Lecture Notes: The Story of the Emperor and the Great Crusade

Introduction to the Emperor

• God-like being of immense power known as the Emperor.
• Goal: Unite the warring factions of Earth and reunite mankind's lost colonies.

Creation of the Space Marines and Primarchs

• 20 Legions of post-human genetically engineered warriors known as Space Marines.
• Each legion led by a powerful leader known as a Primarch.

Intervention of the Chaos Gods

• Chaos Gods disrupt the Emperor's plan by scattering the Primarchs across the universe.

The Great Crusade

• Emperor leads legions across the galaxy, reclaiming, subjugating, and annihilating worlds.
• Gradually reunites the lost Primarchs along the way.
• Emperor eventually retires to Earth to focus on scientific endeavors.
• Leaves the Great Crusade in the hands of his favorite Primarch, Horus.

The Horus Heresy

• Erebus, a chaos-tainted Chaplain, corrupts Horus.
• Horus, with daddy issues, leads half the Space Marine legions in a civil war against the Emperor.
• This conflict is known as the Horus Heresy.

The Siege of Terra and the Emperor's Fate

• Culminates in a massive invasion of Earth (Terra).
• Emperor battles Horus on his flagship but hesitates to kill his favorite son.
• Finally kills Horus using mind bullets after being mortally wounded.
• Emperor placed on the Golden Throne, sustaining his psychic essence but at the cost of 1,000 souls per day.

The Imperium's 10,000 Year State

• The Imperium falls into technological regression and brutal dictatorship.
• Constantly besieged by various threats from the universe.
• Overall, life in the Imperium is harsh and perilous.