Among the myriad of peculiar and formidable Space Marines in Warhammer 40,000, the Emperor’s Children stand out as especially bizarre. It’s quite a feat given the vast array of odd and menacing factions involved in the enduring conflict between the loyalists and traitors. Despite their name, the Emperor’s Children are very much allied with the traitors, having pledged their allegiance to the Chaos God of Excess, Slaanesh. Recently, Games Workshop has breathed new life into the Emperor’s Children lineup, unveiling refreshed models and backstory, including a fresh interpretation of the Noise Marines reminiscent of Mad Max: Fury Road.
Back in December, Games Workshop introduced the return of the sixth Primarch to the 41st millennium: Fulgrim. This version of Fulgrim is a fearsome being with the body of a snake, four arms, wings, horns, and an array of blades. Wherever a Primarch ventures, his Space Marines are sure to follow, sparking anticipation among dedicated fans for this Emperor’s Children revelation. It’s been known for a while that several of these new models will be featured in an army set complete with the faction’s codex and data cards, Noise Marines, Infractors, Tormentors, and a Lord Exultant.
What makes the Emperor’s Children particularly intriguing is their once-promising origin. Despite grappling with a devastating gene-seed ailment that left only a few hundred Space Marines standing, Fulgrim earned the admiration of his father, the Emperor of Mankind. This admiration was so great that the Emperor allowed the legion, now called the Emperor’s Children, to don his emblem — the two-headed eagle known as the aquila.
Yet, Fulgrim’s unease over the flaws of his gene-seed, coupled with Chief Apothecary Fabius Bile’s experiments and the ill-fated discovery of a corrupted sword in a xenos temple, led to a dark turn. Fulgrim and the Emperor’s Children succumbed to Slaanesh, diving headfirst into a life of excess. Noteworthy among them is Lucius, a master duelist simultaneously cursed and blessed by Slaanesh. If ever defeated, and his victor takes pride in their win, Lucius is resurrected, taking over the victor’s body. The opponent’s face is permanently imprinted on Lucius, ensuring he never forgets a bad beat.
During the intense Siege of Terra, the Emperor’s Children were less about battle plans and more about transforming humans into extraordinary narcotics. This encapsulates the conflict with Slaanesh: the relentless pursuit of excess and perfection can often overshadow more mundane battle duties.
The Noise Marines remain one of the most iconic and memorable designs in the 40K universe. They perform to the destructive Song of Slaanesh, also called the Kakophoni, a name alluding to the cacophony that could quite literally peel the skin from your face. They’re a fantastic theme for cosplay or fan art, adding a vibrant twist to the Chaos Space Marines lineup, which more often leans towards the dark and brooding. We’re still waiting for Games Workshop to reveal when these revamped Emperor’s Children will hit the shelves, but they’re clearly geared up to make some serious noise.
