The second vision that graced Lorgar only served to solidify his conviction in the righteousness of his mission. As if from the ether, he saw a golden god and a one-eyed giant, a sight that would forever change his destiny. Emboldened by his vision, Lorgar rallied an immense army, their boots thundering as they marched towards the capital city of Vades.
Their arrival was heralded by a fiery sermon, the words of which resonated so deeply with the lower priests of Culus that they swung open the city gates in surrender. As a sign of their loyalty, they gifted Lorgar with the lifeless bodies of the Ecclesia and hierarchs, a macabre tribute to their new leader.
Vades was only the beginning. Lorgar’s forces swept across the land, claiming city after city with a mix of peaceful negotiations and brutal force. Those who dared to reject the One were met with the chilling finality of the sword.
Years of relentless fighting culminated in the siege of Gala, the last city standing against Lorgar’s relentless campaign. A storm generator from the Dark Age of Technology protected the city, but even this ancient technology couldn’t stand against Lorgar. Performing a miracle, Lorgar parted the storm, allowing his army to breach the city and claim it as their own.
Yet, even as the ruler of Culus, Lorgar knew his work was far from over. The Brotherhood, a sect of fanatically devoted warrior monks, began a widespread purge of conflicting religious ideologies. A year after Lorgar’s victory, a landing ship descended from orbit, carrying the Emperor and Magnus. Lorgar recognized them instantly from his visions and pledged his loyalty to his father and creator.
Meanwhile, in the distant city of Nocturn, the inhabitants had become distressingly accustomed to frequent attacks by the Dark Eldar. Raids had become so routine that each citizen had devised their own shelters to escape the xeno raiders.
However, Vulkan, the Primarch of the city, refused to hide. He stood defiantly in the center of the settlement, his two forge hammers crossed over his shoulders, a beacon of resistance. Inspired by Vulkan’s courage, the city’s populace rallied and prepared to defend their home. Under Vulkan’s leadership, they decisively defeated the Dark Eldar, with Vulkan himself felling around 100 Drukhari that day.
In the aftermath, the leaders of the seven largest cities of Nocturn pledged to never cower from raiders again. A tournament was held in honor of the Primarch’s victory, but amidst the festivities, a stranger, pale-faced and dressed in exotic clothes, arrived. He requested to participate in the competition, boasting he could surpass anyone in the city. The crowd laughed at this outsider’s audacity, doubting he could best Vulkan in any contest of intellect, strength, skill, or endurance.
Despite the laughter, a wager was made. The loser of the tournament would serve the victor forever. Over the course of eight days, they engaged in various tests of strength and endurance. The final challenge was to craft a weapon and slay the largest Salamander they could find.
Vulkan was the first to find and kill a large fire dragon. However, a sudden eruption of a nearby volcano sent him tumbling off a cliff. Holding onto the rocks with one hand and his slain Salamander with the other, Vulkan was faced with a life-or-death decision.
Suddenly, the stranger appeared, carrying a larger Salamander. Seeing Vulkan’s peril, he threw his Salamander into the lava stream, using it as a bridge to reach Vulkan. He saved Vulkan, leaving his own prize to burn.
Back in the city, Vulkan, returning empty-handed, was declared the victor. However, to everyone’s surprise, Vulkan knelt before the stranger, stating that any man who values life over pride is worthy of his service. This marked another astonishing turn in the ever-unfolding saga of Warhammer 40,000.
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