In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. But even amidst this ceaseless battle, the warriors who tirelessly engage, from the humble cultist to the ancient Astartes who once stood tall in the Siege of Terra, must periodically pause for rest, sustenance, and the grotesque sort of entertainment that only followers of the ruinous powers could appreciate.
It’s understood that the followers of Chaos are a diverse lot, with nary a semblance of organization or discipline. From an outsider’s perspective, their life outside of combat presents a horrifying tableau – unsanitary conditions, mass brawls, bloody rituals in honor of the dark gods, and cannibalism are everyday norms. Yet, despite their cruelty, there is a certain diversity that makes each cult and warband unique.
Take, for instance, the followers of Nurgle, the Plague God. Their devotion to their patron deity leaves an indelible mark, and not just metaphorically. Nurgle, being the most kind and generous of the Chaos Gods, eagerly shares his ‘gifts’ with his children. These gifts often take the form of incurable and fatal diseases, grotesque mutations, and an eventual loss of sanity that reduces these once-proud warriors to shambling, mindless husks.
Yet, among this miserable lot, there are those who not only retain their will but rise to become true champions of chaos. These are the embodiments of human horror, the demonic masters to mere cultists. Their will and power are sufficient to have their own goals, plans, and preferences. Their minds, inflamed and corrupted by the warp, are capable of the most unexpected insanities.
In a twisted reflection of the sentimentality that ordinary humans might show towards their home, these champions too have a place they call home. Mortarion, the surviving Primarch and renegade, conquered a planet within the Eye of Terror and turned it into a sick and perverted version of his homeworld, Barbarus. The lords of the Death Guard, his warriors, settled atop artificially created mountains, each claiming a plot of land and erecting their own grotesque abodes.
Interestingly, despite their grotesque nature and horrendous acts, the followers of Nurgle could be considered the most ‘humane’ among the Chaos worshippers. They do not wish death upon all living things. On the contrary, they aim to save life from the fear of oblivion. They do not seek forbidden pleasures or engage in torture. Instead, they wish to rid the galaxy of pain. They do not appreciate battle for battle’s sake, nor do they pursue power. They understand their futility, for anyone who has known the care of Grandfather Nurgle knows that eternity lies ahead.
In stark contrast to the followers of Nurgle stand the Adeptus Astartes, the Angels of Death, the Emperor’s finest warriors who have been guarding humanity for 10,000 years from the horrors of space. The Emperor created the Space Marines, placing each under the command of his genetic sons, the Primarchs, to carry his will to the stars in The Great Crusade.
However, humanity’s glorious march across the galaxy eventually ended in betrayal and a horrible war. Nine Legions of Space Marines joined Horus in his rebellion against his father, and though the traitor was defeated, the heresy forever changed the face of the Imperium.
And so, the saga continues… Stay tuned for more tales from the grim darkness of the far future.
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