In the vast and tumultuous universe of Warhammer 40,000, few factions are as intriguing and complex as the Emperor’s Children. Known for their unyielding devotion to Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess.
From their origins as loyal servants of the Imperium to their transformation into a symbol of chaos and hedonism, the Emperor’s Children have a rich lore that captivates fans.
And with the hedonistic space marine legion being set to make a standalone appearance in the tabletop next year, we’ll delve into who the Emperor’s Children are, and why they’re so important to the story of Warhammer 40k.
Emperor’s Children Origins
The origins of the Emperor’s Children in Warhammer 40,000 are deeply rooted in the lore of the Horus Heresy, a pivotal event that reshaped the galaxy.
Founded as one of the original Space Marine Legions during the Great Crusade, the Emperor’s Children were initially led by their noble Primarch, Fulgrim.
Known for his charisma and unmatched martial prowess, Fulgrim was dedicated to the ideals of perfection, striving for excellence in both combat and artistry.
Originally, the Emperor’s Children embodied the principles of honor, duty, and loyalty to the God Emperor of Mankind.
They were celebrated for their exceptional skill on the battlefield and their pursuit of glory.
But as the Great Crusade progressed, and unable to embody the true perfection of the Adeptus Custodes, they became increasingly obsessed with the pursuit of perfection, which ultimately led them down a dark path.
During the Horus Heresy, Fulgrim and his Legion fell under the influence of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess and pleasure.
This shift marked a significant turning point, as the Emperor’s Children abandoned their loyalty to the Imperium in favor of the hedonistic and depraved ideals of their new patron.
Their transformation into a Chaos-aligned faction was characterized by a radical embrace of excess, beauty, and the pursuit of sensory experiences, often leading to grotesque mutations and moral decay.
Thus, the Emperor’s Children emerged as a symbol of decadence and chaos, their original noble ideals twisted into a relentless quest for pleasure and perfection.
This dramatic transformation set them apart from other Chaos Space Marine factions, creating a rich narrative of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked desire in the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40k universe.
Fulgrim, Primarch of the Emperor’s Children
Fulgrim, once the paragon of perfection, began his journey during the Great Crusade, where he led the Emperor’s Children to numerous victories, earning a reputation for their skill and honor.
However, his obsession with perfection soon led him astray. During a fateful encounter with a powerful Chaos artifact, Fulgrim succumbed to the influence of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess and pleasure.
This marked his transformation from a loyal servant of the Emperor to a devoted champion of Chaos.
In the current lore, Fulgrim exists as a Daemon Primarch, embodying the twisted ideals of Slaanesh.
He has transcended his mortal form, becoming a powerful entity within the Warp. His current status is somewhat ambiguous, as various narratives depict him in different lights.
He is often portrayed as a master manipulator and a figure of immense power, commanding the Emperor’s Children and leading them in their depraved quests.
Fulgrim’s influence extends beyond mere military might; he is also a symbol of the dangers of ambition and desire.
His ongoing struggle with his own identity and the consequences of his choices provide rich material for storytelling within the Warhammer 40k universe.
Whether he is seen as a tragic figure or a villain varies among fans, but his legacy continues to shape the narrative of the Emperor’s Children and the broader Chaos factions.
With his full return to the setting imminent in the current canon, it won’t be long before we get a more fleshed out idea of his ideology.
What Are The Emperor’s Children Currently Up To?
The current state of the Emperor’s Children in the modern Warhammer 40,000 canon is one of anticipation and transformation, as they prepare for a significant resurgence in the tabletop game.
Current Goals:
- Pursuit of Perfection: The Emperor’s Children continue to embody their obsession with perfection and excess, often engaging in acts of hedonism and brutality in the name of Slaanesh. This pursuit drives their actions and influences their strategies on the battlefield.
- Chaos Influence: As a faction deeply entwined with Chaos, the Emperor’s Children are involved in various schemes and battles across the galaxy, often clashing with loyalist forces and other Chaos factions. Their decadent nature makes them unique among the Chaos Space Marines, focusing on sensory experiences and artistic expression in their warfare
Notable Emperor’s Children Characters
The Emperor’s Children boast a rich tapestry of notable characters, each contributing to the lore of this intriguing faction in unique ways.
Here are some of the most significant figures aside from their Primarch:
Lucius the Eternal
Lucius is one of the most infamous champions of the Emperor’s Children. Known for his deadly prowess in combat and his twisted sense of narcissism, he is cursed to live eternally, constantly reincarnating after death.
Each time he dies, he returns more beautiful and deadly than before. Lucius’s character embodies the themes of vanity and obsession with perfection, making him a key figure in the Legion’s pursuit of sensory experiences.
His exploits often lead him into conflict with both enemies and allies, as he seeks to prove his superiority.
Eidolon
The former Captain of the Emperor’s Children, Eidolon is a complex character known for his ambition and martial skill.
Initially a loyal servant of the Emperor, he embraced the chaos of Slaanesh and became a powerful figure within the Legion.
Eidolon is often depicted as a master of manipulation, using his cunning and tactics to further his own goals.
His rivalry with Lucius highlights the internal struggles within the Emperor’s Children, as they vie for status and favor in the eyes of their Daemon Primarch.
In recent canon, Eidolon has even known to have a contentious relationship with his own Primarch.
Fabius Bile
Fabius Bile is a notorious apothecary and a brilliant, albeit twisted, scientist of the Emperor’s Children.
Known as the “Clone Lord,” he is obsessed with perfection and seeks to enhance the genetic legacy of the Astartes.
Bile’s experiments have led to horrific creations and the manipulation of various genetic materials, including his own enhancements.
His pursuit of knowledge and power often puts him at odds with his own Legion, as his ambitions can overshadow the Legion’s collective goals.
Fabius Bile embodies the scientific curiosity and moral decay that characterize the Emperor’s Children’s descent into chaos.
Where To Start Reading About The Emperor’s Children?
If you’re looking to dive into the lore of the Emperor’s Children in Warhammer 40,000, there are several key sources that provide a comprehensive overview of their history, characters, and themes.
Here’s a guide on where to start:
Horus Heresy Series
The Horus Heresy series is crucial for understanding the origins of the Emperor’s Children and their fall to Chaos. Notable titles include:
- “Fulgrim” by Graham McNeill: This novel focuses on Fulgrim’s rise and his eventual corruption by Slaanesh, providing deep insights into the Legion’s character and motivations.
- “The First Heretic” by Aaron Dembski-Bowden: While primarily about the Word Bearers, it touches on the events affecting the Emperor’s Children during the Heresy.
The Siege of Terra Series
This ongoing series further explores the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, including the fates of various factions, including the Emperor’s Children. Key titles to check out include:
- “The Solar War”: This book covers the events of the Siege and features the Emperor’s Children in action.
Black Library Novels
Several standalone novels and short stories focus on characters from the Emperor’s Children:
- “Lucius the Eternal”: A short story that explores Lucius’s character and his obsession with perfection.
- “Fabius Bile”: This series delves into the twisted experiments and ambitions of Fabius Bile, providing a deeper understanding of his role in the Legion.
- “Eidolon”: Written by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, this novel explores the character of Eidolon, a Captain of the Emperor’s Children.
Ultimately the best source of new and updated lore on the Emperor’s Children will be in the new Emperor’s Children Codes set to release in 2025!
Image Attribution
Image 1 – Emperor’s Children (https://www.deviantart.com/lubial/art/Emperor-s-children-transformation-480767496) by Lubial (https://www.deviantart.com/lubial)
