Laying Down The Lore: 40K

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 identity and remade into living weapons, we uncover how the Imperium turned murder into a sacred instrument of statecraft. The episode breaks down the major temples and their terrifying specialisations: the shapeshifting infiltrators of the Callidus Temple, the godlike snipers of the Vindicare, the chemically crazed berserkers of the Eversor, the psychic-null horrors of the Culexus, and the poison masters, cyber manipulators, and hidden duellists of the Venenum, Vanus, and Adamus clades. Note: Please see episode 11 for a very brief intro to Assassins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠Show ImagesTheme Music

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, creating the Necrons and unleashing the apocalyptic War in Heaven. We follow the Necrons’ eventual rebellion against these godlike masters, examining the impossible technologies used to shatter the Star Gods into thousands of imprisoned fragments contained within Tesseract Labyrinths and Vaults. The episode then dives into the most infamous C’tan: the Nightbringer, whose slaughter shaped the universal fear of death itself; the Deceiver, architect of betrayal and manipulation; the machine-linked Void Dragon beneath Mars; the maddened Outsider lurking beyond the galaxy; and the Flayer, whose death curse created the horrifying Flayed Ones. Note: Please see episodes 28 & 29 for an introduction to the Necrons ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠Show ImagesTheme Music

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 asteroid fortresses known as Roks, overwhelming even the heavily fortified world rebuilt after the previous war. As Commissar Yarrick takes command of the planet’s defence, Armageddon descends into total war: hive cities are annihilated by falling asteroids, Titan Legions clash with Gargants, Black Templars wage desperate last stands at Helsreach, and Ork warbands spread chaos across an entire planet-sized battlefield. Yet the conflict only grows darker when the Great Rift isolates the system and Chaos erupts across Armageddon, transforming the war into a nightmarish three-sided struggle between Imperium, Orks, and daemonic invasions led by Angron himself.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 lead a galaxy-spanning Waaagh!. After uniting the tribes of his dying world and surviving a hellish Warp journey aboard a space hulk, Ghazghkull crashes into Armageddon and unleashes a planetary war of staggering scale. As the incompetent Governor Herman von Strab bungles the defence through arrogance and denial, Commissar Sebastian Yarrick emerges as the heart of Imperial resistance, leading the desperate defence of Hive Hades against endless Ork assaults, Gargants, and siege warfare. From doomed Titan charges and the fall of Hive Helsreach to the dramatic arrival of the Blood Angels, Ultramarines, and Salamanders under Commander Dante, the episode traces a brutal campaign of attrition, heroism, and urban warfare that culminates in the collapse of the Ork invasion. Yet even after Imperial victory is declared, Ghazghkull survives, the fighting drags on for years, and Armageddon itself is left permanently scarred—cementing both Yarrick and Ghazghkull as legendary enemies whose war is far from over.   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠  SHOW IMAGES0 - MAP - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 Eaters, alongside vast hordes of cultists, daemons, and traitor Space Marines. As Armageddon collapses into slaughter and corruption, the Space Wolves under Logan Grimnar rally desperate Imperial defenders for a final stand along the rivers Styx and Chaeron, culminating in the arrival of the Grey Knights and a brutal showdown that sees Angron banished back to the Warp at staggering cost. But victory only sparks a darker conflict: the infamous “Months of Shame,” where the Inquisition attempts to purge and sterilise Armageddon’s survivors to contain knowledge of Chaos, bringing them into open war with the Space Wolves themselves. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 6a - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 11a - 12 - 13 - 14Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 a magnet for galaxy-shaking invasions. The story follows the three great wars that define its legacy: the first, a nightmarish Chaos uprising led by the Daemon Primarch Angron that ended in brutal purges and enforced secrecy; the second, a colossal Ork Waaagh! under Ghazghkull Thraka that forged heroes like Yarrick amid apocalyptic battles; and the third, an even greater invasion that turned the entire planet into a permanent warzone of sieges, attrition, and unending violence.Note: Dhar got too excited and confused not only numbers but the Helsreach and Hades hives… What a tool… ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠⁠SHOW IMAGES⁠1⁠ - ⁠1a⁠ - ⁠2⁠ - ⁠3⁠ - ⁠4⁠ - ⁠4a⁠ - ⁠5⁠ - ⁠6⁠ - ⁠7⁠ - ⁠8⁠ - ⁠9⁠ - ⁠10⁠ - ⁠11⁠ - ⁠12⁠ - ⁠13⁠ - ⁠14⁠ - ⁠15⁠ - ⁠16⁠ - ⁠17⁠Theme Music: ⁠Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 physical and psychological demands placed on Princeps who bond with these living machines. From nimble Warhound scouts to city-levelling Imperator Titans, we examine how each class functions in war before diving into the unique culture of Legio Astorum, whose home world of Lucius and its doomed artificial sun have bred a philosophy of speed, risk, and fatalistic ambition. Known for pushing their Titans beyond safe limits, the Warp Runners became masters of rapid assault warfare, forging alliances with forces like Jaghatai Khan’s White Scars and fighting across the Great Crusade, Horus Heresy, and beyond. Note: Please see episode 12 for an introduction to the Adeptus Mechanicus ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES1 - 2 - 3a - 3b - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11a - 11b - 12a - 12b - 13 - 14 - 15a - 15b - 16 - 17a - 17b - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33 - 34Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 reputation as the greatest breeders of Grots, Squigs, and massive Squiggoths used in war. The episode also examines the crucial role of Runtherdz, the rare Orks patient enough to train Gretchin, Snotlings, and even alien slaves, before telling the strange story of Zodgrod Wortsnagga, the exiled Runtherd who created disciplined “Supa-Runtz” and became a wandering mercenary before firmly establishing himself as part of the Beast Snaggas, nomadic Ork hunters obsessed with tracking and killing the biggest monsters and war machines in the galaxy.Note: Please see episodes 26 & 27 for an introduction to the Orks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 4a - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 9a - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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, resources, and production. We examine how these rulers manage planetary economies, command Planetary Defence Forces, suppress heresy and mutation, and maintain devotion to the Emperor while balancing the chaotic politics of their own societies. Through case studies like Lord Gerontius Helmawr of Necromunda—an archetypal political manipulator who maintains stability through feudal power games—and the disastrous rule of Herman von Strab during the Second War for Armageddon, the episode reveals both the immense authority and the dangerous fragility of Imperial governance, where a single leader’s competence can determine whether a world thrives, collapses, or burns.Note: Please see episode 9 for an introduction to Imperium Bureaucracy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 7a - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 11a - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

Note: Please see episode 19 for an introduction to the Craftworld Eldar 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 Shrines train these fighters into living weapons guided by ancient tradition. From Exarchs—souls eternally bound to war within spirit-infused armour—to the immortal Phoenix Lords who are reborn again and again through sacred war gear, we unpack a martial culture built on precision, sacrifice, and survival. The episode also breaks down the major Aspects—from the balanced Dire Avengers and tank-hunting Fire Dragons to the stealthy Striking Scorpions, skyborne Swooping Hawks, warp-jumping Warp Spiders, and even the fighter-pilot Crimson Hunters—revealing how each plays a perfectly timed role in the Aeldari’s symphony of annihilation, where flawless execution means the difference between extinction and survival.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 20a - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26Theme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

In this week’s Warhammer 40K lore dive, 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 a fallen Phoenix Lord buried beneath the planet’s surface. As Danzk’s servitors spy on a ritual deep in the tunnels, psychic forces awaken the legendary warrior, unleashing spectral Aspect warriors who tear through Imperial defenders with terrifying precision. Amid desperate last stands, daring escape attempts, and brutal close-quarters slaughter, the newly reborn Phoenix Lord leads a final assault that collapses the forge itself, killing Tech-Priest Mydeaus and dooming the Imperials’ last stronghold. In the episode’s haunting conclusion, the Mymearan Farseer reveals through a psychic interrogation that the planetary war was merely a diversion to reclaim their ancient hero, before the Eldar escape victorious—leaving Danzk condemned by his own Imperium even in death, his final fate a grim reminder that in this war, no side truly wins.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESAeldari Art: Farseer - Warlock - Spiritseer - Shadow Spectre 1 - Shadow Spectre 2 Imperium Art: Tauros VenatorAeldari Miniatures: Shadow Spectres - Exarch - IrillythTheme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

In this week’s Warhammer 40K lore dive, 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 fleets and drives straight for the planet. On the ground, drop pods crash into the Tormus Delta, where Space Wolves and Company Retribution fight side by side in a savage canyon war of ambushes, Wraithguard horrors, and heroic last stands, while to the east an unexpected Eldar strike nearly massacres civilians at Aresta IV before hidden Elysians and Imperial air power force a desperate withdrawal. Above it all, the conflict crescendos in a continent-spanning duel of god-machines as Legio Gryphonicus hunts down and destroys the last Eldar Titans in a running battle through ice storms and mountain highways. Bloodied but unbroken, Imperial armour and air power finally overwhelm the exhausted Eldar hosts, forcing a system-wide retreat through the webway and bringing the Battle for Betalis III to a hard-won, devastating victory for the Imperium.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESMaps: Ice Canyons - Ice Canyons 2Imperial Forces: Space Wolf Dreadnought - Imperial Defenders - Elysian Drop Trooper - Elysian Vehicles 1 - Elysian Vehicles 2 - Valkyrie SkytalonAeldari Forces: Dire Avengers - Wraithguard - Wraithseer - Howling Banshees - Fire DragonsTheme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 General Odon into a desperate, controversial gamble: splitting his forces to face two advancing Craftworlds at once. As Company Vengeance is mauled by precision strikes, ambushes, and internal chaos, the god-machines clash with Aeldari Phantom Titans, culminating in the annihilation of a Warhound in a terrifying display of xenos power. To the south, Company Retribution barely reaches the shelter of the Tormus Delta, only to be drawn into a brutal canyon war of ambushes, Warp Spider massacres, and relentless attrition. Just as Imperial resistance teeters on collapse, a new Aeldari force breaks away toward the Tarundor Isthmus for reasons no one can explain, leaving the episode on a grim cliffhanger as Odon realises the darkest hours of the campaign are still ahead.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESMap: Battle of the Alacian PlainsImperial Forces: Leman Russ - MachariusAeldari Forces: Wasp - Hornet - Warp Hunter - Lynx - Cobra - Scorpion - Warp SpiderTitans: Aeldari Battle Group - Imperial Battle Group - Warhound - Reaver/Phantom comparisonTheme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

In this episode 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 destruction and Aeldari orbital dominance. We then explore the first major ground engagement at Alnitac Prime, a massive refinery embedded in a glacier whose control is vital to the Tarundor Isthmus. There, Battle Group Empteda withstands repeated Aeldari air and ranger assaults before deliberately sacrificing itself by detonating the facility, triggering a cataclysmic explosion that annihilates the glacier, devastates Aeldari forces above, and denies them the strategic high ground. Though entirely destroyed, Empteda’s stand buys crucial time for Imperial forces to regroup, marking the battle as a grim but purposeful act of sacrifice in the wider war for Betalis III.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESThe Betalis System - Betalis IIIImperial Orbital assets: Defense Platforms, Docking Station, System Ships, Fury StarfighterAeldari Voidcraft: Darkstar Fighters - Aconite Frigate - Hellebore FrigateMap of Battle of Alnitac PrimeAeldari Vyper JetbikeHydra Anti-Aircraft tank - Praetor Armoured LauncherCyclops Demolition Vehicle - Cyclops MiniatureTheme Music: Military March Adventure by Antracto

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 at Betalis IV, and responds by consolidating forces, deliberately provoking the enemy, and requisitioning all available manpower and equipment despite political opposition. As shortages worsen, penal troops, cartel guards, and depleted armoured units are pressed into service, while the refusal of reinforcements from Betalis IV is abruptly resolved by the arrival of Inquisitor-Lord Hestaphus Danzk, who arrests obstructive officers and brings powerful new assets, including Titans and Elysian Drop Troops. With Eldar raids escalating into open daylight attacks, Imperial forces reorganise into battle groups and prepare for the transition from shadow war to full-scale conflict.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESMapArvus LighterMalcador InfernusCrassus And Chimera TransportsAstra Militarum Regimental StructureLeman Russ - Leman Russ Vanquisher - Macharius Heavy Tank - Ogryn SquadMarauder Destroyer - Thunderbolt - Imperial PilotHornet - Wasp - Vampire - Warp Hunter

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 Omniel Crusade, and its harsh colonisation under exploitative debt-labour conditions. We recount the discovery of an ancient Aeldari craft entombed in the ice, the subsequent Ordo Xenos lockdown, and the world’s transformation into a major industrial resource hub whose population remains bound by hereditary servitude. We then shift to the events leading up to the 894.M41 Betalis III Campaign—known to the Eldar as the Battle of the Dawning Twilight—where multiple Aeldari factions converge on the system and the Imperium responds by mobilising Cadian and Elysian regiments, Titans of Legio Gryphonicus, and eventually the astartes of the Space Wolves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESThe Doom of MymearaThe Betalis SystemAeldari CorsairsCraftworld GuardiansCorsair FelarchRT Corsair ArtImperium ForcesWar Griffons Warlord TitanWar Griffons BannerShadow Spectre Aspect Warriors

In this special video episode 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 festive tale of grimdarkness featuring a new member of our group … Leeroy Cralkins!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠

Cover art by Modyer, big love xIn our final episode on the Star Badgers, for the time being, 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-Master (Chaptermaster) and his advisors, all of whom were with the chapter when they “landed” Luna’s Vigil on the planet. We then dive into the Ironfang Clawpack and call out the different types of squad and their leaders, finally revealing the Identities of Cral’s and Dhar’s proxies (as well as Scott’s, Hi Scott!). We will be rejoining the Star Badgers in due course… We have a lot of plans for our chapter…⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESThe Fortress Monastery of the Star BadgersStar Badgers reforgedGuilliman returns

Cover art by Modyer, inspired by the original Rogue Trader artwork.In this episode 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 cavern tribes and the return of their Deathwatch Heroes. We explore Samarkand and its inhabitants and what life looked like for the shadow-chapter: no more than two hundred warriors at a time, most little more than scouts, fighting xenos incursions and tribal wars with the tenacity of predators in the dark. This is the Badgers at their most mythic – isolationist, secretive, and driven by survival, their culture hardening into ritual silence and devotion.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESSurface of SamarkandStar Badger Scout

This episode 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 questions of purity and trust. Along the way, we highlight their odd blend of feral assault doctrine and proto-Space Wolf ritualism, plus some of the darker moments like the Fangblood trials. All of it builds to their doomed final stand during the Fall of Uras’drekh in M39, when they gambled everything to crush a Necron dynasty before it could awaken fully – and paid the ultimate price. It’s a tale of ferocity, stubborn survival, and a Chapter remembered more for how it fell than how it lived.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESMeles Astorum Tactical MarineMeles Astarum Tactical Sergeant Space Marine Battlebarge (Ultramarine Chapter)Exorcist Grand Cruiser (Luna’s Vigil)

Our final image heavy episode on the breakdown of a chapter rumbles forward as 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 armoured column. Taking to the skies, we explore the Chapter’s formidable aircraft, both gunships and transports, before bombarding the enemy lines with dedicated support and artillery pieces. We close by winding back to the Horus Heresy, tracing how these machines of war have devolved from the Age of Darkness to the current Imperium highlighting that the technological echoes of a golden era that has long since rusted away.Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESWarsuitsDreadnoughtsRhino VariantsLand Raider VariantsFlyersPrimaris VariantsSupport WeaponsHeresy DreadnoughtsHeresy Vehicles

In episode three of our deep-dive into the structure of a Space Marine Chapter 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 lads coo with excitement as Chaplains stride across the field as voices of unshakable faith, while the Apothecaries provide the genetic lifeblood to ensure the Chapter’s survival from battle to battle. Rounding things out, we tinker with the role of the Techmarines, the iron-handed link between the machine cult and the sons of the Emperor. Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESCommandersCaptainsLieutenantsAncients LibrariansChaplainsApothecariesTechmarines

Part two in our "Give Cral and Aneurysm” series sees us taking 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 10th company is now a Vanguard company that is now also a scout company. We look at both the numerous Fire support and close support options together with associated Primaris versions of bikes and Landspeeder. We pause briefly to admire the Mario Kart Invader before closing out the episode with a look at the options available for both Battleline and Veteran Primaris squads.Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESScouts and Vanguard SquadsFire Support SquadsClose Support SquadsClose Support VehiclesBattleline SquadsVeteran Squads

In this nose-bleed-inducing episode 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 they progress to the role of an Assault marine mastering not only melee combat but also the fast assault vehicles such as bikes and landspeeders.  We progress forward with a look at the all-rounder role of the Tactical marine, a role that dominates the chapter, and their dedicated transports. We close out the episode with a look at the Veteran and terminator squads that comprise the 1st company. Phew… that's a lot of images for an audio medium.⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠⁠SHOW IMAGES⁠Space Marine Scout Squads⁠⁠Devastator Squad⁠⁠Assault Squads⁠⁠Tactical Squad⁠⁠Dedicated Transport Vehicles⁠⁠Command and Veteran Squads⁠⁠Terminator Squads

This episode 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, the use of male criminals kept in artificial gestation chambers used to accelerate gene-seed production. We then take a deep dive into all 22 implants and look at the differences between Firstborn and Primaris marines as well as some of the mutations that have arisen in certain Chapters over the years.Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGESList of ImplantsLocation of ImplantsRecruit undergoing Implantation

In this episode 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 candidates. We look at the mythic aura around the various types of selection trials, from the straight-forward mass duels to the death to the psychically induced acid trip of the more esoteric chapters. We close out with what it means to fail in the trials together with cultural impacts for those societies who produce a worthy candidate.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on DiscordPatreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES: NONE

CLICK HERE TO VOTE ON THE CHAPTER HERITAGE!⁠⁠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 Chapter, a central organisational block of each legion and the assets available to it. Touching briefly on the size and disposition of the Legiones astartes we skip to the end of the Horus Heresy examining what the Imperium was forced to abandon to survive, including the very Imperial Truth that rationalised the great crusade. We examine the changes wrought by Roboute Guilliman on the Astartes and wider military  organisations and the central reason for its necessity. Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES:Superhuman ScaleJes GoodwinAstartes LegionLegiones Astartes Force org chart

CLICK HERE TO VOTE ON THE CHAPTER LIVERY!⁠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 used to create the first round of Space Marines even as the Thunder Warriors were conquering Terra For the Emperor. Unleashed upon the world the Astartes finished Unifying the planet before being sent out into the wider galaxy. Along the way we give examples of their effectiveness during the later years of the Unification War at the fall of Orioc and destruction of Vhnori.Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠SHOW IMAGES:Superhuiman ScaleThe PrimarchsErdaLeeto “LE-2”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW CHAPTER HERALDRY & DOWNLOAD COLOUR SCHEME SCHEMATIC!We launch this episode 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 the battle of Mount Ararat at the supposed close of the Unification. Exposed for the lie it is, we then examine the morality of the creation of the Thunder Warriors and their culling at the hands of their allies (proving the Imperium to be built on a lie). We close out the episode with the final grasp of justice during the Palace Coup and fate of those Thunder Warriors who survived into the Heresy era. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠

⁠CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAV CHAPTER ICON!In this episode we go BACK … to the future! 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 his hidden fortress  in the Hymalayzian mountains. We touch on a few of the more notable states that were conquered during the Unification War and highlight that the fate of the Thunder Warriors was not the actual end of the war! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠

We start our 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 from White Dwarf 93 through the order of battle for the Dark Angels Raven Wing in WD 96 to the first full article on the Ultramarines in WD 97. We look at the organisation of the chapter as well as the implications for officers to transfer between chapters highlighting the early stages of lore. We close out with a summation of the in-setting reasons for the creation of the Astartes legions. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAV CHAPTER NAME!In this, our final episode on the Badab War, 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 how the various loyalist chapters are rewarded for their efforts with both the Star Phantoms and Fire Hawks taking governorships over sectors within the Maelstrom Zone and the Minotaurs retaining the bulk of Lamenters' materiel and vehicles. We close out with the dark fate of the Tranquillity system at the hands of the Carcharodons, the Edict of Obliteration enacted by Inquisitor Legate Frain, and the rise of a new threat within the Maelstrom; the Red Corsairs.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠

We launch our penultimate episode on the Badab war with a 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, the homeworld of the Astral Claws. We detail the final planetary assault and fall of Huron's Palace of Thorns. We close out with the pursuit of Huron and his bodyguard by the forces of the Star Phantoms.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠⁠Listen Ad-Free⁠

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? We discuss further battle fronts and campaigns opened up by the arrival of a further four loyalist chapters before the sudden combo of Ork WAAAGH and Chaos Raiders brings a brief interlude. We close out the episode with the arrival of the Minotaurs, the destruction of the Lamenters and Cral's inevitable nose bleed. Phew!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

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? We discuss further battle fronts and campaigns opened up by the arrival of a further four loyalist chapters before the sudden combo of Ork WAAAGH and Chaos Raiders brings a brief interlude. We close out the episode with the arrival of the Minotaurs, the destruction of the Lamenters and Cral's inevitable nose bleed. Phew!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

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 Mantis Warriors and the ultimately ill-fated battle on and above Bellerophon's Fall. With the space marine chapters engaging each other, the Karthan lords launch a final tithe raiding fleet, which ends in “hilarious consequence”. The failure of the loyalist forces draws attention from the High Lords of Terra itself, which dispatches a Triumvirate of Legates to adjudicate who is at fault and what needs to happen. We close out the episode with the “local issue” being upgraded to an official “rebellion”.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

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 the rise of Lufgt Huron and the supremacy of the Astral Claws. We dive into the trade wars with the Karthan lords and the programme of fortification Huron embarks on while withholding the Imperial tithes. Finally someone blows up a fleet and THEN the Badab War starts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

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 warfare. We take a sharp turn as their society is defined again via the Epic gaming system, before their ultimate demise at the claws and teeth of the tyranids… Only to be reborn as the AI loving cloners of the Leagues of Votann, which largely keep to their original lore. Finally we breakdown the tabletop forces of the Leagues of Votann from their commanders to their vehicles. Thus ends our introduction to Warhammer 40K. Cue fireworks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

In this episode 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 and deceitful ways before moving onto the mysteriously long lived rebel of the Tau empire; Commander Farsight. We look at the establishment of the Farsight Enclaves and their Anti-Ethereal stance. We close out the episode with a brief rundown of the units available to the Tau players on the tabletop including the Vespid Stingwings and the Tau Empires Human members. Turns out Cral’s not a fan of the Tau after all…⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

Finally, a light in the grim darkness! 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 Greater Good”, and what that means for tau and non-tau alike. We close out the episode with a discussion on their most common weapons and their allies and auxiliaries, in particular the Kroot.⁠⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

In this episode, 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 Blood Angel Brofest. We close out the episode with a brief look at the most notable dynasties and the troops a Necron Overlord can field in battle. Job done!⁠⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

In this episode 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 Necrontyr before aid comes from the “Star Vampires” and their entire race becomes Bender Bending Rodriguez. We then follow their victory against the Old Ones, the Enslavers, the rise of the Aeldari, Krork and others before ending with a bit of a nap. Phew…. It’s a lot.⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

We start the episode 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 hysterical Waaagh! Snagrod vs the incompetent defensives of the Crimson Fists. We close out the Ork intro with a brief rundown of their capacities and troops available on the tabletop. ⁠Show notes⁠ Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠Merchandise⁠Quartermaster 

WAAAGH! Yes, it’s the turn of the orks. We dive into a brief history of their 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 of “Freebooterz”.⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

Picking up from last episode 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 Inquisitor Kryptman plays in fighting this existential terror. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

CIARO! Welcome 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. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

Following on from last episode 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 disposal. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

In this episode 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 types of worlds such cults can thrive upon.⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

In this episode 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. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠Chat with us on Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠

In this episode 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 Discord⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠⁠Quartermaster ⁠