Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf: The Ultimate Review and Analysis of the Book
What is Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf?
If you are a fan of Warhammer 40,000, you might have heard of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf. But what is it exactly? And why should you care?
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is a supplement book for Warhammer 40,000, a tabletop wargame set in a grimdark sci-fi universe. It was written by Alan Bligh and published by Forge World, a subsidiary of Games Workshop, in 2012. It is the first book in a series of books that cover the Horus Heresy, a galaxy-spanning civil war that shaped the history of Warhammer 40,000.
The book contains extensive background information on the Horus Heresy, as well as rules and content for playing games set in that era. It focuses on the first phase of the war, when four of the eighteen Space Marine Legions turned traitor and betrayed their loyal brothers. It also features stunning artwork and lore that bring the epic story to life.
In this article, we will explore what Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is all about, from its background to its reception. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the book and its topic. So sit back and enjoy this journey into one of the most fascinating and tragic events in Warhammer 40,000.
The background of the Horus Heresy
Before we dive into the details of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf, let us first understand the context of the Horus Heresy. What was it? And how did it happen?
The Horus Heresy was a civil war that erupted in the 31st millennium, when humanity was at the peak of its power and glory. It was led by Horus Lupercal, the Warmaster of the Imperium of Man, who rebelled against his father, the Emperor of Mankind.
The Great Crusade and the Emperor of Mankind
The Emperor of Mankind was a mysterious and powerful being who emerged from Terra (Earth) during the Age of Strife, a dark period when humanity was plagued by wars, chaos, and alien invasions. He united humanity under his banner and launched the Great Crusade, a massive military campaign to reclaim the lost worlds of mankind across the galaxy.
To aid him in his quest, he created twenty superhuman warriors called Primarchs, who were his genetic sons and generals. He also created thousands of Space Marines, who were genetically enhanced soldiers loyal to their respective Primarchs. Together, they formed the backbone of the Imperial Army.
The Primarchs and their Legions
The Primarchs were designed to be perfect specimens of humanity, each with their own unique talents and personalities. However, before they could be fully grown, they were scattered across the galaxy by the forces of Chaos, a malevolent entity that dwells in the warp, a dimension of psychic energy and madness.
The Emperor spent decades searching for his lost sons, and eventually found them on different planets, where they had grown up and become leaders of their own cultures. He reunited with them and gave them command of their own Space Marine Legions, which were created from their genetic material. Each Legion had its own name, colors, symbols, and traditions, reflecting the character of their Primarch.
Some of the most famous Legions and their Primarchs were:
The Luna Wolves (later renamed the Sons of Horus), led by Horus Lupercal, the first and most favored son of the Emperor, who was charismatic, brilliant, and ambitious.
The Emperor's Children, led by Fulgrim, who was obsessed with perfection, beauty, and art.
The Death Guard, led by Mortarion, who was resilient, stoic, and bitter.
The World Eaters, led by Angron, who was savage, bloodthirsty, and angry.
The Thousand Sons, led by Magnus the Red, who was gifted with psychic powers and knowledge.
The Space Wolves, led by Leman Russ, who was fierce, loyal, and barbaric.
The Ultramarines, led by Roboute Guilliman, who was pragmatic, organized, and civilized.
The Dark Angels, led by Lion El'Jonson, who was secretive, noble, and proud.
The Blood Angels, led by Sanguinius, who was angelic, heroic, and compassionate.
The Warmaster Horus and his fall to Chaos
After two centuries of war and conquest, the Emperor decided to return to Terra and work on a secret project that would secure humanity's future. He appointed Horus as his successor and gave him the title of Warmaster, the supreme commander of the Imperial forces. He also entrusted him with the task of completing the Great Crusade.
Horus was honored by his father's choice, but also felt a burden of responsibility and expectation. He also felt resentment towards his father for leaving him and his brothers to fight in his name. He began to question the Emperor's motives and methods, and wondered if he had a hidden agenda.
Meanwhile, the forces of Chaos saw an opportunity to corrupt Horus and use him as their pawn to destroy the Imperium. They manipulated events and people to sow doubt and discord in Horus' mind. They also inflicted him with a mortal wound during a battle on Davin, a planet infested with Chaos cults. Horus was taken to a temple where he was healed by a sorcerer named Erebus, who was secretly a servant of Chaos. There, Horus had a vision of the future where he saw the Emperor as a tyrant who betrayed his sons and enslaved humanity under a false religion. He also saw himself as a hero who rebelled against his father and freed mankind from his tyranny.
Horus was convinced by the vision and swore allegiance to Chaos. He then began to plot his rebellion against the Emperor. He recruited three of his closest brothers: Fulgrim, Mortarion, and Angron. He also corrupted many other Primarchs and Legions with promises of power or lies. He also deceived some loyal Primarchs and Legions into joining his cause or staying out of his way. He then prepared for war against his father and his loyal brothers.
The main events of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf
The Isstvan III Atrocity
The Isstvan III Atrocity was the first act of betrayal by Horus and his traitor Legions. It occurred on Isstvan III, a planet that was part of the Imperium but had rebelled against its rule. Horus was ordered by the Emperor to suppress the rebellion and restore order. He used this as a pretext to gather his loyal and traitor forces on the planet.
However, Horus had a hidden agenda. He knew that some of his Space Marines were still loyal to the Emperor and would not follow him into treason. He decided to purge them by luring them into a trap. He ordered four of his Legions: the Sons of Horus, the Emperor's Children, the Death Guard, and the World Eaters, to launch a ground assault on Isstvan III, while he and his other Legions stayed in orbit. He claimed that he wanted to end the rebellion quickly and decisively.
In reality, he planned to unleash a virus bomb on the planet, killing everyone on it, including his loyal Space Marines. He hoped that this would eliminate any opposition within his ranks and also send a message to the Imperium that he was at war with them.
The plan almost succeeded, but it was foiled by a few loyal Space Marines who survived the virus bomb and managed to send a distress signal to their brothers in orbit. They also fought back against their traitor brothers on the ground, forming a resistance movement that would later be known as the Loyalist Army.
The Drop Site Massacre
The Drop Site Massacre was the second act of betrayal by Horus and his traitor Legions. It occurred on Isstvan V, a planet near Isstvan III where Horus had retreated after his failed attempt to wipe out his loyal Space Marines. It was also the site of one of the most brutal and bloody battles in the history of Warhammer 40,000.
The battle was triggered by the arrival of four loyal Legions: the Iron Hands, the Salamanders, the Raven Guard, and the Night Lords. They had received the distress signal from Isstvan III and had come to rescue their brothers and punish Horus for his treachery. They were led by four loyal Primarchs: Ferrus Manus, Vulkan, Corvus Corax, and Konrad Curze.
However, they did not know that Horus had anticipated their arrival and had prepared a trap for them. He had secretly corrupted four other Legions: the Alpha Legion, the Iron Warriors, the Word Bearers, and the Night Lords. He had also deceived two other Legions: the Ultramarines and the Blood Angels, into staying away from Isstvan V by sending them false orders or delaying them with other threats.
Horus then lured the loyal Legions into a valley where he had set up an ambush. He ordered his traitor Legions to attack them from all sides, while he and his other traitor Legions bombarded them from orbit. He hoped that this would annihilate his loyal enemies and secure his victory.
The plan almost succeeded, but it was foiled by a few loyal Space Marines who survived the ambush and managed to escape from Isstvan V. They also fought back against their traitor brothers on the ground, forming a resistance movement that would later be known as the Shattered Legions.
The Shattered Legions and their resistance
The Shattered Legions were the remnants of the loyal Space Marines who survived the Isstvan III Atrocity and the Drop Site Massacre. They were composed of various units from different Legions who had lost their Primarchs or their homeworlds. They were led by various commanders who had escaped from Isstvan V or joined them later.
Some of the most famous Shattered Legions and their leaders were:
The Iron Hands (led by Shadrak Meduson), who were obsessed with vengeance against Horus and his traitors.
The Salamanders (led by Cassian Dracos), who were determined to find their missing Primarch Vulkan and protect their allies.
The Raven Guard (led by Corvus Corax), who were skilled in stealth and guerrilla warfare.
The Death Guard (led by Nathaniel Garro), who were loyalists who had defected from their traitor Primarch Mortarion.
The Emperor's Children (led by Saul Tarvitz), who were loyalists who had defected from their traitor Primarch Fulgrim.
The Sons of Horus (led by Garviel Loken), who were loyalists who had defected from their traitor Primarch Horus.
The Shattered Legions waged a war of resistance against Horus and his traitors, using hit-and-run tactics, sabotage, and assassination. They also tried to warn the Imperium of Horus' rebellion and rally other loyal forces to their cause. They faced many dangers and hardships, but they never gave up hope or faith in the Emperor.
The rules and content of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is not only a source of background information on the Horus Heresy, but also a source of rules and content for playing games set in that era. It contains the following features:
The game system and the army lists
The game system of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is based on the Warhammer 40,000 6th edition rules, with some modifications and additions to reflect the unique aspects of the Horus Heresy. For example, it introduces new units, weapons, and abilities that are exclusive to the Horus Heresy, such as Contemptor Dreadnoughts, Volkite Weapons, and Legion-specific rules.
The army lists of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf are based on the Space Marine Codex, with some modifications and additions to reflect the unique aspects of each Legion. For example, it introduces new units, weapons, and abilities that are exclusive to each Legion, such as Justaerin Terminators, Phoenix Spears, and Primarch-specific rules.
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf contains the army lists for four Legions: the Sons of Horus, the Emperor's Children, the Death Guard, and the World Eaters. It also contains the rules for using Primarchs in games, such as Horus Lupercal, Fulgrim, Mortarion, and Angron.
The special rules and scenarios
The special rules of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf are designed to enhance the gameplay and immersion of games set in the Horus Heresy. For example, it introduces new rules for using psychic powers, warp storms, and daemonic possession in games. It also introduces new rules for using allies, traitors, and shattered legions in games.
, and the Shattered Legions' resistance. It also includes scenarios for playing custom battles and campaigns in the Horus Heresy.
The artwork and lore
The artwork of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is one of its most impressive and appealing features. It contains stunning illustrations and paintings that depict the characters, events, and environments of the Horus Heresy. It also contains detailed maps and diagrams that show the locations and movements of the forces involved in the war.
The lore of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is one of its most informative and immersive features. It contains extensive descriptions and narratives that explain the history, culture, and psychology of the Imperium, the Primarchs, and the Legions. It also contains quotes and excerpts from various sources that reveal the thoughts and feelings of the participants and witnesses of the war.
The reception and impact of Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf was a huge success and a landmark in the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. It received positive reviews and ratings from fans and critics alike. It also had a significant influence on the Warhammer 40,000 universe and franchise. Here are some of its achievements and effects:
The reviews and ratings from fans and critics
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf was praised for its quality and content by fans and critics. It was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and 9 out of 10 on Bell of Lost Souls. It was also nominated for several awards, such as the Origins Award for Best Miniatures Rules in 2013.
Some of the positive comments from fans and critics were:
"Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is a masterpiece of gaming literature. It is a must-have for any Warhammer 40,000 fan or collector." - The Founding Fields
"Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is a stunning book that delivers on every level. It is a beautiful, informative, and exciting book that captures the essence of the Horus Heresy." - Spikey Bits
"Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is a phenomenal book that sets a new standard for Warhammer 40,000 books. It is a rich, detailed, and immersive book that transports you to the dark age of the Horus Heresy." - The Bolter and Chainsword
The influence on the Warhammer 40,000 universe and franchise
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf was not only a great book in itself, but also a catalyst for expanding and enriching the Warhammer 40,000 universe and franchise. It inspired many other products and projects related to the Horus Heresy, such as:
More books in the Horus Heresy series, covering different phases and aspects of the war.
More models and miniatures for playing games in the Horus Heresy era.
More novels and audio dramas in the Horus Heresy novel series, telling stories from different perspectives and genres.
More video games and board games set in the Horus Heresy era.
More fan art and fan fiction based on the Horus Heresy theme.
Conclusion
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf is a remarkable book that offers a comprehensive and captivating overview of the Horus Heresy, one of the most important and tragic events in Warhammer 40,000. It contains background information, rules and content, artwork and lore that appeal to both gamers and readers. It also has a positive reception and impact that make it a valuable addition to any Warhammer 40,000 collection.
If you are interested in learning more about the Horus Heresy or playing games set in that era, you should definitely check out Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf. You will not regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf:
Where can I buy Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf?
You can buy Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf from the official Forge World website or from other online retailers. You can also find it in some hobby stores or conventions.
How much does Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf cost?
Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf costs 70.00 or $115.00. It is a hardcover book with 295 pages.
Do I need any other books or products to use Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf?
You need the Warhammer 40,000 6th edition rulebook to use Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf. You also need models and miniatures of the Space Marine Legions and their enemies to play games in the Horus Heresy era.
What are some other books or products related to Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf?
Some other books or products related to Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf are:
Horus Heresy 2 Massacre.pdf, which covers the second phase of the Horus Heresy and introduces four more Legions.
Horus Heresy 3 Extermination.pdf, which covers the third phase of the Horus Heresy and introduces four more Legions.
Horus Rising, which is the first novel in the Horus Heresy novel series and tells the story of Horus' rise and fall.
Betrayal at Calth, which is a board game set in the Horus Heresy era and features the Ultramarines and the Word Bearers.
What are some other sources of information or inspiration for Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf?
Some other sources of information or inspiration for Horus Heresy 1 Betrayal.pdf are:
The official Forge World website, which contains news, updates, and previews of the Horus Heresy series.
The official Black Library website, which contains novels, audio dramas, and ebooks of the Horus Heresy novel series.
The Lexicanum website, which contains a wiki of Warhammer 40,000 lore and articles.
The YouTube channel of Luetin09, which contains videos of Warhammer 40,000 lore and analysis.
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