The world of Warhammer 40,000 is filled with epic tales of heroism, treachery, and the constant struggle for power. Among the many characters that make up this universe, the Primarch Lorgar holds a special place. Today, in the next part of our multi-part series, we delve into the early years of Lorgar, shedding light on his first encounter with Kor Phaeron and their complex relationship.
The tale begins on the barren planet of Colchis, where Lorgar, a powerful child with latent psychic abilities, first crosses paths with Kor Phaeron, leader of the rejected Fen Margi. In a twist of fate, Lorgar leaves his own people to follow the charismatic preacher, drawn by the allure of promised truths. This decision, however, carries grave consequences for his people – slaughtered to the last by Kor Phaeron’s mercenaries, leaving Lorgar the lone survivor of his tribe.
Lorgar’s early years under Kor Phaeron’s tutelage were far from comfortable. Basic needs were withheld, and he was thrust into the company of slaves, expected to learn compliance and obedience. Kor Phaeron filled his young mind with teachings from the Book of the Covenant, positioning it as divine revelation. As the child had no other source of knowledge, he accepted these words as absolute truth.
Despite this grim existence, Lorgar’s dreams provided an escape of sorts. Here he was visited by a golden god, a figure that both intrigued and terrified him. It was only at the age of eight that he realized that these were not ordinary dreams, but a manifestation of his burgeoning psychic abilities.
Life under Kor Phaeron’s rule was a harsh lesson in survival. Lorgar was subjected to brutal punishments, from verbal abuse to physical beatings. Yet, he never resisted, believing submission to be an esteemed virtue. This belief, instilled by Kor Phaeron, deeply shaped the young Primarch’s character.
Yet, amid this brutality, Lorgar’s innate charisma and kind nature endeared him to the slaves and mercenaries alike. He wrote poems, translated them into different languages, and participated in collective work, actions that further endeared him to his fellow captives.
Kor Phaeron, jealous of Lorgar’s popularity, decided to further isolate him, ordering the flogging of every slave. This move, however, backfired. The slaves and mercenaries, driven by their affection for Lorgar, conspired to free him. They attempted to execute Kor Phaeron but were thwarted by Lorgar, who unleashed his latent psychic abilities for the first time, killing some rebels and banishing the rest.
From then on, Kor Phaeron changed his approach. Physical punishments ceased, and he allowed Lorgar to address him as ‘father’. It was a new form of psychological manipulation, designed to further control the Primarch. The apprentice was now bound by a twisted sense of loyalty, and Kor Phaeron planned to exploit this to his advantage.
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll explore the repercussions of this toxic relationship and the role it played in shaping Lorgar’s destiny.
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