At AdeptiCon, we revealed the new edition of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy with a spectacular cinematic trailer and a first look at some new breathtaking miniatures. Throughout April, we’ll be showing you even more new models every Thursday, while on Fridays we'll be looking more closely at some of the critical moments of the conflict that shattered the galaxy.
Yesterday you saw the full squad of versatile Mark VI Space Marines, so now let’s discover where and how the seeds of heresy were sown, with an investigation into the Triumph of Ullanor.
As the Great Crusade expanded outward from Terra, it reclaimed many worlds and fought many xenos, but few were as mighty as the Ork empire of Urlakk Urg. A few billion Orks weren’t going to stop Horus, though. The war reached a crescendo on Ullanor Prime as Horus and a squad of Justaerin Terminators teleported right into the heart of Urg’s fortress.
As the Luna Wolves did battle around them, Horus faced Urg, wounding him before yeeting his body off the roof. Seeing their leader defeated, the Ork horde panicked and became easy prey for the Space Marines.
The Emperor declared it the biggest victory of the entire Crusade and announced a huge Triumph would be held to celebrate. Thousands of square kilometres were flattened on Ullanor to create a parade ground, which was decorated with the skulls of slain Orks.
Millions of Imperial Army soldiers, Space Marines from 14 Legions, and hundreds of Titans marched in victory as the Emperor, Horus, Sanguinius, Mortarion, Magnus, Angron, Jaghatai Khan, Lorgar, Rogal Dorn, and Fulgrim looked on.
Horus was presented as the grand finale of the Triumph, and the Emperor made a momentous announcement to the gathered throngs. Here’s Dan Abnett, author of several key novels in Black Library’s Horus Heresy series, on what the Emperor does next and why it’s so crucial to the events that follow.
“The Triumph of Ullanor is one of the pivotal moments of the Heresy, the moment where the fuse is lit. The Great Crusade is at its height, and there has been a massive victory over the Orks at Ullanor. During the victory celebration afterwards, the Emperor names Horus his Warmaster and – to the shock of everyone present – instructs him to continue the crusade in his absence.
“The Emperor knows he has to return to Terra to continue his work on the Imperial Webway Project, though few are aware of that great undertaking. Many feel that the Emperor has abandoned them… and Horus is left as the most powerful commander in the Crusade, and the focus of the catastrophic intrigue that then follows.”
Horus was granted the giant mace, Worldbreaker, as a symbol of his position, and his Legion was renamed the Sons of Horus. While many of the Primarchs supported the decision, there were those who were jealous of Horus’ newfound power, and others who questioned the need for such a role. Here’s what Roboute Guilliman said to Lion El’Jonson in The Unremembered Empire about Horus’ promotion.
But with the Emperor busy on Terra and his brothers somewhat warily accepting him as their boss, what’s the worst that could happen with Horus as Warmaster? You can find out for yourself how he gets on in his new job in Dan Abnett’s Horus Rising.
We’ll have many more Warhammer: The Horus Heresy miniatures and plenty of lore to share with you next week – sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss any of the updates. If you’ve not yet picked a Legion, visit The Horus Heresy website to choose your side for the new game and join us on Facebook to let us know who you would have named as Warmaster.