#40k reading

[sefusneezed]

He sends her prayer quotes and boomer gifs like a true servant of the omnissiah Comic Directory

[suntails]

hijo de la luna

[two-reflections]

Daaaaamn, Cain won hard!

Blog's been running on queue this week, I've been too busy to be online, but I have recently read the Iron Warriors short story The Skull Harvest by Graham McNeill and started reading Huron Blackheart: Master of the Maelstrom by Mike Brooks. Why these two when Cain won? It's because they're on my phone. (My Ciaphas Cain books are physical, I started Caves of Ice before either of these but I'm not too far into it yet because I can't carry an Omnibus around as easily.)

Anyway, let's talk about those two! Spoilers and terrible memes below!

The Skull Harvest is about Warsmith Honsou of the Iron Warriors' participation in a Battle Royale style completion run by Huron Blackheart of the Red Corsairs. I really liked the concept, but I'm not convinced it works well as a short story. So much happens in it without being elaborated upon that it ends up feeling more like an outline for a novel. The character interactions are a highlight, especially between the Iron Warriors and whenever Huron's onscreen. Honsou is a great lead, very likable. Honestly, he comes off as a surprisingly clean-cut hero type in this one, until you remember what he's actually doing. Ardaric Vaanes is super fuckable and deserves more fans. Also... I love a fake betrayal.

I enjoyed the idea of the Skull Harvest competition, too. A Battle Royale that ends in death or being recruited by someone stronger, where the winner at the end leaves with an army and Huron's favour... That's so much fun! I did find myself wondering how it benefits the Red Corsairs, though. I bet it's actually a terrible reality TV show, as well as one hell of a gambling racket. Unfortunately, because the contest doesn't have room to breathe in the short format, it all comes off as rather Khorne-coded, with one Slaneeshi guy and a tiny bit of sorcery in the mix. Would have been great to see how different aspects of Chaos mixed and manifested over a longer version of the competition. Perhaps it could have include more varied trials too? (I'm biased as a big fan of Kaiji Ultimate Survivor, though.)

In summary:

I'm 58% of the way through Huron Blackheart: Master of the Maelstrom, in which the Bloodreaver's boys famously joyride the Macragge's Honour. I don't love some of the stylistic choices, like the book being written in he present tense, but it's been a quick and easy read so far. Huron is clever, charismatic, ruthless, and doing everything he does while in terrible physical pain and under the extreme stress of keeping his relationship with Chaos balanced. He almost makes it look easy, but it is clearly taking a toll. Love that shit.

There's a lot of detail about the inner politics of the Red Corsairs. Watching Huron juggle loyalties and debts is *chef's kiss*.

Will probably have more to say about that when I'm done reading, though. Also, I'm looking forward to being able to compare the Huron from the Skull Harvest and the Huron from Master of the Maelstrom.

Special shoutout to Datasmith Griza Dallax and her Baymaxes Kastelans. She is given a lovely "join or die" at the beginning and now seems to be falling to Chaos in real-time as she starts to see the operession of the Imperium for what it is... Or is she!? That doesn't really convey her story, I'm enjoying how nuanced it is. Also, her parts are some of the funniest so far.

Okay, that's all for now! Will post again when I'm done with Caves of Ice and Master of the Maelstrom.

*Three

In my defense, I was half-asleep when I scheduled this post. 🤦

[staticymaticyyourlifeisatravesty]

My understandings of what Primarchs are currently alive and dead, what their status' are: Loyalists: Leman Russ: Running butt ass naked in the Warp, if the armour if any indication. Probably a Wulfen and horribly mutated like Corvus. Possibly could be fine. Chances very slim for him not be a mutated wolf thing with viking braids. Anyway his sons are mildly disturbed by the armour they keep finding Lion: Alive and pissed. Commits so many war crimes behind Guilliman's back. May or may not be making it his personal goal to give Guilliman as many grey hairs as possible. Roboute Guilliman: Stressed and thinks humans can't rule themselves. Asshole. Needs a break and to actually spend time with humans and actually thinking about the fact it's been ten thousand fucking years. That's impressive for an empire. Corvus Corax: Fucked up bird man in the warp. Probably learning that feathers suck to get blood out of and questioning how the fuck his white winged brother kept his feathers so fucking clean even though said brother routinely caused blood baths in life. Has probably pecked someone to death. Vulkan: Probably alive. Somewhere. Might actually be in a volcano somewhere. His death goes against his lore so who knows what the fuck is going on here. Jaghatai Khan: Also in the warp, has no idea where the fuck he is and isn't stopping for directions. Honestly he's actually existed the warp couple of times he was going so fucking fast. Probably also slowly getting mutated. Might be fine though. Probably passed a naked Leman a couple of times and is really confused by the fucked up bird thing calling itself Corvus. Rogal Dorn: Could be dead, could have a sick ass prosthetic hand. No idea what's going on with him. Sanguinius: Incredibly dead. Probably a good thing that he is. Otherwise he'd probs be a traitor primarch too with the Imperium in its current state- Ferrus Manus: Also very dead. Probably was seething mad at being killed by Fulgrim. Very likely died seething mad. Traitors: Fulgrim: Is a four armed winged snake thing. Having mad sex and doing way too many drugs. Probably also eating a lot too. And then sleeping it off because snake. Has a chunky boyfriend if Tumblr is to be believed. Magnus: Trying to rebuild, also an arrogant prick. I support him even if he's a dick. If only because what happened to Prospero was a travesty of the highest order. You go my weird rainbow nipple horned demon prince. What is your obsession with titty horns??? Mortarion: Depressed but has family. Is infected with diseases that are probably not even invented yet. Probably also not a skinny rail of a man anymore courtesy of Papa Nurgle who is a better dad then the Emperor ironically. Probably can't stand to look himself in the Mirror. Angron: Angy, so very angy. And obsessed with blood. Even if he wasn't immortal by virtue of being a demon prince, he'd probably be too angry to die. Not entirely sure if this is actually better then being dead. Lorgar: Not entirely sure, but I assume he's somewhere in the warp spreading the word of chaos like some sort of messed up anti jesus or something.

Alpharius /Omegon: One's dead, the other is alive. Which twin died and which one is alive is a damn good question. Possibly neither are even dead. Absolute bastards (affectionate). Perterabo: Grumpy old man wanting to be left alone and forge. He yearns for it. Mostly content to just make stuff and burn his skin off. Good things he's a demon now I guess. Go make stuff, have a hobby that's kinda healthy. Sort of. Konrad: Pretty dead. Saw it happen and let it happen. Probably for the best because dear god this man as a demon prince is terrifying. Horus: Also very dead. Might actually be even more dead then Sanguinius considering Horus' soul was probably destroyed.

[core-augur]

ADHD v Autism

(The Infinite and the Divine)

[meangreennunseen]

How I imagine every Chaos God got their Deamon Primarch:

Khorne: "Angron, my boy! Big fan, big fan! Wanna slaughter ppl for me and feel slight relief of your pain?"

Angron: "K"

____________

Slaanesh: "You are way too great for that shithole Imperium Fulgrim..."

Fulgrim: "You think so?"

Slaanesh: "For sure! Fuck em and join me fam!"

Fulgrim: "You know what? You are right. Fuck Imperium. I am a luxury few can afford."

___________

Nurgle:...

Mortarion:...

Nurgle:...

Mortarion:...

Nurgle: "Your marines are sick and will die"

Mortarion:...

Nurgle: *eyebrow wiggle*

Mortarion: "Ffs... Where do I sign up..."

__________

Tzeentch: "Your dad doesn't love you"

Magnus: "Yeah..."

Tzeentch:...

Tzeentch: "I'm your dad now"

Magnus: *sobbing* "It's the happiest day of my life..."

[mig-murgthenurg]

The only variant of this theory I will accept because it's fucking hilarious.

[gulls-art]

I survived finals so have some more evil robots/ sketches

[ladymirdan]

Reading “normal” books after binging hundreds of Space Marine books is jarring. Why do I have to read about two people having heterosexual relations despite having zero chemistry? Why would you put this in a book? Children reads these, its gross.

I mean you have two perfectly fine queers in the same book, constantly trying to die for each other. Let them fuck instead. (or just do what black library does and let it happen off-screen)

[gotogull]

I post Kirby and WH40k art exclusively now.

[c0gwizard-v2]

"We are having a conversation!"

Catching up with The Silence and the Storm fic, and this scene with Obyron running with Zahndrekh on his shoulder was a delight

[yuviur]

Shot by Carol, on one fateful Saturday morning

[cursed-40k-thoughts]

Man was so busy thinking up ways to be passive aggressive about your arts degree at the next family BBQ that he forgot to put his finger on the trigger while firing his gun

[get-along-little-khornedoggie]

blood for the blood god and all that

[moodymisty]

can I request something happy for Lorgar? maybe reader reaffirming her love for him and he just gets hearteyes and its just cute. if you don't want to do that, just anything positive. pls. ya'll torturing this poor bald man. MERCY LMAO

Author's note: Ignore the fruit/apple symbolism in this tehe ;3

Relationships: Lorgar/GN!Reader (there is one mention of the word dress however)

Warnings: none

Your dress flows as you jump, hand reaching upward towards the sky. Lorgar watches from a balcony not far away, looking down at you.

The fruit is just out of your grasp. You keep jumping to try and smack it, even attempted to climb the tree. In a bit of a cruel way, he finds your struggle amusing. It's so simple, and for a moment he wonders if other men find even the most monotonous things their beloveds do as enthralling as he does.

Serfs pass by and watch curiously as you attempt to pull at the branch, but it's too strong for you to weigh it down. Though not moments later, your savior arrives.

Lorgar doesn't recognize the Word Bearer, merely that they are somewhat fresh to the legion; Their armor is fresh and face somewhat young. The curious marine comes closer and presumably asks what you're doing, his brothers hanging back and watching. You point to the branch and explain your predicament while Lorgar leans against the railing.

The marine to Lorgar’s surprise grasps the branch with his hand and weighs it down, letting you pluck two fruits before letting it snap back upward. You smile and him and he leaves to continue on his duties, and you walk away from the tree.

Lorgar lingers for awhile afterward. He wonders where you're going to enjoy the literal fruits of your labor; Though not all your labor. One of his sons assisted and he is glad they've softened their opinion on you. Especially the younger ones.

"Lorgar!"

Your soft voice pulls him out of his contemplation, and you hold the fruit in your hand. One you've bitten into, the juice on your lips that drips down the corner of your mouth, while the other is untouched.

It’s sinful, dare he say. You indulge so freely and unknowingly.

"I got one for myself but, would you like the other?"

He smlies at you, golden tattoos shining in the evening sun. Yours shine as well- the few on your hand you’ve gotten so far, delicate and beautiful. He never has the words to describe- ethereal, perhaps.

"Of course, but only if you stay with me."

You place the fruit in his hand which becomes dwarfed by his size, and laugh.

"That was my plan, even without the fruit. I just happened to pass by and see the tree was in bloom."

Lorgar takes a bite, enjoying the sweet taste while standing here with you. He takes a knee, reaching his other hand out to grasp your own and brush over the top of it with his thumb. You stop eating and lose your smile.

“You’re leaving tomorrow, right?”

Lorgar nods. You purse your lips and look away for a moment, taking a bite.

“It feels like you only just got back, I’m going to miss you.”

Lorgar eats the last of his fruit, before using that now free hand to cup your jaw and gently turn your face back to him.

“My love, there is no words to describe how much I miss you when I leave you here.”

He leans in, pressing his lips to yours.

Your kiss tastes like fresh fruit, saccharine sweet. Your lips are soft and inviting, and he finds himself pulled in more than a man of his ken should ever be wavered. The gentle moan you make as you press closer, greedily asking for more, Lorgar would oblige if he was a weaker man pulled astray by fruit as sweet as you.

His lips pull away from yours with a soft pop, and he sees that sweet nectar still in the corners of your mouth. You smile and lean into his palm.

“Before you go, can you read to me one last time?” Lorgar smiles, his face warm and inviting.

“Of course.”

[core-augur]

Gay skeletons in space.

They'd rather play chauffer than let their rivals even think about touching the aux. (The chants they're playing are very important for their focus!)