Welcome to the next chapter in our multi-part series diving into the rich, complex, and sometimes downright mind-boggling lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Today, we’re turning the spotlight onto an often overlooked figure, one whose impact on the fate of the Imperium was anything but insignificant despite his seeming disinterest in warfare – the golden Primarch, Lorgar Aurelian.
Let’s start by setting the scene. Even the greenest recruit fresh from basic training knows that in the grand game of war, there are no small details. From the placement of troops to the morale of the ranks, everything has an impact on the battlefield’s outcome. Looking back through the annals of the galaxy, we can see that even the most celebrated generals have had their moments of myopia, unable to anticipate the full scope of their decisions.
However, one lesson that has persisted since the dawn of human civilization is never to underestimate an enemy. Based on this age-old wisdom, it’s surprising how many of our Imperium’s decision-makers failed to fully appreciate the strength and potential of their allies. This oversight was most evident in their treatment of Lorgar Aurelian, who, despite his lack of interest in warfare, would set the galaxy ablaze in his quest for truth.
The tale of Lorgar’s early life is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Like his fellow Primarchs, he was stolen as an infant from the Emperor’s laboratory and scattered across the cosmos. His journey, however, was more treacherous, his incubation capsule bearing the scars of countless battles and trials. The capsule eventually landed on the planet of Colchis, and the infant Lorgar was plagued by nightmares – the first signs of the Ruinous Powers’ influence.
Colchis was a world of vast deserts, sparse cities, and a dominant religion worshipping the four Chaos Gods. The society was tightly controlled by a theocratic union known as The Covenant. However, there were dissenters, exiles who rejected The Covenant’s rule and their interpretation of the Chaos Gods. It was amongst these exiles that the young Lorgar was discovered after his capsule landed in a turbulent river near the city of Vharadesh.
The exiles, living a harsh existence on the fringes of society, took in the remarkable child. They named him Lorgar, meaning “raincaller,” after a downpour started the moment he was found – a rare blessing in the arid desert. They remained true to their principles despite their society’s scorn and the harsh conditions of their exile – a testament to their resilience and faith.
However, Lorgar’s time with the exiles was short-lived. A young preacher named Kor Phaeron, banished from Vharadesh, arrived with a caravan of slaves and mercenaries. Upon seeing Lorgar, he was struck by his commanding presence and the raw energy of the warp that coursed through him. Phaeron saw in Lorgar a powerful tool to aid in his own ambitions and took him under his wing.
Descriptions of Lorgar’s appearance vary across different sources. Some claim he was born with golden skin and violet eyes, while others say his eyes were the grey of Colchis’s winter skies. What is consistent across all accounts, however, is the immense inner strength and energy he possessed. This was a power that could, and indeed would, have far-reaching consequences for the galaxy and the Imperium.
So, as we delve deeper into the story of Lorgar Aurelian, remember this: in the grand scheme of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, nothing is insignificant, and the most powerful players may not always be the ones most eager for war.
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