Zhuang Sen

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Zhuang Sen (庄森)
Alias(es)	Lion El'Jonson; Lion King; Lord of Knights; First Returned Son
Species/Race	Primarch
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Imperium; First Legion / Dark Angels
Occupation/Role	Primarch of the First Legion; Lion King; Warmaster
Status	Active
First Appearance	76

Background / History

Zhuang Sen was discovered on the forest world of Caliban, where he led a knightly order before being reunited with Mordred and Russ. He quickly learned that he had nineteen other siblings and the Emperor as his father, a revelation that delighted him despite later learning troubling details about the Imperium and his Legion's future. His openness and lack of calculation made him unusually approachable among the Primarchs, and he became fast friends with Mordred. 76 77

He valued Luther deeply and opposed losing him after Mordred's body-snatching rebirth procedure gave Luther a new body. Zhuang Sen reassured Luther that the transformation could allow him to receive Space Marine enhancement, though Luther responded by punching him. 78 79

During the Rangdan campaign, Zhuang Sen and the First Legion held Cadia through a brutal war of attrition. He trusted Mordred to bring reinforcements rather than withdraw until the fifth defensive line was nearly lost; Atlas and the Imperial fleet eventually arrived through a Webway Gate. 141

Zhuang Sen long sought the title of Warmaster, not merely for personal status but to prove himself worthy of the Emperor and win recognition for the Dark Angels' sacrifices. He insisted that he would attain it openly and honorably. 142 151 204 He was later recognized as Warmaster, though Guilliman held the position vacant during Zhuang Sen's absence. 284 308 310 348

Following the Great Heresy, Zhuang Sen initially opposed Guilliman's plan to split the Legions. Once Guilliman split the Ultramarines first, however, he agreed to divide the Dark Angels rather than break his word. The resulting Fall of Caliban ended with the Lion King disappearing after indiscriminate artillery fire struck his own Legion. 308 309

After returning, he admitted that he and other Primarchs had used Mordred's hidden supplies to rebuild the Imperium and support the devastated Iron Hands. Despite Mordred's anger, Zhuang Sen continued supplying him with equipment and worked alongside him in subsequent campaigns. 333 334

In the later Imperium, Zhuang Sen served as a principal military and security leader. Guilliman assigned him the Great Purge, a role for which his ruthless methods and the Dark Angels' skill at uncovering secrets made him particularly suited. 349 He later secured the Sol Sector while Guilliman handled Imperial administration and Mordred reopened the route to the Maelstrom. 371

Appearance

Zhuang Sen is a towering, powerfully built blonde Primarch whose presence is compared to that of a bloodthirsty lion. In knightly attire, he can resemble a noble and heroic lord; when unkempt, he is marked by wild blonde hair, scruffy stubble, and a greatsword at his waist. 76 77 235

• Blonde hair and scruffy stubble. 235
• Intimidating gaze capable of making ordinary people tremble. 76
• Massive physique; described as an exceptionally strong “macho man.” 76
• Usually associated with knightly symbols, a cloak, and a greatsword. 204 235
• Has dark-green-associated power and an affinity for Caliban’s forests. 332 397

Personality

Zhuang Sen is optimistic, energetic, and sincere. He enjoys corny jokes, looks forward to the future, and is genuinely excited by the prospect of family. His innocence and straightforwardness sharply contrast with Mordred's calculating nature. 77

He is also proud, competitive, and deeply invested in honor. His fixation on becoming Warmaster stems from a desire to prove himself to the Emperor and to secure glory for the Dark Angels, rather than simple ambition. 151 204 He dislikes being considered a barbarian, although he often responds to provocation with direct violence and blunt threats. 77 349

After his long absence, Zhuang Sen becomes more relaxed and rational. He stops dwelling on matters he cannot resolve, while retaining his instinct to protect his brothers and act decisively against threats. 348 381 396

Abilities & Skills

Forest Walk

Zhuang Sen can travel through forest-like spaces and use the technique to reposition himself and others.

• Can rapidly extract allies from danger; he used Forest Walk to drag Sanguinius and others back to their ships during Mordred's Warp-storm-induced loss of sanity. 289
• Can teleport an entire Space Marine Chapter across star systems, making it a strategic-scale mobility weapon. 397
• His inner forest is described as a personal “Gensokyo” or miniature divine realm that he will not lose. 397

Magic Resistance

The Lion King possesses exceptionally high resistance to supernatural and Warp-based effects.

• He was the first to react when Mordred ascended to godhood and lost control. 397
• His resistance is described as “maxed-out.” 397

Combat Prowess

Zhuang Sen is an overwhelmingly powerful close-combat Primarch who considers himself invincible in ground combat.

• His signature technique is Lion's Head Fist, used when accused of being a barbarian. 77
• He wields a knightly greatsword and can fight with dual pistols when mobility or ranged pressure is needed. 235 284
• He fought alongside Sanguinius against Horus by riding on Sanguinius's back and providing pistol fire while the angel flew. 284
• He is capable of beating powerful opponents through direct physical force and describes his bond with Tom as one built through “fists meeting flesh.” 477

Leadership and Security Operations

Zhuang Sen commands the Dark Angels through personal authority and is effective in direct military action.

• The First Legion's members rapidly formed an Inner Circle around him after his arrival. 77
• He maintained five defensive lines during the Rangdan invasion and held Cadia until reinforcements arrived. 141
• He was entrusted with the Great Purge, using the Dark Angels to root out looters, rebels, and concealed threats. 349
• He prioritizes reducing casualties when planning the defense of the Sol Sector. 371

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Knightly greatsword — his principal melee weapon. 235
• Dual pistols — used during the battle against Horus. 284
• Confession — a sidearm gifted by Mordred; it contains a sealed daemon weapon spirit that Zhuang Sen trained into a catgirl-like form. 448
• Knight's insignia — a symbol of his knightly identity and personal pride. 204
• Emperor-approved toilet plunger — used during Mordred's soul-reconstruction treatment for Luojia. 394

Relationships

• Mordred — Second Brother and closest counterpart. They became fast friends on Caliban, fought together in major campaigns, and repeatedly support one another despite arguments, manipulation, and disputes over Mordred's resources. 77 141 333 369 396
• The Emperor — biological father. Zhuang Sen seeks to become a son the Emperor can be proud of, but openly questions the Emperor's judgment and leadership. 77 79 204
• Luther — adoptive father and trusted aide. Zhuang Sen refuses to abandon him, even after Mordred remakes Luther's body. 78 79
• Roboute Guilliman — brother, political counterpart, and frequent rival. They clashed over splitting the Legions but later cooperated in governing and defending the Imperium. 308 309 371 385
• Sanguinius — brother and battlefield partner. Zhuang Sen combined his ground-combat strength with Sanguinius's flight during the fight against Horus. 284 289
• Russ — brother whom Zhuang Sen frequently calls a barbarian or “dog,” yet regards without genuine ill will and considers a reliable backup. 237 394
• Luojia — sister whom Zhuang Sen helps protect and restore after her corruption. He ultimately respects her choice to reject godhood. 391 394 396
• Tom — Mordred's son and a fellow combatant. Zhuang Sen considers their relationship a life-and-death friendship forged through fighting. 142 477

Story Role / Major Arcs

Caliban and Reunion with the Primarchs

Zhuang Sen reunites with Mordred and Russ on Caliban, learns of his immense family, and begins integrating with the wider Imperium. He also confronts difficult truths about the First Legion and relies on Luther as a prospective aide. 76 77 79

Rangdan Campaign

As the Rangdan invasion threatens Cadia, Zhuang Sen holds the line with the First Legion, coordinates with Mordred's Atlas forces, and seeks a way to break the enemy Battle Moons' defenses. 141 142 144 151

Struggle for the Warmaster Position

Zhuang Sen's desire to become Warmaster remains a recurring source of pride and frustration. He rejects opportunistic paths to the title, seeks recognition for the Dark Angels, and later takes the position. 142 204 271 284 308

The Legion Split and Fall of Caliban

He confronts Guilliman over the Astartes Codex and the division of the Legions. Though he ultimately agrees to split the Dark Angels, the aftermath culminates in Caliban's destruction and his disappearance. 308 309

Return and Reconstruction

After returning, Zhuang Sen helps rebuild Imperial strength with Mordred and Guilliman. He undertakes the Great Purge, contributes to military expansion, and assists in managing the post-Heresy Imperium. 333 334 349 369

Sol Sector and the Search for Lost Brothers

Zhuang Sen manages Terra during Guilliman's incapacitation, secures the Sol Sector, investigates Dorn's possible location on Inwit, and joins missions through the Webway and demon realms. 381 385 387 475 477

Trivia

• Zhuang Sen automatically assumes insults directed at “barbarians” are aimed at him. 77
• He sincerely believes Mordred embodies the Eight Virtues of a knight, despite Mordred's reputation among others. 294
• He is highly capable in war but struggles with administrative work; managing Terra alone leaves him exhausted and overwhelmed. 381 382
• He has a habit of calling himself the eldest brother and takes that role seriously, even when his siblings mock his ambition. 204 361