Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Outsider, an intact Star God, is revealed to be a threat that could alter the course of the war.
• Malcador, with his all-knowing cheat, is aware of the Outsider's existence and plans to lure it to the Mondus Sector.
• The plan is to have the Outsider destroy most of the forces in the sector, including the Necrons, Tyranids, and Chaos, ensuring the Imperium's survival with significant territory loss.
• The Emperor reveals that he tried to contact the Chaos Gods but found them missing. He concludes that the Outsider is the only unknown quantity left to disrupt the current situation.

Character Developments

• Hades and Guilliman are shocked and disbelieving about the Outsider's existence and Malcador's plan.
• Malcador shows reluctance and skepticism about the plan but agrees to lure the Outsider.
• The Emperor expresses his desire to save humanity from the vortex of fate one last time.

Significant Themes

• The theme of sacrifice for the greater good is evident in Malcador's and the Emperor's willingness to risk the Mondus Sector to ensure the Imperium's survival.
• The consequences of the Emperor's past actions and the potential repercussions of his plans are explored, highlighting the theme of accountability.
• The theme of uncertainty and the unknown is present in the search for the Chaos Gods and the introduction of the Outsider as a wild card.

Character Interactions

• Hades, Guilliman, and Malcador have tense and revealing conversations about the Outsider and the plan to lure it.
• The Emperor and Malcador have a tense dinner discussion about the plan and the Emperor's past promises.
• Mortarion's internal monologue reveals his jealousy and longing for peace, contrasting with his usual demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mortarion continues to fight on the battlefield, refusing to rest despite feeling an unsettling sensation from Barbarus.
• Stormlord Imotekh, a Necron Overlord, plans to challenge the Silent King's authority by using forbidden tactics, aiming to provoke Szarekh into focusing on their internal conflict rather than the war against the Imperium.
• The Silent King, aware of Stormlord's actions, is enraged but holds back from direct confrontation due to the ongoing war with the Imperium.
• Trazyn, a Necron Phaeron, argues with Orikan, a Star Seer, about the best course of action against the Silent King and Stormlord.

Character Developments

• Mortarion displays his determination to continue fighting, refusing to rest or delegate despite feeling unwell.
• Stormlord Imotekh shows cunning and ruthlessness in its plan to provoke the Silent King, demonstrating its willingness to use forbidden tactics to gain an advantage.
• The Silent King reveals its concern for the ongoing war with the Imperium, showing awareness of the potential threat posed by Stormlord's actions.
• Trazyn exhibits frustration and determination in its desire to challenge the Silent King's authority, showing a willingness to take risks to achieve its goals.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggles: The conflict between Stormlord and the Silent King highlights the theme of power struggles within the Necron hierarchy.
• Forbidden Tactics: Stormlord's use of forbidden tactics raises questions about the moral boundaries of war and the consequences of employing such tactics.
• Determination vs. Caution: Mortarion's determination to continue fighting contrasts with the Silent King's more cautious approach, reflecting the tension between immediate action and strategic planning.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion's interaction with Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, shows their close relationship and Mortarion's reluctance to rest or delegate.
• Stormlord's interaction with Orikan demonstrates the dynamic between a powerful Necron Overlord and a Star Seer, with Stormlord displaying dominance and Orikan showing deference.
• Trazyn's interaction with Orikan reveals their differing views on how to challenge the Silent King's authority, with Trazyn showing frustration and determination while Orikan remains more cautious.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hades faces a massive battle against the Necrons, led by the Silent King, with multiple Star God shards and Phaerons involved.
• Magnus, the Crimson King, is present and struggling to maintain a psychic barrier for his army's retreat.
• Hades releases his imprisoned Star God fragments (Void Dragon and Burner) to combat the Necrons.
• The Necrons use tesseract labyrinths to cage Hades, and Uncountable Ishu'dha attacks him.
• Hades kills Uncountable Ishu'dha and is then besieged by multiple tesseract labyrinths.
• Titans and Knights from the Adeptus Mechanicus charge into the enemy ranks to disrupt the Phaerons' cage.
• World Shaper Gola'Nia attacks Magnus, wounding him severely.
• Hades releases the Devourer, and the Silent King stands up to confront him.

Character Developments

• Hades demonstrates his power and resilience in battle, even against overwhelming odds.
• Magnus struggles to maintain his psychic barrier and is severely wounded by World Shaper Gola'Nia.
• The Silent King reveals its hatred for the Star Gods and prepares to confront Hades.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Star Gods, and the fear they inspire in other entities.
• The struggle between Hades and the Silent King, with Hades seeking to devour the Star Gods and the Silent King seeking to prevent their rebirth.
• The resilience and determination of Hades in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Hades and Magnus communicate telepathically, with Magnus urging Hades to retreat and Hades refusing.
• Hades and the World Shaper Gola'Nia exchange words before Hades kills it.
• The Silent King stands up to confront Hades, revealing its hatred for the Star Gods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Roboute Guilliman questioning Mortarion about the Lord of the Underworld's true nature.
• The Silent King reveals the history of the Star Gods and their eventual descent into chaos and cannibalism.
• The Stormlord, an amalgamation of Star God shards, attacks the Imperium's front lines, forcing the Lord of the Underworld to intervene.
• Mortarion and Guilliman discuss the potential risks of Hades losing control on the battlefield.
• Magnus receives Guilliman's message and witnesses the Lord of the Underworld clashing with the Silent King.

Character Developments

• Mortarion shows concern for Hades' well-being and the potential consequences of his actions.
• Guilliman demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability in planning for various scenarios.
• Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, reveals his awareness of the risks involved in his actions and his determination to support the Imperium.
• Magnus shows fear and uncertainty when facing the Stormlord's attack but is relieved by Hades' intervention.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of unchecked power and ambition, as seen in the Star Gods' descent into chaos.
• The importance of self-awareness and responsibility in the face of one's actions, as demonstrated by Hades and Guilliman.
• The struggle between order and chaos, represented by the conflict between the Imperium and the Necron.

Character Interactions

• Guilliman and Mortarion discuss the potential risks of Hades' actions and the need for adaptability in war planning.
• Hades and Mortarion share a moment of understanding regarding the potential consequences of Hades' actions.
• Magnus witnesses the Lord of the Underworld's intervention and feels relief and support from Hades' presence.
• The Silent King and the Lord of the Underworld face off, with the Silent King dismissing Hades as a mere monster.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silent King, Szarekh, confronts the Lord of the Underworld, Hades, revealing his power and intentions.
• Hades attempts to assassinate Szarekh but is interrupted by Magnus and Sanguinius.
• The Stormlord attacks the Silent King's fleet, causing chaos and giving Hades a chance to escape.
• Hades returns to the Imperium's flagship, where he falls into a coma after revealing that there's something outside the door.

Character Developments

• Hades (Lord of the Underworld): Hades' true form is revealed as a hybrid of a Star God and a Necron. He attempts to assassinate Szarekh but fails. After returning to the Imperium's flagship, he falls into a coma.
• Szarekh (The Silent King): Szarekh demonstrates his immense power and reveals his intention to shatter Hades, just as he did to other Star Gods in the past. He is briefly deceived by Magnus's trick but quickly recovers.
• Magnus (Crimson King): Magnus aids Hades by distracting Szarekh, allowing Hades to escape.
• Sanguinius (Angel of Death): Sanguinius helps Magnus and aids Hades by taking him away from the battlefield.
• Mortarion (Pale Lord): Mortarion is enraged when he learns that Hades went to face Szarekh alone. He blames Guilliman for not supporting Hades and is later confronted by a holographic projection of Guilliman.

Significant Themes

• Power and Hubris: Szarekh's immense power and his belief in his own superiority are shown. Hades, too, underestimates Szarekh's strength.
• Alliances and Betrayals: The Imperium of Man, the Necron, and the Chaos Gods all have shifting alliances and betrayals, with each side trying to gain an advantage.
• Sacrifice: Hades' decision to face Szarekh alone shows his willingness to sacrifice himself for the Imperium of Man.

Character Interactions

• Hades and Szarekh: Their confrontation reveals their power and intentions, with Szarekh showing his dominance and Hades' attempt to assassinate him failing.
• Magnus and Sanguinius: They work together to aid Hades, with Magnus distracting Szarekh and Sanguinius taking Hades away.
• Mortarion and Guilliman: Mortarion blames Guilliman for not supporting Hades, leading to tension between them. Later, a holographic projection of Guilliman appears, further complicating their relationship.
• Hades and Mortarion: Despite their differences, Mortarion shows concern for Hades' well-being and is enraged when he learns of Hades' actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Roboute Guilliman, the Lord Commander of the Imperium, encounters another version of himself from an alternate timeline.
• The alternate Guilliman offers an alliance to face the Necron threat, presenting the severed head of the Silent King as proof of their strength.
• The alternate Guilliman's Imperium has different official colors, etiquette, and territories, with a more powerful and obedient Mortarion as their representative.

Character Developments

• Roboute Guilliman is shocked and bewildered by seeing another version of himself, realizing the potential he could have become if he abandoned his moral bottom lines.
• The alternate Guilliman is more confident, charismatic, and manipulative, while the Imperium's Mortarion is more obedient and less chaotic.
• Mortarion is dismayed and angry upon seeing his alternate self, lamenting the path his life took.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of alternate choices and paths not taken.
• The struggle between morality and pragmatism in leadership.
• The dynamics of power and alliances in a multi-faction setting.

Character Interactions

• The two Guillimans engage in a tense verbal sparring match, with the alternate Guilliman attempting to persuade the Imperium's Guilliman to form an alliance.
• Mortarion from the alternate timeline interacts with the Imperium's Mortarion, expressing disdain and provoking him.
• Sanguinius, Magnus, and the Imperium's Mortarion observe the interactions between the alternate Guilliman and their own leader, each with their own thoughts and reactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mortarion is held captive on the Pride of Macragge, monitored by Guilliman and Mortarion.
• Guilliman reveals the Ultramarines' brutal internal competition system to maintain morale and efficiency in war-free years.
• Mortarion is given a room decorated in the style of the Death Guard of the current timeline, evoking complex emotions within him.
• Guilliman requests Mortarion's help at the front lines, promising to watch over Hades.
• The Necron, Zandrekh, launches a premature attack on the Imperium, starting a war that buys the Imperium some time.

Character Developments

• Mortarion: Struggles with envy and jealousy upon seeing a gentler version of himself. Feels disgust towards his other self and resolves to eliminate him.
• Guilliman: Shows concern for Hades' safety and requests Mortarion's aid, demonstrating his strategic mind and care for his allies.
• Zandrekh: Exhibits confused and erratic behavior, leading to a premature attack on the Imperium, revealing his instability.
• Obyron: Loyal to Zandrekh, takes responsibility for the General's actions to protect him, showing dedication and sacrifice.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Self: Mortarion grapples with his identity and the contrast between his true self and the gentler version he sees.
• Power and Control: Both Guilliman and Mortarion exhibit their power and control, with Guilliman maintaining the Imperium's efficiency and Mortarion asserting his dominance.
• Loyalty: Obyron's loyalty to Zandrekh and Mortarion's dedication to Hades highlight the importance of loyalty in this universe.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion and Guilliman: Their interaction is tense, with Guilliman trying to maintain control and Mortarion resisting his captivity.
• Mortarion and his other self: Mortarion's internal struggle is fueled by his interaction with his gentler other self.
• Zandrekh and Obyron: Their loyalty and bond are tested as Zandrekh's actions lead to a war, and Obyron takes responsibility to protect him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Konrad Curze, the Night Lords Primarch, foresees an impending disaster.
• Sevatar, Konrad's lieutenant, shows concern for a new Legion recruit, drawing Konrad's displeasure.
• Konrad and Sevatar encounter Necrons and suspect a connection to Chaos.
• In a flashback, Konrad's arrival on Nostramo and his subsequent purge of the planet's criminal underworld are recounted.
• Konrad imposes a new law on Nostramo, leading to a drastic reduction in its population.
• In the present, Corax, the Raven Guard Primarch, remembers his past with Konrad.

Character Developments

• Konrad: Struggles with his prophetic abilities, shows displeasure at Sevatar's attention to a new recruit, and reflects on his past actions on Nostramo.
• Sevatar: Shows concern for a new Legion recruit, interrupts Konrad, and displays a growing independence.
• Corax: Reflects on his past with Konrad, feels a sense of kinship, and prepares for battle.

Significant Themes

• Prophecy and its consequences: Konrad's prophetic abilities cause him distress, and his past actions on Nostramo have lasting effects.
• Justice and punishment: Konrad's actions on Nostramo highlight his belief in harsh justice, while Corax's actions on Deliverance show a similar, albeit more primal, sense of justice.
• Brotherhood and betrayal: Konrad and Corax share a complex bond, with Konrad guiding Corax and Corax eventually being ordered to kill Konrad.

Character Interactions

• Konrad and Sevatar: Their dynamic shifts as Sevatar shows more independence and interrupts Konrad, drawing his displeasure.
• Konrad and Corax: Their past is explored, revealing a complex relationship marked by guidance, kinship, and eventual betrayal.
• Corax and Guilliman: Corax follows Guilliman's orders, preparing to mobilize for battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Corax receives a mysterious warning from Guilliman about an "army with powers similar to Chaos" appearing on the battlefield, which will be both friend and foe.
• Konrad Curze encounters a Khorne Daemon Prince resembling Corax, which terrifies him.
• Corax arrives and faces his Khorne Daemon counterpart, who is confused and enraged.
• Konrad joins the fight, and Guilliman intervenes, ordering Corax to postpone his battle.

Character Developments

• Corax: Shows confusion and caution upon hearing Guilliman's warning. He faces his Khorne Daemon counterpart and demonstrates his combat skills and calm demeanor.
• Konrad Curze: Experiences fear for the first time when encountering the Khorne Daemon Prince. He summons Corax for help.
• Guilliman: Shows concern for Corax, warning him about the incoming army and ordering him to postpone his battle.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between friend and foe, reflecting the complex nature of alliances and the consequences of the Emperor's actions.
• The fear of the unknown and the power of psychological warfare, as seen through Konrad's reaction to the Khorne Daemon Prince.
• The struggle between nature and nurture, as Corax faces his Khorne Daemon counterpart and reflects on the love that helped him suppress his bloodlust.

Character Interactions

• Corax and Guilliman: They communicate through a comm-channel, with Guilliman warning Corax about the incoming army and ordering him to postpone his battle.
• Konrad and the Khorne Daemon Prince: Konrad encounters the Daemon Prince and is terrified by it. He summons Corax for help.
• Corax and the Khorne Daemon Prince: Corax faces his Khorne Daemon counterpart, demonstrating his combat skills and calm demeanor.
• Konrad, Corax, and the Khorne Daemon Prince: The three engage in a brief battle before Guilliman intervenes and orders Corax to postpone the fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces an alternate version of Mortarion, hereafter referred to as [Mortarion], from another destiny line.
• Hades awakens after his battle with the Silent King, hungry and in pain.
• Guilliman reveals the Imperium has formed an alliance with another empire to fight the Necrons, and [Mortarion] is an envoy from this empire.
• Hades decides to visit [Mortarion] despite Mortarion's warning not to.

Character Developments

• Hades: Recovers from his injuries and is determined to face [Mortarion].
• Guilliman: Becomes more understanding of the Emperor's perspective.
• [Mortarion]: Shows fear and unease at Hades' impending visit.

Significant Themes

• Alliances of Necessity: The Imperium allies with another empire to face the Necron threat, highlighting the theme of desperate alliances.
• The Emperor's Design: Guilliman's growing understanding of the Emperor's actions suggests a larger, interconnected plan.
• Fear and Powerlessness: [Mortarion]'s reaction to Hades' visit emphasizes the theme of fear in the face of overwhelming power.

Character Interactions

• Hades and Guilliman: They discuss the alliance and Hades' decision to visit [Mortarion].
• Hades and [Mortarion]: Their interaction is anticipated but hasn't occurred yet.
• Guilliman and [Mortarion]: Guilliman's understanding of [Mortarion]'s aura suggests a potential connection or understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mortarion, the Primarch of the Death Guard, is terrified and overwhelmed by the presence of Hades, the Lord of the Underworld.
• Hades enters Mortarion's room, initially unnoticed due to Mortarion's fear and the Null Field suppressing his Psychic Power.
• Hades tries to engage Mortarion in conversation, but Mortarion is reluctant and afraid to face him.
• Mortarion finally turns to face Hades, but keeps his eyes closed, unable to bear the sight of Hades.
• Hades reveals he is the Hades from Barbarus, but transformed into a Primarch, shocking Mortarion.

Character Developments

• Mortarion: Struggles with fear and anxiety in the presence of Hades, revealing a vulnerable side not seen before. His initial plan to manipulate Hades is derailed by his own fear and Hades' sincerity.
• Hades: Shows a more mature and composed demeanor, having gone through unknown experiences that transformed him into a Primarch. He maintains his sincerity and patience in dealing with Mortarion's fear.

Significant Themes

• Fear and anxiety: Mortarion's reaction to Hades highlights the theme of fear and how it can paralyze even the most powerful beings.
• Transformation: Hades' transformation into a Primarch raises questions about how experiences shape individuals and the consequences of such transformations.
• Sincerity: Hades' sincerity is a stark contrast to Mortarion's initial plans, highlighting the power of honesty and openness in communication.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion and Hades: Their interaction is dominated by Mortarion's fear and Hades' patience and understanding. Despite Mortarion's initial reluctance, Hades' sincerity eventually leads Mortarion to engage in conversation.
• Hades and the Servitor: Hades casually interacts with the Servitor, showing his comfort and familiarity with the physical world and its inhabitants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mortarion shares his memories of his early life on Terra with Hades.
• The Emperor tests his Primarchs with cruel games, valuing their resilience and willingness to sacrifice.
• Mortarion rebels against the Emperor's games and is punished, swearing to kill him.
• A Warp storm scatters the Primarchs across the galaxy.
• Mortarion lands on Barbarus and encounters a slaver party led by Hades and Karras.

Character Developments

• Mortarion: Recalls his traumatic past on Terra, his rebellion against the Emperor, and his resilience on Barbarus.
• Hades: Shows empathy and understanding towards Mortarion's past, revealing a similar defiance in his own eyes.

Significant Themes

• The Emperor's tyranny and manipulation of his Primarchs.
• The consequences of rebellion and defiance against authority.
• The resilience and adaptability of the Primarchs in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion and Hades: Share a moment of understanding and camaraderie, with Hades empathizing with Mortarion's past.
• The Emperor and Mortarion: Their tense relationship is further explored, with Mortarion's hatred for his father growing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mortarion arrives on Barbarus, where he meets Hades and Karras, two humans enslaved by an alien lord named Nac'Lare.
• Hades, recognizing Mortarion from his dreams, sees an opportunity to resist Nac'Lare and persuades Mortarion to join them.
• Mortarion agrees, and the three begin their descent from the mountains towards the plains, with Hades leading the way.

Character Developments

• Mortarion: Mortarion, initially disoriented and weakened, finds purpose in helping the oppressed humans on Barbarus. He agrees to join Hades and Karras in their resistance against Nac'Lare.
• Hades: Hades, driven by his desire to escape Nac'Lare's abuse, takes the initiative to approach Mortarion and persuades him to join their cause. He demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness.
• Karras: Karras is initially hesitant and skeptical about Hades' plan but eventually joins them, driven by the threat of collective punishment from Nac'Lare.

Significant Themes

• Oppression and Resistance: The chapter explores the themes of oppression and resistance, with Mortarion, Hades, and Karras uniting to resist the alien overlord Nac'Lare.
• Trust and Betrayal: The dynamics between Hades, Karras, and Mortarion highlight the importance of trust in their alliance. Hades' actions show that he is willing to trust Mortarion, while Karras' initial skepticism and eventual joining demonstrate the fragile nature of trust in their situation.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion and Hades: Hades takes the initiative to approach Mortarion, showing his determination and resourcefulness. He persuades Mortarion to join their cause, demonstrating his persuasive skills and understanding of Mortarion's situation.
• Hades and Karras: Hades' actions initially anger Karras, who sees them as reckless and impulsive. However, Karras eventually joins them, showing that he trusts Hades' judgment and is willing to take risks for their shared goal of resisting Nac'Lare.
• Mortarion, Hades, and Karras: The three form an uneasy alliance, with Mortarion agreeing to help them resist Nac'Lare. Their interactions show a mix of caution, determination, and mutual dependence as they embark on their journey together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hades and Mortarion discuss the past, with Hades expressing no regret for his actions.
• In a flashback, Mortarion, Hades, and Karras have built a force on Barbarus, preparing to attack the last Alien Lord, Nac'Lare.
• Hades is gravely ill, with a loss of appetite and weakness, worrying Mortarion and Karras.
• Hades requests to join the final battle against Nac'Lare, despite his frail condition.

Character Developments

• Hades: Struggles with his health, expresses no regret for his past actions, and requests to join the final battle.
• Mortarion: Worries about Hades' health, plans the final attack on Nac'Lare, and tries to protect Hades.
• Karras: Mocks Hades' caution, supports Mortarion's plans, and has a tense relationship with Herrela.

Significant Themes

• Regret and acceptance of the past.
• The consequences of Hades' Soulless nature and his struggle with his health.
• The upcoming final battle against Nac'Lare and the liberation of Barbarus.

Character Interactions

• Hades and Mortarion: Discuss the past, with Hades expressing no regret, and Mortarion worrying about Hades' health.
• Hades and Karras: Have a tense interaction, with Karras mocking Hades' caution and Hades requesting to join the final battle.
• Herrela and Karras: Have a hostile interaction, with Herrela feeding Karras pastries forcefully and Karras trying to get more food from Mortarion.
• Mortarion and Karras: Work together to plan the final attack on Nac'Lare and discuss Hades' condition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hades dies on Barbarus, sacrificing himself to save Mortarion and Karras from Nac'Lare.
• The Emperor appears, revealing his disappointment in Mortarion and questioning Hades about his origins and knowledge of the Primarchs.
• The Emperor grants Hades Deliverance, killing him, and Mortarion awakens aboard the Emperor's Dream, unaware of Hades' last words.

Character Developments

• Hades: Sacrifices himself to save his comrades, revealing his knowledge of the Primarchs' fates and the existence of other universes. He dies defiantly, questioning the Emperor's true nature.
• Mortarion: Survives the encounter with Nac'Lare but is disappointed by the Emperor. He awakens aboard the Emperor's Dream, unaware of Hades' final words.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Hades' selfless act to save Mortarion and Karras highlights the theme of sacrifice for the greater good.
• Knowledge and Power: Hades' knowledge of the Primarchs' fates and other universes intrigues the Emperor, emphasizing the power of knowledge and its potential consequences.
• Disappointment and Betrayal: The Emperor's disappointment in Mortarion foreshadows the eventual betrayal of the Primarchs, a central theme in the 41st Millennium.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion and Hades: Their bond deepens as they face death together, with Hades ultimately sacrificing himself to save Mortarion. Mortarion's inability to save Hades haunts him.
• The Emperor and Hades: The Emperor's curiosity about Hades' origins and knowledge leads to a tense confrontation, culminating in Hades' death. The Emperor's cold-blooded decision to grant Hades Deliverance contrasts with his earlier portrayal.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Mortarion recounts his past to Hades, revealing his hatred for Guilliman but admiration for his actions.
• Hades reflects on his own past and the Emperor's role in it.
• Guilliman arrives, interrupting their conversation, and a fight ensues between him and Mortarion.
• Hades intervenes, ending the fight, and Mortarion and Guilliman exchange warnings.

Character Developments

• Mortarion: Struggles with his hatred for Guilliman and his admiration for his actions. He seeks understanding and validation from Hades.
• Hades: Reflects on his past and the Emperor's role in it. He shows caution and intelligence in dealing with Mortarion and Guilliman.
• Guilliman: Arrives late, causing tension. He shows dominance and warning towards Mortarion.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of relationships and emotions, particularly hatred and admiration.
• The consequences of past actions and the search for understanding and validation.
• The struggle between loyalty and ambition.

Character Interactions

• Mortarion and Hades: Mortarion seeks understanding and validation from Hades, while Hades tries to navigate the complex emotions and ambitions of both Mortarion and Guilliman.
• Mortarion and Guilliman: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with each warning the other away from Hades.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guilliman contemplates his brothers' unfitness for the task at hand and their lack of commitment to the Imperium.
• Mortarion and another version of himself (the Arch-Traitor) argue, revealing the Arch-Traitor's goal to replace Mortarion in a brighter timeline.
• Guilliman, Mortarion, and Hades discuss the threat posed by the Arch-Traitor and decide to maintain restraint until a potential alliance with the opposing Imperium's generals.
• The Emperor considers the fall of the other him and the alleviation of the immediate crisis caused by the merging timelines.

Character Developments

• Guilliman: Recognizes the unfitness of his brothers for the task, feels a sense of superiority over the Arch-Traitor.
• Mortarion: Feels threatened by the Arch-Traitor, becomes determined to crush his plans, and reveals his resilience and conviction against Chaos.
• Hades: Acts as a mediator between Guilliman and Mortarion, understands the threat posed by the Arch-Traitor, and is concerned about the potential danger of the upcoming alliance.
• The Emperor: Reflects on the fall of the other him, considers the current crisis, and decides to visit another timeline with Horus.

Significant Themes

• The threat and consequences of Chaos corruption.
• The pride and resilience of the Primarchs.
• The struggle for power and dominance among the Primarchs.
• The potential for alliance and cooperation in the face of greater threats (the Necrons and the Tyranids).

Character Interactions

• Guilliman and Mortarion: Discuss the threat posed by the Arch-Traitor, with Guilliman supporting Mortarion's view that they cannot accept a similar version of themselves corrupted by Chaos.
• Mortarion and Hades: Mortarion feels that Hades would not understand his perspective on the Arch-Traitor, but Hades acts as a mediator between Mortarion and Guilliman.
• The Emperor and Horus: The Emperor casually suggests visiting another timeline, surprising Horus, who is engrossed in model-building.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Trazyn, the Necron Overlord, is pursued by the Silent King's forces and nearly killed.
• Orikan, Trazyn's ally, rescues him and they discuss the war between the Silent King and the Stormlord.
• Trazyn reveals he's been searching for a miracle among the Necron forces but finds none.
• Trazyn expresses his desire to use the Imperium of Man to settle things with the Silent King.
• Angron, Corax, and Vulkan await Guilliman's arrival on the Glorious Imperium.
• Mortarion returns, and Roboute Guilliman's psychic projection addresses the Primarchs.

Character Developments

• Trazyn: Realizes the extent of the Necrons' decay and decides to use the Imperium of Man to settle the war.
• Orikan: Shows concern for Trazyn's safety and discusses the war's chaos.
• Angron: Shows excitement for the upcoming battle and interacts with Corax, Vulkan, and Sanguinius.
• Corax: Feels uncomfortable around Vulkan and interacts with Angron and Sanguinius.
• Vulkan: Interacts with Angron and maintains his calm demeanor.
• Sanguinius: Interacts with Corax and Angron, showing no desire for glory.
• Mortarion: Returns to the Primarchs, knowing Guilliman's displeasure.

Significant Themes

• The decay of the Necrons and the futility of Trazyn's hope for their redemption.
• The impending war between the Imperium of Man and the Necrons, with Trazyn's manipulation.
• The dynamics between the Primarchs, showing their unique personalities and interactions.

Character Interactions

• Trazyn and Orikan: Discuss the war and Trazyn's plans.
• Angron, Corax, and Vulkan: Interact on the Glorious Imperium, awaiting Guilliman's arrival.
• Angron and Sanguinius: Exchange words, with Sanguinius advising Angron to calm down.
• Corax and Sanguinius: Share a history of enjoyable spars.
• Mortarion and the Primarchs: Mortarion returns, knowing Guilliman's displeasure.

Summary

Plot Points & Events

• Lorgar Aurelian, resembling the Emperor, is now Guilliman's minister with long hair, an unusual sight for the Primarchs.
• Guilliman arrives, and the Primarchs kneel. Lorgar, simply dressed, records Guilliman's orders, highlighting his role in the Ministry of Truth.
• In another timeline, Lorgar's past is revealed: he was designed to promote the Imperial Truth, eradicated Chaos worship on Colchis, and studied the Adeptus Mechanicus. He later changed the Imperial Truth to include personal worship of the Emperor.
• The Emperor favored Guilliman over Lorgar, causing Lorgar to question his loyalty. Lorgar's revised Imperial Truth slowed the Great Crusade's progress, angering Guilliman.

Character Developments

• Lorgar: Initially loyal and obedient to the Emperor, he later becomes fanatically devoted, changing the Imperial Truth to include personal worship of the Emperor.
• Guilliman: Sees Lorgar's actions as heresy and decides to replace the Emperor, starting with turning Lorgar against him.
• Angron: Revealed to have the ability to alter thoughts and emotions, which Guilliman plans to use to manipulate Lorgar.

Significant Themes

• Faith and its power: Lorgar's understanding and manipulation of faith drive the Imperium's expansion and the Emperor's favor.
• Loyalty and obedience: Lorgar's loyalty to the Emperor is absolute, while Guilliman's loyalty is more complex, driven by his desire to be the best and replace the Emperor.
• The cost of power: The Emperor's power grows as the Great Crusade progresses, but it also brings concerns about his apotheosis and humanity's future.

Character Interactions

• Lorgar and Guilliman: Their relationship evolves from friendly learning to tension, with Guilliman planning to manipulate Lorgar against the Emperor.
• Lorgar and the Emperor: Lorgar's loyalty and devotion to the Emperor are tested and eventually lead to a change in the Imperial Truth.
• Angron and Guilliman: Angron's ability to manipulate thoughts and emotions is revealed, and Guilliman plans to use this to his advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Emperor reflects on Lorgar's departure and the future of humanity.
• Guilliman meets with Mortarion, discussing Lorgar's actions and the Emperor's health.
• Angron joins Guilliman and Mortarion, revealing his support for their plans.

Character Developments

• The Emperor shows concern for Lorgar but remains determined to protect humanity.
• Guilliman demonstrates his political acumen and deception, hiding his true intentions.
• Mortarion reveals his knowledge of the Warp and his willingness to use it for his goals.
• Angron shows his cunning and manipulative side, agreeing to support Guilliman's plans.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Betrayal: The Primarchs' ambition leads them to consider betraying the Emperor and each other.
• Deception and Manipulation: Characters use lies and manipulation to achieve their goals.
• Power and Control: The desire for power and control drives the Primarchs' actions.

Character Interactions

• Guilliman and Mortarion: They engage in a dance of deception, each aware of the other's true nature but maintaining a facade of civility.
• Angron and the others: Angron joins Guilliman and Mortarion, revealing his support for their plans and his own cunning.
• The Emperor and Lorgar: The Emperor reflects on Lorgar's departure, showing concern for his daughter but remaining determined to protect humanity.