Sanguinius

Biodata

Background and history

On Baal, Sanguinius was revered as an angel by the people of the planet and its moons. He privately feared that the wings they admired might cause the Imperium to regard him as a dangerous mutant 124. When he sensed an approaching visitor but could not foresee who it was, he prepared Baal to receive them 124.

Sandman arrived to bring him into the Imperium. Their first meeting was courteous, despite an earlier psychic encounter in which Sandman’s predatory Warp Projection had swallowed the power Sanguinius used to probe him 124 125. Sanguinius agreed to travel to Terra and meet the distant 9th Legion there. Before departing, he accepted Raven Guard training for recruits selected from Baal and its moons, recognizing that his Legion needed stronger reconnaissance and intelligence capabilities 125.

Sanguinius refused to abandon the 9th Legion despite its reputation and the genetic flaw known as the Black Thirst. He resolved to reform his sons into a noble Legion and seek a remedy for their condition 125. He later gave Sandman a case of naturally shed wing feathers; Sandman preserved them as potential psychic links for contacting, locating, or awakening him during a future Warp crisis 126.

After Korax disappeared during an expedition into Nurgle’s Garden, Sanguinius followed his instructions and became the Imperium’s third Emperor 231 232. He governed from Terra with Malcador through prolonged wars and remained beside the Golden Throne while efforts were made to awaken his father 253 261 266. The administrative burden frustrated him, and later discussions selected Guilliman as the prospective fourth Emperor 253 288 289.

Appearance

Sanguinius has a tall figure, long golden hair, a strikingly handsome face, and broad white feathered wings. His bearing and the holiness perceived in his soul reinforce Baal’s belief that he is an angel 124.

• Wings — Carry him in flight; their white feathers are carefully maintained 124 126.
• Demeanor — His greeting to Sandman is marked by formal, precise courtesy 125.
• Presence — As Emperor, his aura is described as warm and holy, in contrast to Sandman’s sharp aura of death 233.

Personality

Sanguinius is protective of both Baal and his Legion. He accepts Imperial help after arranging his homeworld’s affairs, but insists on taking responsibility for the 9th Legion’s flaws rather than rejecting its warriors 125. He is also practical about reform: although the Legion excels at frontal close combat, he welcomes Raven Guard instruction in skills it lacks 125.

His loyalty to the Emperor persists into his reign. When Sandman attempts to enter the Emperor’s consciousness, Sanguinius readily accepts the task of guarding the Golden Throne, even though it gives him only a small part in the effort 261. His devotion coexists with open frustration at being confined to Terra by the work of governing 253.

Abilities and skills

Prophecy and psychic power

Sanguinius possesses powerful psychic abilities, including prophecy and psychic sight 124 126.

• His usually reliable prophecy fails to reveal Sandman’s approach; the psychic power he directs toward the visitor is swallowed by Sandman’s Warp Projection 124.
• He ends his psychic observation of Sandman before the projection can harm him 125.
• His psychic strength is notable, but the traits of his power are unsuited to teaching the Blood Angels the Raven Guard’s Shadow Step 125.

Flight and perception

• His wings allow him to fly from Baal’s desert toward Angel’s Castle 124.
• His dynamic vision lets him watch Sandman’s arriving fleet and craft from the ground 125.

Leadership

• He accepts instruction from another Legion where it can address the 9th Legion’s weaknesses in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering 125.
• As third Emperor, he governs during wars against the Necrons, Tyranids, Orks, and other enemies while working with Malcador on Terra 232 266.

Equipment and items

• Spear of Telesto — Identified as one of his weapons 288.
• Blade Encarmine — Identified alongside the Spear of Telesto 288.
• Shed wing feathers — A Bloodwood case containing flight feathers, contour feathers, and coverts was given to Sandman for possible use as psychic links 126.

Relationships

• The Emperor — His father; Sanguinius remains devoted to him and helps guard the Golden Throne during an attempt to awaken him 124 261.
• Sandman — Retrieved him from Baal, offered protection and recruit training, and later became a familiar ally in Imperial leadership 125 233.
• The 9th Legion / Blood Angels — His genetic sons. He refuses to abandon them over the Black Thirst and undertakes their reform 125.
• Korax — Named Sanguinius as his potential successor before entering Nurgle’s Garden; Sanguinius became third Emperor after Korax disappeared 231 232.
• Malcador — Shares the burden of governing from Terra and watching over the Emperor 253 261 266.

Notable quotes

“No matter how terrible a Legion the Ghouls may be, I will not abandon them. I will find a way to solve the genetic flaw of the Black Thirst!” 125