The Purge are a Chaos Space Marine warband devoted to Nurgle, infamous for wiping out entire worlds with chemical weapons and disease. They believe the galaxy is so corrupt that the only path to purity is total death, and they’ve been proving it for three thousand years.
What is the purge?
The Purge are a Chaos Space Marine warband that turned from the Imperium sometime before late M36. They’re dedicated to Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay and plague, and they’ve built their entire identity around one idea: life itself is a corruption, and the only way to cleanse it is to kill everything.
They’re more than another warband with a grudge. The Purge despise all life, human and alien alike, and they’ve spent the last three millennia trying to exterminate every living thing in the galaxy. Where they attack, famine and pestilence follow. Their tactics are slow, methodical, and utterly indiscriminate.
Why they matter
Most Chaos warbands fight for power, revenge, or the favour of their god. The Purge fight for annihilation. They don’t take prisoners, they don’t negotiate, and they don’t care who you are. If you’re alive, you’re a target.
Their use of chemical weapons and biological agents makes them one of the most feared forces in the galaxy, even among other servants of Chaos. They’ve brought entire systems to starvation by destroying food production worlds, and their body count runs into the tens of billions.
- Dedicated to Nurgle, but their goal is total extinction, more than decay.
- Known for using poison gas, Blight Drones, and other indiscriminate weapons.
- Have fought both the Imperium and xenos races like the Leagues of Votann.
Key campaigns and battles
The Purge have been active across the galaxy for thousands of years. They fought at the Siege of Vraks, took part in the 13th Black Crusade, and waged war during the Ultramar Campaign. More recently, they’ve appeared in the Charadon Campaign and the Nachmund Rift War.
One of their most notorious actions was the Vaxhallian genocides in 926.M41, where they slaughtered over fourteen billion Imperial citizens. They’ve also purged agri-worlds like Bellru and Fealty III, causing mass starvation across two systems.
| Date | Campaign |
|---|---|
| 165.M37 | Antecanis Massacre |
| 931.M38 | Hell’s Last Duke |
| 813-830.M41 | Siege of Vraks |
| 926.M41 | Vaxhallian genocides |
| 999.M41 | 13th Black Crusade |
| Early M42 | War of Beasts on Vigilus |
Notable members and relics
The Purge have produced a few named figures and artefacts over the centuries. Chaos Lord Doluthec led them until his death during the Hell’s Last Duke campaign in M38. Morsaviour Ghonst, known as the Bringer of Blessed Oblivion, is another notable champion.
They also field the Heldrake Eater of Souls and possess the Orb of Unlife, a relic tied to their Nurgle worship. Their warband includes subgroups like the Eradicatus Corps and the Nihilant Banes.
Key facts
- The Purge are a Chaos Space Marine warband dedicated to Nurgle.
- They first appeared in late M36 and have been active for over 3,000 years.
- Their goal is the total extermination of all life in the galaxy.
- They’re known for using chemical weapons, Blight Drones, and biological warfare.
- They’ve fought in major conflicts like the Siege of Vraks and the 13th Black Crusade.
- Their colors are black and green.
FAQ
Are the Purge part of the Death Guard?
No, they’re a separate Chaos Space Marine warband. They’re dedicated to Nurgle, like the Death Guard, and they’ve fought alongside them, but they’re not a subunit of the legion.
Why do the Purge want to kill everyone?
They believe the galaxy is hopelessly corrupt and that the only way to achieve purity is through death. They see all life as a stain that needs to be wiped out.
What’s the difference between the Purge and other Nurgle warbands?
Most Nurgle followers spread decay and disease as a form of worship. The Purge go further. They aim for complete extinction, using chemical weapons and plagues to exterminate entire populations, more than corrupt them.