Mortarion – From Hero to Monster – Part 6

Title: “The Unforeseen Rebellion: Mortarion and the Council of Nikaea”

Welcome, fellow lore masters, to the latest entry in our multi-part exploration of Warhammer 40,000’s rich tapestry of history. Today, we delve into the intriguing narrative surrounding Mortarion, the Primarch of the Death Guard, his dramatic role in the Council of Nikaea, and his pivotal shift towards the chaos.

Mortarion’s loyalty to the Emperor was unlike that of his brethren. It was rooted not in blind obedience but in respect for a father who had created, gathered, and exalted them. Horus, despite his valor, could not inspire such allegiance as he was merely one of the Primarchs, albeit the finest. This distinction would play a pivotal role in the Imperium’s future, foreshadowing the potential for a schism of catastrophic proportions.

The Council of Nikaea, a historic event that forever shaped the galaxy, saw Mortarion’s critical participation. Throughout his life, the Primarch had only encountered the negative manifestations of psychic forces, leading him to rebuke his brother, Magnus the Red. Many who stood against Magnus that day spat venomous words, yet their arguments lacked substance. Mortarion’s speech, on the other hand, was brief, precise, and devoid of emotion. His compelling arguments influenced the Emperor’s decision, leading to the prohibition of sorcery and the disbandment of the librarium across all regions, mirroring Mortarion’s own actions with his Death Guard.

The insidious manipulation of Lupercal, or Horus, led Mortarion down the path of rebellion. Using Mortarion’s grudge against the Emperor, Horus unraveled a secret agreement between their father and the dark gods, fueling the Primarch’s resentment. Lupercal promised Mortarion a new Imperium, purged of corruption and free from their genetic father’s lies and manipulations.

The role of Calas Typhon, Mortarion’s trusted First Captain and secret follower of the ruinous powers, cannot be understated. He cunningly steered the Death Guard towards damnation, setting the stage for the infamous Betrayal at Istvan III. Mortarion willingly sent a fraction of his sons into Horus’s deadly trap, marking the beginning of the Death Guard’s descent into chaos.

The story takes a more sinister turn with the destruction of Prospero, orchestrated by Horus. Using Mortarion’s newfound power, Horus manipulated the Space Wolves’ Primarch, Leman Russ, into destroying Prospero, home of Magnus and his Thousand Sons. Meanwhile, Jaghatai Khan, Primarch of the White Scars and close friend to Magnus, was dispatched to a distant region, ensuring he would not interfere.

Upon learning of Magnus’s demise, Khan’s first order was to visit Prospero. There, he encountered Mortarion and his formidable Death Shroud bodyguards. Mortarion’s power had exponentially increased, emanating an aura of fear that dwarfed his previous might. His objective was clear – to sway Khan to join the traitors.

As we delve further into the chronicles of Warhammer 40,000, we see Mortarion’s transformation from a loyal son to a harbinger of chaos. His journey, marked by manipulation, betrayal, and power struggles, serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of a rebellion born from discontent and resentment. Stay tuned for the next part of our series where we’ll delve even deeper into the intrigues of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

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