Laying Down The Lore: 40K
Join Dhar, Cral and Ben as they explore the vast and often absurd lore of Warhammer 40,000. The hosts mix informative discussion with irreverent humour and plenty of tangents. Episodes cover factions, characters, events and background from the grimdark universe. It is aimed at both newcomers and longtime fans of the setting.
Episodes
Catachan Jungle Fighters | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 79, we explore the Catachan Jungle Fighters, the legendary Astra Militarum regiments forged on one of the Imperium’s deadliest Death Worlds. We discover how simply surviving childhood on Catachan produces exceptional soldiers skilled in tracking, infiltration, fieldcraft and close-quarters warfare, and how strong family bonds create a fiercely independent mil
The Black Library | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 78, we explore the Black Library of Chaos, the hidden Aeldari repository containing perhaps the galaxy’s greatest collection of knowledge concerning the Warp and the Ruinous Powers. Concealed deep within the Webway, the Library is simultaneously archive, fortress and containment complex, guarded by Harlequins, mysterious Guardian-Scribes, White Seers and its
Imperial Navigators | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 77, we explore the Navigators, the mutant aristocracy whose hereditary gifts make the Imperium’s vast interstellar civilisation possible. We examine the mysterious Navigator Gene and Warp Eye, which allow these long-lived mutants to perceive the Immaterium, follow the Astronomican and guide starships safely across otherwise impossible distances. We delve into
Tau First Sphere of Expansion | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 76, we explore the First Sphere of T’au Expansion, the centuries-long Great Expansion that transformed a recently unified species into an interstellar empire. Driven by the Greater Good and coordinated through the caste system, the T’au established their first colonies and seven new Septs, developing distinct centres of military power, science, industry and d
Imperial Law Enforcement | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 75, we explore the Lex Imperialis and the Adeptus Arbites, uncovering how law, justice, and punishment function across the Imperium of Man. We examine the vast body of Imperial law that places loyalty to the Emperor, payment of the Imperial Tithe, and the survival of the Imperium above all individual rights, revealing a legal system where heresy, sedition, mu
The Tyranid Synapse | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 74, we explore Synapse, the psychic command network that transforms the Tyranid Hive Fleets from countless individual monsters into a single, galaxy-spanning superorganism. We examine how the Hive Mind projects its will through overlapping webs of Synapse creatures, from towering Hive Tyrants and the legendary Swarmlord to Tyranid Warriors, Broodlords, Zoanth
Leman Russ Tanks | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 73, In this episode, we explore the Leman Russ Battle Tank, the rugged armoured workhorse that has formed the backbone of the Imperial Guard for over ten thousand years. From its rediscovery during the Great Crusade and naming by the Space Wolves to its mass production across Forge Worlds and Hive Cities, we examine how a simple yet remarkably durable Standar
Infamous Genestealer Cults | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 72, we explore some of the most infamous Genestealer Cults in Warhammer 40,000, revealing how each twists the Tyranid infestation into its own unique ideology of rebellion, faith, and annihilation. We begin with the cybernetic Bladed Cog, whose corrupted Tech-Priests fuse flesh, machine, and Tyranid biology, before crossing the wastelands with the Rusted Claw
Adeptus Ministorum | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 71, we explore the Ecclesiarchy—the Adeptus Ministorum—the vast state church that transformed the Emperor of Mankind from a secular ruler into the divine God-Emperor worshipped across a million worlds. We trace the faith’s origins from Lorgar’s forbidden teachings and the aftermath of the Horus Heresy to its rise as one of the Imperium’s most powerful institu
Haemonculus Covens | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 70, we descend into the nightmarish world of the Haemonculus Covens, the most twisted and depraved faction within Drukhari society. Ancient even by Aeldari standards, the Haemonculi are masters of fleshcraft, torture, poisons, and resurrection, wielding such complete control over life and death that they hold immense power within Commorragh. We explore their
Officio Assassinorum Temples | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 69, we descend into the shadow war of the Imperium by exploring the deadly Assassin Temples of the Officio Assassinorum—the Emperor’s secretive order of sanctioned killers tasked with eliminating threats too dangerous for armies or fleets to confront openly. From the brutal indoctrination of Schola Progenium recruits to the creation of assassins stripped of i
C'tan Shards | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 68, we explore the ancient horror of the C’tan Shards—the broken remnants of the Necrons’ former gods, beings of living cosmic energy born alongside the universe itself. Once star-devouring entities drifting between suns, the C’tan were given physical form by the desperate Necrontyr and manipulated them into the catastrophic process of biotransference, creati
Third War for Armageddon | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 67, we explore the Third War for Armageddon, the apocalyptic return of Ghazghkull Thraka and the greatest Ork invasion the Imperium had ever faced. After decades spent studying Imperial weaknesses through raids, guerrilla wars, and terrifying new technologies like the “tellyporta,” Ghazghkull returns to Armageddon with thousands of warships, Space Hulks, and
Second War for Armageddon | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 66, we explore the Second War for Armageddon, the colossal Ork invasion that transformed the hive world into one of the bloodiest battlefields in Imperial history. The story begins with the rise of Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka, whose near-fatal head wound and bionic reconstruction on the world of Urk sparked his belief that he was chosen by Gork and Mork to lea
First War for Armageddon | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 65, we explore the First War for Armageddon, the cataclysmic Chaos invasion that transformed the industrial hive world into one of the Imperium’s most cursed battlefields. What begins as civil unrest and food riots quickly spirals into apocalypse when the Space Hulk Devourer of Stars emerges from the Warp, unleashing Angron, Daemon Primarch of the World Eater
The History of Armageddon | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 64, we explore the war-torn world of Armageddon, a toxic industrial hive planet whose very existence is defined by endless conflict and staggering strategic importance to the Imperium. From its secret origins as the Ork world of Ullanor—relocated and stripped of its past—to its transformation into a fortress of industry and war, we trace how Armageddon became
Legio Astorum Titans | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 63, we explore the god-engines of the Imperium through the lens of the Collegia Titanica and one of its most daring Legions—Legio Astorum, the legendary “Warp Runners.” We break down how Titan Legions operate as semi-independent military orders of the Adeptus Mechanicus, from their rigid command structures and sacred battlefield formations to the immense phys
Snakebite Klan Orks | Warhammer 40K Lore
Click here to watch the 'Lineage' mini-series, out now.In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 62, we look into the Snakebites, the most traditional and primitive of the Ork Klans, who reject advanced technology in favour of beasts, choppas, and the brutal “old ways” of Ork culture. We explore their tribal lifestyle, harsh initiation rituals involving venomous snake bites, and their reputat
Imperial Planetary Governors | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 61, we explore the role of the Imperial Planetary Governor, the Imperium’s ultimate local authority and the individual responsible for ruling entire worlds in the Emperor’s name. Part monarch, part warlord, and part bureaucrat, governors wield near-absolute power so long as they fulfill their most critical duty: paying the Imperial Tithe in soldiers, resource
Aeldari Aspect Warriors | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 60, we delve into the ritualised art of war practiced by the Craftworld Aeldari through their legendary Aspect Warriors—elite specialists who embody shattered fragments of their war god, Khaela Mensha Khaine. We explore the Path of the Warrior, where citizens don the “war mask” to become masters of a single, hyper-focused discipline, and examine how Aspect Sh
Doom of Mymeara Pt6 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 59, we look at the aftermath of victory on Betalis III. Inquisitor-Lord Danzk uncovers the terrible truth behind the entire war when Imperial forces seal themselves inside a mining forge to hunt down Aeldari survivors—only to discover the conflict was never about conquest at all, but a desperate mission by Craftworld Mymeara to recover the ancient remains of
Doom of Mymeara Pt5 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 58, as Betalis III teeters on the edge of annihilation, the war finally begins to turn. With Imperial survivors clinging to life in the lethal glare of their system’s star, the Eldar Corsairs’ dominance suddenly fractures as massive Imperial reinforcements arrive, spearheaded by the Space Wolves of Bran Redmaw, whose brutal void assault shatters the pirate fl
Doom of Mymeara Pt4 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 57, on Betalis III, the war reaches a breaking point as Battle Group Odon makes its stand on the frozen Alacian Plains against the overwhelming forces of the Aeldari. What begins with a fleeting morale boost—the rare downing of an Aeldari fighter—rapidly descends into disaster as disciplined Craftworld Mymeara air assaults tear Imperial armour apart and force
Doom of Mymeara Pt3 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 56, we look at the escalation of the Betalis III conflict as the Aeldari Corsair invasion moves from shadow war to full-scale catastrophe. In the void of the Betalis System the naval battle sees the Imperial defence platform Watchful Saviour and the outnumbered Imperial fleet overwhelmed by superior Aeldari manoeuvre warfare, culminating in the platform’s des
Doom of Mymeara Pt2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 55, we start with the covert Eldar attacks that silently cripple the planet’s surveillance network through destroyed relay stations and night raids, leaving Imperial forces blind and shaken. We cover the return of General Myndoras Odon of the Cadian 6th Armoured Regiment, who recognises the raids as a deliberate prelude to a larger campaign ultimately aimed a
Doom of Mymeara Pt1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 54, we start our dive into the Betalis Campaign with a look at the history and strategic significance of Betalis III, an icy mining world illuminated by a vast blue giant, detailing its origins as the doomed home of a young reptilian xenos species destroyed long ago by Irillyth and Craftworld Mymeara, the planet’s later rediscovery by the Imperium during the
Herald of Oblivion Christmas Special
In our Warhammer 40K episode 53, Dhar surprises the lads with a mission direct from the Emperor himself. We play the Path to Victory book Herald of Oblivion, a choose your own adventure style… well, adventure. Combating both heretics and Dhar’s dyslexia the lads try their best to reunite with their squadmates while fighting through successive waves of Necrons, Orks and Tyranids. Join us for a fest
Meles Astorum Lore Pt2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 52, we look at the changes wrought on the chapter during their reforging and the suspiciously high number of Star Badgers who survived the Rubicon Primaris. We explore the structure of the reborn chapter and their Clawpacks (companies) by focusing on two of the five full strength Clawpacks they currently have. The Ashmoon Clawpack is led by the Great Claw-Mas
Meles Astorum Lore Pt1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 51, we pick up the story of the Meles Astorum after their supposed destruction at Uras’drekh. Far from gone, the Star Badgers dragged the wreck of Luna’s Vigil to the surface of their death world, Samarkand, and went underground – literally. For centuries they became a whisper, sustained only by scraps of relic-tech and a trickle of recruits from the planet’s
Intro to Meles Astorum | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 50, we dive into the Meles Astorum, better known as the Star Badgers, a fleet-based Chapter first whispered about during the early millennia of the Imperium. We track their rise from brutal boarding specialists in the Jarnhost Reaving, through their reputation for tunnel warfare at Gaulus Red, to the infamous Howling Iron Pact that nearly broke them with ques
Adeptus Astartes: Vehicles | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 49, we turn our attention to the armoured fist of the Adeptus Astartes: their vehicles. We open with the towering Dreadnoughts, half-hero, half-sarcophagus, entombing fallen warriors who continue the fight in adamantium shells. From there, the heavy rumble of tanks follows, with predators, vindicators, and their brutal kin forming the iron heart of an armoure
Adeptus Astartes: Command | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 48, we turn the auspex squarely on its commanders. We start off with the Chapter Master, an Avatar of the chapter's spirit and master of its terrifying resources, before turning to the Captains who direct entire companies with the aid of their Lieutenants We then shift to the Librarians, Psykers who wield the immaterium as both weapon and shield. Both lad
Adeptus Astartes: Primaris Squads | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 47, we take a look at the ridiculous number of squads one can field as part of a Primaris Chapter. We start with a brief look at the Ultima Founding that leads to the Indomitus Crusade, a mission to reunite the fractured Imperium of Man. We note the distinct changes in the revised Codex Astartes, mostly all squad members use the same type of weapon and the 1
Adeptus Astartes: First Born Squads | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 46, we take a look at all of the squad types found in a codex compliant space marine chapter. Working our way from Newly minted scout we track the path a marine takes through the chapter. Starting with the scouts and their vehicles we move to a marine’s true ascension to becoming a Devastator marine. Once they have mastered the heavier weapons of the chapter
Adeptus Astartes: Making a Marine | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 45, we take a look at the gene-seed implants required to elevate a recruit to a neophyte within Chapters. We explore the use of Progenoid Glands, located in the throat and chest of each Astartes which mature after 5 and 10 years. We look at the process used to create all implants from the Gene-seed and the rough timescales involved and, in dire circumstances,
Adeptus Astartes: Recruitment | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 44, we take a look at the meticulously structured process for Space Marine recruitment. We look at how Chapters select recruits from specific homeworlds or regions, seeking individuals who demonstrate exceptional strength and unwavering loyalty. We explore preferred recruitment worlds such as Feral and Hive Worlds, known for producing robust and aggressive ca
Adeptus Astartes: The Legiones Astartes | Warhammer 40K Lore
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LDTL CHAPTER!In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 43, we start at the launch of the great crusade and the generic Order of Battle used by the 20 legions before experience and the rediscovery of their primarch changed them. We touch on the schism between those astartes recruited on Terra and those who came after their Primarch was rediscovered. We look at the structure of a C
Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 4: The Primarch Project | Warhammer 40K Lore
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LDTL CHAPTER!In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 42, we start with the creation of the Primarchs, the reasons that led the Emperor to command their creation and the mysterious Erda who aided him. We look at how the Emperor's own genome was used and altered and the other “biological material” mixed in… gross. After they mysteriously disappeared their genomes were then
Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 3: Thunder Warriors | Warhammer 40K Lore
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LDTL CHAPTER!In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 41, we launch with a look at the context for the Emperor's Unification of Terra and the needs and forces that required the Thunder Warriors. We have a gander at the organisation of their 20 legions, foreshadowing, and the abilities and flaws of their powerful and muscular frames. We then face their end by delving into t
Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 2: Terra Pre-Unification | Warhammer 40K Lore
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LDTL CHAPTER!In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 40, we open our discussion on the state of Terra during the Age of Strife together with its prime rival, the Technocracy of Mars. We explore the cultural impacts of this dark age and how it informed the base culture of the Imperium of Man. We detail the rise of the Emperor with the help of his BFF Macador the Sigillite and
Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 1: Early Dev & Lore | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 39, we dive into the Adeptus Astartes with a brief summary of Episode 13 and 14 defining what a chapter, company and squad look like together with the most common arms and armour they field. We then take a real world turn and look at the early publication of the Space Marines and the setting of the Imperium of Man. This covers the original designers notes fro
The Badab War Part 6 | Warhammer 40K Lore
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LDTL CHAPTER!In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 38, we start with the trials of the secessionist chapters, in a special consistorial court, and look at those who vouch for and against the Lamenters, Executioners, and Mantis Warriors. The Astral Claws receive the harshest sentence when their many crimes against the Imperium and the Codex Astartes are laid bare. We discuss
The Badab War Part 5 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 37, we look at the transformation of the Astral Claws from a group of frustrated warriors to heretics. We follow the loyalist forces, beginning their final assault on the Badab sector at Piraeus, fighting a costly battle against a secessionist counter attack. The ring of steel is taken down in typical Fire Hawks style, opening up the path to Badab Primaris, t
The Badab War Part 4 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 36, the imperium brings its full weight to bear on the Badab conflict. We look at the initial deployment of four further loyalist space marine chapters to the war under the leadership of the Red Scorpions. The initial probing attacks result in an offer of parlay at the cheerfully named ‘Grief’ system but somewhat predictably it was a trap, though set by whom?
The Badab War Part 3 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 35, the imperium brings its full weight to bear on the Badab conflict. We look at the initial deployment of four further loyalist space marine chapters to the war under the leadership of the Red Scorpions. The initial probing attacks result in an offer of parlay at the cheerfully named ‘Grief’ system but somewhat predictably it was a trap, though set by whom?
The Badab War Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 34, we launch into the opening salvos of the Badab War proper. We examine the tactics and temprement of the Fire Hawks and their penchant for genocide, and the expanding ambitions of the Karthan lords. The Marines Errant join the fray for the loyalists and the Executioners reluctantly join for the secessionists. We look at the hit and run tactics of the Manti
The Badab War Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 33, we whip the plaster off the general 40K lore journey with a look at the first hot marine-on-marine campaign published a mere 6 months after 40K Rogue trader was published. We start with a generalised look at the Maelstrom zone and the establishment of the Maelstrom Wardens. We look at the many crusades, invasions and Xenos purges in the centuries before t
Leagues of Votann Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 32, perhaps the most convoluted faction, at least in their publication history, we dive into the saga of the Squats. We look at their initial formation taken from a direct port of fantasy dwarfs into the Rogue Trader era 40K, touching on their origins as generational colonists sent to the galactic core. We touch on their social structures and methods of warfa
Tau Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 31, we continue our dive into the Tau. We start with an exploration of all 6 spheres of Expansion together with some of the hijinks that ensued and the impact of the Tau Goddess on a certain Death Guard army, the fate of the 4th expansions fleet and the liberation of the Startide Nexus. We take a brief look at the Supreme Ethereal Aun’Va and its manipulative
Tau Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 30, we dive into all things Tau, Cral’s newest favourite faction, starting with their introduction into the games and their social structure A.K.A. the Tau Caste System and how that affects their position and skills within the overall Tau Empire. We explore the role and purpose of Tau Ethereals together with their mysterious origins and the concept of “The G
Necrons Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 29, we take a further look at the Necrons of the 40K universe (as opposed to the Necrons of other universes...). We start with a discussion on what happened during the 60 million year Great Sleep and the origins of some of the more aggressive necron troops. We then run through the most recent events from the return of The Silent King to the uncharacteristic B
Necrons Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 28, we have a brief look at the entire history of the 40K universe. We start with the C’tan and the Old Ones before diving into the Necrontyr, a down on their luck race from the radioactive Halo Stars. We look at their galactic expansion, their encounters with the Old Ones and their numerous succession wars. The War in Heaven is started and nearly lost by the
Orks Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 27, we start with a brief recap of the 6 clans and a bit of an analysis on some of the more unique troop types. We then have a look at some of the larger, and older, campaigns that have included Orks from Ullanor and the Great Beast to the 2nd and 3rd, or 1st and 2nd, battles for Armageddon. We touch on the rise of Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka and the hysterica
Orks Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 26, we dive into a brief history of Ork origins before painting ourselves red and battering through their Kulcha. We look at their society, the foundations of their armies and their most esoteric members. We then run through the 6 “clans” that define not only their way of life but also their way of War. throughout we have a bit of bants on the form and nature
Tyranids Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 25, we look at the most common forms of tyranids lifeforms and their roles within an invasion force. From Ripper swarms to the Carnifex we discuss some of the more esoteric forms that have evolved from their “humble” beginnings in 2nd/3rd edition. We then explore the four great tyrannic wars that have so devastated the Imperium and the role the machiavellian
Tyranids Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 24, we welcome you to the first of our two part summary of the Tyranids. The not at all Xenomorph inspired faction from Starcraft Warhammer 40K. We examine who the tyranids are, where they are from, their forms and weapon symbiotes. We close out the episode with a look at how they process a world from an arboreal sphere of goodness to barren rock of badness.
Genestealer Cults Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 23, we delve deeper into the Genestealer Cults and look at how they expand beyond their borders and corrupt the various institutions on a given planet. We look at how they take over a Planetary Defence Force and prepare the planet for the return of the Star Children. We then catalogue the many and varied troop types and heroes such cults have at their disposa
Genestealer Cults Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 22, we dive into all things Genestealery. From their hallowed origins in the pages of Rogue Trader to their first appearance in plastic as the enemy within Space Hulks. He look at the early army lists and methods of deploying their associated cults, including chaos cults. We then explore how communities become infected with the Genestealer Cults and they type
Harlequins Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 21, we sashay into the topic of Harlequin Troupes, masters of the webway, balletic violence and protectors of the Black Library. We explore their evolution, tactics and purpose. We look at the Death Jesters, Shadow Seers and Solitaires and their abilities. We close out the episode with a fun-time chat about the role they will play in the end of all things.
Drukhari Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 20, we veeeeeery carefully look at the webway city of Commorragh and its inhabitants, the Drukhari. We explore their origins and the formation and expansion of their dreaded city. We look at the 3 main power groups; Drukhari Kabals, Wych Cults, and Haemonculus Covens, and the ruler of the city, Asdrubael Vect.Show notes Chat with us on DiscordPatreon
Aeldari Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 19, we look at the history of this once majestic race. Originally pitched and branded as “Space Elves” we move from their origins as space pirates to the fateful issue of White Dwarf 127 where Craftworlds appeared fully formed. We dive into the quagmire of their fall and perhaps spend a bit too much time focused on the Death Orgy phase. We take a gander at As
Chaos Mortals Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 18, we follow the fate of those legions that fell to Chaos during the Horus Heresy. We briefly describe the events of 10,000 years for all nine before turning our attention to their evolving organisation and their Daemon Primarchs and the Arch-Warlord, Abaddon the Despoiler. We summarise the campaigns of the despoiler, the Black Crusades. We then pivot to exp
Chaos Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 17, we explore the concepts and manifestations of Chaos, the Primordial Truth. In turn we examine the four malevolent warp entities that plague all of the races in the galaxy, the Gods of Chaos; Slaanesh, Nurgle, Khorne, and Tzeentch. We detail their purviews, powers, and pantheons as well as their capacity to influence the galaxy. We look into the Lost and
A Necromundan Day | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 16, we ask what life is like on an Imperium World? To answer this question we focus on the storied world of Necromunda. We take a look at the planet as a whole before concentrating on the “capital” of the Palatine Hive. We look at the social hierarchy and the lives of the planet’s rulering power, House Helmwar. We then descend through the hive exploring the l
Custodes & Sisters of Silence Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 15, we take a look at the history and structure of the Adeptus Custodes, the elite cadre of genetically-engineered transhuman warriors who serve as the bodyguards of the Emperor of Mankind. We look at their use through the time of the Imperium and their new role as part of the Indomitus crusade. Next, we very carefully approach the Sisters of Silence, an all-
Space Marine Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 14, we look at the more ‘specialist’ forces of the Adeptus Astartes. We first look at more specific foundings, and their confusing order, and their requirements changed to fit a new darker imperium, such as the Exorcists, and examine the motivations in their creation. We pause briefly to discuss awful sounding words before looking towards the Inquisitors of t
Space Marine Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 13, we start with a look at birth of the modern Space marine chapter; The Codex Astartes and the Second Founding. We dig into what is involved in founding a Space Marine Chapter and what organisational structure each Codex Chapter and its companies. We examine the iconic arms, armour, and vehicles of the Astartes. We then turn from creation to maintenance and
Adeptus Mechanicus Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 12, we look at the kingdom within the Imperium, the techno-feudal sociopaths of the Adeptus Mechanicus. We delve into their origins, their motivations, their love for the knee-healing Emperor, and their fall from grace during the heresy. We look at their political status with the Imperium and their hate/hate relationship with the Ecclesiarchy. We briefly exam
Imperium Military Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 11, we take a broad and expansive peek at the the Imperial Guard AKA the Astra Militarum AKA cannon fodder. We look at the composition and formation of the Regiments and briefly discuss some of the more famous units and regiments, all under the watchful eyes of a Commissar. We look askew at the noble yet filthy abhumans that serve alongside the true human war
Ecclesiarchy Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 10, we look at the perfectly reasonable and not at all fascist faithful of the Imperium of Man. Starting with the Ecclesiarchy, AKA Space Church, we look at the history and structure of the Cult Imperialis and just how many imperial institutions it has tendrils in. We turn to the Ecclesiarchy’s militant arm the Adepta Soroitas. We delve into the history and
Imperium Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 9, the first of an 8 part look at the contemporary Imperium, we look at the unsung heroes and objectively horrific villains that keep the Imperium ticking. We dissect this bureaucracy into 5 parts; The Adeptus Terra, the Astronomican, The Navigators, The Rogue Traders and the Adeptus Arbites. We look at how each is formed, what they do and, with extreme over
Horus Heresy Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 8, the second part of our extreme summary of the Horus heresy, looks at three major conflicts that defined, in part at least, the course of the war. The Battle of Molech sees a knight house turn traitor at the best (or worst) moment and Horus is re-re-born… again… The battle of Tallarn, where Peter Barro, Primarch of the Iron Warriors seeks the Black Occulous
Horus Heresy Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 7, the Horus Heresy begins in earnest as we look at the events that lead to it, if your name is Davin we don’t like you. We look at the destructive warning of Magnus, who may or may not have done anything wrong, and the subsequent purging of Prospero by the Space Wolves. We explore the background for and the events of both the Isstvan III atrocity and the dro
History of Mankind Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 6, we look at the main players between the Unification War and the end of the Great Crusade. We discuss the origins and actions of the Emperor from his birth to the conquering of Terra and his understandable, but objectionable, culling of the warriors that got him there. We explore the role that Primarchs play, even after their disappearance, and the birth of
History of Mankind Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 5, we take a summarising stroll through thirty thousand years of human history. Starting with the Age of Terra we discuss the diaspora of humanity and the generational ships they used. The Age of Technology sees the advent of warp travel, the "coincidental" birth of Navigators and the ultimate collapse of the interstellar human empire thanks, in par
Introduction to the Galaxy | Warhammer 40K Lore
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 4, we look at the Galaxy within which 40K is set, our own Milky Way A.K.A Gerald. We explore the 3 “realities” that share the space and discuss the importance of psychic lighthouses. We next discuss the administrative area of the Imperium of Man, the 5 Segmentae and their locations. Finally, we look at the classifications of planets and their biomes, civilisa
Warhammer 40K Lore Development Part 2
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 3, we have two goals. The first is to detail the expansive change in the game since the mid 90s, from 3rd to 9th edition. We examine each edition in turn and look at the arrival of new factions and races together with game-play innovations. Dhar discusses how the inconsistencies and gaps within the setting have been weaved together to form a holistically, tho
Warhammer 40K Lore Development Part 1
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 2, we look at the first two editions of Warhammer 40K. The setting launched with Rogue Trader where the setting was very much “of its time”, mid to high sci-fi with a comic book feel and the most convoluted, perhaps even fractured, ruleset which Dhar still loves. We explore the many ways in which the game evolved and look at the key releases and books. Second
Warhammer 40K Lore Introduction
In our Warhammer 40K lore dive episode 1, Dhar begins with trying to encapsulate the past 40(ish) years of Warhammer 40,000. We look at the explosion of content from the first, comedy named including, edition to the apocalyptic levels of lore that have been used to populate the setting. What inspired the universe, *cough* Dune *cough* Hawkmoon *cough*, and what or who is the Emperor? We ask Dhar a
Trailer
Whether you're taking your first steps into the grim darkness of the far future or you've been collecting and reading Warhammer 40,000 for decades, Laying Down The Lore is your guide to the rich history, iconic factions, legendary characters and galaxy-spanning wars of the 41st Millennium.Join 40k veteran Dhar, alongside his brother Ben and friend Cral, two Warhammer newbies, as they explore the s
