Summary of the 20 Legions of the Adeptus Astartes

Introduction

• A god creates superhuman soldiers known as Space Marines on Terra.
• The 20 legions struggle with identity, purpose, faith, and each other.
• Each legion is unique in its characteristics.

First Legion: Dark Angels

• Celebrated, secretive, and often tasked with high-profile missions.
• First deployment during the defense of the Imperial Palace.
• Known for an air of superiority; unofficially called the "Uncrowned Princes."
• Leaders resisted their Primarch Lionel Johnson's tactics, leading to a civil conflict.
• The Fallen emerged during Horus’s attack, resulting in a schism within the legion.
• Currently, the Dark Angels hunt down their fallen brothers in secret.

Second Legion: Emperor's Children

• Diminished by gene seed loss; led by Fulgrim.
• Obsessed with efficiency, but exposed to Chaos early due to eagerness.
• Manipulated by Horus and became traitors during the heresy.

Third Legion: Iron Warriors

• Masters of siege warfare; led by Perturabo.
• Known for strict discipline and decimation as punishment for failures.
• Resentment grew due to their roles as siege breakers.
• Refused to worship Chaos despite siding with Horus.

Fourth Legion: White Scars

• Originally called Star Hunters; known for scouting and hit-and-run tactics.
• Primarch Jagatai Khan encouraged Marines to take up hobbies to enrich their lives.
• Loyalists during the heresy; known for the "Great Hunts" tradition.

Fifth Legion: Space Wolves

• Known for savagery; created to kill other Space Marines.
• Primarch Leman Russ gained a reputation and feared by others.
• Faced betrayal during the heresy; tricked into attacking Thousand Sons.

Sixth Legion: Imperial Fists

• Homeworld is Terra; proficient in building defenses.
• Primarch Rogal Dorn emphasized loyalty and straightforward tactics.
• Gained a rivalry with Iron Warriors due to differing roles in sieges.

Seventh Legion: Night Lords

• Specialized in terror tactics, creating fear among enemies.
• Created by the Emperor to prevent revolts; turned traitor during the heresy.
• Focused on dismantling the Imperium after betrayal.

Eighth Legion: Blood Angels

• Known for assault tactics; ritualistically consumed enemies.
• Primarch Sanguinius formed a strong bond with his legion.
• Suffered from the Black Rage after Sanguinius’s death.

Ninth Legion: Iron Hands

• Relentless and focused on mechanization; favored heavy machinery.
• Primarch Ferrus Manus emphasized purging weakness.
• Divided after Manus’s death; remained cold and calculating.

Tenth Legion: World Eaters

• Aggressive shock troops; Primarch Angron led them into chaos.
• Became reckless and lost their original purpose.

Eleventh Legion: Ultramarines

• Known for adaptability; Primarch Roboute Guilliman emphasized organization.
• Dominated during the Great Crusade; became largest legion.

Twelfth Legion: Death Guard

• Tough warriors; Primarch Mortarion led them into attrition warfare.
• Became followers of Nurgle during the heresy.

Thirteenth Legion: Thousand Sons

• Initially noble warriors; developed psychic powers leading to mutation.
• Primarch Magnus attempted to control mutations but ultimately fell to chaos.

Fourteenth Legion: Sons of Horus

• Originally the Luna Wolves; Primarch Horus was the Emperor's favorite.
• Became traitors during the heresy after Horus fell to chaos.

Fifteenth Legion: Word Bearers

• Founded by Lorgar; twisted Imperial Truth into religion.
• Became the first to worship Chaos, instigating the heresy.

Sixteenth Legion: Alpha Legion

• Specialized in subterfuge and misinformation.
• Primarch Alpharius and his twin brother Omegon shrouded in secrecy.

Conclusion

• The Space Marine Legions have complex histories and character arcs.
• They evolved from tactical units to significant elements of the Warhammer 40k lore.