, or capacity to bear the most loathsome of diseases, are granted further blessings from Grandfather Nurgle and elevated to the rank of Herald of Nurgle. These elite Plaguebearers are revered amongst their brethren.
Horrors: The Whirling Destroyers of Tzeentch
On the other end of the spectrum lie the Horrors, the most prevalent lesser daemons of Tzeentch. These creatures are an ever-shifting mass of flesh, limbs, and flame-spewing orifices. Often pink or violet in hue, these daemons are surrounded by warp fire that they can manipulate for combat.
At first glance, Horrors may not appear fearsome. Their combat skills are rudimentary, and they possess no more strength than an average human. However, don’t let their initial demeanor fool you. When the Horrors engage the enemy, their chanting rises to a frenzied scream as they revel in the bloodshed of battle.
These lesser daemons embody the capricious nature of Tzeentch. They can withstand terrible injuries, regenerate lost limbs instantly, and their bodies constantly change shape, making it difficult for enemies to land a fatal blow.
From the repulsive insect-like daemons of Nurgle to the ever-changing Horrors of Tzeentch, the lesser daemons in Warhammer 40,000 offer a rich diversity of grimdark lore that is as fascinating as it is horrifying. Stay tuned for more deep dives into the monstrous minions of the Chaos Gods in our multi-part series.
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