Warhammer Video Game Lore part 4

Central Characters

Warhammer Fantasy Characters

1. Sigmar Heldenhammer

• Origin: Sigmar is the legendary founder of The Empire and a revered god in the Warhammer Fantasy setting. Born to a tribal chief, Sigmar rose to prominence after saving the Dwarfen High King Kurgan Ironbeard, forging an alliance between humans and dwarfs. Sigmar’s legend began with his defeat of the Greenskins and the unification of human tribes into what became The Empire.
• Ascension: After ruling for decades, Sigmar eventually abdicated his throne and disappeared into the wilderness. He is believed to have ascended into godhood and is worshiped as the patron deity of The Empire, representing war, strength, and leadership.

2. Nagash

• Origin: Nagash was once a powerful priest in the ancient civilization of Nehekhara (a civilization similar to ancient Egypt). Desiring immortality and greater power, Nagash studied dark magic and created necromancy, becoming the first and greatest necromancer in history.
• Rise to Power: Nagash used his knowledge to overthrow Nehekhara’s priesthood and unleashed plagues and armies of the undead upon the land. Though he was eventually defeated, his influence spread, creating the cursed land of Nagashizzar and spawning the Undead Legions.
• Legacy: Nagash is responsible for the existence of Vampires and many undead creatures, as his experiments led to their creation. His ambition for godhood remains a central theme in his story.

3. Archaon, the Everchosen

• Origin: Archaon was once a devout knight of Sigmar, known as Diederick Kastner, but his faith was shattered when he learned of the existence of Chaos and the fragility of the gods. He became obsessed with the idea that Chaos was the only true power in the universe.
• Rise to Chaos Champion: He sought out ancient prophecies and artifacts of Chaos, eventually being chosen by all four Chaos Gods to become their ultimate champion, the Everchosen. Archaon wields immense power and seeks to bring about the End Times, the destruction of the Warhammer world through the forces of Chaos.
• End Times: In the final story arcs of Warhammer Fantasy, Archaon led the forces of Chaos in the End Times campaign, nearly succeeding in his goal to annihilate the world.

4. Karl Franz

• Origin: Karl Franz is the current Emperor of the Empire in Warhammer Fantasy. He was born into the noble family of the Reikland province and ascended to the throne through the support of his fellow Elector Counts.
• Role: Known as a wise and just ruler, Karl Franz wields the legendary hammer Ghal Maraz (the weapon of Sigmar) and commands the Empire’s armies in its constant battles against Chaos, Greenskins, and other threats. His leadership and tactical prowess are crucial in keeping the Empire intact.
• Thematic Role: Karl Franz embodies the ideals of Sigmar and the human struggle to maintain order in a world beset by chaos and darkness.

Warhammer 40k Characters

1. The Emperor of Mankind

• Origin: The Emperor was born around 8,000 BC on Terra (Earth) and is believed to be the culmination of the souls of ancient human shamans. For thousands of years, he guided humanity in secret, influencing events and civilizations from the shadows.
• Unification Wars: In the 30th millennium, the Emperor revealed himself, united Terra through the Unification Wars, and launched the Great Crusade to reunite humanity across the galaxy.
• Tragedy of the Horus Heresy: His grand vision was shattered when his most trusted son, Horus, betrayed him in the Horus Heresy. Mortally wounded in a final confrontation with Horus, the Emperor was placed on the Golden Throne, where he remains in a state of near-death, worshiped as a god.

2. Horus Lupercal

• Origin: Horus was the Emperor’s first and most beloved Primarch, genetically engineered superhumans created to lead the Legions of Space Marines. He was raised on the harsh planet of Cthonia and quickly proved himself as a brilliant leader and warrior.
• Role as Warmaster: After the Emperor named him Warmaster, making him commander of all Imperial forces, Horus began to grow disillusioned. Manipulated by the Chaos Gods, he turned against the Emperor in what became known as the Horus Heresy.
• Horus Heresy: Horus’s betrayal sparked a galactic civil war that tore the Imperium apart. In the final battle aboard his flagship, Vengeful Spirit, Horus was slain by the Emperor, but not before mortally wounding his father, changing the course of history for the Imperium.

3. Roboute Guilliman

• Origin: Roboute Guilliman is the Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion, known for his strategic genius and disciplined approach to war. He was raised on the planet Macragge, where he quickly rose to power and established the realm of Ultramar, a highly prosperous and well-organized region of space.
• Role in the Imperium: Guilliman is one of the most loyal and influential Primarchs, responsible for creating the Codex Astartes, a set of rules and guidelines for the organization of Space Marine Chapters.
• Post-Heresy: After being gravely wounded in a battle with Fulgrim, another Primarch who had turned to Chaos, Guilliman was placed in stasis for 10,000 years. He was revived during the events of the Gathering Storm, playing a pivotal role in the current 40k timeline as a living Primarch.

4. Abaddon the Despoiler

• Origin: Abaddon was once the First Captain of the Luna Wolves, the legion led by Horus. He was fiercely loyal to Horus during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy.
• Rise to Power: After Horus’s death, Abaddon retrieved Horus’s body and the Talon of Horus, a symbol of leadership. He became the leader of the Black Legion, the largest and most powerful Chaos Space Marine force.
• The Black Crusades: Abaddon has since led 13 Black Crusades against the Imperium, seeking to avenge Horus’s defeat and destroy the Imperium once and for all. He is a powerful warlord, often regarded as Horus’s spiritual successor but more ruthless and determined.

5. Eldrad Ulthran

• Origin: Eldrad Ulthran is one of the most powerful Farseers of the Eldar, a dying race of space-faring elves. He hails from the Craftworld Ulthwé and has spent thousands of years honing his psychic powers and navigating the future through his ability to see multiple possible timelines.
• Role in Eldar Lore: Eldrad plays a pivotal role in the survival of the Eldar people. He is one of the few who foresaw the rise of Slaanesh, the Chaos God that destroyed most of the Eldar civilization, and has since worked tirelessly to protect what remains of his race from further devastation.

Thematic Elements Across Characters:

• Tragic Heroes: Characters like Horus, Nagash, and Archaon embody the fall of great individuals to corruption, power, or madness, often reflecting the grimdark themes of the Warhammer universe.
• Messianic Leaders: Characters such as Sigmar and the Emperor serve as guiding figures of hope and unity, though their legacies are often warped by those who follow them.
• God-like Power and Hubris: Many Warhammer characters wield immense power, but with it comes a constant struggle with their own hubris, moral decay, or external manipulation (especially from the forces of Chaos).