Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Persian Book of Kings
The Shahnameh or Book of Kings is an epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi in approximately the first millenium and is the national epic of Greater Iran. Consisting of some 60,000 verses, the Shahnameh is the world's longest epic poem written by a single poet.
The poem tells a tale which has curious parallels with the origin story of Fulgrim.
Saum was a mighty lord in the south of Iran. It came to pass that a son was born unto him, beautiful of face and limb, who had neither fault nor blemish save that his hair was as white as snow. When Saum saw the infant, his heart was filled with fear that child's hair was an ill omen. He commanded his servants to take the child and cast it forth out of the land.
At the foot of the great mountain Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia, was laid the child of Saum. There the mighty phoenix like Simurgh, the bird of marvel, had built her nest. When the Simurgh spied the infant lying on the ground, she did raise the child to her shelter and did raise him as a brother to her own young ones. And thus did the child grow to be a youth full of strength and beauty, and his renown filled the land.
Then it came to pass that Saum dreamed of his son, and he feared for his sin. And Saum did travel to the mountain of Damavand and bowed to the dust in penitence. The Simurgh gave three magic feathers to Saum's son, telling him that he would be able to summon her at any time by burning them. The Simurgh did then return the boy to Saum, and the youth was clothed in rich robes and named Zal, which means the white haired one.
Zal increased daily in wisdom and strength and his fame filled the land. When Saum went forth to fight the battles of the Shah, he left his kingdom under his son's hands and Zal administered the land with judgment and virtue.
Then it came that Zal was visited by a neighboring lord named Mihrab of Kabul in Afghanistan, who was of the serpent people. Mihrab had a daughter named Rudabeh who was "unto the slender cypress, her face brighter than the sun and her mouth like a pomegranate flower." Zal and Rudabeh burned with love for each other, so they could neither eat nor rest. And thus they pledged to be married.
However when the Shah, who was Saum's overlord, heard of the betrothal he was incensed that the heir of one of his lord's should be married to one of the serpent people. He commanded Saum to destroy Mihrab's people with his army.
Mihrab knew that his followers could not battle Saum's great army and with great grief planned to exile his daughter through a portal to the land of the dead in seven days. However, Zal traveled to the court of the Shah and sought audience with him to beg him to change his mind.
And the Shah did test Zal to see if he was worthy. His wise men did test Zal's wisdom by asking him riddles. And his soldiers did test his mightiness by engaging his in deeds of archery and spear fighting and wrestling. In all these matters did Zal emerge victorious.
Thus did the Shah approve of Zal's marriage to Rudabeh. The son of Zal and Rudabeh was named Rostam, and was one of the greatest heroes of Persia.
Like Zal, Fulgrim had white hair and was banished from the presence of his father to be raised in an alien world. His symbol was a magical bird, and he defied the Emperor by falling under the spell of a scion of the serpent people.
The poem tells a tale which has curious parallels with the origin story of Fulgrim.
Saum was a mighty lord in the south of Iran. It came to pass that a son was born unto him, beautiful of face and limb, who had neither fault nor blemish save that his hair was as white as snow. When Saum saw the infant, his heart was filled with fear that child's hair was an ill omen. He commanded his servants to take the child and cast it forth out of the land.
At the foot of the great mountain Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia, was laid the child of Saum. There the mighty phoenix like Simurgh, the bird of marvel, had built her nest. When the Simurgh spied the infant lying on the ground, she did raise the child to her shelter and did raise him as a brother to her own young ones. And thus did the child grow to be a youth full of strength and beauty, and his renown filled the land.
Then it came to pass that Saum dreamed of his son, and he feared for his sin. And Saum did travel to the mountain of Damavand and bowed to the dust in penitence. The Simurgh gave three magic feathers to Saum's son, telling him that he would be able to summon her at any time by burning them. The Simurgh did then return the boy to Saum, and the youth was clothed in rich robes and named Zal, which means the white haired one.
Zal increased daily in wisdom and strength and his fame filled the land. When Saum went forth to fight the battles of the Shah, he left his kingdom under his son's hands and Zal administered the land with judgment and virtue.
Then it came that Zal was visited by a neighboring lord named Mihrab of Kabul in Afghanistan, who was of the serpent people. Mihrab had a daughter named Rudabeh who was "unto the slender cypress, her face brighter than the sun and her mouth like a pomegranate flower." Zal and Rudabeh burned with love for each other, so they could neither eat nor rest. And thus they pledged to be married.
However when the Shah, who was Saum's overlord, heard of the betrothal he was incensed that the heir of one of his lord's should be married to one of the serpent people. He commanded Saum to destroy Mihrab's people with his army.
Mihrab knew that his followers could not battle Saum's great army and with great grief planned to exile his daughter through a portal to the land of the dead in seven days. However, Zal traveled to the court of the Shah and sought audience with him to beg him to change his mind.
And the Shah did test Zal to see if he was worthy. His wise men did test Zal's wisdom by asking him riddles. And his soldiers did test his mightiness by engaging his in deeds of archery and spear fighting and wrestling. In all these matters did Zal emerge victorious.
Thus did the Shah approve of Zal's marriage to Rudabeh. The son of Zal and Rudabeh was named Rostam, and was one of the greatest heroes of Persia.
Like Zal, Fulgrim had white hair and was banished from the presence of his father to be raised in an alien world. His symbol was a magical bird, and he defied the Emperor by falling under the spell of a scion of the serpent people.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Review: Daemon World
Daemon World by Ben Counter is probably one of the most interesting Black Library books I have ever read. Originally published in 2003, it is still relevant a decade and a half later because of the creative insights it offers.
The story centers around a daemon planet in the Maelstrom called Tovendis. Hotly contested by the various factions of chaos, Tovendis has changed hands innumerable times over the eons. So many beings have been slain over the course of these wars that the strata of the planet is piled thick with fossils from dead beings and former masters.
The planet is currently ruled by Lady Charybdia, daemon princess of Slaanesh. At the time, she is clearly dominant over the populace, and she is supported by endless worshipers, sorcerers, cultists, chaos space marines, and daemons.
The tides of fortune may however be shifting. In the mountains, barbarians are banding together to form a potentially mighty force. Khorne daemons have reappeared without warning and threaten the world with their ancient, blood thirsty malevolence. A mysterious Word Bearer sorcerer is also loose upon the land, pursuing his own unknown agenda.
The planet itself is calling for death and slaughter. Before the story is complete few will be left standing.
The story centers around a daemon planet in the Maelstrom called Tovendis. Hotly contested by the various factions of chaos, Tovendis has changed hands innumerable times over the eons. So many beings have been slain over the course of these wars that the strata of the planet is piled thick with fossils from dead beings and former masters.
The planet is currently ruled by Lady Charybdia, daemon princess of Slaanesh. At the time, she is clearly dominant over the populace, and she is supported by endless worshipers, sorcerers, cultists, chaos space marines, and daemons.
The tides of fortune may however be shifting. In the mountains, barbarians are banding together to form a potentially mighty force. Khorne daemons have reappeared without warning and threaten the world with their ancient, blood thirsty malevolence. A mysterious Word Bearer sorcerer is also loose upon the land, pursuing his own unknown agenda.
The planet itself is calling for death and slaughter. Before the story is complete few will be left standing.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Warhammer Adventure Role Playing
Warhammer Adventure Role Playing (WARP) is a homebrew role playing game intended to allow players to use a combat system comparable to Kill Team to play as and improve the gear and stats of their own individual space marine characters.
Here are the BASIC RULES to the system.
Also included is a first module, called THE MYSTERY OF NEW MONARCHIA.
Suggestions or improvements are welcome. Any one is free to download, improve the rules and/or create their own modules.
Here are the BASIC RULES to the system.
Also included is a first module, called THE MYSTERY OF NEW MONARCHIA.
Suggestions or improvements are welcome. Any one is free to download, improve the rules and/or create their own modules.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Ynnead and the future of Slaanesh?
When Eldar die their souls are devoured by Slaanesh in the warp, becoming part of the deity's collective energy. Craftworld Eldar have developed soul stones to safely preserve their souls temporarily upon death, and infinity circuits to hold their souls long term. Within the collective spirits of the Infinity Circuits, it appears that a nascent deity is forming. Ynnead, the elder god of the dead, is growing in power. A few Eldar Seers believe that once every single Eldar has died, Ynnead will awaken and have the strength to defeat Slaanesh forever. In 991.M41, the Eldar Mystic Kysaduras proclaimed that the only hope of Eldar survival in the End Times would lay with Ynnead.
GW has indicated that Ynnead will in fact emerge shortly, and is releasing a number of models related to the deity in February as part of an event called Gathering Storm II: the fracturing of Biel-Tan.
What could this mean for Slaanesh? GW has made little secret that it is less than thrilled with the sexualized aspects of the deity, believing that it alienates the parents of young 40K players buying models. Slaanesh has already gone missing in the Age of Sigmar setting. It seems that there are at least three possibilities:
First, Ynnead could destroy Slaanesh and take his place.
Second, Ynnead could fight with Slaanesh but be unable to destroy him. Both deities could continue to exist separately in the universe.
Third, Ynnead and Slaanesh could battle and then merge. This is probably the most intriguing possibility.
Additional questions presented include:
What will Ynnead's place be in the pantheon of deities? What abstract metaphysical concepts will he embody? Death? Eldar? Excess? Sensation?
Will Ynnead be a strictly Eldar deity, or a general chaos god? How powerful will he be relative to the other gods?
What is the fracturing of Biel-Tan? Presumably some of the Eldar will choose to follow Ynnead and others will not. How will Ynnead's emergence affect the current structure / paths / society of the craftworlds, the dark eldar, and the exodites?
How will the emergence of Ynnead fit in with the fall of Cadia, the thirteenth crusade, and the upcoming 8th edition?
Eldrad Ulthran attempted to undertake a great ritual that would prematurely awaken Ynnead, involving channeling the remains of Farseers through every Infinity Circuit. The ritual would have rendered every Craftworld disabled and wreaked havoc on the Astronomican, but Slaanesh may have ultimately met its end. However, he was foiled by the Deathwatch in the Battle of Port Demesnus in the Death Masque boxed set.
GW has indicated that Ynnead will in fact emerge shortly, and is releasing a number of models related to the deity in February as part of an event called Gathering Storm II: the fracturing of Biel-Tan.
First, Ynnead could destroy Slaanesh and take his place.
Second, Ynnead could fight with Slaanesh but be unable to destroy him. Both deities could continue to exist separately in the universe.
Third, Ynnead and Slaanesh could battle and then merge. This is probably the most intriguing possibility.
What will Ynnead's place be in the pantheon of deities? What abstract metaphysical concepts will he embody? Death? Eldar? Excess? Sensation?
Will Ynnead be a strictly Eldar deity, or a general chaos god? How powerful will he be relative to the other gods?
What is the fracturing of Biel-Tan? Presumably some of the Eldar will choose to follow Ynnead and others will not. How will Ynnead's emergence affect the current structure / paths / society of the craftworlds, the dark eldar, and the exodites?
How will the emergence of Ynnead fit in with the fall of Cadia, the thirteenth crusade, and the upcoming 8th edition?
Most importantly, what will this mean for the Emperor's Children and their lore?
Friday, January 20, 2017
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Six lesser known facts about Chemos and the III Legion
1. Agrippa of Chemos was one of the greatest swordsmen in the galaxy, and one of the classic schools of fencing in the Warhammer universe is named after him. (Source: Priests of Mars).
2. The Quarzhazat was a legendary monster of Chemos that flew high in the skies and plucked whole cities and lone travelers from mountain tops. (Source: Fabius Bile Primogenitor).
3. Deserters of the III Legion would have to seek forgiveness in the test of steel, a gauntlet in which the members of his company would attack him freely with blades. (Source: Fabius Bile Primogenitor).
4. The Chemosian Cantos were a holy scripture written in honor of Slaanesh in the final hours of Chemos. (Source: Fabius Bile Primogenitor).
5. The capital city of Chemos was Callax, and this is where the fortress monastery of the Emperor's Children was located.
6. Fulgrim once created an edifice known as the "Perfect Fortress" on the planet of Narsis. It was very beautiful, but also intended to present the flawless defense. (Source: Deliverance Lost).
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Six Emperor's Children Archetypes
There are six tropes that one commonly finds in Emperor's Children characters: the Aristocrat, the Otherworldly, the Master Swordsman, the Mad Scientist, the Addict, and the Defiler
The Aristocrat
The Addict
The Addict is one who is able to feel transcendental bliss through self abandon to a mystical, reality altering experience, whether it is drugs, religion, lurid behavior, music, dance or some other source. The Addict needs a constant supply to refresh his addiction, or risks going into withdrawal. The Addict may be seeking to attain some ultimate nirvana like experience by becoming permanently one with the ultimate experience.
Examples of this trope: Noise Marines, Slaanesh, the Eldar, Rumi the sufi, Jim Morrison of the Doors, Slo-Mo in Dredd, the Wretched in Wow
The Defiler
The Defiler engages in all sorts of depraved, horrifying behavior, ordinarily involving pain, disgust, torture, perversion, cruelty or body horror. A true example of chaotic evil, the Defiler acts sadistically out of a villainous desire for self gratification, and without concern for the suffering of his victims.
Examples of this trope: Fabius Bile, the Joker, Mr. Blonde from Reservoir Dogs, Alex from Clockwork Orange, T-Bird from The Crow, Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs, Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter, Magic Man from Adventure Time, Marquis de Sade
The Aristocrat
The Aristocrat is a sophisticate familiar with the finer aspects of life. He is cultured and is an expert on art, gourmet food, music, theater and cultural norms. He can interact seamlessly with the upper crust of society, and behaves himself without embarrassment in any formal setting. He may however also be arrogant or decadent.
Examples of this trope: Eidolon, V from V from Vendetta, James Bond, Hannibal Lecter, Magneto from X-Men, Rarity from MLP, Narsus from the Heroic Legend of Arslan, Boston Brahmins
The Otherworldly
The Otherworldly is androgynously beautiful, ethereal and magically powerful. He is magnetically charismatic, associated with elves and commonly associated with shifting otherworldly iridescent colors. He may have violet eyes and white or silver hair.
Examples of this trope: Fulgrim, The Radiant, Elric, Saruman of LOTR, Oberon from Shakespeare, Veela from Harry Potter, Targaryens from Song of Fire and Ice, Alexandria's Genesis, Aasimar from AD&D
The Master Swordsman
The Master Swordsman has dedicated himself to perfection with the blade. No one can draw a weapon faster than him, swing it with less effort, or make it look more beautiful
Examples of this trope: Lucius, Ravasch Cario, Agrippa, Ardantes, Tachibana Ukyo from Samurai Showdown, Sasaki Kojiro from ancient Japan, Inigo Montoya from Princess Bride, Raphael from Soul Calibur, Kensai class in AD&D.
Examples of this trope: Eidolon, V from V from Vendetta, James Bond, Hannibal Lecter, Magneto from X-Men, Rarity from MLP, Narsus from the Heroic Legend of Arslan, Boston Brahmins
The Otherworldly
The Otherworldly is androgynously beautiful, ethereal and magically powerful. He is magnetically charismatic, associated with elves and commonly associated with shifting otherworldly iridescent colors. He may have violet eyes and white or silver hair.
Examples of this trope: Fulgrim, The Radiant, Elric, Saruman of LOTR, Oberon from Shakespeare, Veela from Harry Potter, Targaryens from Song of Fire and Ice, Alexandria's Genesis, Aasimar from AD&D
The Master Swordsman
The Master Swordsman has dedicated himself to perfection with the blade. No one can draw a weapon faster than him, swing it with less effort, or make it look more beautiful
Examples of this trope: Lucius, Ravasch Cario, Agrippa, Ardantes, Tachibana Ukyo from Samurai Showdown, Sasaki Kojiro from ancient Japan, Inigo Montoya from Princess Bride, Raphael from Soul Calibur, Kensai class in AD&D.
The Mad Scientist has a master plan that he is trying to accomplish for the sake of progress, which only he has the genius to envision or put into motion. Others are needless constrained by petty matters such as morals and societal norms, but the Mad Scientist has transcended such limitations.
Examples of this trope: Fabius Bile, Frankenstein, Villains in Dr. Who, Daedalus, Nikola Tesla, Einstein, Thomas Edison, Emmett L. Brown from Back to the Future, Dr. Moreau, Dr. Strangelove, Professor Farnsworth from Futurama, Hojo from FF VII
The Addict is one who is able to feel transcendental bliss through self abandon to a mystical, reality altering experience, whether it is drugs, religion, lurid behavior, music, dance or some other source. The Addict needs a constant supply to refresh his addiction, or risks going into withdrawal. The Addict may be seeking to attain some ultimate nirvana like experience by becoming permanently one with the ultimate experience.
Examples of this trope: Noise Marines, Slaanesh, the Eldar, Rumi the sufi, Jim Morrison of the Doors, Slo-Mo in Dredd, the Wretched in Wow
The Defiler
Examples of this trope: Fabius Bile, the Joker, Mr. Blonde from Reservoir Dogs, Alex from Clockwork Orange, T-Bird from The Crow, Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs, Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter, Magic Man from Adventure Time, Marquis de Sade
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
The Essential Emperor's Children Storyline
It can be somewhat overwhelming to start reading Black Library books. It's hard to know where to start and know what the most important novels are to read to get the story. While I've done a fairly complete index of all Black Library fiction related to the Emperor's Children in the past, I thought it might be useful to present a pared down reading list in order to provide a new reader with the essential Emperor's Children storyline.
Here are essential books in the storyline:
1. Fulgrim
Fulgrim is the central Emperor's Children novel. It presents a vivid picture of the legion in its pre-heresy glory, and details step by step how they fall to chaos.
2. The Reflection Crack'd
The Reflection Crack'd is a very important short story. It establishes that Fulgrim is clearly in control of the path of the legion, and that he has a definite path in mind for his sons.
3. Angel Exterminatus
Angel Exterminatus is a pretty horrifying novel, but it describes in detail the ascension of Fulgrim to daemon princehood.
4. Path to Heaven
Path of Heaven may be one of the best novels of the Horus Heresy. Having ascended, Fulgrim has essentially left the Legion to its own devices. Eidolon has taken control of a third of the legion, which is rapidly being corrupted to chaos. Nevertheless the Emperor's Children seek to prevent the White Scars from returning to Terra to defend the Emperor.
(Because the Horus Heresy is not yet complete, it is fairly certain that additional novels will be added to this list after Path of Heaven.)
5. Talon of Horus
Paradoxically Talon of Horus is an optional inclusion to this essentials list. It does not centrally feature the III Legion, but it does provide a short but insightful snap shot into their activities after the Horus Heresy.
6. Fabius Bile: Primogenitor
While a 40K book, this bio pict on Fabius Bile provides a wealth of information regarding the state of the Emperor's Children in the 41st millennium.
Hope this is helpful!
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Alexandria's Genesis
Alexandria's Genesis is a fictional human mutation circulating on the internet. Supposedly individuals with this mutation have pale skin, purple eyes, no facial hair, long lifespans and perfect physiques.
According to internet lore:
Alexandria's Genesis is not real - it is a fabrication of author Cameron Aubernon who first wrote about the supposed mutation for a Daria fan fiction. Says Cameron:
It's not clear to what degree the myth of Alexandria's Genesis may have influenced early depictions of the Emperor's Children in Black Library fiction, but similar imagery has been a popular trope in fantasy, sci-fiction and anime.
According to internet lore:
"The first recorded case of Alexandria's genesis was a woman named Alexandria Augustine in 1329 London. Her parents, upon realizing her most distinct feature, the purple eyes, decide that she must be possessed and take her to a priest, to have her exorcised. Luckily, the priest had heard of the mutation before and told the parents that nothing was wrong with their daughter. According to legend, after a flash of light over Egypt some odd thousand years ago, the people with purple eyes and very fair skin had appeared only to disappear north and were lost till Alexandria showed up."
"Nearly 15 years ago (circa 1998), I was a huge fan of Daria, MTV's favorite high school cynic. I had also discovered fanfiction then, and when I found some related to my favorite show, I wanted to leave my mark. I just didn't know my mark would be the size of a logic-bomb crater.
On the night of 15 December 2011, something I created under a male pseudonym when I was 19 turned up on my Tumblr dashboard. Something that I made up as a silly backstory for my two Daria-based Mary Sues (fan fiction characters who are "perfect" in every manner possible... and then some). Something that, in turn, was my projection of my personal gender identity and body image issues that I was starting to confront in my 20s.
This something, in the 15 years since I first wrote it, had taken a life of its own. This something was Alexandria's Genesis, a fictional posthuman/alien genetic mutation I created in order to make my Mary Sues more... special.
The short version: Alexandria's Genesis is not, was not, and will never be a real thing; it was a silly little back story for someone's entertaining first draft."
It's not clear to what degree the myth of Alexandria's Genesis may have influenced early depictions of the Emperor's Children in Black Library fiction, but similar imagery has been a popular trope in fantasy, sci-fiction and anime.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Emperor's Children short fiction: The Lucid Blade
THE LUCID BLADE
Chapter I: 
Alsace Kojiro strode across the crackling tundra, his indigo eyes glinting with amusement. The void stalker had sought to come upon him unaware. Thanks to an indistinct shimmer in the air and the sound of snapping reeds, he had however been alerted of its presence well in advance. Once close enough Alsace had struck, his sizzling power sword exploding into his hand in a flash of color and light. The battle had been over in mere seconds. Now the defeated creature’s carcass lay slumped behind him, gently effervescing into a volcanic pool of sulfurous water.
Alsace was a true son of Fulgrim. His features were aristocratic and
proud. Stirred by his recent clash, his
long snowy locks swirled around him dramatically in shining diaphanous waves. The faded travel cloak that Alsace wore could
not mask his massive physique, or muffle the soothing purr of his venerated purple magenta
power armor underneath.
Alsace had a purpose for being on this subarctic
planet. Eighty years earlier the III Legion strike cruiser Veritable Intensity had hurriedly translated from the
warp close to Ophelia IV, heavily wounded and bleeding white hot promethium
into the atmosphere. The trajectory of
the mighty warship had arced violently through the skies of the planet,
culminating in a catastrophic crash on the previously pristine snowy
surface. None of the crew had survived, such was the impact of the massive collision. Lost with the calamity had been one of the
true relics of the Legion:
Lux in Tenebris, the lucid blade.
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
Monday, December 12, 2016
Review of The Embrace of Pain
The Embrace of Pain is an audio drama by Ian St. Martin released as part of Advent 2016.
"Lucius the Eternal is openly challenged by a champion of the old Death Guard Legion. Could an immortal daemonhost, blessed by Nurgle, be the undoing of the blademaster’s curse?"
The Emperor's Children have been surprisingly popular with Black Library this Advent. In addition to the excellent novel Fabius Bile: Primogenitor, this is the third short story or audio drama released in December.
This work provides a small window into Lucius' regular existence in the Eye of Terror. One should not expect any great plot developments. However the drama is deftly executed, and the voice acting is well done. And similar to a number of the other recent Emperor's Children stories recently released, there is a sense that the warp is trying to tell the remaining remnants of the III legion something of note. An event of great significance may be coming in the near future.
Overall I give this audio drama a *** of out five.
"Lucius the Eternal is openly challenged by a champion of the old Death Guard Legion. Could an immortal daemonhost, blessed by Nurgle, be the undoing of the blademaster’s curse?"
This work provides a small window into Lucius' regular existence in the Eye of Terror. One should not expect any great plot developments. However the drama is deftly executed, and the voice acting is well done. And similar to a number of the other recent Emperor's Children stories recently released, there is a sense that the warp is trying to tell the remaining remnants of the III legion something of note. An event of great significance may be coming in the near future.
Overall I give this audio drama a *** of out five.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Review of Prodigal
Prodigal is a short story by Josh Reynolds about Fabius Bile release as part of Advent 2016.
"When Fabius Bile is attacked by daemons aboard his frigate Versalius, he is surprised to be rescued by an old friend, one of his very first experiments. But does the prodigal’s return bode well or ill?"
Prodigal is a quick read tie in with Fabius Bile: Primogenitor. The short story is similar to that novel insofar as it reveals a surprising human aspect to a man that is renown as one of the most feared monsters in the Warhammer universe.
The short story is an interesting read, and provides greater insight into Fabius' motivations, his relationship with Fulgrim, and his future legacy. Being a short story there are not necessary any references to the Horus Heresy in the reading, but there is nevertheless some interesting Emperor's Children information to be gleaned. Overall it is a tale worth hearing. When Fabius Bile is involved, the rules that normally bind other space marines do not apply.
Overall I give it a *** out of five.
"When Fabius Bile is attacked by daemons aboard his frigate Versalius, he is surprised to be rescued by an old friend, one of his very first experiments. But does the prodigal’s return bode well or ill?"
Prodigal is a quick read tie in with Fabius Bile: Primogenitor. The short story is similar to that novel insofar as it reveals a surprising human aspect to a man that is renown as one of the most feared monsters in the Warhammer universe.
The short story is an interesting read, and provides greater insight into Fabius' motivations, his relationship with Fulgrim, and his future legacy. Being a short story there are not necessary any references to the Horus Heresy in the reading, but there is nevertheless some interesting Emperor's Children information to be gleaned. Overall it is a tale worth hearing. When Fabius Bile is involved, the rules that normally bind other space marines do not apply.
Overall I give it a *** out of five.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Review of The Soul Severed
The Soul Severed is a new audio drama by Chris Wraight released as part of Advent 2016. The story centers around Eidolon's actions after the events of The Path of Heaven, and the direction he believes that the legion should take going forward.
The Soul Severed is yet another very strong showing by Wraight. His writing is carefully intricate and accessible, and vividly describes the beauty and the horror of what the III legion has become.
While some of the voice acting could be a bit stronger, the audio drama is very effectively augmented through the use of background sound effects and environmental sounds. It certainly is very interesting to hear a rendition of Eidolon's sonic scream attack rendered in audio drama format!
The Soul Severed provides an important link in the story of the lost nobility of the Emperor's Children and their ongoing pathway toward the final act of the Horus Heresy.
Overall I rate this audio drama *** 1/2 out of five. It is my understanding that this audio drama will be part of the upcoming compilation, Echoes of Revelation.
While some of the voice acting could be a bit stronger, the audio drama is very effectively augmented through the use of background sound effects and environmental sounds. It certainly is very interesting to hear a rendition of Eidolon's sonic scream attack rendered in audio drama format!
The Soul Severed provides an important link in the story of the lost nobility of the Emperor's Children and their ongoing pathway toward the final act of the Horus Heresy.
Overall I rate this audio drama *** 1/2 out of five. It is my understanding that this audio drama will be part of the upcoming compilation, Echoes of Revelation.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Fabius Bile: Primogenitor
,
Fabius Bile: Primogenitor by Josh Reynolds is a masterpiece and a must read for Emperor's Children fans. Although the story is set in the current 40K timeline, numerous references are made to previous events that occurred before, during and after the Horus Heresy.
The plot centers around a previous protegee of Fabius named Oleander who is a former III legion apothecary. Oleander is now in the service of a Slaaneshi chaos warlord called The Radiant. He seeks to draw his former master into an epic undertaking that could reshape the future of the Emperor's Children.
The book is notable for giving rare insight into many aspects of Chemosian and III legion culture, practice and history. The novel also does an admirable job of spinning a patchwork of different source materials into a seamless whole. Josh Reynolds has obviously done his homework, and also does not hesitate to add creative flourishes of his own to advance the lore of the story. While he does echo certain well worn chaos tropes from Aaron Dembski-Bowden and Graham McNeil, when he does so it helps mesh this story as part of the overall narrative.
No less masterful is the author's sensitive handling of the reader's sensibilities. Portrayals of the fallen Emperor's Children can easily slide into lurid depictions of senseless hedonism, body horror and cartoon villainy without greater purpose. Fabius Bile is foremost a scientist and a pragmatist, and one finds oneself surprisingly sympathetic to his motivations and perspective, if not even identifying with him as an antihero.
A very impressive journey and one well worth the effort.
I give Fabius Bile: Primogenitor **** out of five.
Fabius Bile: Primogenitor by Josh Reynolds is a masterpiece and a must read for Emperor's Children fans. Although the story is set in the current 40K timeline, numerous references are made to previous events that occurred before, during and after the Horus Heresy.
The plot centers around a previous protegee of Fabius named Oleander who is a former III legion apothecary. Oleander is now in the service of a Slaaneshi chaos warlord called The Radiant. He seeks to draw his former master into an epic undertaking that could reshape the future of the Emperor's Children.
The book is notable for giving rare insight into many aspects of Chemosian and III legion culture, practice and history. The novel also does an admirable job of spinning a patchwork of different source materials into a seamless whole. Josh Reynolds has obviously done his homework, and also does not hesitate to add creative flourishes of his own to advance the lore of the story. While he does echo certain well worn chaos tropes from Aaron Dembski-Bowden and Graham McNeil, when he does so it helps mesh this story as part of the overall narrative.
No less masterful is the author's sensitive handling of the reader's sensibilities. Portrayals of the fallen Emperor's Children can easily slide into lurid depictions of senseless hedonism, body horror and cartoon villainy without greater purpose. Fabius Bile is foremost a scientist and a pragmatist, and one finds oneself surprisingly sympathetic to his motivations and perspective, if not even identifying with him as an antihero.
A very impressive journey and one well worth the effort.
I give Fabius Bile: Primogenitor **** out of five.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Origin of the name of planet Chemos
Chemos was once the homeworld of the Emperor's Children Traitor Legion before their corruption by the Chaos God Slaanesh and betrayal of the Emperor of Mankind during the Horus Heresy. Chemos was also the planet where the Emperor's Children's Primarch Fulgrim was discovered by the Emperor during the Great Crusade.
In ancient days it was classified as a Mining World. By the time of the Great Crusade it was classified as a Civilised World, but following its scouring after the Horus Heresy by the Loyalist forces of the Imperium, it is now a Dead World, wiped clean of all life.
At first glance, one might assume that the name Chemos is derived from the word "Chemical" as a nod to its past barren and hostile environment.
However there is another potential meaning to the name. Milton's Paradise Lost Book I mentions a deity named Chemos as being synonymous with Baal Peor and Priapus as the deity of turpitude.
The name Chemos refers to the biblical Chemosh. In the Hebrew Bible, Chemosh was the god of the Moabites (Num. 21:29; Jer. 48:7, 13, 46). Moab was a land in Jordan very close to Phoenicia, a nation with many symbolic ties with the Emperor's Children, including the royal purple and the mythology of the fiery self immolating bird.
Chemosh was the national deity of the Moabites whose name most likely meant "destroyer," "subduer," or "fish god." While he is most readily associated with the Moabites, according to Judges 11:24 he seems to have been the national deity of the Ammonites as well, where he may have been the same or different from Moloch. According to the biblical account, Moab and Ammon were born to Lot and Lot's elder and younger daughters, respectively, in the aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible in Genesis 19:37-38 refers to both the Moabites and Ammonites as Lot's sons, born of incest with his daughters.
According to the Hebrew Bible, the worship of this god, "the abomination of Moab," was introduced at Jerusalem by Solomon (1 Kings 11:7), but was abolished by Josiah (2 Kings 23:13). On the Moabite stone, Mesha (2 Kings 3:5) ascribed his victories over the king of Israel to this god, "And Chemosh drove him before my sight."
The Wikipedia also states that there is speculation that Chemosh is related to the name of the Babylonian deity Shamash. Shamash was a sun deity, and a patron god to the demigod and king Gilgamesh.
Sun deities and sea gods can sometimes be associated with fertility. So perhaps it is not coincidence at all that the name Shamash is very similar to another deity we all know very well from 40K lore: Slaanesh.
Similarly Chemosh also has a female counterpart in Paradise Lost named Astarte, which is another name for Ishtar.
In ancient days it was classified as a Mining World. By the time of the Great Crusade it was classified as a Civilised World, but following its scouring after the Horus Heresy by the Loyalist forces of the Imperium, it is now a Dead World, wiped clean of all life.
At first glance, one might assume that the name Chemos is derived from the word "Chemical" as a nod to its past barren and hostile environment.
However there is another potential meaning to the name. Milton's Paradise Lost Book I mentions a deity named Chemos as being synonymous with Baal Peor and Priapus as the deity of turpitude.
"Next Chemos, th' obscene dread of Moab's sons,
From Aroar to Nebo and the wild
Of southmost Abarim; in Hesebon
And Horonaim, Seon's real, beyond
The flowery dale of Sibma clad with vines,
And Eleale to th' Asphaltic Pool:
Peor his other name, when he enticed
Israel in Sittim, on their march from Nile,
To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe.
Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged
Even to that hill of scandal, by the grove
Of Moloch homicide, lust hard by hate,
Till good Josiah drove them thence to Hell."
Chemosh was the national deity of the Moabites whose name most likely meant "destroyer," "subduer," or "fish god." While he is most readily associated with the Moabites, according to Judges 11:24 he seems to have been the national deity of the Ammonites as well, where he may have been the same or different from Moloch. According to the biblical account, Moab and Ammon were born to Lot and Lot's elder and younger daughters, respectively, in the aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible in Genesis 19:37-38 refers to both the Moabites and Ammonites as Lot's sons, born of incest with his daughters.
According to the Hebrew Bible, the worship of this god, "the abomination of Moab," was introduced at Jerusalem by Solomon (1 Kings 11:7), but was abolished by Josiah (2 Kings 23:13). On the Moabite stone, Mesha (2 Kings 3:5) ascribed his victories over the king of Israel to this god, "And Chemosh drove him before my sight."
The Wikipedia also states that there is speculation that Chemosh is related to the name of the Babylonian deity Shamash. Shamash was a sun deity, and a patron god to the demigod and king Gilgamesh.
Sun deities and sea gods can sometimes be associated with fertility. So perhaps it is not coincidence at all that the name Shamash is very similar to another deity we all know very well from 40K lore: Slaanesh.
Similarly Chemosh also has a female counterpart in Paradise Lost named Astarte, which is another name for Ishtar.
Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians call'd Astarte, Queen of Heav'n, with crescent Horns;While this may perhaps be coincidence, it is certainly a striking one to notice that the name of this female deity happens to match that of the galaxy conquering Adeptus Astartes.
To whose bright Image nightly by the Moon Sidonian Virgins paid thir Vows and Songs,
In Sion also not unsung, where stood
Her Temple on th' offensive Mountain, built
By that uxorious King, whose heart though large,
Beguil'd by fair Idolatresses, fell To Idols foul.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Emperor's Children Art by Kaiser
The amazing Kaiser did some artwork for me of a pre-heresy Emperor's Children.
I'm truly blown away with her work. She's probably best known online for her work on the 40K imperial guard cartoon Eagle Ordinary.
She's also well known for many other amazing works of art from around the web.
Thanks Kaiser!!
She's also well known for many other amazing works of art from around the web.
Thanks Kaiser!!
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Slaanesh and the Dark Mechanicum
Warhammer - Brookline will be doing a kill team campaign starting at their opening on October 15, 2016. I was going to use my Emperor's Children to make up a 40K space marines kill team, but now I'm thinking that I might do something a little different and opt for a Skitarii kill team instead.
As we know, the adeptus mechanicus is just as susceptible to the lure of chaos as any normal human. Often in novels this is portrayed as an attack by chaos contaminated digital scrap code, in a manner akin to a computer virus.
Still this raises the question, what appeal could the creed of a cosmic entity such as Slaanesh have to a computer cyborg? Presumably, the appeal of the flesh have very little draw to a mechanized entity. But then again, Space Marines are essentially immune to sexual attraction as well but they readily fell too.
Slaanesh isn't only about earthly sensual desires though. His path is ultimately about the quest to achieve unlimited possibilities, complexity, pleasure and perfection in a physical material world. While the adeptus mechanicus does not pursue sexuality, it does often pursue unlimited knowledge, without remorse or limitation.
In common, the creed of Slaanesh appears to dictate the following tenants to its adherents, whether Emperor's Children or Dark Mechanicum:
1. There is no inherent spirituality except as manifested through the material world.
2. The material world has in it a teleological drive to improve and expand, akin to evolution.
3. This drive is experiential and can be expressed through increased knowledge, complexity, experience, or pleasure as a path to greater awareness, development and awakeness.
4. There should be no limitations placed on this drive, as progressing down its path is an unmitigated improvement.
5. The goal of this drive is to achieve infinite possibilities and perfection.
As we know, the adeptus mechanicus is just as susceptible to the lure of chaos as any normal human. Often in novels this is portrayed as an attack by chaos contaminated digital scrap code, in a manner akin to a computer virus.
Still this raises the question, what appeal could the creed of a cosmic entity such as Slaanesh have to a computer cyborg? Presumably, the appeal of the flesh have very little draw to a mechanized entity. But then again, Space Marines are essentially immune to sexual attraction as well but they readily fell too.
Slaanesh isn't only about earthly sensual desires though. His path is ultimately about the quest to achieve unlimited possibilities, complexity, pleasure and perfection in a physical material world. While the adeptus mechanicus does not pursue sexuality, it does often pursue unlimited knowledge, without remorse or limitation.
In common, the creed of Slaanesh appears to dictate the following tenants to its adherents, whether Emperor's Children or Dark Mechanicum:
1. There is no inherent spirituality except as manifested through the material world.
2. The material world has in it a teleological drive to improve and expand, akin to evolution.
3. This drive is experiential and can be expressed through increased knowledge, complexity, experience, or pleasure as a path to greater awareness, development and awakeness.
4. There should be no limitations placed on this drive, as progressing down its path is an unmitigated improvement.
5. The goal of this drive is to achieve infinite possibilities and perfection.
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