u/Kalypso_Blue

Artwork by Valariy Vegera or Vladimir Kafanov

Said to have been trained by those who lived in the Himalayans before the construction the Imperial Palace. Zhi-Meng is the oldest and most powerful Astropath on Terra. He’s a living intergalactic communication system, that helped send and receive some of the most critical/secretive information during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. During the early stages of the Heresy, when Magnus tried to reach Terra and communicate with the Emperor. The psychic whiplash damaged many things, including killing many Astropaths. Magnus did nothing wrong but god damn it Magnus! This also gave visions, one of those visions was implanted into one of Zhi-Meng‘s students, Kai Zulane. Who was then captured by heretical Astartes. So Zhi-Meng sent Custodians and Yasu Nagasena to catch him before the information could get into the wrong hands.

During the siege of Terra, He accompanies Euphrati Keeler. Aiding her as she unlocked her psychic capabilities and navigating to safety while Terra burned. Now in the Scouring He is involved in the political circus, trying to figure out what to do after the Emperor has been put on the golden throne.

To read his stories, read “the Outcast Dead” by Graham McNeil. “The end and the death parts 1-3” by Dan Abnett. And “Ashes of the Imperium” by Chris Wraight.

Day 12: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/5uitiHIUJR

Artworks by Daniel Caballero, Misha Savier and Marta Dettlaff

There are many great characters and heros in the Horus heresy, but Shiban has to be on top of the list in terms of most underrated. Born Tamu of the Khin-zan tribe on the world of Chogoris. Tamu was inducted into the ordu Jaghatei and chose the name Shiban, as he joined the Brotherhood of the Storm. Through a decade of campaigning through the great crusade, he honed his skills and constantly remembering all of his teachings from his Masters like, Hasik Noyan-Khan and Yesugei. He would later become Khan of the Brotherhood even though some doubted if he was ready.

During the early stages of the Horus heresy, the White Scars stayed nutral until their Primarch could determine the facts of who was in the right and wrong. In doing this he visited Prospero after the massacre(Where they found Revuel Arvida😃) while that was happening most of the Terran born Scars who were apart of the warrior lodges plotted the overtake the ships and join Horus’s forces. Shiban found out about this scheme, and a battle commenced that nearly tore the chapter apart, until Jaghatai returned to stop it. In the process of battle, Shiban was gravely wounded. Virtually almost all of his body legs, arms, eye were replaced by cybernetics. Throughout that process, he became a lot darker and hated the Scars who betrayed the brotherhood. But yet he still never lost his humanity, honestly he is one of the most human and caring space marines ever written in 40k. His relationships with human characters like Cole, Ilya Ravallion and Katsuhiro prove that. Can go on and on, but this is getting long so

To read his stories read “Scars, Path of Heaven, Warhawk, and Homebound” by Chris Wraight. “Mortis” by John French. And “After the Dawn, The Darkness” by Guy Haley. I really wish he showed up in Ashes of the Imperium I think that’s him on the cover though, but I have no doubt he’ll show up in future Scouring books.

Day 11: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/2ErLDYmySA

Artwork by Darren Tan

Born on the Feral World of Drook, a planet filled with mists and bogs(Scotland if it was a planet). Grawnya carries the traditions of her world where ever she goes, a huge warrior clad plaided clothes and baring a dirk blade. She was made chief and leader of the of the Drookian 711th Regiment sent to aid the Cadian Gate during the 13th Black Crusade. Her accent, behavior and tradition led her into some conflict with some of the Cadians. As the people of Drook did not use paper. They carry their history, traditions, names etc in woven clothes or would pass it on orally. This led to some budding of heads as the Cadians would accuse the Drookians of being thieves and illiterate. But literacy doesn’t really matter on the battlefield, and she proved her tenacity and earned the respect of Minka Lesk, eventually being transferred to her regiment due to some unfortunate circumstances. She’s become one of the lead figures in the Cadian 101st.

To read the rest of her story, read “Shadow of the Eighth, Hell’s Last and Fen Guard“ by Justin D Hill

Day 10: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/084NOKb1FR

Artwork by reclusiarch-orm

Te Kahurangi is arguably the oldest living loyalist(Non-dreadnought) Astartes, giving even Dante a run for his money. As he’s said to be 3 generations removed from his wandering ancestors, the Space Marines exiled during the Great Crusade. If true, that would make him thousands of years old. He’s an ancient warrior that will do whatever it takes to keep the existence of his chapter alive. Mentoring many warriors through out his life time including current warriors like, Tyberos, Kahu, Akia, Bail Sharr etc. But most importantly Khauri, who is the future of the Chapters Librarius.

Born on an Ocean world, Te Kahurangi was gifted with extremely powerful and unique void/aquatic based psychic abilities. He’s essentially the second in command of the Carcharodon Astra, though he knows his time left in the material world is short, he will make sure the foundations are stable so that is chapter will live on.

To find out more about him and the rest of his story read “Red Tithe, Outer Dark, Void Exile and A Tithe of Shadows” by Robbie MacNiven. Along with “Silent Hunters” by Edoardo Albert

Day 9: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/aG4taKKsvK

Artwork by LJ Koh

Mithryan was there when the Chapter was founded, when they stripped the livery of the White Scars for the dark hue of blue. When First Chapter Master Angnar was given the twice bladed Axe of Jaghatai Khan that would become the badge of the Chapter. He was there when there home world was founded

And now that dark home world has been invaded by corrupt Admech of the Collegio Titanicus who have already slaughtered half of their Chapter. Now a broken Chapter on the brink of annihilation, Mithryan and his sergeant, Aekin. Must lead Ansar Company against the lead Warlord Titian. As the rest of the chapter fights an armada Titan forces. From founding to ending he will stand with the chapter no matter what.

Read “The Blind King” by Paul Kearney, very well written story that shows how helpless it feels fighting against Titians

Day 8: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/9QeZnPGaxm

Artwork by Nicholas Kay

“We care for the wind in our hair, the blood of our foes, the ferocity of our assault. And after death, we sleep, because the battle is done. And that was enough.”

Nergui, Captain of Watch Company Vigil. Was investigating a scene after one of his squads “Kill team Primus” was ambushed and killed. Prior to the ambush the kill team had discovered that the Tau, had created a new battlesuit. The “KV128 Stormsurge” a terrifying new weapon, and they also had a whole facility that was manufacturing these new battle suits. The watchtower in the system could not spare enough battle Brothers to take on such a threat. So Nergui came up with the idea to go to Chogoris and ask the White Scars for aid. That being the 4th Company, The Tulwar.

Nergui is a White Scar, true and true. He treats his Assault Bike “Ganbold” as if it’s a living Chogorian horse. And is constantly saying poems and haiku’s every other sentence. To see how this story turns out read “Storm of Damocles” by Justin D Hill

Day 7: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/CI9oLzNGdb

Artwork by Misha Savier

A Void Born of the Jovian Void-Clans of Jupiter, Su-Kassen came from a long line of highly decorated naval officers. She earned the admiration of Primarch, Rogal Dorn. And served by his side for decades, forming a very close relationship with him and other members of the Imperial Fists like Archamus. During the Horus Heresy, she was placed in his command hierarchy and inner Cadre, Being one of his most trusted war advisors/generals. But she wasn’t just trusted and respected by him, but multiple Primarchs including Jaghatai Khan, Sanguinius, and even the likes of Malcador The Sigillite, Being present in war councils and asked for her opinion as they prepared for the inevitable battles to come in the Solar system.

During the early stages of the Heresy her daughter, Khalia Su-Kassen Hon II. Was Captain of the Thunder Break a ship apart of the Sons of Horus Expeditionary Fleet and lost all communication after the betrayal. This was a major distraction as she worried for her during her preparation for war. Eventually when Dorn went to Terra, all control of the Phalanx, the Imperial Fists fortress monastery, was given to her. With control of the ship she played a great role in lifting the Seige of Terra. During the Secouring Era, she was made a High Lord of Terra.

To learn her story read “The Solar War” by John French and “Ashes of the Imperium” by Chris Wraight

Day 6: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/6Tmt8Oj0Xt

Artwork by reclusiarch-orm

When the Emperor was creating the XIXth Legion he recruited the majority of them from the Xeric tribes of the Asiatic Dustfields(what was the Pacific and its surrounding lands) once brought to heel by Big E and his Thunder Warriors, the tribes were forced to hand over all of their first born sons. One of those Sons, mostly likely being Arkhas Fal. The culture of the Xeric was one of savagery brutality, not tolerating weakness and ruling over their vanquished foes with all seeing eyes. This culture bled into the Legion and the Emperor tasked them to use their skills to conquer the rest of Ursh(Asia/Central Asia) in which they did and killed the Tyrant of Ursh, Kalagann. The XIXth worked closely with the the Luna Wolves, and with the Wolves noticing some of the warriors unnaturally pale skin, black eyes. Along with painting Asiatic Dust on their faces and armor, they were given the Titles “Pale Nomads and Dust Clad”

When Corax was brought to his Legion he saw them akin to the slavers of Deliverance, and wished to make the Legion with his own ideals and not the Xerics brutality. He removed many of the Terran born marines from leadership positions, but those deemed too high ranking or dangerous to remove, Like Arkhas Fal. Who had lead the legion for decades before their Primarch came. Were sent on nomad predation fleets to the furthest edges of the galaxy, exiled and banished.

Some speculate he went on to form what is now known as the Carcharodon Astra, the Space Sharks.

To read some of his lore, read Horus Heresy book 3: Extermination.

Day 5: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/KIL2cwxEzo

Artwork by pheedraws and refinedstorage/silverjackdaw

Once a young Sergeant of the Ultramarines 2nd Company during an invasion of a splinter fleet of Hive Fleet Leviathan in the Recidious System. Gadriel lost command of his squad to the now returned Lieutenant Titus. With the loss of his command and the secrecy of his new leader. Gadriel became increasingly suspicious of Titus‘ actions, constantly and consistently questioning his orders and his motives. After several more missions together these two did form some kinda of trust.

Some time later, during the defence of Hive Mordica, Gadriel rallied a battered Astra Militarum line with rousing speeches and strengthened their resolve against an overwhelming Tyranid attack, saving a critical gate and earning now Captain Titus’ personal recommendation that he carry the Second Company’s battle standard after the loss of their previous Ancient. Some thought him too young for such an honor, that it was too early for that type of promotion and that his hunger for battle may get in the way of his duty. But with the backing of his Captain and his skills he proved that he can uphold such an honor. Wherever on the battlefield the Captain fights, the 2nds Banner flies high and Gadriels voice rings loud and clear to invoke his battle brothers.

To learn more about him play the game Space Marines 2 and read “500 Worlds” Campaign book

Day 4: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/er0YvwpCub

Artwork by theartofsunnie

He was there when prometheus took fire from the gods.

Diocletian or Dio for short, is one of the oldest and original Custodians that was made by the Emperor. He was there when most of the first Empires were conquered in the Unification Wars, he was there when the first Custodian died, he lived a life too long for mortal minds but became an immortal myth. He’s a fascinating character and I found it absolutely hilarious that he HATES almost any living thing that is not the Emperor or one of his golden brothers and sisters. He was some what justified in his beliefs in my opinion.

It’s said that Custodians can not dream but Dio could. He was different from other Custodians and the Emperor asked him personally to record these dreams. In time Dio wrote books like the “Diocletian Exemplar” and “The Master of Mankind” which went into great depths about the history, culture and creed of the Custodes. Even going as far as speaking on stories and things about the Emperor that only the Custodians would know. His monologue about Guilliman is one of my favorite reads ever and will leave you speechless like damn did he really just say that. His words make me think, maybe if the Emperor would have listened to him things might have been different.

To know his story read “The Master of Mankind” and “The Carrion Lord of the Imperium” by Aaron Dembski Bowden

Day 3: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/ScJw0Moljf

Artwork by unknown/possibly Marc Lee. If you know the artist, drop their name.

Arguably the most captivating protagonist I’ve ever read in a 40k book, Anuradha personifies the grimdark reality of every day living in 40k, how normal humans are stuck between the giant footsteps of ether augmented or warp related gods. Born a life bound thrall/helot to the Mantors Chapter, those titles just meaning slave/servant. She was born to endure hardship for the betterment of her Astartes oversears. The chapter did give opportunity to those serfs who showed aptitude in certain criteria or were gifted. She worked her way up through their caste system, working alongside various Marines of the chapter until eventually becoming Helot Secundus(Combat Serf) for Lieutenant Commander Amadeus. She was gifted many body augmentations, but the most significant one was her bionic eye, which enhanced all aspects of her mind and was also a secret weapon.

She was brought along with Amadeus on their voyage across the rift to rendezvous with the Adeptus Vaelarii(Emperors Spears and Celestial Lions). How will her time in Elara‘s Veil and the storm world change her…

To find out about Anuradha‘s story, read “Spears of the Emperor” by Aaron Dembski Bowden.

Day 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/HF0YVIXUdF

Artwork by unknown/possibly Marc Lee. If you know the artist, drop their name.

Stoic, measured, robotic, are all words you can use to describe Amadeus. He hails from a Chapter that carries almost as many secrets as the Dark Angels, The Mentors Legion. Who have and test secret advanced weapons for the Imperium. Like most of Astartes he was taken as a child, indoctrinated, reborn and remade to become a perfect soldier. Being conditioned and forbidden from even thinking or speaking about their past lives. He was given a task to cross the Great Rift and meet the Adeptus Vaelarii (The Emperors Spears and Celestial Lions) but unknown to him there are other agendas attached to his mission. He grows from a calculating machine of a Marine, to a man who begins to question. I’ve read a lot of 40K books, and I’d have to say Spears of the Emperor might just be my favorite.

So to learn the rest of Amadeus‘s story read “Spears of the Emperor” by Aaron Dembski Bowden.

Day 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/s8vGTDUTTG

Artwork by Hossein Afzali

Alrightttttt, so similar to Black history month back in February, it’s Asian & Pacific Islander Month in America. So I want to celebrate by showing off artwork and Lore of some of my favorite and relatively underrated API WarHammer40k Characters for the entire month. Starting with, Sa’Kan!

A member of Squad Va’Lok of the 3rd Company, his squad was sent to a planet in the Pariah Nexus to reinforce the Ultramarines and take back the city. But when Sa’kan arrived, the city had virtually been lost to the Necrons. The Salamanders 3rd Company is known as one of the most brutal and merciless units within the Chapter. Some may say their actions are very un-Salamander like, but they do the dirty work and the necessary cleansing. Sa’Kan being from that Company, you would assume he would be coldhearted, but he still holds true to the teachings of Vulkan and is a kind/understanding individual who prioritizes life, which is displayed in the story.

To see his full story watch the Warhammer animated series “Pariah Nexus” and “The Tithes”

Previous cultural heritage month: https://www.reddit.com/r/ImaginaryWarhammer/s/oHk4fsbqdr